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Chloroquine induces empty capsid formation during poliovirus eclipse
P Kronenberger1, R Vrijsen, A Boeyé
1Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
Abstract:
The poliovirus capsid (160S) is modified during eclipse in HeLa cells, which results in at least three types of particles having sedimentation coefficients of 135, 110, and 80S. The lysosomotropic agent chloroquine redirected the production of eclipse products from 135 and 110S particles (containing RNA) to 80S particles (without RNA). The effect started at 5 microM and was fully developed with 20 microM chloroquine. Viral protein synthesis and virion production remained unaffected. The results show that chloroquine can redirect the processing of input virions without interfering with productive uncoating.
Insights
Chloroquine alters poliovirus capsid processing in HeLa cells, shifting RNA-containing particles to RNA-free particles. This redirection of viral eclipse products occurs without affecting viral protein synthesis or virion production.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Poliovirus capsid undergoes modification during the eclipse phase within host cells.
- Eclipse products include particles with sedimentation coefficients of 135S, 110S, and 80S.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of the lysosomotropic agent chloroquine on poliovirus capsid processing during eclipse.
- To determine if chloroquine influences the composition and production of eclipse particles.
Main Methods:
- HeLa cells infected with poliovirus were treated with varying concentrations of chloroquine (5-20 microM).
- Sedimentation analysis was used to characterize viral particles.
- Viral protein synthesis and virion production were monitored.
Main Results:
- Chloroquine treatment redirected the production of eclipse products.
- Specifically, 135S and 110S particles (containing RNA) were shifted towards 80S particles (lacking RNA).
- This effect was dose-dependent, with maximal impact at 20 microM chloroquine, while viral protein synthesis and virion production remained unaffected.
Conclusions:
- Chloroquine can modulate the processing pathway of input poliovirions during the eclipse phase.
- The drug redirects the formation of intermediate viral particles without inhibiting productive uncoating or overall viral replication.