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Mouse cells surviving polyoma virus infection generally retain the whole viral genome
Abstract:
Permissive mouse 3T6 cells were exposed to polyoma virus--either wild-type or early mutant--at high multiplicities of infection. From colonies arising from surviving cells, so-called lines and clones were derived under conditions precluding superinfection. These lines and clones were examined for the presence of viral genetic information, using a variety of techniques. Two salient findings were made: most lines or clones analyzed had retained viral genetic material; generally, this material was nondefective, as evidenced by the production of virus and/or viral DNA molecules of genomic size. These findings indicate that mouse cells can survive for many generations while carrying a complete, infectious, and potentially cytocidal polyoma virus genome.
Insights
Mouse cells can survive polyoma virus infection, retaining the complete viral genome. These cells can produce infectious virus for many generations, indicating persistent viral carriage.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Polyoma virus can infect mouse cells.
- Understanding viral persistence in host cells is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term fate of polyoma virus genetic material in surviving mouse cells.
- To determine if infected cells can maintain and express the viral genome.
Main Methods:
- Exposing permissive mouse 3T6 cells to wild-type or mutant polyoma virus at high multiplicities.
- Deriving cell lines and clones from surviving colonies under conditions preventing reinfection.
- Analyzing retained viral genetic material using various molecular techniques.
Main Results:
- Most derived cell lines and clones retained polyoma viral genetic material.
- The retained viral genetic material was generally nondefective, producing infectious virus and/or genomic-sized viral DNA.
- Indicates stable, long-term carriage of a complete polyoma virus genome in mouse cells.
Conclusions:
- Permissive mouse cells can survive polyoma virus infection and maintain a complete, infectious viral genome across many cell generations.
- This demonstrates a mechanism for persistent viral infection and potential long-term viral shedding from host cells.