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Published on: July 6, 2013

Murine cytomegalovirus: induction of and sensitivity to interferon in vitro

H K Oie, J M Easton, D V Ablashi

    Infection and Immunity
    |November 1, 1975
    PubMed

    Insights

    Murine cytomegalovirus (MCV) infection induces interferon production in mouse embryo cells, potentially delaying viral replication. However, MCV exhibits varying sensitivity to interferon, with some viral doses showing resistance.

    Area of Science:

    • Virology
    • Immunology

    Background:

    • Murine cytomegalovirus (MCV) is a common pathogen in mice.
    • Interferon is a key component of the innate immune response to viral infections.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the production and role of interferon in mouse embryo (ME) cells infected with MCV.
    • To determine the sensitivity of MCV to interferon's antiviral effects.

    Main Methods:

    • Infection of ME cell cultures with plaque-purified MCV strains.
    • Characterization of the viral inhibitor produced as interferon.
    • Growth curve analysis of MCV replication.
    • Interferon pretreatment experiments.
    • In vitro sensitivity assays of MCV to interferon.

    Main Results:

    • ME cells infected with MCV produced a viral inhibitor identified as interferon.
    • Interferon production occurred early (4 h post-infection), preceding infectious virus (12–16 h) and cytopathic effect (16–18 h) production.
    • MCV exhibited high sensitivity to low doses of interferon, but significant resistance to higher viral doses.
    • Pretreatment with interferon did not enhance interferon production, with high doses showing slight inhibition.

    Conclusions:

    • MCV-induced interferon production and the development of an antiviral state may contribute to the virus's long eclipse period.
    • The varying sensitivity of MCV to interferon suggests the presence of an interferon-resistant viral fraction.
    • Further investigation is needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind MCV's differential sensitivity to interferon.

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