Region coding for subgroup specificity of envelope of avian retroviruses does not determine lymphomagenicity.

The purpose of this study was to test whether the region coding for subgroup envelope specificity was a determinant of oncogenic potential. An avian retrovirus recombinant was constructed to contain the envelope gene (env) determinant for subgroup A of an avian RNA tumor virus in one of the non-oncogenic, endogenous avian retroviruses, RAV-0. The results show that such a recombinant virus does not induce lymphoma when injected into susceptible, newborn chicks. Thus, it is concluded that the envelope determinant for subgroup of avian RNA tumor viruses does not determine malignant potential.