Surface antigens on Marek's disease lymphoblastoid tumor cell lines.

A total of 32 Marek's disease virus (MDV)-induced cell lines, 1 avian leukosis virus-induced cell line, and 1 reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV)-induced lymphoblastoid cell line were investigated for the presence of Fc receptors, surface IgM, and Ia-like antigen. Surface IgM and Fc receptors could not be demonstrated on any of the cell lines. Ia-like antigen was detected on all MDV-induced cell lines and on the 1 REV-induced cell line. Ia-like antigen was unrelated to other antigens reported to be present on Marek's disease tumor cells. It was also unimportant as a target antigen for MDV-related, allogeneic cell-mediated cytotoxicity. The densities of the cells of 5 MDV-induced cell lines were established on continuous Percoll gradients. Most cells had densities between 1.05 and 1.06 g/ml.