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Persistent parainfluenza type 1 (6/94) infection of brain cells in tissue culture
Abstract:
A state of persistent infection with parainfluenza type 1 virus (6/94 strain) was established in cultures of human and bovine brain cells. Following primary infection of human brain cells, viral cytopathic effect (CPE) and hemadsorption (HAD) depended on the multiplicity of infection. After persistent infection was established the virus rapidly became cell-associated; no CPE occurred and no viral antigen was detectable by HAD, immunofluorescence (FA), or immunoprecipitation. Infectious virus could be recovered only by fusion or cocultivation. This was in marked contrast with infected bovine brain cells, where, following primary infection, little or no CPE occurred. A productive infection rapidly evolved and persisted without CPE, but with 100 per cent HAD and FA positive cells.
Insights
Persistent infection with parainfluenza type 1 virus in human brain cells led to cell-associated virus undetectable by standard methods. Bovine brain cells showed productive infection with widespread viral antigen presence.
Area of Science:
- Neurovirology
- Cellular Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Parainfluenza virus type 1 can establish persistent infections.
- Viral persistence in neural cells presents unique challenges for detection and clearance.
- Understanding host-pathogen interactions in persistent viral infections is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the establishment and characteristics of persistent parainfluenza type 1 virus infection in human and bovine brain cell cultures.
- To compare the viral behavior and host cell responses in different cell types.
Main Methods:
- Infection of human and bovine brain cell cultures with parainfluenza type 1 virus (6/94 strain).
- Assessment of viral cytopathic effect (CPE) and hemadsorption (HAD).
- Detection of viral antigen using immunofluorescence (FA) and immunoprecipitation.
- Viral recovery through cell fusion and cocultivation.
Main Results:
- Human brain cells: Persistent infection resulted in cell-associated virus, with no detectable CPE, HAD, FA, or immunoprecipitation signals. Infectious virus was recoverable only by fusion or cocultivation.
- Bovine brain cells: Productive infection persisted without CPE, but with 100% HAD and FA positive cells.
- Infection characteristics varied significantly between human and bovine brain cells.
Conclusions:
- Persistent parainfluenza type 1 virus infection in human brain cells leads to a non-cytopathic, cell-associated state.
- Bovine brain cells support a productive, persistent infection with widespread viral antigen expression.
- Host cell type significantly influences the outcome of persistent parainfluenza virus infection.