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Reactivation of latent feline leukaemia virus infection

Nature volume 298, pages 385–388 (1982)Cite this article

Abstract

In most cats exposed to the contagious1 feline leukemia virus (FeLV), viral replication is contained in target haematopoietic tissues2 and elicits humoral immunity to FeLV and to the feline oncornavirus-associated cell membrane antigen (FOCMA)3–6. Recently, we and others have considered that these ostensibly self-limiting infections might be persistent nonproductive (latent) infections in certain haematopoietic cells. This hypothesis could account for the relapsing viraemias7, protracted incubation periods8, persistently high titres of antiviral and anti-FOCMA antibodies8, appearance of FeLV p27 antigen in serum of otherwise non-viraemic animals9 and occurrence of FeLV -negative but FOCMA-positive leukaemias in naturally infected pet cats10,11. Here we describe the reactivation of latent FeLV from myelomonocytic and lymphoid cells of cats immune to FeLV, cats bearing FeLV-negative tumours, and kittens congenitally exposed to FeLV. Furthermore, the reappearance of FeLV infection is suppressed by the host's immune system but this can be altered by adrenal corticosteroid hormones in vivo and in vitro.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, The Ohio State University, 484 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA

    Jennifer L. Rojko, Edward A. Hoover, Sandra L. Quackenbush & Richard G. Olsen

  2. Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, 484 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA

    Edward A. Hoover & Richard G. Olsen

  3. Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, 484 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA

    Richard G. Olsen

Authors
  1. Jennifer L. Rojko
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  2. Edward A. Hoover
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  3. Sandra L. Quackenbush
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  4. Richard G. Olsen
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Rojko, J., Hoover, E., Quackenbush, S. et al. Reactivation of latent feline leukaemia virus infection. Nature 298, 385–388 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1038/298385a0

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