Replication of poliovirus in human mononuclear phagocyte cell lines is dependent on the stage of cell differentiation
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Updated: Oct 2, 2026
Particle Agglutination Method for Poliovirus Identification
Published on: April 20, 2011
1Department of Virology, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland.
Abstract:
Both wild-type and attenuated strains of poliovirus type 3 were found to replicate in the U-937 cells, an established cell line derived from human histiocytic lymphoma. However, preincubation of the cells with phorbol ester (PMA) that brought about the typical adherent macrophage-like appearance of the cultures, converted the cells to practically nonpermissive for poliovirus, while their ability to replicate vesicular stomatitis virus was not impaired. RC2A, another human cell line derived from monocytic leukemia, showed no detectable progeny virus production within 48 hr. Poliovirus replication in U-937 cells may be a suitable model for detailed studies of poliovirus-leukocyte interactions.
Insights
Poliovirus type 3 replicates in U-937 cells. However, phorbol ester treatment renders these cells nonpermissive for poliovirus, suggesting a model for studying virus-leukocyte interactions.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Poliovirus infects various cell types.
- U-937 cells are derived from human histiocytic lymphoma.
- Understanding virus-host interactions is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate poliovirus type 3 replication in U-937 cells.
- To determine the effect of phorbol ester (PMA) on poliovirus replication.
- To explore U-937 cells as a model for poliovirus-leukocyte interactions.
Main Methods:
- Culturing U-937 and RC2A cell lines.
- Infecting cells with wild-type and attenuated poliovirus type 3.
- Treating U-937 cells with phorbol ester (PMA).
- Assessing viral replication via progeny virus production.
- Testing vesicular stomatitis virus replication.
Main Results:
- Both wild-type and attenuated poliovirus type 3 replicated in untreated U-937 cells.
- PMA treatment rendered U-937 cells nonpermissive for poliovirus replication.
- PMA treatment did not affect vesicular stomatitis virus replication in U-937 cells.
- RC2A cells showed no detectable poliovirus progeny production.
Conclusions:
- U-937 cells support poliovirus type 3 replication.
- PMA-induced differentiation of U-937 cells inhibits poliovirus replication.
- U-937 cells, particularly after PMA treatment, may serve as a valuable model for poliovirus-leukocyte interactions.
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