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Updated: Jun 29, 2026

Isolation of Fidelity Variants of RNA Viruses and Characterization of Virus Mutation Frequency
Published on: June 16, 2011
Biological characteristics of an enterovirus A71 subgroup C4 strain isolated in China
Tianli Ma1,2, Huan Li1, Yunfang Li3
1Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 Dongda Street, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100071, China.
Background:
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a widespread infectious disease primarily affecting infants and young children. Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) comprises eight genogroups, among which subgroup C4 is the dominant viral agent in China and is frequently associated with HFMD and central nervous system infections. The genetic characteristics of an EV-A71 subgroup C4 strain obtained in this study were analyzed using whole-genome sequencing. Its biological characteristics, including infectivity, replication, and cytotoxicity, were investigated in human rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) and African green monkey kidney (Vero) cells.
Methods:
A clinical EV-A71 C4 subgourp GD10 strain isolated in China was examined to evaluate its genetic and biological features. Its relationships with strains listed in GenBank were evaluated using phylogenetic analysis. Viral infectivity and replication were assessed in RD and Vero cells. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by measuring cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and ATP levels. Effects on blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity were investigated in vitro by assessing transendothelial electrical resistance and viral load across the barrier.
Results:
Sequence analysis confirmed that GD10 belonged to subgroup C4 and closely resembled strains from China. GD10 infection induced a pronounced cytopathic effect and elevated viral RNA levels in RD cells but not in Vero cells. The infection time-dependently increased LDH release and reduced ATP levels. GD10 compromised BBB integrity and crossed the cellular barrier in vitro.
Conclusion:
The GD10 strain demonstrated strong adaptability to RD cells and impaired BBB function. Our results improve the understanding of virus-host interactions and may support efforts towards EV-A71 vaccine development.
Clinical Trial:
Not applicable.
Insights
A new Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) strain, GD10, shows strong infectivity in human cells and impairs the blood-brain barrier. This research enhances understanding of EV-A71
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common childhood illness.
- Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) subgroup C4 is a prevalent cause of HFMD and neurological infections in China.
- Understanding EV-A71 strain characteristics is crucial for disease control and vaccine development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To genetically and biologically characterize a dominant EV-A71 subgroup C4 strain (GD10) from China.
- To investigate the GD10 strain's infectivity, replication, cytotoxicity, and impact on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in vitro.
- To provide insights into EV-A71 pathogenesis and support vaccine development efforts.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of the EV-A71 C4 GD10 strain.
- Phylogenetic analysis to determine genetic relationships with other strains.
- In vitro assessment of viral infectivity, replication, cytotoxicity (LDH release, ATP levels), and BBB integrity in RD and Vero cells.
Main Results:
- The GD10 strain belongs to EV-A71 subgroup C4 and is genetically similar to Chinese strains.
- GD10 exhibited significant cytopathic effects and replication in human rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells but not in Vero cells.
- GD10 infection led to increased cell damage and compromised blood-brain barrier integrity in vitro.
Conclusions:
- The GD10 strain demonstrates high adaptability to RD cells and possesses the ability to impair BBB function.
- These findings contribute to a better understanding of EV-A71's interaction with host cells and its potential to cause neurological complications.
- The study supports ongoing efforts in developing effective EV-A71 vaccines.
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