Abstract
Human osteosarcoma clonal cells (TE-85 clone F-5) can be readily transformed by the feline leukemia virus pseudotype of Moloney sarcoma virus [Mo-MSV (FeLV)]. Among a number of foci isolated at limiting Mo-MSV (FeLV) dilution, 4 clones of sarcoma-positive, leukemia-negative (S+L-) cells were selected and characterized. These clones were negative for infectious virus and type C virus particles; they contained a rescuable MSV genome and murine leukemia virus (MuLV)-specific antigen, such as the gag gene products, p15, p12 and p30, but lacked the env gene protein (gp 70). S+L- clones were all tumorigenic in nude mice. The Mo-MSV rescued by baboon type C virus (M-7), Mo-MSV(M-7), produced foci readily in human, NRK [rat kidney] and NIH 3T3 mouse embryo cells. Human cells transformed by Mo-MSV(M-7) were virus producers; Mo-MSV (M-7)-transformed NRK and NIH-3T3 mouse embryo cells were S+L- cells. These rat and mouse transformed cells were negative for infectious virus but they contained a rescuable MSV genome and MuLV antigen.