The unique envelope gene of the subgroup J avian leukosis virus derives from ev/J proviruses, a novel family of avian endogenous viruses.

ABSTRACT: A new subgroup of avian leukosis virus (ALV), designated subgroup J, was identified recently. Viruses of this subgroup do not cross-interfere with viruses of the avian A, B, C, D, and E subgroups, are not neutralized by antisera raised against the other virus subgroups, and have a broader host range than the A to E subgroups. Sequence comparisons reveal that while the subgroup J envelope gene includes some regions that are related to those found in env genes of the A to E subgroups, the majority of the subgroup J gene is composed of sequences either that are more similar to those of a member (E51) of the ancient endogenous avian virus (EAV) family of proviruses or that appear unique to subgroup J viruses. These data led to the suggestion that the ALV-J env gene might have arisen by multipl

SUBMITTER: Benson SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC110557 | biostudies-literature | 1998 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature