Group C adenovirus DNA sequences in human lymphoid cells

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Group C adenoviruses are common human pathogens.
• The long-term fate of adenovirus DNA within host cells remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and persistence of group C adenovirus DNA in human peripheral blood lymphocytes.
• To determine if adenovirus infection leads to latent viral genomes in circulating immune cells.

Main Methods:

• Hybridization techniques were used to detect adenovirus DNA in lymphocytes from adults and cord blood.
• In situ hybridization quantified viral genome copies per cell.
• Infectious virus recovery and antibody treatment were employed to assess viral activity and clearance.

Main Results:

• Group C adenovirus DNA was detected in 13/17 adult peripheral blood lymphocyte samples and 7/7 lymphoblastoid cell lines.
• Approximately 1-2% of lymphocytes contained 50-100 copies of viral DNA per cell.
• Viral DNA was identified in B, T, and NK cells, but rarely in cord blood lymphocytes.

Conclusions:

• Childhood infections with group C adenoviruses can lead to the persistence of viral genomes in circulating lymphocytes.
• The presence of viral DNA in various immune cell types suggests a broad tropism and long-term carriage.
• Adenovirus DNA appears to persist despite the presence of antiviral antibodies, indicating a stable latent state.