We have shown that the circulating lipoproteins of the mouse contain a potent inhibitor of infectivity of the xenotropic type C virus. This virus neutralization does not involve immunoglobulins or complement. After fractionation of the lipoproteins on the basis of particle size, flotation properties, and electrostatic charge, virus neutralizing activity is found primarily in the triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (predominantly the chylomicrons) and in the HDL(2) subfraction of the high density lipoproteins. In fasted animals, activity resides chiefly in the high density lipoproteins. Neutralization titers increase strikingly during alimentary lipemia in both the lipoproteins of the rho < 1.006 g/cm(3) fraction and the high density lipoproteins. Increased activity persists in the high density lipoproteins after the lipemia recedes. Virus neutralizing activity is completely eliminated in all fractions by antiserum against high density lipoproteins and, in the triglyceride-rich fractions, by antiserum to murine apolipoprotein B. Complete removal of lipids markedly reduces the neutralizing activity of both classes of lipoproteins. Apolipoproteins delipidated with tetramethylurea retain some activity, which is enhanced by binding to a phospholipid-stabilized triglyceride emulsion and which is abolished by proteolytic digestion. We have demonstrated in vitro transfer of activity between high density and very low density lipoproteins of the mouse. These data indicate that xenotropic virus neutralization by normal mouse serum depends upon a protein that transfers among lipoprotein particles in a fashion analogous to the C apolipoproteins of other mammalian species.
SUMMARY The xenotropic (X-tropic) mouse type C virus (MuLV) and its pseudotype of murine sarcoma virus (MSV) were inoculated into several fertilized developing Pekin duck eggs. The development of the duck embryos was substantially reduced in those receiving the X-tropic viruses compared to eggs inoculated only with tissue culture medium. Infectious virus was isolated from some of the adult animals; in others, evidence for integrated virus sequences in the tissues was noted. No specific pathology was found in the ducks that received X-tropic MuLV alone, but one duck developed multiple fibrosarcomas when inoculated at birth with the X-tropic virus pseudotype of MSV. Two ducks receiving X-tropic MuLV had signs of haematopoietic disorders. In addition, more virus-inoculated animals had evidence of hepatitis and encephalitis than control ducks. Antibody production to X-tropic MuLV was present in several ducks inoculated with virus either in embryo or at birth. Absence of antiviral antibodies was noted in those animals whose tissues contained replicating virus. These studies confirm the observations with X-tropic virus in tissue culture. They demonstrate in vivo that avian species are susceptible to infection by the mouse X-tropic virus and that their fibroblasts can be transformed by the X-tropic MuLV pseudotype of MSV.
SUMMARY The genome of a single cell derived from the B16 melanoma contains information for the expression of three distinct biologically active viruses: the N- and B-tropic ecotropic viruses and the xenotropic virus. Their release results in reduction of melanin production. A possible relationship of virus replication to differentiation may be involved.
We examined the migratory properties of the mouse serum protein responsible for specific neutralization of the endogenous mouse xenotropic type C virus and demonstrated that this neutralizing factor can be transferred from mouse lipoproteins to human and to nonreactive mouse lipoproteins. After acceptance of this activity by these lipoproteins, it could be back-transferred to human and to mouse lipoproteins. This result was compatible with equilibrium binding of the responsible proteins by several classes of lipoproteins. The best expression of the transferred activity occurred with human chylomicrons. Small quantities of neutralizing factor which exist in free dispersion in serum were also detected by mixing the p greater than 1.21 g/ml density fraction of mouse serum with human chylomicrons; antiviral activity was subsequently found associated with the human lipoproteins. This result reflects the potentiation of antiviral activity of the protein in a lipoprotein environment. These observations offer a useful approach for the eventual purification and characterization of the neutralizing factor.
