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Baboon virus isolate M-7 with properties similar to feline virus RD-114
Abstract:
A virus (M-7) isolated from baboon placental tissue demonstrates many similarities to endogenous feline virus RD-114. Immunodiffusion analysis shows a group-specific antigen (gs-1) line of identity between M-7 and RD-114. Anti-RD-114 DNA polymerase IgG inhibits M-7 polymerase by 57% compared to 97% for RD-114. M-7 virus has helper activity as demonstrated by rescue of murine sarcoma virus (MSV) from sarcoma-positive leukemia-negative human amnion cells. The host range of the rescued M-7 pseudotype of MSV, MSV (M-7), is similar to that of RD-114 virus. MSV (M-7) is also able to transform baboon cells and causes no detectable transformation of feline cells without addition of helper feline leukemia virus. Interference properties of M-7 and RD-114 virus are identical. Virus-specific neutralizing antisera, although partially cross-reacting, can distinguish MSV (M-7) from MSV (RD-114). These similarities and differences between RD-114 and M-7 viruses are best explained as type-specific differences between two viruses within the same strain.
Insights
A newly discovered baboon virus (M-7) shares significant similarities with feline virus RD-114, suggesting they are distinct types within the same viral strain. This finding aids in understanding retroviral diversity and host interactions.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Retroviruses
- Comparative genomics
Background:
- Endogenous retroviruses play crucial roles in host evolution and disease.
- Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and baboon endogenous virus (BaEV) are significant retroviral families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a novel baboon virus (M-7) isolated from placental tissue.
- To compare M-7 virus with the known feline endogenous retrovirus RD-114.
- To investigate the biological and antigenic relationships between M-7 and RD-114.
Main Methods:
- Immunodiffusion assays to analyze group-specific antigens.
- Enzyme inhibition assays using anti-RD-114 DNA polymerase IgG.
- Helper virus assays to rescue murine sarcoma virus (MSV).
- Host range determination and cell transformation assays.
- Interference assays and virus-specific neutralizing antisera.
Main Results:
- M-7 virus shares group-specific antigen identity with RD-114 virus.
- M-7 polymerase shows partial (57%) inhibition by anti-RD-114 IgG, unlike RD-114 (97%).
- M-7 exhibits helper activity, rescuing MSV with a host range similar to RD-114.
- MSV (M-7) transforms baboon cells but not feline cells without helper FeLV.
- M-7 and RD-114 display identical interference properties.
- Neutralizing antisera partially cross-react but can distinguish MSV (M-7) from MSV (RD-114).
Conclusions:
- M-7 and RD-114 viruses are closely related but exhibit type-specific differences.
- These findings support the classification of M-7 and RD-114 as distinct types within the same retroviral strain.
- The study contributes to the understanding of retroviral classification and interspecies transmission potential.