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Published on: July 29, 2007
Human Metapneumovirus Infection Modifies Cytoskeletal Architecture and Growth Factors of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Mariana López-Mejia1, Katia Jarquín-Yañez2, Javier R Ambrosio-Hernández3
1Biological Sciences Postgraduate Program, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.
Background:
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a leading cause of acute respiratory infection worldwide, and most people over the age of 10 have been infected. Despite its high prevalence, its pathogenesis is not yet fully elucidated. Many cell types, including stem cells, are susceptible to HMPV infection. Our previous results suggested that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are susceptible and permissive to HMPV infection. This study aimed to understand the effects of HMPV on stem cell biology. Specifically, we focused on the expression and localization of cytoskeletal proteins and their role during syncytium formation.
Methods:
To this end, we evaluated the surface markers CD90, CD73, and CD105 in infected and non-infected cells using flow cytometry; assessed infection-induced modifications in cytoskeletal proteins using immunofluorescence, and analyzed changes in the secretion pattern of the growth factors including Ang-2, EGF, EPO, FGF-basic, G-CSF, GM-CSF, HGF, M-CSF, PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, SCF, TGF-α, and VEGF.
Results:
We observed changes in the distribution of tubulin and actin. Annexin V levels were also increased following HMPV infection, likely due to membrane modifications associated with viral fusion during entry and/or viral exit by budding. HMPV infection induced a significant decrease in EGF and VEGF secretion compared with mock-infected cultures. In contrast, Ang-2 and PDGF-AA levels were significantly elevated in infected MSCs.
Conclusions:
HMPV infection alters the structure and surface marker expression of PL-MSCs; however, these cells retain their ability to differentiate into various tissue types. Nevertheless, the virus disrupts growth factor production, creating a complex balance between cellular damage and the remaining potential for tissue repair.
Insights
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection impacts mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), altering cytoskeletal proteins and growth factor secretion. Despite these changes, MSCs maintain their differentiation potential, balancing cellular damage with repair capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a prevalent respiratory virus with incompletely understood pathogenesis.
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are susceptible to HMPV infection, prompting investigation into its effects on stem cell biology.
- This study focuses on HMPV's impact on MSC cytoskeletal proteins and syncytium formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of HMPV infection on the biology of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).
- To analyze alterations in cytoskeletal protein expression and localization during HMPV infection.
- To determine the impact of HMPV on MSC growth factor secretion patterns.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was used to evaluate MSC surface markers (CD90, CD73, CD105).
- Immunofluorescence assessed infection-induced modifications in cytoskeletal proteins (tubulin, actin).
- Growth factor secretion profiles were analyzed using multiplex assays.
Main Results:
- HMPV infection altered the distribution of tubulin and actin and increased Annexin V levels.
- A significant decrease in EGF and VEGF secretion was observed post-HMPV infection.
- Elevated levels of Ang-2 and PDGF-AA were detected in HMPV-infected MSCs.
Conclusions:
- HMPV infection modifies MSC structure and surface marker expression but preserves differentiation capacity.
- The virus disrupts critical growth factor production in MSCs.
- HMPV infection presents a complex interplay between cellular damage and potential for tissue repair.
