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Published on: October 17, 2018
Mouse Testicular Cell Type-Specific Antiviral Response against Mumps Virus Replication
Han Wu1, Xiang Zhao2, Fei Wang2
1School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, College of Animal Science and Technology, Institute of Epigenetics and Epigenomics, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.
Mumps virus (MuV) infects most testicular cells, but its replication varies. Testicular cells use interferon-beta and autophagy as antiviral defenses against MuV, offering insights into male infertility causes.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Mumps virus (MuV) frequently targets the testes, potentially causing orchitis and male infertility.
- Understanding MuV replication within testicular cells and the body's defense mechanisms is crucial but incomplete.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate MuV tropism and replication across various testicular cell types.
- To characterize the innate antiviral responses, including interferon-beta and autophagy, against MuV in the testis.
Main Methods:
- MuV infection assays were performed on Leydig cells (LC), testicular macrophages, Sertoli cells (SC), and male germ cells (GC).
- Interferon-beta (IFN-β) levels and antiviral protein expression were measured.
- Autophagy activity was assessed in relation to MuV replication.
Main Results:
- MuV infected LC, macrophages, SC, and GC, with higher replication efficiency in SC.
- MuV did not replicate in male GC.
- IFN-β inhibited MuV replication in LC, macrophages, and SC, correlating with increased antiviral proteins.
- Autophagy inhibited MuV replication in GC and testicular macrophages, but not in LC or SC.
Conclusions:
- Testicular cells display diverse innate immune responses to MuV infection.
- IFN-β and autophagy are key antiviral mechanisms employed by testicular cells against MuV.
- These findings contribute to understanding MuV-induced male infertility.
