DeLamarter J F, Monckton R P, Moroni C
J Gen Virol. 1981 Feb;52(Pt 2):371-5. doi: 10.1099/0022-1317-52-2-371.
The expression of endogenous retrovirus in murine lymphocytes is under genetic control and also depends on the differentiation state of the lymphocytes. We have used a cDNA probe complementary to induced virus RNA to quantify transcription of virus sequences in lymphocytes from mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes of the AKR, 129/J and Balb/c mice. Balb/c lymphocytes show the clearest case for induction of new virus sequences in response to stimulation. All strains including 129/J show expression of virus sequences in unstimulated control lymphocytes. The data indicate that mitogen induction of endogenous retrovirus is regulated at the transcriptional level.