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Updated: May 20, 2026
Dissecting Host-virus Interaction in Lytic Replication of a Model Herpesvirus
Published on: October 7, 2011
Experimental infection of laboratory-bred bank voles (Myodes glareolus) with murid herpesvirus 4
David J Hughes1, Anja Kipar, Gail Leeming
1Department of Infection Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZJ, UK.
Abstract:
MuHV-4 is a natural pathogen of rodents of the genus Apodemus (e.g., wood mice, yellow-necked mice) and Myodes glareolus (bank voles). We report experimental MuHV-4 infection of bank voles in comparison with infection of A. sylvaticus (wood mice) and BALB/c mice. Like in wood mice, the level of productive replication in the lungs of bank voles was significantly lower than in BALB/c mice. In contrast to other hosts, however, the level of latent infection in the lung and spleen of bank voles was extremely low. These findings, together with those of previous studies, suggest that bank voles are an occasional and inefficient host for MuHV-4.
Insights
Bank voles are an inefficient host for murid herpesvirus 4 (MuHV-4). Experimental infections show low productive and latent MuHV-4 replication in bank voles, unlike in other rodent models.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Rodent Pathogens
Background:
- Murid herpesvirus 4 (MuHV-4) naturally infects rodents like Apodemus mice and Myodes glareolus (bank voles).
- Understanding host-pathogen interactions is crucial for studying viral spread and disease.
- Previous studies suggest varying susceptibility among rodent species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the experimental infection of bank voles with MuHV-4 against other rodent models.
- To determine the levels of productive and latent MuHV-4 infection in bank voles.
Main Methods:
- Experimental infection of bank voles, Apodemus sylvaticus (wood mice), and BALB/c mice with MuHV-4.
- Quantification of productive viral replication in the lungs.
- Assessment of latent infection levels in the lung and spleen.
Main Results:
- Productive replication of MuHV-4 in bank vole lungs was significantly lower compared to BALB/c mice.
- Latent MuHV-4 infection levels in the lung and spleen of bank voles were found to be extremely low.
- Wood mice also showed lower productive replication than BALB/c mice.
Conclusions:
- Bank voles exhibit a very low level of latent MuHV-4 infection, suggesting limited susceptibility.
- These findings indicate that bank voles are an occasional and inefficient host for MuHV-4.
- MuHV-4 host range and tropism may vary significantly across different rodent species.
