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Persistence of cytomegalovirus in human lymphoblasts and peripheral leukocyte cultures
Abstract:
The in vitro susceptibility of human peripheral lymhpocytes and lymphoblastoid (F265) cells to infection by human cytomegalovirus was examined. Infection of these cell types with cytomegalovirus resulted in a persistent type of infection rather than the typical growth curve observed with permissive fibroblastic cells. When infection of peripheral lymphocytes was associated with a blastogenic response, the virus persisted for a longer time and at a higher titer than in cells in which a blastogenic response did not occur. Autoradiographic studies and infectious-center assays indicated that only a small number of cells, resembling lymphocytes, were involved in virus persistence. Whether or not the persistence of the virus indicates release of input virus or synthesis or new virus was not determined.
Insights
Human cytomegalovirus establishes persistent infections in lymphocytes and lymphoblastoid cells, unlike typical infections in fibroblasts. Virus persistence is prolonged in lymphocytes with a blastogenic response.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a common pathogen with a complex host-pathogen interaction.
- HCMV typically establishes persistent infections in healthy individuals.
- The tropism and replication dynamics of HCMV in different human cell types are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro susceptibility of human peripheral lymphocytes and lymphoblastoid cells to HCMV infection.
- To characterize the nature of HCMV infection in these non-fibroblastic cell types.
Main Methods:
- Infection of human peripheral lymphocytes and lymphoblastoid (F265) cells with HCMV.
- Monitoring of viral replication and cell viability.
- Autoradiography and infectious-center assays to identify infected cells.
Main Results:
- HCMV infection resulted in persistent infections in lymphocytes and lymphoblastoid cells, differing from the typical growth curves in fibroblasts.
- Virus persistence was prolonged and at higher titers in lymphocytes exhibiting a blastogenic response compared to those without.
- Autoradiography and infectious-center assays revealed that a small subset of lymphocyte-like cells were involved in viral persistence.
Conclusions:
- Human peripheral lymphocytes and lymphoblastoid cells are susceptible to persistent HCMV infection.
- Lymphocyte activation, indicated by blastogenesis, influences the duration and titer of HCMV persistence.
- The precise mechanism of HCMV persistence in these cells (e.g., input virus release vs. new synthesis) requires further investigation.