Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
10:49
Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
The epithelial cell response to rotavirus infection
E E Rollo1, K P Kumar, N C Reich
1Department of Medicine, Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, NY 11768, USA.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|October 8, 1999
Summary
Rotavirus infection activates key immune pathways in intestinal cells, triggering chemokine production. This response is primarily mediated by intestinal epithelial cells, especially in young animals.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe infant gastroenteritis worldwide.
- The role of intestinal epithelial cells in the host response to rotavirus is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the innate immune response of intestinal epithelial cells to rotavirus infection.
- To identify the specific immune signaling pathways and cellular components involved.
Main Methods:
- Infection of HT-29 intestinal epithelial cells with rotavirus.
- Analysis of NF-kappaB, STAT1, and ISGF3 activation.
- Measurement of chemokine and cytokine mRNA expression.
- Infection of mice with different rotavirus strains.
- Assessment of chemokine responses in genetically modified mice and young vs. adult mice.
Main Results:
- Rotavirus infection rapidly activated NF-kappaB, STAT1, and ISGF3 in HT-29 cells.
- Both infectious rotavirus and virus-like particles induced NF-kappaB activation.
- Rotavirus infection upregulated mRNA for chemokines, IFNs, and GM-CSF in cells and mice.
- Chemokine induction occurred in young mice (<15 days) but not older mice.
- Macrophage inflammatory protein-1beta expression was localized to intestinal epithelial cells.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal epithelial cells are active participants in the host response to rotavirus.
- Rotavirus-induced chemokine production is largely independent of mast cells and lymphocytes.
- Age is a critical factor in the chemokine response to rotavirus infection.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:23Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells
The intestinal epithelial lining rapidly renews every 4 to 5 days. The renewal is facilitated by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of the crypt– a gland located at the bottom of each villus. ISCs divide asymmetrically to form new stem cells and progenitor daughter cells. The daughter cells are called transit-amplifying (TA) cells which move upwards along the crypt and either differentiate into absorptive cells– the enterocytes or secretory cells– including the goblet,...
01:23Epithelial Tissues and Their Functions
Epithelial tissues are large sheets of cells covering all of the surfaces of the body. These surfaces can be internal or external, for example, skin, airways, the digestive tract, the urinary system, and the reproductive system. Hollow organs and body cavities that do not connect to the body's exterior, including blood vessels and serous membranes, are lined by epithelial tissue known as the endothelium.
Epithelial tissues provide the body's first line of protection from physical, chemical, and...
Epithelial tissues provide the body's first line of protection from physical, chemical, and...
01:29Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
01:17Poliomyelitis
Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
01:29Coronavirus
Coronaviruses, including the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), are enveloped viruses characterized by their single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome and helical nucleocapsid structure. The hallmark of these viruses is their club-shaped spike (S) glycoproteins that protrude from the viral envelope, facilitating attachment to host cells. Typically, coronaviruses infect the upper respiratory tract, often causing mild or asymptomatic disease. However, certain strains like...
01:29Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease
Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...