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Published on: October 17, 2012
A novel rhabdovirus persistently infects lepidopteran cell lines
Takeo Fukushima1, Shohei Takamura1, Keisuke Shoji1
1Department of Agrobiology and Bioresources, Utsunomiya University, Utsunomiya-shi, Tochigi, Japan.
Abstract:
A novel rhabdovirus was identified in BmN-4 (BmN) cells derived from Bombyx mori and Sf9 cells derived from Spodoptera frugiperda. Genome sequence homology revealed that this novel virus is distinct from the previously reported Spodoptera frugiperda rhabdovirus (SfRV). Given the high similarity of the large protein sequence of this virus to that of the Taarstrup virus, we named it Bombyx mori taarstrup virus (BmTV). When BmTV-negative B. mori-derived cultured cells were inoculated with BmTV, an increase in virus RNA was observed, but no impact on host cell proliferation occurred, suggesting that BmTV exhibits latent infection in insect cells. On the other hand, oral and hemocoel inoculation in B. mori larvae did not cause significant increase in BmTV replication. After subcutaneous inoculation, no difference in adult metamorphosis was observed between BmTV- and mock-inoculated larvae. No virus RNA was detected in eggs laid by adults that had been inoculated with BmTV at larval stage. These findings demonstrate that BmTV is a novel rhabdovirus that persistently infects several lepidopteran cultured cells.
Insights
A novel rhabdovirus, Bombyx mori taarstrup virus (BmTV), was identified and found to persistently infect lepidopteran cultured cells. BmTV showed latent infection in insect cells but limited replication in Bombyx mori larvae.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Insect Pathology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Rhabdoviruses are significant pathogens affecting various organisms.
- Previous identification of Spodoptera frugiperda rhabdovirus (SfRV) highlights viral diversity in insects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a novel rhabdovirus found in Bombyx mori (BmN) and Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells.
- To investigate the infection dynamics and host interactions of this new virus in insect cells and larvae.
Main Methods:
- Genome sequencing and sequence homology analysis to identify and classify the novel virus.
- Inoculation of cultured insect cells and Bombyx mori larvae with the isolated virus.
- Quantification of viral RNA and assessment of host cell proliferation and larval development.
Main Results:
- A novel rhabdovirus, named Bombyx mori taarstrup virus (BmTV), was identified, distinct from SfRV.
- BmTV exhibited latent infection in BmN cells, increasing viral RNA without affecting host proliferation.
- Limited BmTV replication was observed in Bombyx mori larvae via oral or hemocoel inoculation, with no impact on metamorphosis or transgenerational transmission.
Conclusions:
- BmTV is a newly discovered rhabdovirus with the capacity for persistent infection in lepidopteran cultured cells.
- BmTV demonstrates a predominantly latent infection in insect cell lines and limited pathogenicity in Bombyx mori larvae.
