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Cytomegalovirus infection of human kidney cells in vitro
J A Ustinov1, R J Loginov, P M Mattila
1Transplantation Laboratory, Fourth Department of Surgery, University of Helsinki, Finland.
Abstract:
To study which structures of a kidney allograft are the main targets for cytomegalovirus (CMV), human glomerular epithelial and mesangial cells, as well as tubular epithelial and endothelial cells were isolated by steel meshes of different pore sizes and enzymatic treatments. The various cultured cell types were characterized by morphology and specific antibodies. Human CMV was inoculated onto cell monolayers using two different culture methods: conventional tissue culture and rapid shell vial culture. To analyze whether CMV had a direct effect on the immunologic properties of kidney parenchymal cells, MHC class I and class II antigen expression was estimated before and after the infection. CMV infected all kidney cells identically. All cells expressed class I strongly after the infection, but they were class I positive prior to infection. Class II antigens were not expressed on the cell surface either before or after the infection. In conclusion, human kidney cells of glomerular, tubular and vascular origin were all infected by CMV without any difference. CMV had no significant direct effects on the antigenic properties of the cells.
Insights
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infects all human kidney cells, including glomerular, tubular, and vascular types, equally. The infection did not significantly alter the cells' immune properties, such as MHC antigen expression.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Kidney allograft recipients are susceptible to cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections.
- Understanding CMV's cellular targets within the kidney is crucial for managing post-transplant complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the specific kidney allograft structures targeted by human cytomegalovirus (CMV).
- To investigate the direct impact of CMV infection on the immunologic properties of kidney parenchymal cells.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and culture of human glomerular epithelial, mesangial, tubular epithelial, and endothelial cells.
- Inoculation of cultured cells with human CMV using conventional tissue culture and rapid shell vial methods.
- Assessment of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I and class II antigen expression before and after CMV infection.
Main Results:
- CMV infected all isolated kidney cell types (glomerular, tubular, vascular) uniformly.
- All kidney cells exhibited increased expression of MHC class I antigens post-infection.
- No expression of MHC class II antigens was observed on kidney cells, either before or after CMV infection.
Conclusions:
- Human kidney cells from glomerular, tubular, and vascular origins are equally susceptible to CMV infection.
- CMV infection does not significantly alter the direct antigenic properties of kidney parenchymal cells.