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The restricted cellular host range of human herpesvirus 8
D J Blackbourn1, E Lennette, B Klencke
1Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco 94143-1270, USA.
AIDS (London, England)
|July 14, 2000
Summary
Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infects specific cells like B cells, macrophages, and endothelial cells in culture. Long-term infection of mononuclear cells requires coinfection with Epstein-Barr virus.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is the causative agent of Kaposi's sarcoma.
- Understanding the cellular tropism of HHV-8 is crucial for developing antiviral strategies and comprehending pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the susceptibility of various primary and transformed cell types to HHV-8 infection in vitro.
- To identify specific cell types that support HHV-8 replication and persistence.
Main Methods:
- HHV-8 was sourced from Kaposi's sarcoma biopsies and lymphoma cell lines.
- Cells were inoculated with HHV-8 and infection was detected using PCR, immunofluorescence, and in situ hybridization.
- Coinfection with Epstein-Barr virus was used to establish long-term HHV-8 infection in certain cell types.
Main Results:
- Susceptible cells included human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (UCMC), adult CD19 B cells, macrophages, and certain endothelial cells.
- Lymphocyte infection was transient (4-7 days) and did not establish cell lines.
- Long-term UCMC infection was achieved through coinfection with Epstein-Barr virus, and recently derived UCMC lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) were also susceptible.
Conclusions:
- HHV-8 exhibits a limited cellular host range in vitro, primarily infecting CD19 B cells, macrophages, and specific endothelial cells.
- Coinfection with Epstein-Barr virus is essential for establishing persistent HHV-8 infection in UCMC and their derived LCL.