Effect of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) on virus replication and maturation

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a common solvent with known biological effects.
• Viral replication involves complex protein synthesis and assembly processes.
• The impact of DMSO on viral yields and component activity requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of varying dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) concentrations on the replication of influenza A virus.
• To determine how DMSO influences the production of infectious virus and key viral components like hemagglutinin and neuraminidase.
• To explore the impact of DMSO on viral protein synthesis and particle assembly.

Main Methods:

• Culturing influenza A virus (fowl plague virus) and related reassortants in the presence of different DMSO concentrations.
• Quantifying infectious virus yields.
• Assaying hemagglutinin and neuraminidase activity.
• Monitoring viral protein synthesis.

Main Results:

• Intermediate DMSO concentrations significantly increased infectious virus yields and hemagglutinin/neuraminidase activity.
• Viral protein synthesis was not substantially affected at intermediate DMSO concentrations.
• Elevated DMSO concentrations led to decreased virus yields and specific inhibition of late viral protein synthesis.
• Similar enhancing effects were observed with Newcastle disease and Semliki Forest viruses.

Conclusions:

• DMSO at intermediate concentrations can facilitate viral particle assembly, leading to enhanced production of infectious virus.
• DMSO's effect on viral yield is concentration-dependent, with inhibitory effects at higher concentrations.
• The findings suggest DMSO can optimize the utilization of viral components for infectious particle maturation.