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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Isolating And Immunostaining Lymphocytes and Dendritic Cells from Murine Peyer's Patches
Published on: March 17, 2013
Dendritic cells and macrophages are productively infected by poliovirus
Rahnuma Wahid1, Martin J Cannon, Marie Chow
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, USA.
Abstract:
Expression of the poliovirus receptor (PVR) on cells is a major host determinant of infection by poliovirus. Previously, the only immune cell type known to express PVR was the blood-derived monocyte, which is susceptible to infection at very low frequency. We demonstrate that professional antigen-presenting cells-macrophages and dendritic cells, generated upon differentiation of monocytes-retain expression of PVR and are highly susceptible to infection by type 1 Mahoney strain of poliovirus. Maximal cell-associated titers of virus are obtained within 6 to 8 h postinfection, and cell death and lysis occurs within 24 h postinfection. Similar kinetics are observed in cells infected with the Sabin 1 vaccine strain. Although protein synthesis and receptor-mediated endocytosis are inhibited upon poliovirus infection of these critical antigen-presenting cells, we demonstrate for the first time that functional presentation of antigen occurs in these infected cells via the HLA class II pathway.
Insights
Macrophages and dendritic cells express the poliovirus receptor (PVR), becoming highly susceptible to poliovirus infection. Despite inhibited protein synthesis, these antigen-presenting cells can still present antigens via the HLA class II pathway.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Poliovirus receptor (PVR) expression dictates host susceptibility to poliovirus.
- Previously, only monocytes were known to express PVR, with limited susceptibility to infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate PVR expression and poliovirus susceptibility in differentiated immune cells.
- To determine the functional consequences of poliovirus infection on antigen presentation.
Main Methods:
- Differentiated monocytes into macrophages and dendritic cells.
- Infected these cells with type 1 Mahoney and Sabin 1 poliovirus strains.
- Assessed viral replication kinetics, cell viability, protein synthesis, and HLA class II antigen presentation.
Main Results:
- Macrophages and dendritic cells express PVR and are highly susceptible to poliovirus infection.
- Maximal viral titers were observed within 6-8 hours, with cell lysis by 24 hours.
- Poliovirus infection inhibited protein synthesis and endocytosis but allowed functional HLA class II antigen presentation.
Conclusions:
- Differentiated antigen-presenting cells are a significant host for poliovirus.
- Despite viral interference with cellular machinery, antigen presentation remains functional, impacting immune response.
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