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Antigenic changes in gp70 associated with the adult variant of Gross murine leukemia virus, WB91
S M Jones1, B T Spear, K K Klyczek
1Department of Pathology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104.
Abstract:
Gross murine leukemia virus (GV) is not leukemogenic in adult mice whereas a variant of GV, WB91, is highly leukemogenic regardless of the age of the inoculated animal. FACS and SDS-PAGE analysis have demonstrated that these viruses differ at least with respect to the env-encoded gp70 molecule. FACS analysis of virus infected or virus transformed cells with a type specific monoclonal antibody (mAb #55) indicated a difference in determinants associated with gp70 expressed by the two viruses. Rat antisera raised against GV- or WB91-induced tumor cells demonstrated that there were no crossreactive determinants between the gp70 molecules expressed on these tumor cells as recognized by the rat antisera. This difference in the gp70 molecules encoded by WB91 and GV may account for the ability of the WB91 virus to induce leukemia in adult mice, possibly by affecting the immunogenicity of the virus.
Insights
Gross murine leukemia virus (GV) is not leukemogenic in adult mice, but its variant WB91 is. Differences in the env-encoded gp70 molecule likely explain WB91's high leukemogenicity, potentially by altering viral immunogenicity.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Gross murine leukemia virus (GV) typically does not cause leukemia in adult mice.
- A variant, WB91, exhibits high leukemogenicity across all ages.
- The env-encoded gp70 molecule is implicated in viral pathogenicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular differences between GV and WB91.
- To determine the role of the gp70 molecule in WB91's leukemogenic potential.
- To understand the immunological distinctions related to gp70 expression.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry (FACS) analysis of virus-infected and transformed cells.
- SDS-PAGE to analyze viral proteins.
- Immunological assays using type-specific monoclonal antibodies and rat antisera.
Main Results:
- FACS and SDS-PAGE confirmed differences in the gp70 molecule between GV and WB91.
- Monoclonal antibody #55 revealed distinct gp70 determinants.
- Rat antisera showed no cross-reactivity between GV- and WB91-induced tumor cell gp70 molecules.
Conclusions:
- The distinct gp70 molecules encoded by WB91 and GV are likely responsible for WB91's potent leukemogenicity.
- Differences in gp70 may affect viral immunogenicity, contributing to leukemia development.
- Further research into gp70's immunomodulatory role is warranted.