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Activation of spontaneous murine leukemia virus-related antigen by lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus
Abstract:
Persistent infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus activates a phenotypic expression of murine leukemia viruis-related antigen. NZB and (NZB x NZW)F(1) mice, which normally carry large amounts of Gross virus, and C57BL/6 and NZW mice, which normally carry little virus, were infected with LCM virus. All had Gross soluble antigen in their plasmas at 3 months of age, while noninfected matched controls of all strains did not. This effect was seen after infection with LCM virus that was tissue passed or plaque purified. Similarly, cultures of mouse-embryo fibroblasts produced Gross soluble antigen when infected with LCM virus, but noninfected cultures failed to do so.
Insights
Persistent lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection triggers the expression of murine leukemia virus-related antigen in mice. This antigen was detected in infected mice across various strains, but not in uninfected controls.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Murine leukemia virus (MLV)-related antigens are endogenous retroviral elements present in various mouse strains.
- The expression of these antigens can be influenced by external factors and infections.
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a known immunosuppressive and oncogenic virus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether persistent lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection can induce the expression of murine leukemia virus (MLV)-related antigens.
- To determine if this effect is strain-dependent or occurs universally across different mouse genotypes.
Main Methods:
- Infection of different mouse strains (NZB, (NZB x NZW)F(1), C57BL/6, NZW) with LCMV.
- Detection of Gross soluble antigen in plasma samples using immunological assays.
- Infection of mouse-embryo fibroblast cell cultures with LCMV and subsequent antigen detection.
Main Results:
- All LCMV-infected mice, regardless of their baseline MLV antigen levels, exhibited Gross soluble antigen in their plasma by 3 months of age.
- Non-infected control mice of all strains did not show detectable levels of Gross soluble antigen.
- LCMV infection of mouse-embryo fibroblasts in vitro also led to the production of Gross soluble antigen.
Conclusions:
- Persistent LCMV infection is capable of activating the phenotypic expression of MLV-related antigens.
- This activation is a general phenomenon induced by LCMV, not limited to specific mouse strains or endogenous viral loads.
- LCMV may play a role in modulating endogenous retroviral expression, potentially impacting pathogenesis.