Type C viral antigens in man. I. Antigens related to endogenous primate virus in human tumors
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Abstract:
Partially purified extracts from 33 human tumors of several histologic types were used as competing antigens in a radioimmunoassay for the p30 protein of an endogenous primate type C virus (M7). Antigens immunologically related to the p30 protein of the M7 virus were detected in two tumors. Like viral p30 antigens previously identified in tissues of several other primates, the antigens found in human tumors crossreact with the p30 protein of the feline RD-114 virus but are unrelated by similar immunologic criteria to the p30 proteins of several other mammalian type C viruses. Gel filtration shows that most of the antigenic activity co-chromatographs with authentic p30 protein. These results, along with those showing nucleic acid sequences related to those of an endogenous primate type C virus in the DNA of human cells, make it clear that humans, like other primates, have type C viral sequences in their genome and can, in some circumstances, express at least one type C viral protein.
Insights
Researchers detected antigens related to primate type C virus p30 protein in human tumors. This suggests humans, like other primates, possess endogenous type C viral sequences and can express viral proteins.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Endogenous primate type C viruses are integrated into host genomes.
- The p30 protein is a key viral component, and its presence can indicate viral activity or expression.
- Previous studies identified p30-related antigens in non-human primates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of type C viral antigens in human tumors.
- To determine if human tumors express proteins immunologically similar to primate type C viral p30.
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was employed using partially purified human tumor extracts as competing antigens.
- Antisera against the p30 protein of the M7 primate type C virus were used.
- Gel filtration was utilized to assess the molecular weight of detected antigenic activities.
Main Results:
- Antigens immunologically related to the M7 primate type C virus p30 protein were detected in two out of 33 human tumors.
- These human tumor antigens cross-reacted with feline RD-114 virus p30 but not with p30 proteins from other mammalian type C viruses.
- Gel filtration indicated that the antigenic activity co-chromatographed with authentic p30 protein.
Conclusions:
- Human tumors can express antigens related to primate type C viral p30 protein.
- These findings, combined with prior evidence of related nucleic acid sequences in human DNA, support the presence of endogenous type C viral sequences in the human genome.
- Humans, similar to other primates, appear capable of expressing type C viral proteins under certain conditions.