Friend murine leukemia virus (F-MuLV) is a retrovirus belonging to the Murine leukemia virus (MuLV) family, which infects and causes leukemia in mice. F-MuLV is named after Charlotte Friend, the scientist who first discovered the virus in the 1950s.
As a retrovirus, F-MuLV possesses a single-stranded RNA genome. Upon entering the host cell, the viral RNA is reverse transcribed into DNA by the action of the enzyme reverse transcriptase. This viral DNA is then integrated into the host genome, where it can remain latent or become active.
F-MuLV primarily targets hematopoietic cells, specifically cells of the immune system, such as B cells, T cells, and macrophages. It is commonly utilized as a research tool for studying viral replication, leukemogenesis, and immunology.
Experimental infection with F-MuLV can lead to the development of leukemia in mice, characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal white blood cells. This makes F-MuLV an important model for understanding the mechanisms of tumor development and exploring potential therapeutic interventions.
Furthermore, F-MuLV has been extensively studied due to its genetic and oncogenic properties. Researchers have harnessed the virus's ability to integrate into the host genome for gene therapy purposes, exploiting its potential to deliver therapeutic genes into specific cells.
In summary, Friend murine leukemia virus (F-MuLV) is a retrovirus that infects mice, particularly targeting immune cells, and causes leukemia. It has significant implications in cancer research, viral replication studies, and has been used in gene therapy research.
