Isolation of Diverse Simian Arteriviruses Causing Hemorrhagic Disease
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Analysis of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-specific CD8+ T-cells in Rhesus Macaques by Peptide-MHC-I Tetramer Staining
Published on: December 23, 2016
Abstract:
Genetically diverse simian arteriviruses (simarteriviruses) naturally infect geographically and phylogenetically diverse monkeys, and cross-species transmission and emergence are of considerable concern. Characterization of most simarteriviruses beyond sequence analysis has not been possible because the viruses fail to propagate in the laboratory. We attempted to isolate 4 simarteriviruses, Kibale red colobus virus 1, Pebjah virus, simian hemorrhagic fever virus, and Southwest baboon virus 1, by inoculating an immortalized grivet cell line (known to replicate simian hemorrhagic fever virus), primary macaque cells, macrophages derived from macaque induced pluripotent stem cells, and mice engrafted with macaque CD34+-enriched hematopoietic stem cells. The combined effort resulted in successful virus isolation; however, no single approach was successful for all 4 simarteriviruses. We describe several approaches that might be used to isolate additional simarteriviruses for phenotypic characterization. Our results will expedite laboratory studies of simarteriviruses to elucidate virus-host interactions, assess zoonotic risk, and develop medical countermeasures.
Insights
Researchers successfully isolated four simian arteriviruses (simarteriviruses) using various laboratory methods. This breakthrough enables further study of these viruses, crucial for understanding zoonotic risks and developing countermeasures.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Primatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Simian arteriviruses (simarteriviruses) infect diverse monkey species.
- Cross-species transmission and emergence of simarteriviruses pose significant concerns.
- Most simarteriviruses cannot be cultured in the lab, hindering characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and apply methods for isolating previously unculturable simarteriviruses.
- To enable phenotypic characterization of diverse simarteriviruses.
- To facilitate research on simarterivirus-host interactions and zoonotic potential.
Main Methods:
- Attempted isolation of four simarteriviruses (Kibale red colobus virus 1, Pebjah virus, simian hemorrhagic fever virus, Southwest baboon virus 1).
- Utilized an immortalized grivet cell line, primary macaque cells, iPSC-derived macrophages, and engrafted mice.
- Employed a combination of cell culture and in vivo inoculation strategies.
Main Results:
- Successful isolation of the target simarteriviruses was achieved.
- No single isolation method proved effective for all four viruses.
- A multi-pronged approach combining cell lines and animal models was necessary.
Conclusions:
- Diverse laboratory approaches are required for simarterivirus isolation.
- Successful isolation paves the way for phenotypic characterization and understanding virus-host interactions.
- This work is critical for assessing zoonotic risk and developing medical countermeasures against simarteriviruses.
