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Microbial Biofilms: Human T-cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 First in Line for Viral Biofilm but Far Behind Bacterial
Yousef Maali1, Chloé Journo1, Renaud Mahieux1
1CIRI - Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS Lyon, Lyon, France.
Abstract:
Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a retrovirus associated with adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). To date, it is the unique published example of a virus able to form a biofilm at the surface of infected cells. Deeply studied in bacteria, bacterial biofilms represent multicellular assemblies of bacteria in contact with a surface and shielded by the extracellular matrix (ECM). Microbial lifestyle in biofilms, either viral or bacterial, is opposed structurally and physiologically to an isolated lifestyle, in which viruses or bacteria freely float in their environment. HTLV-1 biofilm formation is believed to be promoted by viral proteins, mainly Tax, through remodeling of the ECM of the infected cells. HTLV-1 biofilm has been linked to cell-to-cell transmission of the virus. However, in comparison to bacterial biofilms, very little is known on kinetics of viral biofilm formation or dissemination, but also on its pathophysiological roles, such as escape from immune detection or therapeutic strategies, as well as promotion of leukemogenesis. The switch between production of cell-free isolated virions and cell-associated viral biofilm, although not fully apprehended yet, remains a key step to understand HTLV-1 infection and pathogenesis.
Insights
Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) forms unique viral biofilms on infected cells, differing from bacterial biofilms. Understanding this cell-associated lifestyle is crucial for HTLV-1 pathogenesis and transmission research.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) causes adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP).
- HTLV-1 is unique among viruses for forming biofilms on infected cells, a stark contrast to free-floating virions.
- Bacterial biofilms, well-studied, involve multicellular bacteria shielded by an extracellular matrix (ECM).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the formation, kinetics, and pathophysiological roles of HTLV-1 biofilms.
- To explore how HTLV-1 biofilms contribute to viral transmission, immune evasion, and leukemogenesis.
- To understand the switch between free virion production and cell-associated biofilm formation in HTLV-1 infection.
Main Methods:
- The study focuses on reviewing existing literature and research on HTLV-1 biofilm formation.
- Analysis of viral protein roles, particularly the Tax protein, in ECM remodeling and biofilm assembly.
- Comparative analysis between viral and bacterial biofilm structures and functions.
Main Results:
- HTLV-1 biofilm formation is primarily driven by the viral Tax protein, which remodels the host cell's ECM.
- Viral biofilms are implicated in promoting cell-to-cell transmission of HTLV-1.
- Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding the kinetics, dissemination, and full pathophysiological impact of HTLV-1 biofilms compared to bacterial counterparts.
Conclusions:
- HTLV-1 biofilm formation represents a critical, yet understudied, aspect of viral pathogenesis.
- The transition to a biofilm lifestyle may facilitate immune evasion and contribute to disease progression, including leukemogenesis.
- Further research into HTLV-1 biofilms is essential for developing effective therapeutic strategies and understanding viral infection dynamics.
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