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Role of interferon in six cell lines persistently infected with rubella virus
Abstract:
Presistent infections with rubella virus were established in baby hamster kidney, BSC-1, HeLa, RK-13, rabbit embryo chondrocyte, and Vero cell lines. All of the cultures except Vero continually produced rubella virus and interferon to which the virus was sensitive. Concurrently, only the Vero cells did not display interference against superinfection with Newcastle disease and vesicular stomatitis viruses. The addition of 1,000 U of exogenous interferon to the cultures cured only the rabbit embryo and Vero cells of the persistent infection. That the interferon is not required for the initiation and maintenance of rubella viral persistence in vitro is implied by the following. (1) Vero cells were persistently infected in the absence of interferon; (2) actinomycin D or cortisone inhibited interferon synthesis but not the rubella viral infection; and (3) cells continuously cultured in the presence of cortisone maintained a viral persistence without interferon synthesis. On the other hand, interferon seems to be responsible for the viral interference; Vero cells infected with rubella virus and cultures inoculated with rubella virus in the presence of actinomycin D or cortisone did not display interference against Newcastle disease or vesicular stomatitis viruses.
Insights
Persistent rubella virus infections were established in multiple cell lines. Interferon production was observed in most, but not all, cell lines, and its role in viral interference was investigated.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Persistent viral infections can alter cellular functions and immune responses.
- Rubella virus is known to cause congenital rubella syndrome.
- Interferon plays a crucial role in antiviral defense and cellular responses to viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of interferon in the establishment and maintenance of persistent rubella virus infections in vitro.
- To determine if interferon is responsible for the observed viral interference in rubella virus-infected cell lines.
Main Methods:
- Establishing persistent rubella virus infections in various cell lines (baby hamster kidney, BSC-1, HeLa, RK-13, rabbit embryo chondrocyte, Vero).
- Monitoring rubella virus and interferon production in infected cell lines.
- Assessing viral interference against superinfection with Newcastle disease and vesicular stomatitis viruses.
- Evaluating the effect of exogenous interferon and inhibitors of interferon synthesis (actinomycin D, cortisone) on persistent infection and viral interference.
Main Results:
- Most cell lines, except Vero, continuously produced rubella virus and sensitive interferon.
- Vero cells, which did not produce interferon, did not display interference against superinfection.
- Exogenous interferon cured persistent infections in rabbit embryo and Vero cells.
- Interferon synthesis was not required for rubella viral persistence initiation or maintenance, as shown by infection in Vero cells and inhibition of interferon synthesis by actinomycin D or cortisone.
- Interferon was implicated in viral interference, as Vero cells and cells treated with actinomycin D or cortisone did not exhibit interference against other viruses.
Conclusions:
- Interferon is not essential for the initiation or maintenance of persistent rubella virus infections in vitro.
- Interferon plays a significant role in mediating viral interference in rubella virus-infected cells.
- Understanding these mechanisms can inform strategies for managing persistent viral infections.