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In vitro cultivation studies on the Skalica strain of tick-borne encephalitis virus
Abstract:
The Skalica strain of tick-borne encephalitis virus was cultivated in mouse organ cultures. In the fluids from spleen, liver, brain and spinal cord cultures, maximum infectivity titres of 8.1--8.3 log LD50/0.01 ml were found 6 and 9 days after inoculation. In the fluids from lymph node and muscle cultures, maximum infectivity titres of 4.2 and 6.5 log LD50/0.01 ml, respectively, were detected 6 days after inoculation. Neither interferon nor haemagglutinin nor complement-fixing antigen was demonstrated in media from explant cultures from the 3rd to the 15th day of cultivation. Fifteen days after seeding, haemagglutination inhibiting antibodies were detected in the fluid phase of lymph node, spleen and liver explant cultures derived from mice infected 6 days previously, as were complement-fixing antibodies in the fluid phase of lymph node, spleen, liver, lung, brain and spinal cord explant cultures derived from mice infected 14 days previously.
Insights
This study cultivated tick-borne encephalitis virus in mouse organ cultures, finding high infectivity in spleen, liver, brain, and spinal cord. Antibody responses were detected in various organs following infection.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a significant human pathogen.
- Understanding TBEV replication and host response in different tissues is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the replication of the Skalica strain of TBEV in various mouse organ cultures.
- To assess the development of immune responses, including antibody production, within these cultures.
Main Methods:
- Cultivation of TBEV (Skalica strain) in mouse organ explant cultures (spleen, liver, brain, spinal cord, lymph node, muscle).
- Quantification of viral infectivity titers (log LD50/0.01 ml) over time.
- Detection of interferon, haemagglutinin, complement-fixing antigen, haemagglutination inhibiting antibodies, and complement-fixing antibodies in culture media.
Main Results:
- Maximum infectivity titers (8.1–8.3 log LD50/0.01 ml) were observed in spleen, liver, brain, and spinal cord cultures 6-9 days post-inoculation.
- Lower titers were found in lymph node (4.2 log LD50/0.01 ml) and muscle (6.5 log LD50/0.01 ml) cultures.
- No interferon, haemagglutinin, or complement-fixing antigen was detected between days 3-15.
- Antibodies (haemagglutination inhibiting and complement-fixing) were detected in specific organ cultures after 15 days, correlating with infection duration.
Conclusions:
- Mouse organ cultures support TBEV replication, with varying efficiency across different tissues.
- The study demonstrates the potential for localized immune responses, including antibody production, within organ explants following TBEV infection.
- These findings contribute to understanding TBEV pathogenesis and host-virus interactions at the organ level.