Transformation by Abelson murine leukemia virus: properties of the transformed cells.

Ab-MuLV transforms mouse 3T3 fibroblasts, macrophages, and lymphocytes, which have properties of immature cells in the B-lymphocyte differentiation pathway. Differences in expression of intracellular immunoglobulin and surface antigens the lymphoma lines suggest that more than one B-lymphocyte differentiation stage may be transformed, each of which must be before the B lymphocyte acquires cell-surface immunoglobulin receptors for antigen and antigen sensitivity. The plasmacytomas induced by Ab-MuLV plus pristane tested thus far show no evidence of infection by Ab-MuLV. The transformation of these immunoglobulin-secreting cells may be due to causes other than the transforming elements of the Ab-MuLV genome.