Within-host spatial dynamics of viruses and defective interfering particles

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Mathematical Biology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Defective-interfering (DI) viruses are spontaneous deletion mutants that require wild-type viruses for replication.
• DI viruses can outcompete wild-type viruses, leading to varied population dynamics, including dramatic fluctuations or persistent infections with reduced host cell death.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop new mathematical models for the population dynamics of DI and wild-type viruses.
• To generate testable predictions for laboratory experiments that explain the diverse outcomes of DI virus infections.
• To investigate the role of host cell replacement rates in mediating viral dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Development of novel mathematical models for virus-host population dynamics.
• Analysis of model predictions concerning viral abundance fluctuations and persistence.
• Focus on the impact of host cell replacement rates on viral dynamics.

Main Results:

• Model predictions link host cell replacement rates to distinct viral population dynamics.
• Low host cell replacement rates predict severe epidemics followed by viral crashes.
• Increasing replacement rates lead to increased oscillation frequency but decreased fluctuation amplitude, potentially resulting in persistent, low-level wild-type viremia.

Conclusions:

• Host cell replacement rate is a critical factor determining DI virus-mediated population dynamics.
• Mathematical modeling provides testable hypotheses for understanding viral interference and persistence.
• DI viruses may offer therapeutic potential by modulating viral damage, with dynamics dependent on host cell turnover.