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Cmv-1, a genetic locus that controls murine cytomegalovirus replication in the spleen
A A Scalzo1, N A Fitzgerald, A Simmons
1Department of Microbiology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands.
Abstract:
The genetic basis of the control of acute splenic MCMV infection was studied after intraperitoneal inoculation of the virus. Classical Mendelian analyses using C57BL/6 (resistant) and BALB/c (susceptible) parental strains disclosed an autosomal dominant non-H-2 gene that regulates splenic virus replication. The probable location of this gene, to which we have assigned the symbol Cmv-1, is on chromosome 6 as defined by the strain distribution pattern of splenic MCMV replication in CXB recombinant inbred mice. Although there is a similar hierarchy of resistance to MCMV and HSV-1 with respect to the C57BL and BALB genetic backgrounds, the strain distribution pattern of HSV-1 replication in recombinant inbred mice suggests that Cmv-1 is not involved in restricting the spread of this virus. This is the first clear identification of a non-H-2 gene regulating the magnitude of MCMV infection. Elucidation of the function of this gene may be a fundamental step towards understanding the control of systemic CMV infection.
Insights
Researchers identified a key gene, Cmv-1, controlling mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) replication in the spleen. This autosomal dominant gene on chromosome 6 offers a new target for understanding systemic MCMV infection control.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Virology
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection control involves complex genetic factors.
- Understanding the genetic basis of MCMV splenic replication is crucial for controlling systemic infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize the genetic factors regulating acute splenic MCMV infection.
- To determine the chromosomal location of genes controlling MCMV replication.
Main Methods:
- Intraperitoneal inoculation of MCMV in resistant (C57BL/6) and susceptible (BALB/c) mouse strains.
- Classical Mendelian genetic analysis and analysis of CXB recombinant inbred mice.
- Comparison of MCMV and HSV-1 replication patterns in different genetic backgrounds.
Main Results:
- An autosomal dominant, non-H-2 gene, designated Cmv-1, was identified as regulating splenic MCMV replication.
- The Cmv-1 gene is likely located on chromosome 6, based on recombinant inbred mouse strain patterns.
- Cmv-1 does not appear to be involved in restricting herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) spread.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first clear identification of a non-H-2 gene controlling MCMV infection magnitude.
- Elucidating the function of Cmv-1 is a critical step towards understanding systemic CMV infection control.