Lucke tumor virus (LTV), also known as Lucké sarcoma virus, is an oncogenic retrovirus that belongs to the family Retroviridae and the genus Alpharetrovirus. It was first isolated and characterized by Dr. Bernice E. Eddy and Dr. Albert S. Lucke in the mid-20th century.
LTV is primarily associated with the development of sarcomas, a type of cancer that arises from connective tissues such as bones, muscles, or blood vessels. The virus induces the transformation of normal cells into malignant cells by integrating its genetic material into the host cell's genome. This integration alters the host cell's regulation of cell division and disrupts normal cellular functions, leading to uncontrolled proliferation and the formation of tumors.
Transmission of Lucke tumor virus occurs mainly through direct contact between infected and susceptible individuals, often facilitated by blood or body fluids. However, it is important to note that LTV has a limited host range, primarily affecting birds, particularly chickens and turkeys. Infection with LTV can result in various clinical manifestations, including the development of tumors, depressed growth, immunosuppression, and mortality.
Studies on Lucke tumor virus have contributed significantly to our understanding of viral oncogenesis and the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of tumors. Additionally, it serves as an important model system for studying retroviral replication, pathogenesis, and potential therapeutic approaches for retrovirus-induced cancers.
