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Correlation of persistent mouse hepatitis virus (MHV-3) infection with its effect on mouse macrophage cultures
Abstract:
MHV 3 has three distinct effects in different strains of mice: strain A mice are completely resistant, most strains (including C57BL, DBA/2, BALB/c and NZB strains) die of acute hepatitis whereas in certain strains (eg. C3H and A2G) the virus produces a persistent infection with neurological symptoms. In cultures of peritoneal macrophages from susceptible strains, MHV-3 replicated freely, with giant cell formation. No replication was observed in macrophages from strain A mice. In contrast to this full susceptibility or resistance, macrophage cultures from strains of mice in which persistent infections occur showed an intermediate susceptibility, as judged by the intensity of the cytopathic effect, the presence of viral antigens in the cytoplasm and levels of viral replication. Possible ways in which the intermediate susceptibility of macrophages and persistent infections might be related are discussed.
Insights
Murine hepatitis virus (MHV-3) shows varied effects in mice. Macrophage susceptibility dictates MHV-3 outcomes, ranging from resistance to acute hepatitis or persistent infection with neurological symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Murine hepatitis virus (MHV-3) exhibits differential pathogenicity across mouse strains.
- Mouse strain genetics significantly influence the outcome of MHV-3 infection, leading to resistance, acute hepatitis, or persistent neurological disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of peritoneal macrophages in determining the outcome of MHV-3 infection in different mouse strains.
- To explore the relationship between macrophage susceptibility and the development of persistent MHV-3 infections.
Main Methods:
- Infection of peritoneal macrophage cultures derived from MHV-3 resistant (Strain A) and susceptible (C57BL, DBA/2, BALB/c, NZB, C3H, A2G) mouse strains.
- Assessment of MHV-3 replication, giant cell formation, viral antigen presence, and cytopathic effects in macrophage cultures.
Main Results:
- MHV-3 replicated freely in macrophages from susceptible strains, causing giant cell formation.
- No MHV-3 replication occurred in macrophages from resistant Strain A mice.
- Macrophages from strains developing persistent infections showed intermediate susceptibility to MHV-3, with varying levels of viral replication and cytopathic effects.
Conclusions:
- Mouse peritoneal macrophage susceptibility to MHV-3 is a key determinant of infection outcome.
- Intermediate macrophage susceptibility may underlie the development of persistent MHV-3 infections and associated neurological symptoms.