RAW264.7 Cells Produce Infectious Murine Leukemia Viruses
Author Information
Author(s): Hartley Janet W, Evans Leonard H, Green Kim Y, Naghashfar Zohreh, Macias Alfonso R, Zerfas Patricia M, Ward Jerrold M
Primary Institution: NIAID, NIH
Hypothesis
RAW264.7 cells, previously thought to be free of replication-competent murine leukemia virus, actually express significant levels of infectious MuLV.
Conclusion
The study found that RAW264.7 cells express infectious murine leukemia viruses, which can induce lymphoma in newborn mice.
Supporting Evidence
- RAW264.7 cells were found to produce ecotropic MuLV with biological features of the Moloney isolate.
- Newborn mice developed lymphoma after being inoculated with the virus from RAW264.7 cells.
- Electron microscopy revealed particles with C-type morphology in RAW264.7 cells.
- Immunohistochemistry showed abundant expression of MuLV p30 in RAW264.7 cells.
Takeaway
Scientists found that a common type of mouse cell can make a virus that causes cancer in baby mice, which could confuse other experiments.
Methodology
The study involved evaluating RAW264.7 cells for MuLV expression using electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and viral titration assays.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on specific cell culture conditions and assays that may vary between laboratories.
Limitations
The study did not explore all possible culture conditions that might affect MuLV detection.
Participant Demographics
Newborn mice of sensitive strains were used for testing the pathogenic potential of the viruses.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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