The Fv-2 Gene Controls Induction of Erythroid Burst Formation by Friend Virus Infection in vitro: Studies of Growth Regulators and Viral Replication

When infected in vitro with Friend virus complex, the bone marrow cells of susceptible mice form large colonies (bursts) of erythroblasts after 5 days of culture in semi-solid medium. This virus-induced burst growth occurs without the addition of erythropoietin (EP) which is normally required for erythroid progenitor growth in vitro. Erythroid progenitor cells from C57BL/6 mice infected in vitro with Friend virus are resistant to virus-induced burst growth, while cells from the B6. S mouse strain, which is congenic with C57BL/6 but possesses the 'Friend virus sensitivity ' alleles at the Fv-2 locus, are susceptible. This susceptibility of the B6.S cells demonstrates that virus-induced burst growth is regulated by the Fv-2 gene. Two mechanisms by which the Fv-2 locus could control virus resistance were analysed. The possible modulation of the erythroproliferative effect of the virus by soluble substances which either promote burst growth in the sensitive strains or inhibit growth in the resistant strain was examined. Also, the possible restriction of virus infection or replication in resistant (Fv-2rO haemopoietic cells was investigated. In a variety of experimental conditions designed to test the effects of soluble growth promoters on bone marrow cells infecte