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Updated: Oct 3, 2026
Measurement of γHV68 Infection in Mice
Published on: November 22, 2011
Biochemical analysis and electron microscopic study on intracellular virions in NIH/3T3 mouse cells chronically
Abstract:
Radioactively labelled virus particles of intracellular origin were isolated from the cytoplasmic fraction of disrupted NIH/3T3 cells chronically infected with Moloney murine leukaemia virus [NIH/3T3 (MLV)]. Interferon (IFN) treatment for 48 h, which arrested more than 90% of virus release, resulted in a remarkable accumulation of these intracellular virions. However, no major effect of such treatment was apparent on their structural properties. Transmission electron microscopic examination revealed that these intracellular virions were located within cytoplasmic vacuoles. IFN treatment resulted in a considerable increase in the number of virus-containing vacuoles, as well as the total number of vacuolar virions. It seems that IFN inhibits the final release of vacuolar virions from the cells, thus leading to their intracellular accumulation.
Insights
Interferon (IFN) treatment blocks Moloney murine leukaemia virus release from NIH/3T3 cells. This leads to a significant accumulation of intracellular virus particles within vacuoles, without altering their structure.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Moloney murine leukaemia virus (MLV) is a retrovirus that infects NIH/3T3 cells.
- Interferon (IFN) is known to have antiviral properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of interferon (IFN) on the intracellular accumulation and properties of Moloney murine leukaemia virus (MLV) in NIH/3T3 cells.
Main Methods:
- Radioactive labeling of MLV particles.
- Isolation of virus particles from cytoplasmic fractions of infected NIH/3T3 cells.
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to examine intracellular virions and vacuoles.
- Interferon (IFN) treatment of infected cells.
Main Results:
- IFN treatment for 48 hours inhibited over 90% of MLV release.
- Accumulation of intracellular MLV virions was observed, primarily within cytoplasmic vacuoles.
- IFN treatment increased the number of virus-containing vacuoles and intracellular virions.
- No significant alterations in the structural properties of intracellular virions were detected after IFN treatment.
Conclusions:
- Interferon (IFN) inhibits the final release of Moloney murine leukaemia virus (MLV) from NIH/3T3 cells.
- IFN treatment leads to the intracellular accumulation of MLV virions within vacuoles.
- The mechanism of IFN's antiviral action in this context involves blocking virion egress.
