Use of molecular cloned viral genomes for studies into interrelationship between type D retroviruses from monkey and human cells.

Type D retroviruses constitute a group of RNA tumor viruses so far isolated exclusively from primates. 4 groups of isolates are known to date (Mason-Pfizer virus, agents of simian acquired immunodeficiency syndrome--SAIDS, endogenous viruses of Old World and New World monkeys, and some isolates from cell lines--PMF virus). The members of the latter group are well characterized at protein-chemical and immunological levels. Briefly described in this paper are the results of our studies into the molecular structure of the viral genome of PMFV in relation to other members of the group (SAIDS-retrovirus/NE, MPMV, and SRV-1).