A murine B-cell lymphoma induced by Gross virus

A B-lymphocyte tumor (MLB-MN line) was induced by Gross murine leukemia virus in Slc:ddY mice, successively passaged in normal adult mice, and adapted to tissue culture. The surface marker expression of MLB-MN was examined and found to include several markers that are known to occur in normal B-lymphocytes. The cells bore surface immunoglobulin M, detected by indirect immunofluorescence staining, and Fc receptors and complement receptors, detected by rosette formation. Thy 1 antigen and secretion of immunoglobulin were lacking. These results have led us to postulate that the origin of the MLB-MN tumor was a late differentiation stage of the B-lymphocyte.