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Interferon response in the guinea pig infected with Junín virus
C B Dejean1, B L Ayerra, A R Teyssié
1Instituto Nacional de Microbiología Dr. C.G. Malbrán Departmento Virus, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Journal of Medical Virology
|September 1, 1987
Summary
The attenuated XJCl3 Junín virus strain induced a robust interferon (IFN) response in guinea pigs, unlike the intermediate virulent MC2 strain. IFN was detected in organs after XJCl3 infection, correlating with weight loss post-IFN disappearance.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Junín virus (JV) causes Argentine hemorrhagic fever.
- Understanding the in vivo interferon (IFN) induction capacity of different JV strains is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the in vivo IFN induction capacity of an attenuated (XJCl3) and an intermediate virulent (MC2) Junín virus strain in guinea pigs.
Main Methods:
- Guinea pigs were infected with varying doses of XJCl3 or a single dose of MC2.
- Serum and organ homogenates (brain, spleen, lymph nodes) were analyzed for IFN levels from day 0 to 14 post-injection.
- Viral antigens and seroconversion were assessed to confirm disease progression.
Main Results:
- XJCl3 induced a constant serum IFN response, while 16% of MC2-infected animals failed to develop interferonemia.
- IFN levels were generally lower and delayed with MC2 compared to XJCl3.
- IFN was detected in organs of XJCl3-infected animals but not in those infected with MC2.
- Weight loss was observed after serum IFN levels declined.
Conclusions:
- The attenuated XJCl3 strain is a more potent inducer of in vivo IFN than the intermediate virulent MC2 strain.
- IFN presence in organs correlates with the attenuated strain's infection, but IFN levels do not correlate with histological findings.
- IFN induction and disappearance may play a role in Junín virus pathogenesis and associated weight loss.