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Circulating immune complexes associated with naturally occurring lymphosarcoma in pet cats
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|December 1, 1980
Summary
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection in cats with lymphosarcoma (LSA) is associated with high levels of circulating immune complexes (CICs). These CICs activate the complement system via the classical pathway, suggesting a role in disease pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Immunology
- Oncology
- Virology
Background:
- Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus that can cause immunosuppression and lymphosarcoma (LSA) in cats.
- Circulating immune complexes (CICs) are implicated in various immune-mediated diseases.
- The role of CICs in FeLV-associated LSA pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of CICs in cats with FeLV and LSA.
- To determine if CICs in these cats activate the complement system.
Main Methods:
- Cats were categorized based on FeLV status and presence of LSA.
- Circulating immune complex (CIC) levels were measured using a modified Raji cell radioimmunoassay.
- Serum samples were fractionated using sucrose gradient centrifugation.
- Complement (C) activation was assessed via the classical pathway.
Main Results:
- Cats with FeLV and LSA exhibited significantly elevated CIC levels compared to healthy controls.
- High CIC levels were associated with hypocomplementemia and complement activation.
- Immune complexes containing FeLV reverse transcriptase (RT) and IgG were identified in FeLV+, LSA+ cats.
- These CICs activated the complement system through the classical pathway.
Conclusions:
- Viremic cats with LSA possess antigen-antibody complexes that activate the complement system.
- These immune complexes may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of FeLV-associated lymphosarcoma.