Lymphocytotoxic strains of feline leukemia virus induce apoptosis in feline T4-thymic lymphoma cells

Rojko, J.L., Fulton, R., Rezanka, L.J., Williams, L.L., Copelan, E., Cheney, C.M., Reichel, G.S., Neil, J.C. , Mathes, L.E. and Fisher, T.G. (1992) Lymphocytotoxic strains of feline leukemia virus induce apoptosis in feline T4-thymic lymphoma cells. Laboratory Investigation, 66(4), pp. 418-426.

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Abstract

Feline leukemia retrovirus (FeLV) strains with subgroup C env genes kill feline T4 lymphoma 3201 cells by 7 to 12 days after in vitro inoculation, whereas FeLV strains with subgroup A env genes do not. Neither FeLV-A nor FeLV-C kill feline fibroblasts. FeLV-C, but not FeLV-A, is replicated to higher titer by 3201 cells and productive infection precedes death by 3 to 7 days. Transcriptional activity of the FeLV-C long terminal repeat, as assessed by chloramphenicol acetyltransferase activity, is high in feline lymphoid cells but low in feline fibroblasts. Activity of the FeLV-A long terminal repeat is moderate in both cell types. FeLV-C-infected cells form aggregates 1 to 4 days before dying; ultrastructurally, virus particles can be seen approximating the clustered cells. Dying cells demonstrate nuclear condensation, surface blebbing, and fragmentation. DNA fragmentation and laddering compatible with apoptosis occur 1 to 2 days before massive cell death. In FeLV-C-infected 3201 cells, a shift from phospholipid to neutral lipid incorporation of [14C]oleic acid, increases in palmitic acid proportions and decreases in linoleic acid proportions occur 1 to 2 days before peak killing. Exposure of 3201 cells to ultraviolet-inactivated FeLV-KT (200-800 micrograms/10(6) cells) causes cytostasis within 2 days and death within 4 days. Blebbing and nuclear condensation occur but clusters do not form. The induction of programmed cell death in feline thymic lymphoma cells by subgroup C feline retroviruses may be relevant to the pathogenesis of FeLV-induced thymic atrophy, paracortical lymphoid depletion and acquired immunodeficiency in vivo.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Fulton, Dr Ruth and Neil, Professor James
Authors: Rojko, J.L., Fulton, R., Rezanka, L.J., Williams, L.L., Copelan, E., Cheney, C.M., Reichel, G.S., Neil, J.C., Mathes, L.E., and Fisher, T.G.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Laboratory Investigation
Publisher:United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (USCAP)
ISSN:0023-6837
ISSN (Online):1530-0307
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