Active immunization against murine radiation-induced leukemia using a sarcoma virus pseudotype

Abstract
Immunization of C57BL/Ka mice against the radiation leukemia virus (Rad LV) markedly reduced their susceptibility to development of leukemia after X‐radiation. The active immunogen used consisted of a sarcoma virus pseudotype of Rad LV which induces regressing sarcomas in young adult mice. These immunized animals were challenged with four weekly 160‐rad X‐ray exposures. The appearance of lymphomas and leukemias resulting from such irradiation was delayed and their incidence significantly decreased. These results indicate that oncornavirus immunization may be used to reduce the incidence of murine leukemias which are triggered by a physical agent.