In vitro differentiation of F-9 teratocarcinoma cells does not induce expression of endogenous retroviral glycoprotein.

Undifferentiated F-9 teratocarcinoma cells derived from 129/J mice are induced in vitro to express several differentiation markers. Neither undifferentiated nor differentiated F-9 cells express endogenous retroviral glycoprotein (gp70), although the latter can be productively infected with exogenous retroviruses. This is discussed in context with previous findings that all antigen-activated lymphocytes of all mice express endogenous retroviral gp70.