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Cell penetration and trafficking of polyomavirus

Joanna M Gilbert1, Ilya G Goldberg, Thomas L Benjamin

  • 1Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Avenue, Armenise-233, Boston, MA 02115, USA. jgilbert@hms.harvard.edu

Journal of Virology
|January 29, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Murine polyomavirus (Py) uses a unique endocytic pathway, distinct from simian virus 40. Both intact microtubules and dynamic microfilaments are crucial for Py trafficking and infection in host cells.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Murine polyomavirus (Py) is a pathogen that infects mouse cells.
  • Viral entry mechanisms and intracellular trafficking are critical for understanding infection.
  • Caveolae, clathrin, microtubules, and microfilaments are key cellular components involved in endocytosis and transport.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the endocytic pathway utilized by murine polyomavirus (Py) for cellular entry.
  • To investigate the roles of microtubules and microfilaments in the intracellular trafficking of Py to the nucleus.
  • To determine the specific requirements for microtubule and microfilament dynamics in Py infectivity.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized mouse fibroblasts and kidney epithelial cells for infection studies.
  • Employed pharmacological agents (Colcemid, Paclitaxel) to disrupt or stabilize microtubules.
  • Used compounds to disrupt or stabilize actin filaments (microfilaments).
  • Observed viral association with cellular components using microscopy.

Main Results:

  • Py entry is independent of caveolae and clathrin, unlike simian virus 40.
  • Intact, but not dynamic, microtubules are necessary for Py nuclear transport and replication.
  • Disruption of actin filaments enhances Py uptake, while stabilization impedes infection, highlighting the importance of microfilament dynamics.

Conclusions:

  • Murine polyomavirus employs a distinct endocytic route compared to other polyomaviruses.
  • Efficient Py infection relies on intact microtubules for transport and a dynamic microfilament system for entry and trafficking.
  • Understanding these cellular interactions provides insights into viral pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.

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