Quantitative Immunocytochemical Assay for Infectious Avian Retroviruses

Abstract
A simple and accurate immunocytochemical focus assay is described, whereby both transforming and non-transforming avian retroviruses can be enumerated. After virus infection of chick embryo fibroblasts, an agar overlay is applied; foci of infected cells (expression foci) are detected immunocytochemically after 5 to 7 days. The primary antibodies are monoclonal sera directed against either viral p19gag or pp60v-src. Detection of expression foci after transfection of cells with cloned viral DNA is also demonstrated.