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Restricted replication of herpes simplex virus type 1 in pig kidney cells
Abstract:
Pig kidney (PK) cells infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) strains HSZP and RO, respectively, synthesized low amounts of infectious virus; virus-specific antigens detected by immunofluorescence (IF) staining were seen only in a small proportion of cells. When propagated in 2-4 subsequent passages, PK cells infected with the HSZP strain (PK-HSZP cells) became free of infectious virus and virus-specific antigens as detected by IF staining. In contrast, PK cells infected with the RO strain (PK-RO cells) permanently harboured the infectious virus and virus-specific antigens in the course of 10 subsequent passages. The latter were detectable 48-72 hr after seeding. The constantly low virus yields were significantly enhanced when restrictive PK cells were mixed with permissive ZP cells. Cocultivation of variable amount of PK cells (at the 2nd, 5th and 7th passages) with a constant number of ZP cells showed that 10(2)-10(3) PK cells were necessary to transfer the HSV to indicator cells. Immediate early and early HSV-1 coded antigens were seen by IF in the nuclei of a small proportion of PK-RO cells; similarly, virion and nucleocapsid antigens were found in the nuclei and cytoplasm of a few cells of the PK-RO monolayers.
Insights
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection in pig kidney (PK) cells shows varied outcomes. Some cells clear the virus, while others, infected with the RO strain, permanently harbor HSV-1, requiring co-cultivation for enhanced viral yields.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) establishes lifelong infections.
- Understanding viral persistence in host cells is crucial for developing antiviral strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects of HSV-1 infection in pig kidney (PK) cells.
- To compare the behavior of different HSV-1 strains (HSZP and RO) in PK cells.
- To explore methods for enhancing viral replication in persistently infected cells.
Main Methods:
- Infection of PK cells with HSV-1 strains HSZP and RO.
- Serial passage of infected cells to assess viral persistence.
- Immunofluorescence (IF) staining to detect virus-specific antigens.
- Co-cultivation of infected PK cells with permissive ZP cells.
Main Results:
- PK cells infected with HSZP strain cleared infectious virus and antigens after 2-4 passages.
- PK cells infected with RO strain permanently harbored infectious virus and antigens for at least 10 passages.
- Low virus yields in PK-RO cells were significantly enhanced by co-cultivation with ZP cells.
- Transfer of HSV to indicator cells required 10^2-10^3 PK-RO cells.
Conclusions:
- PK cells exhibit differential responses to HSV-1 strains, with the RO strain establishing persistent infections.
- Co-cultivation with permissive cells can overcome restrictive barriers and enhance viral replication in persistently infected cells.
- The study highlights the complex interactions between HSV-1 and host cells, influencing viral persistence and shedding.