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Dissecting Host-virus Interaction in Lytic Replication of a Model Herpesvirus
Published on: October 7, 2011
Replication of herpes simplex virus type 1 in macrophages from resistant and susceptible mice
Abstract:
Studies were carried out to determine whether the in vitro capacity of adherent peritoneal cells to replicate herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) might correlate with the in vivo susceptibility of mice genetically resistant, moderately susceptible, or very susceptible to HSV-1 infection. Unstimulated and proteose peptone-stimulated monolayers restricted viral replication when infected immediately, but replicated HSV-1 when infected after 3 to 7 days of culture. Macrophages from resistant C57Bl/6 mice restricted HSV-1 replication significantly better than cells from susceptible mice. This function did not segregate with resistance, since macrophages from resistant F1 mice failed to restrict HSV-1 replication. Induction of peritoneal exudate cells with thioglycolate yielded cells capable of replicating HSV-1 when infected immediately after plating and after 4 days of culture.
Insights
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) replication in mouse peritoneal cells varied with cell culture time and mouse genetic resistance. Macrophages from resistant mice initially restricted HSV-1 better, but this varied, indicating complex interactions.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) establishes lifelong infections in humans.
- Understanding host-pathogen interactions, particularly the role of innate immunity, is crucial for controlling viral diseases.
- Genetic factors significantly influence susceptibility to viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between the in vitro replication capacity of adherent peritoneal cells and the in vivo susceptibility of mice to HSV-1.
- To assess the influence of cell culture duration and stimulation on HSV-1 replication in peritoneal cells.
- To determine if macrophage antiviral function segregates with genetic resistance to HSV-1.
Main Methods:
- Adherent peritoneal cells were isolated from C57Bl/6 (resistant) and susceptible mouse strains.
- Cells were cultured for varying durations (0-7 days) and stimulated with proteose peptone or thioglycolate.
- In vitro HSV-1 replication assays were performed on cultured cells.
- Viral replication was quantified and compared between cell types and culture conditions.
Main Results:
- Unstimulated and stimulated peritoneal cell monolayers initially restricted HSV-1 replication but replicated the virus after 3-7 days in culture.
- Macrophages from genetically resistant C57Bl/6 mice demonstrated significantly better restriction of HSV-1 replication compared to cells from susceptible mice.
- This HSV-1 restriction function did not consistently segregate with genetic resistance, as macrophages from resistant F1 mice failed to restrict viral replication.
- Thioglycolate-induced peritoneal exudate cells replicated HSV-1 immediately after plating and after 4 days of culture.
Conclusions:
- The in vitro replication capacity of peritoneal cells for HSV-1 is influenced by both cell culture time and the method of peritoneal cell induction.
- While macrophages from genetically resistant mice show enhanced initial restriction of HSV-1, this antiviral function is complex and does not solely correlate with overall genetic resistance.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the specific cellular and genetic mechanisms governing HSV-1 susceptibility and resistance.
