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Induction of apoptosis by the Amsacta moorei entomopoxvirus

Srini Perera1,2, Peter Krell1, Zihni Demirbag3

  • 1Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

The Journal of General Virology
|April 27, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Spruce budworm cells undergo apoptosis upon Amsacta moorei entomopoxvirus infection, with early viral events triggering this response. Caspases are crucial for productive virus infection, despite the virus eventually overcoming cellular defenses.

Area of Science:

  • Insect virology
  • Cellular apoptosis
  • Molecular biology

Background:

  • Spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) CF-70-B2 cells exhibit apoptosis when infected with Amsacta moorei entomopoxvirus (AMEV).
  • Apoptosis is characterized by membrane blebbing, apoptotic bodies, TUNEL staining, condensed chromatin, and caspase-3/7 activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the antiviral response in insect cells upon entomopoxvirus infection.
  • To elucidate the role of viral DNA replication and caspase activity in apoptosis induction and virus propagation.

Main Methods:

  • Infection of insect cell lines (CF-70-B2 and LD-652) with AMEV.
  • Use of UV-inactivated virus and DNA synthesis inhibitors (cytosine β-d-arabinofuranoside).
  • Assessment of apoptosis via morphological changes, TUNEL staining, and caspase activity assays; application of caspase inhibitors (Q-VD-OPH, Z-VAD-FMK).

Main Results:

  • Apoptosis in CF-70-B2 cells was induced by pre-DNA replication events and was overcome by the virus, leading to high progeny titres.
  • LD-652 cells showed apoptosis dependent on viral DNA replication/late gene expression.
  • Caspase inhibitors significantly reduced infection rates, indicating a role for caspases in productive infection.

Conclusions:

  • The antiviral response in CF-70-B2 cells is initiated early in the viral life cycle.
  • Apoptosis induction and progression differ between cell lines and are linked to viral replication stages.
  • Caspases play a vital role in facilitating productive AMEV infection in insect cells.

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