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Prior Infection with Torque Teno Virus Mitigates Influenza Pathology in Mice
Md-Tariqul Islam1, Brett Webb2, Sheela Ramamoorthy1
1Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA.
Viruses
|March 28, 2026
Summary
Swine torque teno virus (TTSuV1) coinfection unexpectedly reduced influenza A virus (IAV) lung pathology and viral replication in mice. This study establishes a model for investigating complex viral interactions and immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Respiratory infections often involve coinfections with multiple pathogens.
- Torque teno viruses (TTVs), particularly swine TTVs (TTSuVs), are opportunistic and potentially primary pathogens linked to various diseases.
- Understanding inter-viral interactions is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize a murine model for studying coinfection with Torque teno virus (TTV) and influenza A virus (IAV).
- To investigate the impact of prior TTSuV1 infection on IAV pathogenesis and viral load.
Main Methods:
- Mice were inoculated with TTSuV1, followed by subsequent challenge with IAV at different time points.
- Control groups included phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-treated and IAV-only infected mice.
- Lung tissues were analyzed for pathology, viral replication (qPCR, TCID50, HA), and antibody responses.
Main Results:
- Prior TTSuV1 infection significantly attenuated IAV-induced lung pathology.
- Coinfected mice showed reduced IAV replication and lower virus-specific antibody levels.
- TTSuV1 DNA levels were higher in coinfected mice, suggesting prolonged viremia.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully established a murine model for TTV and influenza virus coinfection.
- TTSuV1 coinfection appears to modulate the host response to IAV, reducing disease severity.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying molecular and immunological mechanisms.
