Reevaluation of host ranges of feline leukemia virus subgroups

Microbes Infect. 2003 Sep;5(11):947-50. doi: 10.1016/s1286-4579(03)00180-1.

Abstract

We reevaluated the host ranges of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) subgroups A, B and C using pseudotype assays based on recombinant NB-tropic murine leukemia virus, which is not usually blocked after viral entry in mammalian cells. Pseudotype viruses of FeLV-B and -C infected a variety of cell lines from many mammalian species. Unexpectedly, FeLV-A pseudotype viruses of two independent isolates from the UK and US also infected a variety of non-feline cell lines including cells from humans, rabbits, pigs and minks. Moreover, both isolates of FeLV-A productively infected human embryonic kidney 293 and mink Mv-1-Lu cells. We conclude that FeLV-A is not strictly ecotropic.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line / virology
  • Humans
  • Leukemia Virus, Feline / classification
  • Leukemia Virus, Feline / immunology
  • Leukemia Virus, Feline / physiology*
  • Mink
  • Receptors, Virus / physiology*
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism
  • Swine
  • Virus Replication*

Substances

  • Receptors, Virus
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins