The minute virus of mice exploits different endocytic pathways for cellular uptake

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• The Minute virus of mice (MVMp), a parvovirus, lacks detailed cellular uptake mechanism studies.
• Understanding viral entry is crucial for comprehending viral pathogenesis and developing interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the cellular uptake mechanisms of MVMp in different host cell types.
• To investigate the role of endocytic pathways in MVMp entry.

Main Methods:

• Immunofluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy were employed to visualize MVMp endocytosis.
• Drug inhibitors targeting specific endocytic pathways were used in conjunction with flow cytometry.
• MVMp entry was analyzed in mouse LA9 fibroblasts and a transformed epithelial-mesenchymal transition cell line.

Main Results:

• MVMp endocytosis was observed at the leading edge of migrating cells near focal adhesions.
• MVMp utilized clathrin-mediated endocytosis in LA9 fibroblasts.
• Transformed cells employed clathrin-, caveolin-, and clathrin-independent carrier-mediated endocytosis for MVMp entry.

Conclusions:

• MVMp employs diverse endocytic strategies for cellular entry, varying with host cell context.
• The identified pathways offer insights into parvovirus-host cell interactions.
• Cellular transformation influences the endocytic mechanisms utilized by MVMp.