Dynamics of mitotic activity and expression of viral proteins gp51 and p24 of bovine leukemia virus producing cells.

The dynamics of expression of viral proteins gp51 and p24, virus particle production and mitotic activity of a highly productive bovine leukemia virus clone of the fetal lamb kidney (FLK) cell line were studied. The period of the highest protein production (20-44 h after incubation) was established by the indirect immunofluorescence method using specific monoclonal antibodies. It was followed by a complete formation of the cell monolayer and the most intensive period of the mitotic activity determined by the 3H-thymidine labeling method. After the active synthesis of viral protein, the formation of mature viral particles and their shedding in the intercellular spaces was established electron-microscopically and by the syncytia induction test. A similar comparative study was carried out with a BLV producing short-term lymphocyte culture (STLC).