Related Experiment Videos
Fish rhabdovirus cell entry is mediated by fibronectin
M Bearzotti1, B Delmas, A Lamoureux
1Unité de Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, 78352 Jouy-en-Josas Cedex, France.
Journal of Virology
|August 10, 1999
Summary
Researchers identified fibronectin as a key cell receptor for fish rhabdoviruses like viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV). This discovery advances understanding of viral infections in lower vertebrates.
Area of Science:
- Aquatic Virology
- Cellular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus (VHSV) is a significant pathogen affecting salmonid fish.
- Understanding the cellular receptors viruses use is crucial for developing antiviral strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the cellular component(s) responsible for mediating VHSV infection in rainbow trout gonad cells (RTG-2).
- To investigate the role of identified components as receptors for fish rhabdoviruses.
Main Methods:
- Generation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against RTG-2 cells.
- Indirect immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy for MAb target localization.
- Immunoprecipitation and biochemical analysis to identify the MAb target complex.
- Recombinant protein expression and binding assays to confirm fibronectin's role.
Main Results:
- Three MAbs protected salmonid cells from VHSV infection, showing species specificity.
- MAbs targeted a 200-kDa and 44-kDa heterodimeric plasma membrane complex.
- Fibronectin was identified as a component of this complex.
- Purified rainbow trout fibronectin specifically bound to VHSV.
Conclusions:
- Fibronectin is identified as a primary cellular receptor for fish rhabdoviruses, including VHSV.
- This is the first identification of a cellular receptor for viruses in lower vertebrates and the Rhabdoviridae family.
- The findings provide a basis for novel antiviral interventions targeting fibronectin-virus interactions.