Isolation and characterization of an antigen of the bovine C-type virus.

By means of gel filtration and isoelectric focusing, an antigen of the bovine C-type leukemia virus was isolated in a highly purified form from extracts of infected cells. The antigen has a molecular weight of approximately 25,000 daltons and an isoelectric point of 6.4 to 6.6. In immunodiffusion experiments, the antigen forms a line of identity with an antigen extracted from highly purified bovine C-type leukemia virus by treatment with ether or Triton X-100. As determined by immunodiffusion analyses, the bovine C-type leukemia virus antigen does not have antigenic determinants in common with the murine or feline leukemia viruses, the foamy-like bovine syncytia virus, or the Mason Pfizer monkey virus.