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Reverse Genetics Mediated Recovery of Infectious Murine Norovirus
Published on: June 24, 2012
The Role of Interferon in Persistent Viral Infection: Insights from Murine Norovirus
Timothy J Nice1, Bridget A Robinson1, Jacob A Van Winkle1
1Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
Abstract:
Persistent viral infections result from evasion or avoidance of sterilizing immunity, extend the timeframe of virus transmission, and can trigger disease. Prior studies in mouse models of persistent infection have suggested that ineffective adaptive immune responses are necessary for persistent viral infection. However, recent work in the murine norovirus (MNV) model of persistent infection demonstrates that innate immunity can control both early and persistent viral replication independently of adaptive immune effector functions. Interferons (IFNs) are central to the innate control of persistent MNV, apart from a role in modulating adaptive immunity. Furthermore, subtypes of IFN play distinct tissue-specific roles in innate control of persistent MNV infection. Type I IFN (IFN-α/β) controls systemic replication, and type III IFN (IFN-λ) controls MNV persistence in the intestinal epithelium. In this article, we review recent findings in the MNV model, highlighting the role of IFNs and innate immunity in clearing persistent viral infection, and discussing the broader implications of these findings for control of persistent human infections.
Insights
Innate immunity, particularly interferons (IFNs), controls persistent murine norovirus (MNV) infection independently of adaptive immunity. Type I and III IFNs have distinct roles in controlling systemic and intestinal MNV replication, respectively.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Persistent viral infections pose significant public health challenges due to transmission and disease causation.
- Previous research suggested adaptive immunity is crucial for controlling persistent viral infections.
- Murine norovirus (MNV) serves as a model for studying persistent viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on the role of innate immunity in controlling persistent MNV infection.
- To highlight the specific functions of interferons (IFNs) in clearing persistent viral infections.
- To discuss the implications for managing persistent human viral infections.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies utilizing the MNV mouse model.
- Analysis of the interplay between innate and adaptive immune responses.
- Investigation of the tissue-specific roles of different interferon subtypes.
Main Results:
- Innate immunity, independent of adaptive immune effector functions, controls both early and persistent MNV replication.
- Interferons (IFNs) are central to the innate control of persistent MNV.
- Type I IFNs (IFN-α/β) control systemic viral replication, while Type III IFNs (IFN-λ) control intestinal persistence.
Conclusions:
- Innate immune responses, especially interferons, are critical for clearing persistent viral infections like MNV.
- Distinct interferon subtypes exhibit tissue-specific functions in controlling viral persistence.
- Understanding these innate mechanisms offers potential strategies for controlling persistent human infections.
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