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JC virus, a human polyomavirus associated with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: additional biological
Abstract:
JC virus, a human polyomavirus, failed to grow or produce cytopathic effects in any of a variety of cells tested other than primary human fetal glial (PHFG) cells. Cells tested included other primary human cells and glial cells from other animals. Only a rare cell in inoculated insusceptible human cell cultures produced T or virion antigen. In PHFG cell cultures JC virus produced subtle cytopathic effects, and the majority of progeny remained cell associated. Only a few cells in the heterogenous PHFG cell cultures contained T antigen at 24 h postinoculation, and virion antigen was not detected until 48 h postinoculation. The infectivity of JC virus was resistant to inactivation by ether and by heating at 50 degrees C for 1 h. A three-way minor antigenic relationship was demonstrated among the virion antigens of JC virus, BK virus, and simian virus 40 by neurtralization and/or hemagglutination inhibition tests. Serological evidence is presented for the existence of JC virus as a distinct entity before the use of simian virus 40-contaminated poliovirus vaccines and for the nonexistence of an animal reservoir for JC virus infection.
Insights
JC virus, a human polyomavirus, primarily infects primary human fetal glial cells, showing limited growth and antigen production in other cell types. This study confirms JC virus as a distinct entity, unrelated to animal reservoirs.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- JC virus is a human polyomavirus with limited cell tropism.
- Understanding JC virus's cellular interactions and antigenic properties is crucial for virological research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the cellular tropism and growth characteristics of JC virus.
- To investigate the antigenic relationships between JC virus, BK virus, and simian virus 40.
- To determine the origin and potential animal reservoir of JC virus.
Main Methods:
- Inoculation of various human and animal cell cultures with JC virus.
- Detection of T and virion antigens using immunofluorescence.
- Assessment of cytopathic effects and viral progeny.
- Serological tests including neutralization and hemagglutination inhibition.
Main Results:
- JC virus predominantly infected and replicated in primary human fetal glial (PHFG) cells, with minimal effects in other cell types.
- T antigen appeared at 24 hours post-inoculation and virion antigen at 48 hours in PHFG cells.
- JC virus exhibited resistance to ether and heat inactivation.
- A minor antigenic relationship was observed between JC virus, BK virus, and simian virus 40.
Conclusions:
- Primary human fetal glial cells are the most susceptible host cells for JC virus replication.
- JC virus is antigenically distinct and existed prior to contaminated poliovirus vaccines.
- No evidence suggests an animal reservoir for JC virus infection.