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Enhanced replication of herpes simplex virus type 1 in human cells
1Department of Oral Health Science, MN228 Chandler Medical Center, University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, Lexington 40536.
Journal of Dental Research
|February 1, 1991
Summary
DNA-damaging agents enhance herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) replication in human lung fibroblasts. This effect requires functional DNA repair mechanisms, suggesting their role in HSV-1 genome activation.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a common human pathogen.
- The interaction between viral replication and host DNA repair pathways is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of DNA-damaging agents on HSV-1 replication in vitro.
- To determine the role of cellular DNA repair mechanisms in this process.
Main Methods:
- Human lung fibroblast cell lines were exposed to DNA-damaging agents (MMS, MMTS, UV, GR) before or after HSV-1 inoculation.
- HSV-1 replication was quantified using plaque assays.
- Experiments were conducted using both DNA-repair-competent and DNA-repair-deficient (xeroderma pigmentosum) cells.
Main Results:
- Exposure to DNA-damaging agents significantly enhanced HSV-1 replication in DNA-repair-competent cells.
- Pre-inoculation treatment increased plaque numbers by 10-68%, while post-adsorption treatment increased them by 7-15%.
- Cells deficient in DNA repair failed to show enhanced HSV-1 replication.
Conclusions:
- DNA-repair-competent fibroblasts amplify HSV-1 replication following exposure to DNA-damaging agents.
- Cellular DNA repair mechanisms appear to be involved in the biological activation of HSV-1 genomes.