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Isolation and plaque purification of a syncytial forming component of myxoma virus
1Chaire de Maladies Contagieuses, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Lyon, Charbonnières, France.
Abstract:
Using the endpoint dilution and plaque purification technique performed on rabbit kidney cells, two stable syncytial clones of myxoma virus have been isolated. No eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies nor intranuclear granulations could be detected in cells infected with these clones. Traditional plaques with the central area of detached cells surrounded by round cells also could not be recognized. However, when enough virus was added, one large complete syncytium developed in 24 on the monolayer. Syncytial activity was associated with the entire particle. This was the first time that myxoma virus is reported to demonstrate such an intense syncytial activity.
Insights
Researchers isolated two myxoma virus clones exhibiting intense syncytial activity in rabbit kidney cells. These clones produced large syncytia, a novel observation for myxoma virus, without typical inclusion bodies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Myxoma virus typically causes distinct cytopathic effects in cell cultures.
- Previous studies have not reported significant syncytial activity associated with myxoma virus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize stable syncytial clones of myxoma virus.
- To investigate the cytopathic effects of these novel myxoma virus clones.
Main Methods:
- Endpoint dilution and plaque purification techniques were employed.
- Rabbit kidney cells were used for virus isolation and culture.
- Microscopic examination was performed to observe cytopathic effects.
Main Results:
- Two stable syncytial clones of myxoma virus were successfully isolated.
- Infected cells did not exhibit eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies or intranuclear granulations.
- Large, complete syncytia developed rapidly in cell monolayers upon infection with sufficient viral load.
- Syncytial activity was found to be associated with the entire virus particle.
Conclusions:
- Myxoma virus can exhibit intense syncytial activity, a previously unreported characteristic.
- The isolated clones represent a novel phenotype of myxoma virus with significant syncytial potential.