A new gene that controls the type of leukemia induced by Friend murine leukemia virus

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Genetics

Background:

• Friend murine leukemia virus (F-MuLV) causes distinct leukemias in different mouse strains.
• BALB/c mice develop erythroblastosis, while C57BL mice develop nonerythroid leukemias upon F-MuLV infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the genetic basis for differential susceptibility to F-MuLV-induced erythroblastosis in mice.
• To characterize a novel gene controlling resistance to erythroblastosis.

Main Methods:

• Neonatal inoculation of BALB/c and C57BL mice with F-MuLV.
• Genetic analysis using first and second backcrosses to BALB/c.
• Comparison with known Friend virus susceptibility genes (Fv-1, Fv-2, H-2, Rfv-3, Fv-4, Rmcf).

Main Results:

• F-MuLV replicated similarly in both mouse strains.
• C57BL mice exhibited resistance to erythroblastosis, a trait controlled by a single dominant gene.
• This resistance gene is distinct from previously identified Fv genes.

Conclusions:

• A novel gene, designated Fhe, controls resistance to Friend helper virus-induced erythroblastosis.
• The Fhe gene provides a new genetic locus for understanding Friend virus leukemogenesis.
• This discovery aids in dissecting the complex genetic control of viral oncogenesis.