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Prevention of spontaneous leukemia in mice by oncornavirus immunization
Abstract:
C57L, NIH, and SWR mice were immunized with inactivated Gross leukemia virus (GLV) and then mated with AKR males. Their F1 offspring were then immunized with the murine sarcoma virus pseudotype of GLV, MSV(GLV). The concentrations of infectious ecotropic AKR virus in tail extracts of immunized mice were 100- to 1,000-fold lower than in non-immunized controls when tested at 30--40 days of age. Although viral titers increased slightly with time, the titers remained at least one log10 lower in the immunized mice than in non-immunized F1 control mice at all times tested. The reduction in the level of expression of endogenous ecotropic virus showed a highly significant positive correlation with the reduction in incidence of spontaneous leukemia in these mice. These data thus show that successful immunoprevention of leukemia in mice can be achieved with viral vaccines.
Insights
This study demonstrates that immunizing mice with inactivated Gross leukemia virus (GLV) and its pseudotype significantly reduces infectious ecotropic AKR virus levels. This viral vaccine approach successfully prevented spontaneous leukemia in mice.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Murine leukemia viruses are associated with spontaneous leukemia in mice.
- Developing effective vaccines against viral oncogenesis is a critical area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of viral vaccines in preventing leukemia.
- To assess the impact of immunization on endogenous ecotropic virus expression and leukemia incidence.
Main Methods:
- Mice (C57L, NIH, SWR) were immunized with inactivated Gross leukemia virus (GLV).
- F1 offspring were further immunized with the murine sarcoma virus pseudotype of GLV, MSV(GLV).
- Infectious ecotropic AKR virus concentrations in tail extracts were measured and correlated with leukemia incidence.
Main Results:
- Immunized mice showed 100- to 1,000-fold lower infectious ecotropic AKR virus concentrations compared to controls.
- Viral titers remained significantly lower in immunized mice over time.
- Reduced viral expression strongly correlated with a decreased incidence of spontaneous leukemia.
Conclusions:
- Viral vaccines can successfully achieve immunoprevention of leukemia in mice.
- Immunization strategies targeting endogenous retroviruses show promise for cancer prevention.