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Friend virus replication as a function of age
B Cinader1, H C van der Gaag, S Y Koh
1Department of Anatomy, University of Toronto, Canada.
Abstract:
We have investigated the effect of age on the replication of Friend spleen focus-forming virus (SFFV). Recovery of SFFV from the spleens of four strains of mice was determined following intravenous infection with NB-tropic Friend virus (FV) complex at ages ranging from 6 to 134 weeks. In C57BL/6 mice, the virus did not replicate in adults up to 40 weeks of age, but beyond that there was a steep exponential increase with age in the amounts of SFFV recoverable. In C3H/He mice, which replicate the virus as young adults, the amount of SFFV recovered was 6-fold greater in old than in young mice. Recovery of virus was biphasic with age in SJL mice; in A strain mice no consistent change with age was noted. In C57BL/6 mice, reconstitution of lethally irradiated recipients with syngeneic marrow cells, followed by i.v. infection with FV, showed that the amounts of SFFV recovered depended on the age of the recipient. The present work shows that Friend SFFV replication is a sensitive indicator and can be used as a tool for the investigation of aging processes. The mechanisms responsible for the age-dependent change in regulation of virus replication and for the polymorphism remain to be determined.
Insights
Aging significantly impacts Friend spleen focus-forming virus (SFFV) replication in mice. This study reveals age-dependent changes in virus recovery, suggesting SFFV can indicate aging processes.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Friend spleen focus-forming virus (SFFV) is a retrovirus known to infect mice.
- Age-related changes in immune function can influence viral replication and pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of host age on the replication of Friend spleen focus-forming virus (SFFV) in different mouse strains.
- To determine if SFFV replication can serve as a biomarker for aging processes.
Main Methods:
- Four strains of mice (C57BL/6, C3H/He, SJL, and A) were infected with NB-tropic Friend virus (FV) complex at various ages (6-134 weeks).
- Spleen tissues were analyzed for SFFV recovery.
- Irradiated C57BL/6 mice were reconstituted with syngeneic marrow cells and infected with FV to assess recipient age effects.
Main Results:
- SFFV replication showed significant age-dependent increases in C57BL/6 mice after 40 weeks of age.
- In C3H/He mice, older individuals showed a 6-fold greater SFFV recovery compared to younger adults.
- SJL mice exhibited biphasic age-related SFFV recovery, while A strain mice showed no consistent age-related changes.
- In C57BL/6 mice, recipient age influenced SFFV recovery following marrow reconstitution and FV infection.
Conclusions:
- Friend SFFV replication is sensitive to host age in mice, varying across different genetic backgrounds.
- Age-dependent changes in SFFV replication suggest its potential utility as an indicator for studying aging processes.
- The underlying mechanisms governing age-related regulation of SFFV replication and observed polymorphisms require further investigation.