Induction of surface Qa2 on lymphoid cells

Three tumor cell lines isolated from individual murine sarcoma virus-infected BALB/cBy (Qa2-) mice were established. BOMS, ORA I, and Thorbly I were analyzed for the expression of Qa2 and Ly surface differentiation antigens. By Cytofluorograf analysis and absorption techniques, all 3 cell lines were found to be Qa2+, Ly1-, Ly2-. This cell surface phenotype suggests that immature lymphoid cells are uniquely susceptible to transformation by virus. Anomalous appearance of Qa2 on transformed lymphoid cells may be analogous to TL antigen induction.