Antigenic Characteristics of Three Variants of Rous Sarcoma Virus

Abstract
Three antigenic variants of Rous sarcoma virus are described by use of a neutralization test. Strain RSV(H) showed little or no cross-neutralization when tested against the other strains. There was partial cross-neutralization between the remaining two variants, RSV(B) and RSV(29). Antiserum prepared in turkeys was less specific than chicken antiserum, i.e., turkey antisera cross-neutralized more frequently and showed higher levels of cross-reaction. Chicken serum having “naturally occurring” antibodies neutralized RSV(B) but not RSV(H). Rous antibody-free chicken serum failed to neutralize either of the major antigenic types.