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Sindbis virus replication in vertebrate and mosquito cells: an interpretation
Medical Biology
|October 1, 1975
Summary
Sindbis virus (SV) replicates similarly in insect and vertebrate cells, but SV from insect cells exhibits temperature-sensitive properties and reduced defective-interfering particle generation, impacting arthropod-borne togavirus life cycles.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Comparative studies of Sindbis virus (SV) replication in arthropod and vertebrate cell lines are crucial for understanding togavirus biology.
- Previous research has highlighted differences in viral replication based on host cell type.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare Sindbis virus replication, characterization, and mutant generation in cultured Aedes albopictus (A. albo) and vertebrate cells (BHK21, CEF).
- To investigate host-dependent differences in defective-interfering (DI) particle production and viral RNA species.
Main Methods:
- Culturing of Aedes albopictus (A. albo), Aedes aegypti (A. aeg), BHK21, and chick embryo fibroblast (CEF) cells.
- Viral growth kinetics and yield analysis.
- Characterization of viral particles, including sialic acid content, antigenic properties, and plaque morphology.
- Serial undiluted passage experiments to generate and study viral mutants and DI particles.
Main Results:
- Sindbis virus replication kinetics and yields are comparable in A. albo cells (28°C) and vertebrate cells (37°C), with persistent infection and no cytopathic effect (CPE) in A. albo.
- SV derived from A. albo cells lacks sialic acid but is otherwise equivalent to vertebrate-derived SV.
- SV from persistently infected insect cells exhibits temperature-sensitive (ts) and thermolabile properties, producing small plaques and high reversion rates.
- Undiluted serial passage in vertebrate cells generates DI particles and small RNA species, whereas A. albo cells do not produce or recognize these entities.
Conclusions:
- Host cell type significantly influences Sindbis virus properties, particularly regarding temperature sensitivity and DI particle generation.
- Insect cell-adapted SV may possess distinct characteristics relevant to its natural transmission cycle.
- These findings provide insights into the complex interactions between arthropod-borne togaviruses and their hosts.
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