Testing by the "paired-label" antibody binding technique for feline leukemia virus-induced cell surface antigens (FeLV-CSA) on the surface of human rhabdomyosarcoma cells releasing RD-114 virus.

Abstract

Studies using the sensitive and quantitative paired-label antibody binding technique gave no evidence that human rhabdomyosarcoma cells (RD cells) productively infected with RD-114 virus possessed feline leukemia virus-induced cell surface antigen (FeLV-CSA). The paired-label technique readily detected FeLV-CSA on RD cells intentionally infected with the feline leukemia virus. In addition, rabbit antibody against RD-114 virus which bound to the surface of RD-114 cells did not bind to the surface of FeLV-CSA-positive feline leukemia cells. Electron microscopy confirmed that a type-C virus was present in the RD cells studied. These findings support other biological studies indicating that the RD-114 virus is an endogenous feline type-C virus that is distinct from previously described feline type-C viruses.