Characterization of glycosaminoglycans associated with Rauscher murine leukemia virions

Host-derived sulfated components that copurify and are physically associated with the envelope of Rauscher murine leukemia virions grown in JLS-V9 cells were characterized by digestion with chondroitinase ABC and chondroitinase AC II, as well as nitrous acid degradation. A dermatan-sulfate-chondroitin-sulfate copolymer and heparin or heparan sulfate wee shown to be associated with the virions. Competitive binding studies indicated a specificity of the virions for association with heparan sulfate. The physiological importance of the association is discussed.