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Modulation in response to temperature of Mayaro virus proteosynthesis in Aedes Albopictus cells

M da G Carvalho1, J da S Mezêncio, M Rebello

  • 1Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, U.F.R.J., C.C.S., Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

Acta Virologica
|May 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

High temperatures inhibit Mayaro virus replication in Aedes albopictus cells by affecting protein synthesis. Shifting to lower temperatures after heat exposure partially restores virus protein production.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Cell Biology
  • Arthropod-borne Viruses

Background:

  • Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an arbovirus that can cause significant human disease.
  • Understanding virus-host interactions is crucial for developing antiviral strategies.
  • Cellular responses to viral infections, particularly under thermal stress, are not fully elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of high-temperature incubation on Mayaro virus replication in Aedes albopictus cells.
  • To analyze the impact of thermal stress on cellular and viral protein synthesis during Mayaro virus infection.
  • To determine if temperature shifts can restore viral replication and protein synthesis.

Main Methods:

  • Infection of Aedes albopictus cell cultures with Mayaro virus.
  • Incubation of infected cells at 37°C for varying durations (1 hour and longer).
  • Analysis of cellular and viral protein synthesis using techniques like SDS-PAGE and Western blotting.
  • Temperature shift experiments from 37°C to 28°C.

Main Results:

  • Incubation at 37°C significantly inhibited Mayaro virus replication and both cellular and viral protein synthesis within the first hour post-infection.
  • Heat shock proteins (82 kD and 70 kD) were preferentially synthesized during the initial phase of heat exposure.
  • Prolonged incubation (>1 hour) at 37°C led to a return to normal cellular protein synthesis patterns, but viral replication remained inhibited.
  • Shifting infected cells from 37°C to 28°C after heat exposure resulted in the preferential synthesis of three major viral proteins (62 kD, 50 kD, and 34 kD).

Conclusions:

  • Elevated temperatures (37°C) induce a heat shock response in Aedes albopictus cells, leading to the inhibition of Mayaro virus replication.
  • The inhibition of viral protein synthesis is an early event during thermal stress.
  • While cellular protein synthesis can recover, viral replication does not recover at 37°C.
  • Temperature downshift can partially restore viral protein synthesis, suggesting a potential therapeutic window for arboviral infections.

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