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Infectious transmission of human T-cell leukemia virus to rabbits
Abstract:
A rabbit lymphoid cell line (Ra-1) was established by co-cultivation with a human T-cell line (MT-2) carrying human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV). The Ra-1 cell line is chromosomally male and is persistently infected with HTLV. Ra-1 cells, with or without mitomycin C treatment, were inoculated intravenously (i.v.) into 3 female rabbits. All 3 animals responded with the production of antibodies to HTLV antigens. Lymphocytes from one of these seroconverters were cultured in the presence of T-cell growth factor (TCGF) and HTLV particles were detected in the TCGF-grown lymphocytes which were chromosomally female. Co-cultivation of lymphocytes from the 2 other seroconverters with lymphocytes from 2 anti-HTLV-negative healthy men gave rise to the establishment of an HTLV-producing T-cell line derived from each individual. Blood transfusion from one of the HTLV-infected rabbits into 2 female rabbits also resulted in the seroconversion of both recipients. An HTLV-carrying lymphoid cell line (Ra-2) was established from one of the transfusion-related seroconverters. The Ra-2 cell line was initially TCGF-dependent but later became TCGF-independent. There results indicate that HTLV can be transmitted to rabbits. These animals may provide a suitable model system for studying the mode of transmission and pathogenicity of HTLV.
Insights
Researchers established a rabbit lymphoid cell line persistently infected with human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV). Rabbits inoculated with these cells or receiving blood transfusions seroconverted, indicating HTLV transmission and a potential new animal model.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV) is a retrovirus associated with various diseases.
- Establishing reliable animal models is crucial for understanding HTLV transmission and pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the susceptibility of rabbits to HTLV infection.
- To develop a rabbit model for studying HTLV transmission and disease.
Main Methods:
- Co-cultivation of rabbit lymphoid cells with an HTLV-infected human T-cell line (MT-2) to establish Ra-1 cell line.
- Intravenous inoculation of Ra-1 cells into female rabbits and monitoring for seroconversion.
- Culture of seroconverted rabbit lymphocytes with T-cell growth factor (TCGF) and detection of HTLV.
- Blood transfusion from infected rabbits to naive rabbits and establishment of HTLV-carrying cell lines (Ra-2).
Main Results:
- Rabbit lymphoid cell line Ra-1, persistently infected with HTLV, was established.
- Inoculated rabbits and recipients of infected rabbit blood seroconverted, indicating antibody production against HTLV antigens.
- HTLV was detected in cultured lymphocytes from seroconverted rabbits.
- HTLV-producing T-cell lines (Ra-2) were successfully derived from infected rabbits.
Conclusions:
- Rabbits can be infected with HTLV, demonstrating susceptibility to the virus.
- The developed rabbit model shows promise for studying HTLV transmission routes and pathogenicity.
- This model may facilitate research into HTLV-associated diseases.