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DWV Infection in vitro Using Honey Bee Pupal Tissue
Yunfei Wu1, Xuye Yuan1, Jing Li1
1Department of Biological Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou Dushu Lake Higher Education Town, Suzhou, China.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|March 1, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed an in vitro system to study deformed wing virus (DWV) infection in honey bees. The P-domain of VP1 is crucial for infection, and early pupal cells are targeted.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Apiculture
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Deformed wing virus (DWV) is a significant honey bee pathogen.
- Understanding DWV infection mechanisms is limited by the absence of immortalized honey bee cell lines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish an in vitro system for studying DWV infection and replication in honey bees.
- To identify key viral components and host factors involved in DWV infection.
Main Methods:
- Developed an in vitro system using honey bee pupal tissue.
- Reconstructed DWV binding, entry, RNA genome translation, and polyprotein processing.
- Utilized RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) as a marker for viral replication.
Main Results:
- The P-domain of the virion subunit VP1 is essential for DWV infection, but not for cell binding or entry.
- DWV preferentially infects undifferentiated cells from early-stage honey bee pupae.
- Inhibitors of mammalian picornavirus 3C-protease (rupintrivir, quercetin) suppressed RdRP synthesis.
Conclusions:
- The established in vitro system effectively models DWV infection, replication, and polyprotein processing.
- This system provides a valuable tool for understanding DWV pathogenesis and for screening antiviral compounds.
- The findings offer insights into host cell targeting and potential therapeutic strategies against DWV.
