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Replication of murine cytomegalovirus in mast cells
A E Gibbons1, P Price, T A Robertson
1Department of Microbiology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands.
Abstract:
Mast cells purified from the peritoneal cell population and mast cells derived in culture from bone marrow cells were examined for their sensitivity to murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection in vitro. While up to 70% of mast cells expressed viral antigens, less than 12% of the cells produced infectious virus. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated nucleocapsids in the nuclei and in association with the cisternal elements of the Golgi apparatus. Some complete virions were found within small cytoplasmic vacuoles. In contrast with previous studies of macrophages and fibroblasts, the susceptibility of mast cells to MCMV infection in vitro was not influenced by the H-2 or non-H-2 genotype of the donor.
Insights
Murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infects mast cells, with many cells showing viral antigens but few producing infectious virus. Mast cell susceptibility to MCMV was independent of donor genotype.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mast cells are immune cells involved in allergic responses and host defense.
- Murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) is a common viral pathogen affecting various cell types.
- Previous studies have shown differential susceptibility of immune cells to viral infections based on host genetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the susceptibility of mast cells to murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection in vitro.
- To determine the impact of host genetic factors on mast cell permissiveness to MCMV.
Main Methods:
- Purification of mast cells from peritoneal lavage and bone marrow-derived cultures.
- In vitro infection of mast cells with MCMV.
- Detection of viral antigens and infectious virus production.
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for ultrastructural analysis.
- Genotyping of donor mice (H-2 and non-H-2 loci).
Main Results:
- A high percentage of mast cells (up to 70%) expressed MCMV antigens following in vitro infection.
- A low percentage of infected mast cells (<12%) produced infectious MCMV.
- TEM revealed MCMV nucleocapsids in nuclei and Golgi apparatus, with virions in cytoplasmic vacuoles.
- Mast cell susceptibility to MCMV was not influenced by the donor's H-2 or non-H-2 genotype.
Conclusions:
- Mast cells can be infected by MCMV, exhibiting viral antigen expression but limited infectious virus production.
- The infection process involves viral replication intermediates within the nucleus and Golgi apparatus.
- Unlike other cell types, mast cell permissiveness to MCMV is not genetically determined by the H-2 or non-H-2 loci.