Lytic infection of pseudorabies virus in the presence of spermine, spermidine, or DFMO
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Transsynaptic Tracing from Peripheral Targets with Pseudorabies Virus Followed by Cholera Toxin and Biotinylated Dextran Amines Double Labeling
Published on: September 14, 2015
Hsien-Chi Wang1, Min-Liang Wong
1Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan.
Abstract:
The effects of polyamines (spermine or spermidine) and DFMO (an ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor) on the infection of LM (tk-) cells by pseudorabies virus (PRV) were investigated. Results from radioactive methionine labeling showed that the synthesis of viral proteins was not affected; however, the expression of a distinctive cellular protein ( approximately 27 kDa) was induced after the treatment of spermine or spermidine. Using plaque assay, we found that the plaque formation of PRV was not affected by these three reagents either. Furthermore, the effects of these drugs on the transcription of PRV immediate-early gene (IE) promoter were examined by CAT assay, and results showed weak stimulation of transcription by these drugs. Taken together, our results demonstrated that lytic infection of PRV was not influenced by addition of exogenous polyamines or depletion of endogenous polyamines; this conclusion was similar to earlier studies by using herpes simplex virus.
Insights
Polyamines and DFMO did not impact pseudorabies virus (PRV) infection. While polyamines induced a cellular protein, viral replication and gene transcription remained unaffected, indicating no influence on lytic infection.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Polyamines are crucial for cell growth and proliferation.
- Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is a key enzyme in polyamine biosynthesis.
- The role of polyamines in viral infections is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of polyamines (spermine, spermidine) and DFMO on pseudorabies virus (PRV) infection.
- To determine the impact on viral protein synthesis, plaque formation, and gene transcription.
Main Methods:
- Radioactive methionine labeling to assess viral protein synthesis.
- Plaque assays to evaluate viral infectivity.
- CAT assays to examine PRV immediate-early gene promoter activity.
Main Results:
- Viral protein synthesis was unaffected by polyamines or DFMO.
- Polyamines induced a distinct cellular protein (approximately 27 kDa).
- Plaque formation and PRV IE gene promoter transcription showed no significant changes.
Conclusions:
- Exogenous polyamines or polyamine depletion do not influence PRV lytic infection.
- Findings align with previous studies on herpes simplex virus.
- Polyamines may play a role in cellular responses rather than direct viral replication.
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