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Updated: Jun 13, 2025
Zika Virus Infectious Cell Culture System and the In Vitro Prophylactic Effect of Interferons
Published on: August 23, 2016
Heterologous interference between Mayaro and Chikungunya viruses in Vero cells
Mauricio Gabriel E L Silva1, Karla Fabiane L Melo2, Samir M M Casseb2
1Center for Biological and Health Sciences, University of Pará State, Travessa Perebebuí, 2623 - Marco, Belém, PA, Brazil, 66095-662; Section for Arbovirology and Hemorrhagic Fevers, Evandro Chagas Institute, Rodovia BR-316, km 7 s/n - Levilândia, Ananindeua, PA, Brazil, 67030-000.
Purpose:
Mayaro virus (MAYV) and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) are arthritogenic alphaviruses with distinct natural vectors but common vertebrate hosts, whose concomitant circulation in Central and South America provides opportunities for mixed infections in humans. In view of this, we aimed to investigate the heterologous interference between these arboviruses during coinfections and superinfections in a primate cell line.
Methods:
Experimental infections with MAYV and CHIKV were performed singly, simultaneously or consecutively, and cytopathic effect, cell viability and virus load were assessed by phase contrast light microscopy, fluorimetry and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively.
Results:
All infection schemes led to a strong cytopathic effect accompanied by an average reduction of almost 90 % in cell viability within 24 h post-infection. Although there was no statistically significant difference between the loads of both viruses in coinfections, a decrease in the individual virus load of more than 90 % when compared to their respective single infections was observed. Furthermore, superinfections resulted in widely significant differences in the amount of progeny formed for each virus, with a first-mover advantage regardless of the species.
Conclusions:
MAYV and CHIKV are subject to heterologous interference during coinfections and superinfections in primate cells, which could possibly impact disease outcome in humans.
Insights
Mayaro virus (MAYV) and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) coinfections and superinfections in primate cells show significant heterologous interference, reducing viral loads by over 90%. This interaction may influence disease outcomes in humans.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Mayaro virus (MAYV) and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) are arthritogenic alphaviruses co-circulating in Central and South America.
- Their shared vertebrate hosts create opportunities for human coinfections and superinfections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate heterologous viral interference between MAYV and CHIKV during coinfections and superinfections.
- To analyze the impact of these interactions in a primate cell line model.
Main Methods:
- Experimental infections with MAYV and CHIKV were performed singly, simultaneously, or consecutively.
- Cytopathic effect, cell viability, and virus load were assessed using microscopy, fluorimetry, and RT-qPCR.
Main Results:
- All infection schemes caused significant cytopathic effects and reduced cell viability by ~90% within 24 hours.
- Coinfections showed no significant difference in viral loads but reduced individual virus loads by over 90% compared to single infections.
- Superinfections demonstrated a 'first-mover advantage,' significantly altering progeny virus formation regardless of the specific virus.
Conclusions:
- MAYV and CHIKV exhibit heterologous interference during coinfection and superinfection in primate cells.
- This interference mechanism could potentially affect disease progression and outcomes in human infections.
