Several mechanisms have been put forward to explain how persistently infected virus-carrier cell cultures are maintained. In this report, information is summarized which suggests that selection of temperature-sensitive mutants may be involved in either establishment or maintenance of persistent infections both in cell cultures and in animals. The possible relation of this mechanism to other mechanisms of regulation of persistent infections is also discussed. Finally, a practical suggestion is offered to researchers and clinicians seeking endogenous viruses from cultured cells and tissues that may harbor temperature-sensitive variants.

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