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Persistent infection of MDCK cells by influenza C virus: initiation and characterization
1Laboratory of Virology, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Japan.
Abstract:
Persistent influenza C virus infection was readily initiated in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells at low m.o.i. and has been maintained for over 1 year. The persistently infected (p.i.) cultures were characterized by the following properties: virus infection was limited to a minority of cells, small amounts of infectious virus were produced together with low levels of interferon (IFN) and the cultures were resistant to superinfection by homologous virus and vesicular stomatitis virus, but not by influenza A and B viruses. These properties fluctuated cyclically with passage of the p.i. culture. When p.i. cultures were cured by cultivation in the presence of antiserum, the cultures lost their IFN-producing activity and became as susceptible to homologous virus as normal MDCK cell culture. The results suggest that persistent influenza C virus infection may be regulated by endogenously produced IFN. Under the condition of high m.o.i. a persistent influenza C virus infection could not be initiated in MDCK cells due to the development of cytopathic effects.
Insights
Persistent influenza C virus infection in MDCK cells was maintained for over a year, showing cyclic fluctuations. Endogenous interferon (IFN) production appears to regulate this persistent infection.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Influenza C virus (ICV) infections can establish persistent cellular states.
- Understanding the mechanisms regulating persistent viral infections is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics and regulation of persistent influenza C virus infection in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells.
- To determine the role of endogenous interferon (IFN) in maintaining persistent ICV infection.
Main Methods:
- Initiation and long-term maintenance of persistent ICV infection in MDCK cells at low multiplicity of infection (m.o.i.).
- Characterization of persistently infected (p.i.) cultures, including viral production, interferon levels, and resistance to superinfection.
- Curing of p.i. cultures using antiserum and assessment of restored susceptibility to homologous virus.
Main Results:
- Persistent ICV infection was established and maintained in MDCK cells for over a year, with infection limited to a minority of cells.
- P.i. cultures produced low levels of infectious virus and interferon (IFN), exhibiting resistance to homologous and vesicular stomatitis virus superinfection, but not influenza A and B viruses.
- Curing p.i. cultures with antiserum eliminated IFN production and restored susceptibility to homologous virus, indicating IFN's regulatory role. High m.o.i. prevented persistent infection due to cytopathic effects.
Conclusions:
- Persistent influenza C virus infection in MDCK cells is characterized by limited viral spread, low-level IFN production, and resistance to superinfection.
- Endogenously produced interferon (IFN) plays a significant role in regulating persistent influenza C virus infection.
- The establishment of persistent infection is dependent on the multiplicity of infection (m.o.i.), with high m.o.i. leading to cytopathic effects and preventing persistence.