Genetic variation in antibody response and natural killer cell activity against a Moloney virus-induced lymphoma (YAC).

Antibody formation against the Moloney virus-determined surface antigen (MCSA) was found to be under genetic control. In the (A X C57BL)F1 cross one dominant gene played a major role, resulting in bimodal distribution of the antibody response. This gene showed no linkage to H-2, IgG heavy chain immunoglobulin allotype, the coat color markers B and C, and five different isozyme markers representing chromosome numbers 1, 4, 7, 8 and 9. Antibody response to MCSA was not correlated with antibody titers against the virion proteins, confirming that MCSA was an independent entity. There was no relationship between the segregation of natural killer cell activity and antibody response in a [(A X C57BL) X A] backcross population.