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[Immunotherapy of Friend leukemia with antiserum (author's transl)]
Abstract:
Friend leukemia is caused by Friend leukemia virus (FLV) in susceptible mice. The malignant cells are of erythrocyte and lymphoid cell origin. Spleen enlargement could be detected within two weeks of FLV inoculation. The diseased mice usually die in the third or fourth month. Specific antisera were prepared from chimpanzee or rabbit by injection of FLV or FLV gp 71 in Freund's adjuvant. In the study of immunotherapy, DBA/2J mice were used. Normally, DBA/2J mice have an average spleen weight of 100 mg. After inoculation with FLV, the spleen enlarged to around 1,000 mg. Chimpanzee anti-FLV and chimpanzee anti-FLV gp 71 antisera were effective in treatment of FLV infection. The spleen enlargement could be recovered to normal range. The survival also was remarkably prolonged. Rabbit anti-FLV gp 71 antiserum was partially effective in retardation of spleen enlargement after FLV inoculation. On the contrary, 2 lots of rabbits anti-FLV antisera were found to accelerate spleen enlargement. Possibility of the presence of enhancement factor is considered. Therefore, different reactions in different species of animal to FLV vaccination are evident.
Insights
Chimpanzee antisera effectively treated Friend leukemia virus (FLV) infection in mice, reducing spleen enlargement and extending survival. Rabbit antisera showed mixed results, with some accelerating spleen growth, suggesting an enhancement factor may be involved.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Oncology
Context:
- Friend leukemia virus (FLV) causes erythrocyte and lymphoid malignancies in susceptible mice.
- FLV infection leads to rapid spleen enlargement and mortality within months.
- Immunotherapy using specific antisera is being explored as a treatment strategy.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy of specific antisera in treating Friend leukemia virus infection in DBA/2J mice.
- To investigate the potential of chimpanzee and rabbit antisera against FLV and its gp 71 protein.
- To identify factors influencing therapeutic outcomes in FLV immunotherapy.
Summary:
- Chimpanzee anti-FLV and anti-FLV gp 71 antisera significantly reduced spleen enlargement and prolonged survival in FLV-infected DBA/2J mice.
- Rabbit anti-FLV gp 71 antiserum showed partial efficacy in slowing spleen enlargement.
- Conversely, rabbit anti-FLV antisera accelerated spleen enlargement, indicating a possible enhancement factor and species-specific reactions.
Impact:
- Demonstrates the therapeutic potential of specific chimpanzee-derived antisera against FLV-induced leukemia.
- Highlights the importance of antiserum specificity and potential for immune enhancement or suppression.
- Suggests that species differences in immune response are critical considerations for FLV vaccine and therapy development.