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Transmission and activation of cytomegalovirus with blood transfusion: a mouse model
Abstract:
A mouse model that mimics many features of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections associated with transfusion and perfusion is described. The concept of antigenic activation of CMV was tested by infusion of blood from latently infected mice, which were found to be virus-negative by tissue culture asssay, into uninfected allogeneic and isogenic hosts. After a latent period, virus was detectable invariably in allogeneic and only rarely in isogenic recipients. Transfusions from uninfected donors into latently infected mice activated CMV in heterologous and homologous recipients. These observations should assist in definition of relevant pathogenetic principles and may explain the failure to recover CMV from healthy human blood donors in spite of predictions of a carrier state based on epidemiologic observations.
Insights
Infusing blood from latent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infected mice into others reactivated the virus, especially in genetically different recipients. This suggests blood transfusions can trigger CMV reactivation, explaining why it’s not always detected in healthy blood donors.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections are common and can be associated with transfusion and perfusion procedures.
- The carrier state of CMV in healthy human blood donors is predicted by epidemiological data but often not confirmed virologically.
- Understanding CMV reactivation mechanisms is crucial for transfusion safety and clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a mouse model that mimics human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections linked to transfusion.
- To investigate the concept of antigenic activation of latent CMV through blood transfusion.
- To explore the role of host genetics (allogeneic vs. isogenic) in CMV reactivation post-transfusion.
Main Methods:
- Latently infected, virus-negative mice were used as blood donors.
- Blood from these donors was infused into uninfected allogeneic and isogenic recipient mice.
- CMV reactivation was monitored in recipients after a latent period.
- Transfusions from uninfected donors into latently infected mice were also performed to assess CMV activation.
Main Results:
- CMV was invariably detected in allogeneic recipients after transfusion from latently infected donors.
- CMV was rarely detected in isogenic recipients following the same transfusion protocol.
- Transfusions into latently infected mice also led to CMV activation.
Conclusions:
- Blood transfusion can serve as a mechanism for antigenic activation and reactivation of latent CMV.
- Host genetic differences (allogeneic compatibility) significantly influence the rate of CMV reactivation after transfusion.
- These findings provide a potential explanation for the discrepancy between predicted and detected CMV carrier states in human blood donors.
