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Replication of mumps virus in human leukocyte cultures
Abstract:
Duc-Nguyen, Huu (The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa.), and Werner Henle. Replication of mumps virus in human leukocyte cultures. J. Bacteriol. 92:258-265. 1966.-Human peripheral leukocyte cultures maintained in the presence of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) were found to support to some extent the replication of mumps virus. When such cultures were exposed, within 24 hr after their initiation, to a high input multiplicity of virus, successful infection, as determined by immunofluorescence and plaque assays, did not become evident before the 3rd or 4th day. On exposure of cultures 4 to 5 days old, viral replication was detectable within 2 days. In both instances, peak immunofluorescence and virus titers were reached when the cultures were 7 to 9 days old and composed mainly of blast forms. With decreasing input multiplicities of infection, cells containing viral antigen and production of infectious viral progeny became detectable with increasing delay. No significant viral replication was noted in surviving cells maintained in the absence of PHA. These results indicate that mainly, if not solely, the PHA-stimulated cells of the lymphocytic series support viral multiplication. The extent of the infectious process was limited, however, because the life span of the cultures was not significantly shortened, the yields of infectious virus per immunofluorescent cell were at all times low, and most infected cells contained only a few well-delineated small masses of antigen, suggestive of an abortive infection. Only fresh cultures were capable of synthesizing interferon on stimulation by mumps, Newcastle disease, or Sendai viruses. When the cultures were set up in the presence of PHA, this capacity was lost within 24 hr. PHA per sefailed to induce detectable production of an interferon under the conditions used. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Insights
Mumps virus replicates in human leukocyte cultures stimulated by phytohemagglutinin (PHA), primarily in lymphocytic cells. However, the infection appears limited, with low viral yields and potential for abortive infection, and interferon production is impaired by PHA.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Human leukocyte cultures are used to study viral replication.
- Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) is a plant lectin that stimulates lymphocyte proliferation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the replication of mumps virus in human leukocyte cultures.
- To determine which cell types support viral replication.
- To assess the impact of PHA on viral replication and interferon production.
Main Methods:
- Human peripheral leukocyte cultures were established and maintained with or without PHA.
- Cultures were infected with mumps virus at different time points and multiplicities.
- Viral replication was assessed using immunofluorescence and plaque assays.
- Interferon synthesis was measured in response to viral stimulation.
Main Results:
- Mumps virus replicated in PHA-stimulated human leukocyte cultures, primarily in blast forms of lymphocytic cells.
- Replication was detectable within 2-4 days post-infection, peaking at 7-9 days.
- Viral replication was dependent on PHA stimulation and input virus multiplicity.
- Infection appeared limited, with low infectious virus yields per cell and signs of abortive infection.
- PHA-treated cultures lost the capacity to synthesize interferon within 24 hours.
Conclusions:
- PHA-stimulated lymphocytes are the primary host cells for mumps virus replication in vitro.
- Mumps virus infection in these cultures is largely abortive.
- PHA interferes with the ability of leukocyte cultures to produce interferon.