simian virus 40

biology

Also known as: SV40, simian vacuolating virus 40

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July 13, 2026

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Simian virus 40 (SV40) is a type of polyomavirus, a small, oncogenic DNA virus. First discovered in 1953, it has been found in various vertebrates, including monkeys, rodents, and birds. While SV40 can infect humans, rodents, and monkeys, it can lead to the development of malignant tumors in some human cases.1

Polyomaviruses, including SV40, are known for their ability to cause malignant transformation in cells. This occurs when the virus's DNA integrates into the host cell's DNA, potentially leading to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer. Although SV40 can cause tumors in animals, its association with human cancers is a subject of ongoing study.21

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virus
Malignant transformation
…of the family Polyomaviridae is simian virus 40 (SV40), originally isolated from cells of the African green monkey (Cercopithecus sabaeus), where it grows rapidly and kills the cells. Infection of rodent or human cells, however, results in an abortive infection (an incompatibility between the virus and the host cell) but…
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…of the family Polyomaviridae is simian virus 40 (SV40), originally isolated from cells of the African green monkey (Cercopithecus sabaeus), where it grows rapidly and kills the cells. Infection of rodent or human cells, however, results in an abortive infection (an incompatibility between the virus and the host cell) but…
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mesothelioma
Causes of mesothelioma
…agents, such as SV40 (simian virus 40), have been postulated; however, data are inconclusive. Some cases are idiopathic, in which no known cause can be identified. Use of asbestos was strictly regulated in the United States beginning in the latter part of the 20th century, though it is still…
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…agents, such as SV40 (simian virus 40), have been postulated; however, data are inconclusive. Some cases are idiopathic, in which no known cause can be identified. Use of asbestos was strictly regulated in the United States beginning in the latter part of the 20th century, though it is still…
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polyomavirus
…example of a polyomavirus is Simian vacuolating virus 40 (SV40), which can infect humans, rodents, and monkeys. In some cases, SV40 infection in humans may lead to the growth of malignant tumours.
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…example of a polyomavirus is Simian vacuolating virus 40 (SV40), which can infect humans, rodents, and monkeys. In some cases, SV40 infection in humans may lead to the growth of malignant tumours.
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