In vitro transformation of lymphoid cells by Abelson murine leukemia virus.

Cell cultures prepared from fetal murine liver were infected by Abelson murine leukemia virus. After about 2 weeks, proliferating cells of lymphoid morphology appeared in some of the cultures. Addition of 2-mercaptoethanol to the initial culture medium greatly enhanced the appearance of the lymphoid cells. Immunoglobulin determinants were evident on the cells in some cultures. Continuous passage of the cells in certain cultures was possible and the passaged cells could form tumors after animal inoculation. Because Abelson murine leukemia virus is able to induce in vitro malignant transformation of lymphoid cells, it probably causes leukemia by directly affecting cellular growth control.