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Host ranges of Sf-rhabdoviruses harbored by lepidopteran insects and insect cell lines

Mark T Menghini1, Christoph Geisler2, Ajay B Maghodia2

  • 1Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA.

Virology
|June 22, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Spodoptera frugiperda rhabdoviruses (Sf-RVs) and a related Sf-CAT-RV can infect various cell types and mice. However, these viruses are cleared within two weeks and do not pose a significant threat to human health.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Insect Pathology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf) cell lines are crucial for baculovirus expression systems.
  • These widely used cell lines are frequently contaminated with Spodoptera frugiperda rhabdoviruses (Sf-RVs).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize a novel rhabdovirus (Sf-CAT-RV) related to Sf-RVs.
  • To evaluate the host range and pathogenicity of Sf-RVs and Sf-CAT-RV in vitro and in vivo.

Main Methods:

  • Virus isolation and identification.
  • In vitro infection assays using cell lines (Vero) and primary cells (mouse ear fibroblasts).
  • In vivo infection studies in immunocompromised mice (RAG2/IL2RG-/-).

Main Results:

  • A novel virus, Sf-CAT-RV, was identified in the caterpillar species used for Sf cell line isolation.
  • Both Sf-RV and Sf-CAT-RV demonstrated infectivity in Vero cells and mouse ear fibroblasts.
  • Pantropic infections were established in immunocompromised mice, but viruses were cleared within two weeks without adverse effects.

Conclusions:

  • The original caterpillars used for Sf21 cell isolation are the likely source of Sf-RV contamination.
  • Sf-RVs and Sf-CAT-RV possess broader host ranges than previously understood.
  • Neither Sf-RV nor Sf-CAT-RV appears to pose a significant risk to human health.
Keywords:
Adventitious viral contaminationBaculovirus-insect cell expression systemBiosafetyInsect cell linesSf-rhabdovirus

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