Cell-surface antigens induced by avian RNA tumor viruses: Detection by a cytotoxic microassay

Abstract

A microcytotoxicity test for chicken embryo cells was introduced to search for new antigens after the infection of these cells with avian leukosis and sarcoma virus strains. At least two kinds of antigens could be demonstrated: (i) a subgroup-specific, presumably viral envelope (Ve) antigen on the surface of all avian tumor virus-infected chicken cells and (ii) a group-specific tumor-specific surface antigen (TSSA) common to all avian sarcoma virus transformed chicken cells regardless of the virus subgroup. A strong anti-TSSA response could also be elicited in chickens by the injection of either an avian leukosis virus strain or a nonconverting mutant of an avian sarcoma virus. In this assay system, the cytotoxic effect acting via the TSSA was considerably stronger than the one acting via the Ve antigen alone.