Lower motor neuron disease in wild mice caused by indigenous type C virus and search for a similar etiology in human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

In certain genetically susceptible populations of wild mice a progressive motor neuron disease with a long latent period is caused by indigenous type C leukemia virus. Neuronal damage appears to be due primarily to a direct neurotropic effect of the virus and not to an immunogenic mechanism. The disease can be prevented by antiviral genetic means. Search for a similar virus in humans with ALS has been negative.