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Replication of influenza A viruses in an avian macrophage cell line
1Department of Molecular Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison 53706.
Abstract:
The virulent avian influenza virus A/Ty/Ont/7732/66 (H5N9) (Ty/Ont) causes severe destruction of the lymphoid cells in infected birds. Previous studies have suggested that viral infection of macrophages may be involved. However, Ty/Ont failed to replicate productively in primary cultures of chicken macrophages. Therefore, in an effort to develop an in vitro system for our studies, we examined the susceptibility of an avian macrophage cell line, HD11, to Ty/Ont. We found that Ty/Ont replicated in the HD11 cells to high titres, as measured by haemagglutination (HA) assays and infectivity yields. To determine whether this property was unique to Ty/Ont, we also examined the replication of influenza viruses representative of all 13 HA subtypes and an attenuated variant of Ty/Ont. All of the tested viruses replicated in HD11 cells; the avirulent strains required the presence of trypsin in the culture medium whereas virulent viruses and the attenuated variant of Ty/Ont did not. These results suggest that the HD11 cells can support the replication of a wide variety of influenza viruses and that this continuous avian cell line may prove useful for in vitro studies on these viruses.
Insights
Avian influenza virus (Ty/Ont) replicates in HD11 macrophage cells, establishing a valuable in vitro model. This avian cell line supports various influenza virus subtypes for further research.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Avian influenza virus A/Ty/Ont/7732/66 (H5N9) (Ty/Ont) causes significant lymphoid cell destruction in birds.
- Previous research suggested macrophage involvement, but primary chicken macrophages did not support productive Ty/Ont replication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish an in vitro system for studying avian influenza virus replication.
- To assess the susceptibility of the HD11 avian macrophage cell line to Ty/Ont.
Main Methods:
- HD11 cells were infected with Ty/Ont.
- Viral replication was measured using haemagglutination (HA) assays and infectivity yields.
- Replication of various HA subtypes and an attenuated Ty/Ont variant in HD11 cells was examined.
Main Results:
- Ty/Ont replicated efficiently in HD11 cells, reaching high titers.
- All tested influenza viruses, including 13 HA subtypes and an attenuated Ty/Ont variant, replicated in HD11 cells.
- Avirulent strains required trypsin, while virulent viruses and the attenuated Ty/Ont did not.
Conclusions:
- The HD11 cell line supports the replication of a broad range of avian influenza viruses.
- HD11 cells provide a useful in vitro model for studying avian influenza viruses.
- This cell line may facilitate future in vitro research on avian influenza.