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Effect of mycoplasma on interferon production and interferon assay in cell cultures
Abstract:
Armstrong, D. (The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa.), and K. Paucker. Effect of mycoplasma on interferon production and interferon assay in cell cultures. J. Bacteriol. 92:97-101. 1966.-The influence of mycoplasma on the production and action of interferon was studied in cultures of both L and human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells. Mycoplasma hominis 1, the Negroni agent, and the F12 mycoplasma were used for infection of L cells, and M. hominis 1 and M. pneumoniae for inoculation of HEK cells. All strains were capable of multiplication in the culture systems employed. None produced detectable levels of interferon, and responsiveness of the cells to induction of interferon by virus remained unaltered. Infection with mycoplasma did not impair the sensitivity of the cells to the action of interferon, nor was the replication of vesicular stomatitis virus noticeably diminished.
Insights
Mycoplasma infection did not affect interferon production or cell sensitivity in cell cultures. These findings indicate mycoplasma does not interfere with interferon assays or antiviral responses.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mycoplasma are known contaminants in cell cultures.
- Interferon is a crucial component of the innate immune response against viral infections.
- The impact of mycoplasma on interferon production and function in cell culture systems requires clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of mycoplasma infection on interferon production in cell cultures.
- To determine if mycoplasma affects the ability of cells to respond to interferon.
- To assess the impact of mycoplasma on viral replication in the presence of interferon.
Main Methods:
- Cell cultures (L and human embryonic kidney cells) were infected with various mycoplasma strains (Mycoplasma hominis 1, Negroni agent, F12 mycoplasma, Mycoplasma pneumoniae).
- Interferon production was measured following viral induction.
- Cellular sensitivity to exogenous interferon was assessed.
- Vesicular stomatitis virus replication was monitored in infected and uninfected cells.
Main Results:
- Mycoplasma strains multiplied in both L and human embryonic kidney cells.
- No detectable levels of interferon were produced by the mycoplasma-infected cells.
- Cellular responsiveness to virus-induced interferon production remained unaltered.
- Mycoplasma infection did not diminish the sensitivity of cells to the action of interferon.
- Vesicular stomatitis virus replication was not noticeably affected by mycoplasma infection.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma contamination does not inhibit interferon production in response to viral induction.
- Mycoplasma does not interfere with the antiviral activity of interferon in cell cultures.
- These findings suggest that mycoplasma contamination may not significantly impact the reliability of interferon-based assays in cell culture systems.