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Published on: November 5, 2019
Pathogenicity of tick-derived lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus in BALB/c mice
Ziyan Liu1,2,3, Xiaojie Liang1, Liang Li3
1Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China.
Background:
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a zoonotic pathogen primarily transmitted by rodents. Recently, LCMV has been detected in ticks from northeastern China; however, the pathogenicity of this virus in murine models remains to be elucidated.
Results:
Here, we examined the tick-derived LCMV strain JX14 by inoculating BALB/c mice with 3.5 × 105 pfu of virus. The mice infected with LCMV displayed clinical manifestations including unkempt fur, anorexia, depression, and oliguria, which subsequently resolved by 10 days post infection (dpi) leading to survival of the infection. During the early phase of infection, low viral titers were detected in throat and anal swabs. The excreted virions demonstrated proliferation in Vero cells and were capable of inducing infection in mock-infected mice. Viral RNA was detected in the blood and organs, with detectable levels persisting for up to six months specifically in the heart. A total of 16 amino acid substitutions were identified in the L, Z, and GPC proteins between the original JX14 strain and the strain obtained after six months of infection in BALB/c mice. Pathological lesions were identified in most organs within 5 dpi except for the kidneys and testicles. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) level was significantly elevated during the early stage of infection and returned to baseline levels within 10 days.
Conclusions:
This study furnishes significant insights into the pathogenic traits of the tick-derived LCMV strain JX14, thereby potentially providing a valuable in vivo research model for examining the immunological responses elicited by chronic viral infections.
Insights
Tick-borne lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) causes temporary illness in mice, with persistent viral RNA in the heart and genetic changes over time. This study offers a model for chronic viral infection research.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a zoonotic pathogen typically spread by rodents.
- LCMV has recently been identified in ticks in northeastern China.
- The pathogenicity of tick-derived LCMV strains in animal models requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenicity of a tick-derived LCMV strain (JX14) in a murine model.
- To characterize the clinical, virological, and pathological outcomes of LCMV infection in BALB/c mice.
- To explore the potential of this model for studying chronic viral infections.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were inoculated with the tick-derived LCMV strain JX14.
- Clinical signs, viral shedding, viral RNA presence in blood and organs, and pathological lesions were monitored.
- Amino acid substitutions in viral proteins and interferon-gamma levels were analyzed.
Main Results:
- LCMV-infected mice showed transient clinical signs and survived infection.
- Viral RNA persisted for up to six months in the heart, with detectable levels in blood and other organs early on.
- Significant amino acid substitutions occurred in viral proteins, and elevated interferon-gamma levels were observed during early infection.
Conclusions:
- The tick-derived LCMV strain JX14 exhibits distinct pathogenic traits in mice.
- Persistent viral RNA and observed genetic mutations suggest chronic infection potential.
- This study establishes a valuable in vivo model for researching immune responses to chronic viral infections.
