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Deleted viral RNAs and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus persistence in vitro
1Department of Immunology, Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation, La Jolla, California 92037.
Abstract:
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection of most tissue culture cell lines results in a non-cytopathic persistent infection. Persistent infections in vitro share many characteristics with persistent LCMV infection of mice; both are associated with decreased titres of infectious virus, restricted accumulation of viral glycoproteins at the surface of infected cells and the generation of interfering particles. We have used gel electrophoresis and hybridization techniques to analyse LCMV gene expression during persistent infection of a number of tissue culture cell lines. Our study has demonstrated that, although deleted viral RNAs can be detected during persistent LCMV infection in vitro, there may not be an obligatory association between deleted RNAs and persistence. In addition, we have found that LCMV interfering activity can be produced in the apparent absence of deleted intracellular viral RNAs.
Insights
Persistent lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infections in cell cultures may not require deleted viral RNAs. LCMV interfering activity can occur without detectable intracellular deleted viral RNAs.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) causes persistent, non-cytopathic infections in most tissue culture cell lines.
- In vitro persistent infections mimic in vivo infections in mice, showing reduced infectious virus, limited viral glycoprotein surface accumulation, and interfering particle generation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate LCMV gene expression during persistent in vitro infections.
- To determine the association between deleted viral RNAs and viral persistence.
- To explore the production of LCMV interfering activity in the absence of deleted viral RNAs.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of LCMV gene expression using gel electrophoresis and hybridization techniques.
- Study conducted on various tissue culture cell lines persistently infected with LCMV.
Main Results:
- Deleted viral RNAs were detected during persistent LCMV infection in vitro.
- The presence of deleted viral RNAs may not be obligatory for maintaining viral persistence.
- LCMV interfering activity was produced even when deleted intracellular viral RNAs were not apparent.
Conclusions:
- The study challenges the necessity of deleted viral RNAs for LCMV persistence in cell cultures.
- LCMV interfering activity can be generated independently of detectable intracellular deleted viral RNAs, suggesting alternative mechanisms at play.