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The intermediate filament network protein, vimentin, is required for parvoviral infection

Nikta Fay1, Nelly Panté

  • 1Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, 6270 University Boulevard, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z4.

Virology
|July 11, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Vimentin intermediate filaments are crucial for the minute virus of mice (MVM) life cycle. Disrupting vimentin hinders viral replication and intracellular trafficking after MVM escapes endosomes.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Intermediate filaments (IFs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in viral infections.
  • The specific involvement of IFs in the early stages of parvovirus infection remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of vimentin intermediate filaments in the early infection steps of the minute virus of mice (MVM).

Main Methods:

  • Utilized immunofluorescence microscopy to observe vimentin network alterations post-MVM endosomal escape.
  • Employed genetic and pharmacological methods to modify the vimentin network in infected cells.
  • Assessed viral replication, endocytosis, and vesicle trafficking.

Main Results:

  • MVM infection significantly altered the vimentin network, causing collapse near the nuclear periphery.
  • Reduced MVM replication occurred in cells with modified vimentin, while endocytosis remained unaffected.
  • Vimentin-deficient cells showed decreased perinuclear accumulation of MVM-containing vesicles.

Conclusions:

  • Vimentin plays a critical role in the MVM life cycle, likely in two phases: post-endosomal escape and during endosomal trafficking.
  • Vimentin is essential for efficient MVM replication and intracellular transport.
Keywords:
Endosomal traffickingIntermediate filamentsMinute virus of miceParvovirusVimentin

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