In vitro analysis of Porcine Endogenous Retroviruses in different pig cell types

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Transplantation Biology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Organ transplantation faces a critical shortage, with xenotransplantation using porcine organs as a potential solution.
• Concerns exist regarding infectious agents in pigs, particularly Pig Endogenous Retroviruses (PERVs), which are integrated into the swine genome.
• PERVs represent a significant biological risk that needs thorough evaluation before clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the distribution of PERVs in various swine cell lines and samples from domestic and feral pigs.
• To investigate the potential of PERVs to infect human and non-human primate cells.
• To determine the capacity of PERVs to integrate into the host cell genome.

Main Methods:

• Real-Time PCR was employed to detect PERV DNA.
• Reverse Transcriptase (RT) assays were used to assess viral activity.
• Infection assays were performed using porcine cell lines to inoculate human and non-human primate cells.

Main Results:

• PERVs were detected in all established swine cell lines, 40% of primary cell lines, and 60% of tissue samples.
• Porcine cells infected with PERVs successfully transmitted the virus to human cells (293 and MRC-5).
• Active viral production was confirmed in infected human cells via PCR and RT assays.

Conclusions:

• PERVs are widely distributed in pigs and possess the capability to infect human cells.
• The transmission of PERVs from porcine to human cells highlights a significant microbiological risk for xenotransplantation.
• Extensive further research is essential to address PERV-related concerns and ensure the safety of xenotransplantation procedures.