Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026
Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates
Published on: July 6, 2013
Pathogenic potential and growth kinetics of Muko virus in mice and human-derived cells
Gianne Eduard L Ulanday1, Satoshi Shimada2, Ngwe Tun Mya Myat1
1Department of Virology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523 Japan.
Background:
Ticks have been long known as vectors of various pathogens, some of which can cause high fatality rates among infected individuals. Our enhanced tick surveillance around Nagasaki, Japan, led to the isolation and identification of a new strain of a recently identified Orbivirus, Muko virus (MUV). The orbiviruses have a wide host range, including humans, and is related to a spectrum of clinical outcomes. However, the zoonotic potential of some members of the genus, although reported, were not clearly elucidated. Hence, it is imperative to characterize newly isolated orbiviruses and investigate its ability to endanger public health.
Methods:
In this study, we explored the in vivo pathogenicity of a newly isolated MUV strain (MUV-Hay) using a mouse model and demonstrated its growth kinetics in human-derived cells.
Results:
Our results showed the ability of MUV-Hay to propagate in human neuronal and renal cells with some cytopathic effect. Furthermore, intracerebral inoculation of our new isolate caused high mortality in adult A129 mice.
Conclusion:
Our study provided a first step to experimentally test the hypothesis, that MUV can replicate and produce cytopathic effect in human cells and demonstrate virulence in adult mice.
Insights
A new Muko virus (MUV) strain, MUV-Hay, isolated in Japan, can infect human cells and causes severe illness and death in mice. This finding highlights the potential public health risk posed by this newly identified orbivirus.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pathogen Discovery
- Public Health
Background:
- Ticks are known vectors of dangerous pathogens.
- A new orbivirus strain, Muko virus (MUV), was identified in Japan.
- The zoonotic potential of orbiviruses requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the Muko virus (MUV) strain MUV-Hay.
- To investigate the in vivo pathogenicity and in vitro growth kinetics of MUV-Hay.
- To assess the public health implications of MUV.
Main Methods:
- Pathogenicity studies in a mouse model (A129 mice).
- Growth kinetics analysis in human-derived neuronal and renal cells.
- Intracerebral inoculation to determine MUV-Hay virulence.
Main Results:
- MUV-Hay replicated in human neuronal and renal cells, causing cytopathic effects.
- Intracerebral inoculation of MUV-Hay led to high mortality in adult A129 mice.
- Demonstrated the virulence of the MUV-Hay strain.
Conclusions:
- MUV can replicate in human cells and cause cytopathic effects.
- MUV-Hay exhibits virulence in a mouse model.
- This study is a first step in understanding MUV's public health threat.
