Monoclonal rat anti-mouse brain antibody detects Abelson murine leukemia virus target cells in mouse bone marrow

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Hematology

Background:

• Abelson murine leukemia virus (A-MuLV) infects specific bone marrow cells.
• Targeting these cells is crucial for understanding viral pathogenesis and developing therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize a monoclonal antibody recognizing a surface antigen on A-MuLV target cells.
• To determine the expression profile of this antigen on various hematopoietic cells.

Main Methods:

• Monoclonal antibody production and characterization.
• Complement-mediated cell lysis assays.
• Flow cytometry analysis of antigen expression.

Main Results:

• A monoclonal antibody was developed that detects a specific surface antigen on A-MuLV target bone marrow cells.
• Antibody treatment with complement eliminated >95% of A-MuLV-transformed foci in vitro.
• The antigen is present on A-MuLV-transformed lymphoid cells, thymocytes, and some peripheral lymphocytes, but not on pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells.

Conclusions:

• The identified antigen is a potential marker for A-MuLV target cells.
• This antigen is not a viral product and is not exclusive to the BALB/c genome.
• The antibody offers a tool for studying A-MuLV infection and potentially for therapeutic interventions.