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Involvement of apoptosis in syncytial cell death induced by canine distemper virus

T Nishi1, K Tsukiyama-Kohara, K Togashi

  • 1Laboratory of Animal Research Center, Institution of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan.

Comparative Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
|August 25, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Canine distemper virus (CDV) causes cell death through apoptosis. A persistent CDV strain, Yanaka-BP, induced less apoptosis, suggesting its absence may lead to persistent infection.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Cell Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Canine distemper virus (CDV) causes syncytium formation and cell death.
  • The mechanism of CDV-induced cell death, particularly apoptosis, remains unclear.
  • Persistent CDV strains may evade apoptosis, contributing to chronic infection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of apoptosis in CDV-induced cytopathic effects (CPE).
  • To compare apoptosis induction between a virulent CDV strain (Yanaka) and a persistent strain (Yanaka-BP).

Main Methods:

  • In vitro infection of cells with Yanaka and Yanaka-BP CDV strains.
  • DNA laddering assay to detect apoptosis.
  • Terminal transferase dUTP nick endlabeling (TUNEL) assay for apoptosis.
  • Flow cytometry to quantify apoptosis.

Main Results:

  • The Yanaka strain induced significant apoptosis, evidenced by DNA laddering and TUNEL assay.
  • The Yanaka-BP strain induced significantly less apoptosis compared to the Yanaka strain.
  • Flow cytometry confirmed lower apoptosis rates in cells infected with Yanaka-BP.

Conclusions:

  • Apoptosis plays a crucial role in CDV-induced CPE.
  • The reduced induction of apoptosis by the Yanaka-BP strain may contribute to persistent CDV infections.
  • Understanding apoptosis evasion is key to developing strategies against persistent CDV.

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