Relation of GIX antigen of thymocytes to envelope glycoprotein of murine leukemia virus

J Exp Med. 1975 Jan 1;141(1):188-97. doi: 10.1084/jem.141.1.188.

Abstract

Expression of Gix surface antigen on thymocytes is an inherited mendelian train of certain strains of mice. We report here the following new findings: (a) Gix antigen was found free in the serum of Gix+ mouse strains. (b) Expression vs. nonexpression of Gix antigen was invariably correlated with presence or absence of the group-specific antigen of Murine leukemia virus (MuLV) gp69/71 in the serum of mice of inbred and segregating populations. (c) Gix antigen could be removed from normal Gix+ mouse serum by precipitation with antiserum to MuLV gp 69/71. (d) Anti-gp69/71 serum was weakly cytotoxic for Gix+ thymocytes, and partially blocked the cytotoxic activity of Gix antibody for Gix+ thymocytes. (e) Purified AKR virus absorbed Gix activity, and disruption of the virions did not increase their absorbing capacity. These serological data indicate that Gix antigen is a constituent of gp69/71, the glycoprotein which is the major component of the MuLV envelope. On present evidence, Gix antigen is represented in intact virions and is probably accessible to Gix antibody.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Absorption
  • Animals
  • Antibodies
  • Antibodies, Viral / analysis
  • Antigens, Viral / analysis*
  • Cell Membrane / immunology
  • Complement System Proteins
  • Cytotoxicity Tests, Immunologic
  • Epitopes
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Genotype
  • Glycoproteins / immunology*
  • Immune Sera
  • Isoantigens / analysis*
  • Leukemia Virus, Murine / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred Strains
  • Molecular Biology
  • Phenotype
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Viral Proteins / analysis*

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antigens, Viral
  • Epitopes
  • Glycoproteins
  • Immune Sera
  • Isoantigens
  • Viral Proteins
  • Complement System Proteins