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Updated: Feb 10, 2026
Tracking Mouse Bone Marrow Monocytes In Vivo
Published on: February 27, 2015
Interaction of PRRS virus with bone marrow monocyte subsets
Teresa Fernández-Caballero1, Belén Álvarez1, Fernando Alonso1
1Dpto. Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), 28040, Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
PRRSV can replicate for months in lymphoid organs leading to persistent host infections. Porcine bone marrow comprises two major monocyte subsets, one of which expresses CD163 and CD169, two receptors involved in the entry of PRRSV in macrophages. In this study, we investigate the permissiveness of these subsets to PRRSV infection. PRRSV replicates efficiently in BM CD163+ monocytes reaching titers similar to those obtained in alveolar macrophages, but with a delayed kinetics. Infection of BM CD163- monocytes was variable and yielded lower titers. This may be related with the capacity of BM CD163- monocytes to differentiate into CD163+ CD169+ cells after culture in presence of M-CSF. Both subsets secreted IL-8 in response to virus but CD163+ cells tended to produce higher amounts. The infection of BM monocytes by PRRSV may contribute to persistence of the virus in this compartment and to hematological disorders found in infected animals such as the reduction in the number of peripheral blood monocytes.
Insights
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infects bone marrow monocytes, contributing to persistent infections. CD163-positive monocytes are highly permissive, impacting viral persistence and host health.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) establishes persistent infections in lymphoid organs.
- Porcine bone marrow contains CD163 and CD169 expressing monocyte subsets crucial for PRRSV entry into macrophages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the permissiveness of porcine bone marrow monocyte subsets to PRRSV infection.
- To understand the role of these subsets in viral persistence and associated hematological disorders.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and culture of porcine bone marrow monocyte subsets (CD163+ and CD163-).
- Infection of monocyte subsets with PRRSV and quantification of viral titers.
- Analysis of cytokine secretion (IL-8) and monocyte differentiation potential.
Main Results:
- PRRSV replicated efficiently in CD163+ bone marrow monocytes, with delayed kinetics compared to alveolar macrophages.
- CD163- bone marrow monocytes showed variable permissiveness and lower viral titers.
- Both subsets secreted IL-8 upon infection, with CD163+ cells producing higher amounts.
- CD163- monocytes could differentiate into CD163+ CD169+ cells in the presence of M-CSF.
Conclusions:
- Porcine bone marrow CD163+ monocytes are a significant reservoir for PRRSV, contributing to viral persistence.
- PRRSV infection of bone marrow monocytes may underlie hematological changes, including reduced peripheral blood monocyte counts.
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