Deep sequencing of F-MuLV viral lines adapted to divergent mouse MHC genotypes

Experimental evolution (serial passage) of Friend virus complex (FVC) in mice demonstrates phenotypic adaptation to specific host major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genotypes. These evolved viral lines show increased fitness and virulence in their host-genotype-of-passage, but display fitness and virulence tradeoffs when infecting unfamiliar host MHC genotypes; this latter attribute is requisite for antagonistic coevolutionary dynamics. Here, we deep sequence these viral lines in an attempt to discover the genetic basis of FVC adaptation. The principal prediction for genotype-specific adaptation is that there would be unique mutations that rise to high frequency in viral lines adapted to each host MHC genotype.