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MRC-5 cells, a model for Junín virus persistent infection
Abstract:
Persistent infection of MRC-5 cells was established following inoculation with attenuated Junín virus (JV). In the acute phase of the infection both the pathogenic XJ and the attenuated XJ0 and XJC13 strains showed severe c.p.e. and free viral titres reached 10(5) p.f.u./ml. Recovery and establishment of persistently infected MRC-5 sublines (MRC-5PI) proved a very common event and seemed to be independent of viral strain, m.o.i. employed or virus passage history. These MRC-5PI sublines released virus throughout their life span and infectious centre assays performed at different passage levels with two sublines showed that 5 to 9% of the cells were producing virus. Heterotypic but not heterologous resistance to superinfection developed, as observed in persistent JV-heteroploid cell systems. Analysis of released JV showed that attenuation had not been markedly altered, but alteration in plaque morphology under methyl cellulose, appearance of temperature-sensitive mutants and alterations in mouse pathology imply that some properties of JV have been altered. Results presented here stress once again the ability of JV to establish persistent infections. The source and diploid characteristics of MRC-5 cells make them a satisfactory model for JV persistence studies.
Insights
Junín virus (JV) readily establishes persistent infections in MRC-5 cells, a diploid cell line. This model is suitable for studying viral persistence and potential alterations in virus properties.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Junín virus (JV) is an arenavirus known to cause Argentine hemorrhagic fever.
- Persistent viral infections can alter host cell characteristics and viral properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and characterize persistent Junín virus infections in MRC-5 cells.
- To evaluate MRC-5 cells as a model for studying JV persistence.
Main Methods:
- Inoculation of MRC-5 cells with attenuated Junín virus strains.
- Monitoring of viral replication, cytopathic effects, and viral release.
- Analysis of viral properties in persistently infected cells.
Main Results:
- Persistent Junín virus infection was commonly established in MRC-5 cells, independent of viral strain or multiplicity of infection.
- Persistently infected cells released infectious virus throughout their lifespan.
- Altered viral properties, including plaque morphology and temperature sensitivity, were observed, suggesting viral adaptation.
Conclusions:
- MRC-5 cells provide a suitable diploid cell model for studying Junín virus persistence.
- Persistent JV infection in MRC-5 cells can lead to alterations in viral characteristics.
- Further research into JV persistence mechanisms and implications is warranted.