ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF AN ANTIGEN OF BOVINE C-TYPE VIRUS

Abstract

By means of gel filtration and isoelectric focusing, an antigen of the bovine C-type virus (indicated in the etiology of bovine leukemia) was isolated in a highly purified form from extracts of infected cells. The antigen had a molecular weight of approximately 25,000 daltons and an isoelectric point of 6.4-6.6. In immunodiffusion experiments, the antigen formed a line of identity with an antigen extracted from highly purified bovine C-type leukemia virus by treatment with ether or Triton X-100. As determined by immunodiffusion analyses, the bovine C-type leukemia virus antigen did not have antigenic determinants in common with the murine or feline leukemia viruses, the foamy-like bovine syncytia virus, or the Mason Pfizer monkey virus.