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Marked differences between MARC-145 cells and swine alveolar macrophages in IFNβ-induced activation of antiviral

D He1, C Overend, J Ambrogio

  • 1College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.

Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology
|September 14, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) and MARC-145 cells show different responses to recombinant swine interferon beta (rswIFNβ) against PRRSV. PAMs exhibit uniform sensitivity, while MARC-145 cells display variable sensitivity, indicating distinct antiviral pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Virology
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) poses a significant threat to swine health.
  • Interferons (IFNs) are crucial in antiviral defense, with swine interferon beta (swIFNβ) being a key component.
  • Understanding cell-specific responses to IFN treatment is vital for effective PRRSV control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comparatively analyze the antiviral activity of recombinant swine interferon beta (rswIFNβ) against PRRSV in two distinct porcine cell types: MARC-145 cells and porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs).
  • To investigate the underlying mechanisms of antiviral activation by examining the role of double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) using 2-aminopurine (2-AP).

Main Methods:

  • Dose-response assays were conducted using rswIFNβ against PRRSV isolates in MARC-145 cells and PAMs.
  • Treatment with 2-aminopurine (2-AP), a PKR inhibitor, was applied to rswIFNβ-primed cells to assess its effect on viral replication.
  • Viral replication was quantified to determine sensitivity to rswIFNβ and the impact of PKR inhibition.

Main Results:

  • MARC-145 cells demonstrated differential sensitivity to rswIFNβ, with one isolate being sensitive and others showing resistance.
  • In contrast, all PRRSV isolates exhibited equal sensitivity to rswIFNβ in PAMs, even at low doses.
  • 2-AP treatment partially restored viral replication in rswIFNβ-primed MARC-145 cells but failed to rescue replication in PAMs, indicating distinct antiviral pathways.

Conclusions:

  • MARC-145 cells and PAMs utilize different rswIFNβ-associated antiviral pathways for PRRSV.
  • The findings suggest that MARC-145 cells may not fully represent the immunologic response to PRRSV in vivo, necessitating cautious interpretation of studies using this cell line.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms governing these cell-type-dependent antiviral responses.

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