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Published on: September 3, 2008
In vitro host range of five baculoviruses in lepidopteran cell lines
Abstract:
The in vitro host range of five nuclear polyhedrosis viruses (NPV) was assessed in five lepidopteran cell lines from three genera. Multiple-enveloped baculoviruses of Autographa californica (ACMNPV), Trichoplusia ni (TNMNPV), and Galleria mellonella (GMMNPV) replicated in cells of T. ni, Spodoptera frugiperda, and Heliothis virescens to a titer of approximately 10(7) TCID50/ml. The multiple-enveloped baculovirus of S. frugiperda (SFMNPV) replicated only in S. frugiperda cells. The single-enveloped baculovirus of H. zea (HZSNPV) replicated in cells of H. zea and H. virescens but not in cells of H. armigera, T. ni, or S. frugiperda. Low levels of replication of ACMNPV, TNMNPV, and SFMNPV in cultures of H.zea, H. virescens, and T. ni, respectively, could not be detected by using a sensitive tritiated thymidine technique. However, two characteristically labelled peaks at densities of 1.145 and 1.245 g/ml were obtained in H. virescens cells inoculated with ACMNPV.60 min postinoculation ACMNPV particles were observed both entering and inside S. frugiperda cells but were not observed in H. zea or H. armigera cells. None of the five baculoviruses replicated in H. armigera cells.
Insights
This study assessed the in vitro host range of five nuclear polyhedrosis viruses (NPVs) in lepidopteran cell lines. Different NPVs showed varying replication capabilities, with some exhibiting broad host ranges and others being highly specific.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Insect Pathology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Nuclear polyhedrosis viruses (NPVs) are significant pathogens of lepidopteran insects.
- Understanding the in vitro host range of NPVs is crucial for developing effective biocontrol strategies.
- Previous studies have indicated variability in NPV host specificity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the in vitro host range of five different NPVs across five lepidopteran cell lines from three genera.
- To compare the replication efficiency of multiple-enveloped and single-enveloped NPVs in various cell lines.
- To investigate the cellular entry mechanisms of NPVs in susceptible and non-susceptible cell lines.
Main Methods:
- In vitro replication assays using five lepidopteran cell lines.
- Titration of viral progeny using TCID50 (50% tissue culture infectious dose).
- Detection of viral replication using a sensitive tritiated thymidine incorporation technique.
- Electron microscopy to observe viral particle entry and localization.
Main Results:
- Multiple-enveloped NPVs (ACMNPV, TNMNPV, GMMNPV) replicated in *T. ni*, *S. frugiperda*, and *H. virescens* cells (approx. 10^7 TCID50/ml).
- Single-enveloped HZSNPV replicated only in *H. zea* and *H. virescens* cells.
- *S. frugiperda* NPV (SFMNPV) replicated exclusively in *S. frugiperda* cells.
- ACMNPV showed limited replication in *H. zea* and *H. virescens*, confirmed by tritiated thymidine assays and electron microscopy showing cellular entry.
Conclusions:
- The in vitro host range of NPVs is virus- and cell line-specific.
- Multiple-enveloped NPVs generally exhibit a broader host range in vitro compared to single-enveloped NPVs.
- Cellular entry mechanisms, as observed with ACMNPV, play a role in determining NPV host range.
