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Long-term mouse cytomegalovirus infection of tracheal organ culture: relation to host cell replication
Abstract:
Tracheal organ cultures infected with mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) were shown to produce virus for up to 180 days with virus replication primarily in epithelial cells. Persistent virus infections were established in tracheal organ cultures from both MCMV-susceptible and MCMV-resistant strains of mice. In acutely infected tracheal organ cultures, cellular DNA synthesis appeared to precede the production of significant amounts of virus antigens and the release of virus into culture fluids. Since persistently infected tracheal organ cultures continued to synthesize cellular DNA, the results suggest that host cell turnover may continually renew the population of MCMV-susceptible cells. The results suggest a possible mechanism for virus persistence in tracheal organ culture based on continuing serial infection of newly susceptible cells combined with prolonged release of virus infected cells.
Insights
Mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) can persist in tracheal organ cultures for 180 days. This persistence may involve continuous reinfection of newly susceptible cells, suggesting a novel mechanism for MCMV persistence.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) is a significant pathogen.
- Understanding virus persistence is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Tracheal organ cultures provide a model for studying respiratory virus infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms of persistent mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection in tracheal organ cultures.
- To determine the role of host cell turnover in MCMV persistence.
Main Methods:
- Organ cultures of mouse tracheas were infected with MCMV.
- Virus production, antigen expression, and cellular DNA synthesis were monitored over time.
- Cultures from both susceptible and resistant mouse strains were used.
Main Results:
- MCMV was produced for up to 180 days in tracheal organ cultures.
- Virus replication primarily occurred in epithelial cells.
- Cellular DNA synthesis preceded significant virus antigen production and release.
- Persistent infections were established in both MCMV-susceptible and -resistant mouse strains.
- Persistently infected cultures continued to synthesize cellular DNA.
Conclusions:
- Host cell turnover may continually renew MCMV-susceptible cells in tracheal organ cultures.
- A potential mechanism for MCMV persistence involves serial infection of newly susceptible cells.
- Prolonged release of infected cells may contribute to sustained MCMV presence.