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Antigenic analysis of the major structural protein of the Mason-Pfizer monkey virus
Abstract:
The major internal protein, p27 (m.w. 27,000 daltons) of the Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (MPMV) was purified by gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography and then used to develop a radioimmunoassay (RIA). This RIA was specific for MPMV because no immunologic cross-reactivity was observed between p27 of MPMV and 13 different RNA tumor viruses of mammalian and avian origin. However, the p27 of MPMV grown in three different primate cells exhibited identical antigenic cross-reactivity. In addition, significant levels of p27 were found only in MPMV-infected cells. These results indicate that synthesis of p27 is induced after virus infection and that p27 represents a viral-coded protein.
Insights
Researchers purified the Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (MPMV) p27 protein to create a specific radioimmunoassay (RIA). This RIA confirmed p27 is a viral-coded protein, induced only after MPMV infection.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (MPMV) is a significant subject in retroviral research.
- Understanding the specific proteins of MPMV is crucial for viral characterization and diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To purify the major internal protein, p27, of MPMV.
- To develop a specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) for detecting MPMV.
- To determine if p27 is a viral-coded protein.
Main Methods:
- Purification of MPMV p27 protein using gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography.
- Development of a radioimmunoassay (RIA) utilizing the purified p27 protein.
- Testing for immunologic cross-reactivity with other viruses and in different cell types.
Main Results:
- The developed RIA demonstrated high specificity for MPMV, showing no cross-reactivity with 13 other tested RNA tumor viruses.
- MPMV p27 protein from virus grown in different primate cells showed identical antigenic cross-reactivity.
- Significant levels of p27 were exclusively detected in MPMV-infected cells.
Conclusions:
- The synthesized p27 protein is virus-specific and antigenically conserved across different primate cell lines.
- The induction of p27 synthesis post-infection strongly suggests it is a viral-coded protein.
- The developed RIA is a valuable tool for specific detection of MPMV.