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Characteristics of a macrophage culture persistently infected with herpes simplex virus type 1
1Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), D.F., Mexico.
Background:
Persistence of herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) has been reported in sensory neurons, corneal epithelium, and lymphocytes, although other cell types such as macrophages should also be considered as hosts for HSV-1 persistence. Here we report the establishment and characterization of HSV-1 persistence in an immortalized murine macrophage-like cell line (P388D1).
Methods:
The persistently HSV-1 infected culture (P388D1per) was obtained from surviving P388D1 macrophages infected with HSV-1 MP strain at multiplicity of 0.001. P388D1per was characterized by [corrected] extracellular production of viruses, cells expressing viral antigens, and cells releasing infectious viruses. Viral plaque size and cytophatic effect were determined in viruses (HSVA and HSVB) obtained from two different P388D1per passages. Host and viral proteins were detected in P388D1per and in P388D1 cells infected with HSV-1 by metabolic [35S]-methionine labeling assays.
Results:
P388D1per culture was characterized [corrected] by cyclic production of infectious viruses from non-detectable to 10(6) TCID50/mL, [corrected] from 1.0 to 15.0% cells expressing viral antigens and macrophages released infectious viruses from 0.008 to 12.5%. Differences in viral plaque size and cytopathic effect morphology between HSVA, HSVB and HSV-1 were observed. Similar patterns of viral proteins were observed in P388D1per and in P388D1 infected with HSV-1. Nonetheless, the characteristic interference effect of HSV-1 on host protein synthesis was not observed in P388D1per culture.
Conclusions:
An HSV-1 persistently infected immortalized macrophage culture was established and characterized. Virus produced during persistence showed phenotypic alterations with respect to the original virus. P388D1per cell protein synthesis was not affected by the presence of HSV-1.
Insights
Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) can persist in macrophages, a cell type not previously considered a primary host. This study establishes a persistent HSV-1 infection in macrophages, revealing altered viral properties and no impact on host protein synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) persistence is known in neurons and epithelial cells.
- Macrophages are explored as potential hosts for HSV-1 persistence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and characterize HSV-1 persistence in an immortalized murine macrophage cell line (P388D1).
Main Methods:
- Infection of P388D1 macrophages with HSV-1 at a low multiplicity.
- Characterization of persistent infection by measuring viral production, antigen expression, and infectious virus release.
- Analysis of viral plaque size, cytopathic effects, and host/viral protein synthesis.
Main Results:
- A persistently infected macrophage culture (P388D1per) was established, exhibiting cyclic viral production and antigen expression.
- Phenotypic alterations in viral plaque size and cytopathic effects were observed in viruses from P388D1per.
- HSV-1 did not inhibit host protein synthesis in P388D1per cells, unlike in acutely infected cells.
Conclusions:
- An immortalized macrophage cell line can sustain persistent HSV-1 infection.
- The persistently replicating virus exhibits altered characteristics compared to the original strain.
- Macrophages can serve as a persistent host for HSV-1 without compromising host protein synthesis.