Abstract
The expression of endogenous retrovirus in murine lymphocytes is under genetic control and also depends on the differentiation state of the lymphocytes. We have used a cDNA probe complementary to induced virus RNA to quantify transcription of virus sequences in lymphocytes from mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes of the AKR, 129/J and Balb/c mice. Balb/c lymphocytes show the clearest case for induction of new virus sequences in response to stimulation. All strains including 129/J show expression of virus sequences in unstimulated control lymphocytes. The data indicate that mitogen induction of endogenous retrovirus is regulated at the transcriptional level.
† Present address: University of Southern California, Microbiology Department, School of Medicine, 2011 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90033, U.S.A.
‡ Present address: Monash University Medical School, Department of Microbiology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria 3181, Australia.