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Molecular mechanism underlying B19 virus inactivation and comparison to other parvoviruses

Bernhard Mani1, Marco Gerber, Patricia Lieby

  • 1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.

Transfusion
|September 21, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The human parvovirus B19 (B19V) is inactivated by heat or low pH through DNA removal from its capsid, not capsid breakdown. This DNA instability explains B19V's vulnerability to inactivation treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a common pathogen in blood, transmissible via respiratory or contaminated plasma products.
  • Parvoviridae are generally resistant to treatments, but B19V shows higher vulnerability, with the underlying mechanism unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the molecular mechanism of B19V inactivation by heat and low pH.
  • To understand the reason for B19V's increased susceptibility to inactivation compared to other parvoviruses.

Main Methods:

  • B19V was inactivated using wet heat and low pH treatments.
  • Viral capsid integrity was assessed using immunoprecipitation with specific monoclonal antibodies.
  • Viral DNA accessibility was quantified via hybridization-extension assays and nuclease treatment.

Main Results:

  • Viral particle integrity was preserved post-inactivation, but capsids were completely DNA-depleted.
  • DNA-depleted capsids retained the ability to attach to target cells, though they were non-infectious.
  • B19V DNA demonstrated significantly greater instability within its encapsidated state compared to other Parvoviridae members.

Conclusions:

  • B19V inactivation by heat or low pH occurs via DNA expulsion from intact capsids, not capsid disintegration.
  • The unique instability of B19V DNA in its encapsidated form is responsible for its heightened sensitivity to inactivation methods.

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