The apparent lack of association of antibody activity to murine leukemia virus and lymphoma development in (AKR × CBA) F1 mice

Abstract

We have in the past proposed the hypothesis that virus-associated lymphoma development in AKR mice might be in some way related to the occurrence of antibody activity to murine leukemia virus (MuLV). Here we have attempted to test this hypothesis using the ¹²⁵I-protein A radioimmunoassay recently developed in this laboratory. Previous findings in naturally derived (AKR × CBA/H-T6Crc) F₁ confirmed the presence of MuLV, moreover, at levels comparable to or indeed occasionally in excess of, the AKR. Despite this, tumours were uncommon during the first year of life and no antibody activity could be detected at this time. It was later noted that lymphomas did occur in the F₁ but in the second year. To test our hypothesis that there may be a possible association between tumour resistance and antibody activity, these hybrids have been investigated further during this later period.

In addition, we have examined other groups of mice in which we have attempted to prematurely induce antibody activity experimentally.

In both these situations there was no apparent relationship between tumour development and the presence of anti-MuLV activity.