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Antigenic properties of murine sarcoma virus-transformed BALB-3T3 nonproducer cells

Insights

Murine sarcoma virus (MSV) nonproducer cells lack detectable transplantation antigens. Transplantation resistance in virus-producing cells is attributed to maturing virus on the cell surface, not inherent cell antigens.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Murine sarcoma virus (MSV)-transformed cells are a model for studying tumor virus antigens.
  • Non-producer cells (K-234) were derived from BALB/3T3 cells, and a virus-producing line (K-234(R)) was created by Rauscher leukemia virus infection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if RNA tumor virus-transformed cells possess virus-specific transplantation antigens.
  • To investigate the role of cell-surface viral antigens in tumor rejection.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of MSV nonproducer (K-234) and virus-producing (K-234(R)) BALB/3T3 cell lines.
  • Tumorigenicity assays and preimmunization studies in syngeneic mice.
  • Cytotoxicity assays and fluorescent antibody staining using antisera from immunized mice.

Main Results:

  • K-234 cells were more tumorigenic than K-234(R) cells.
  • Preimmunization with K-234(R) or UV-inactivated Rauscher leukemia virus induced resistance to K-234(R) challenge, but not K-234 challenge.
  • Antisera against K-234(R) were cytotoxic to K-234(R) cells but not to BALB/3T3 or K-234 cells.

Conclusions:

  • MSV nonproducer cells lack detectable transplantation antigens.
  • Transplantation resistance to virus-producing cells is likely due to maturing virus expressed on the cell surface.

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