It is a member of the retroviridae group of viruses, with its nucleic acid being ssRNA.

The research discovered protective epitopes that were localized to F-MuLV gag and env proteins.

This was achieved using recombinant vaccinia viruses expressing the gag and env genes of FV.

[citation needed] Friend virus models showed valuable information regarding genetic resistance to retroviral disease.

The greater understanding by which the mechanisms work may aid in the development of immunotherapies and vaccines that may be applicable to human diseases.