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Temporal Analysis of the Nuclear-to-cytoplasmic Translocation of a Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Protein by Immunofluorescent Confocal Microscopy
Published on: November 4, 2018
IMMUNOFLUORESCENT STUDIES OF THE HISTOPATHOGENESIS OF LYMPHOCYTIC CHORIOMENINGITIS VIRUS INFECTION
Abstract:
LCM virus antigen was visualized in infected tissue cultures and mouse tissues by the direct immunofluorescent procedure. In all instances, antigen was localized to the cytoplasm. In intracerebrally infected mice, antigen was almost completely restricted to meninges, choroid plexus, and ependyma; at no time were neurons involved. Mice infected by intraperitoneal inoculation of a viscerotropic strain demonstrated antigen chiefly in liver parenchyma, splenic reticulum, bronchi, and alveolar cells. Congenitally infected mice showed antigen in almost all cell types observed, but generally in only a minority of cells; infection was often focal in distribution. Liver, kidney, pregnant uterus, and trophoblast were most extensively involved. No antigen was observable in ova of a pregnant mouse.
Insights
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) antigen localizes to the cytoplasm in infected tissues. Different infection routes in mice show distinct LCMV antigen distribution patterns, impacting various organs.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is an important pathogen.
- Understanding LCMV tissue tropism is crucial for disease pathogenesis.
- Direct visualization of viral antigens aids in comprehending infection spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To visualize LCMV antigen distribution in infected mouse tissues and cell cultures.
- To determine the cellular localization of LCMV antigen.
- To investigate how different inoculation routes affect LCMV tissue tropism.
Main Methods:
- Direct immunofluorescence procedure.
- Infection of tissue cultures and mice via intracerebral and intraperitoneal routes.
- Examination of congenital LCMV infection models.
Main Results:
- LCMV antigen was consistently found in the cytoplasm of infected cells.
- Intracerebral infection restricted antigen to meninges, choroid plexus, and ependyma, sparing neurons.
- Viscerotropic strain infection showed antigen in liver, spleen, lungs, and bronchi.
- Congenital infection resulted in widespread, focal antigen distribution across multiple organs, including liver, kidney, and uterus, but not ova.
Conclusions:
- LCMV antigen localization is dependent on the route of infection.
- Neurons are not a primary target for LCMV in intracerebral infections.
- Congenital LCMV infection affects a broad range of maternal and fetal tissues.
