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Destruction of L cells by Mengo virus: use of interferon to study the mechanism
Abstract:
Interferon, when added to L cells, inhibited the synthesis of infectious Mengo viral ribonucleic acid, hemagglutinins, and infectious virus by 85 to 95%. Serum-blocking antigens were also reduced by the action of interferon, but threefold excess amounts of these antigens accumulated in interferon-treated cultures above the amounts expected for the quantity of infectious virus that was produced in these cultures. Radioautographic analysis showed that 28 to 36% of the cells of an interferon-treated population synthesized viral ribonucleic acid and 36 to 47% produced viral antigens as determined by an immunofluorescence technique. Despite the reductions in synthesis of viral components, all cells in an interferon-treated culture underwent cytopathic effects at the same time as cells in infected cultures which had not been treated with interferon. The results are compatible with the hypothesis that the cell destruction which results from the infection of L cells with Mengo virus is due to a protein which is coded for by the virus but is not a component of the mature virion.
Insights
Interferon significantly inhibits viral replication in L cells, reducing viral RNA and proteins. However, cell damage still occurs, suggesting a non-structural viral protein causes cytopathic effects.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Interferon is known to possess antiviral properties.
- Viral infections can lead to significant cellular damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of interferon on Mengo virus replication in L cells.
- To elucidate the mechanism of viral-induced cytopathic effects.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of L cells with interferon.
- Measurement of viral ribonucleic acid, hemagglutinins, and infectious virus synthesis.
- Radioautographic analysis and immunofluorescence for viral component detection.
- Observation of cytopathic effects.
Main Results:
- Interferon inhibited synthesis of infectious Mengo viral RNA, hemagglutinins, and virus by 85-95%.
- Serum-blocking antigens were reduced, but accumulated in excess.
- 28-47% of interferon-treated cells synthesized viral components.
- Cytopathic effects occurred simultaneously in treated and untreated cells.
Conclusions:
- Interferon effectively suppresses Mengo virus replication.
- Cell destruction is likely caused by a viral protein not found in the mature virion.
- This non-structural viral protein is implicated in the cytopathic effects observed.