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Published on: October 7, 2011

A non-lethal test of the resistance of inbred mice to herpes simplex virus type 1

L H Collier, Q J Scott

    The Journal of Hygiene
    |October 1, 1982
    PubMed

    Insights

    This study shows that mouse inbred strains resistant to herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) exhibit reduced viral replication and spread after ear inoculation. This non-lethal method helps identify genetic resistance factors in mice.

    Area of Science:

    • Virology
    • Immunology
    • Genetics

    Background:

    • Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection susceptibility varies among inbred mouse strains.
    • Previous studies utilized intraperitoneal (i.p.) inoculation to assess HSV-1 resistance.
    • A non-lethal method for evaluating HSV-1 resistance is needed.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate ear pinna inoculation as a non-lethal method for assessing HSV-1 susceptibility in inbred mice.
    • To compare HSV-1 replication, viral spread, and host response in resistant versus susceptible mouse strains.
    • To determine the inheritance pattern of resistance to HSV-1 ear inoculation.

    Main Methods:

    • Inbred mouse strains were inoculated with 10(5) p.f.u. of HSV-1 (SC 16 strain) into the ear pinna.
    • Ear thickness increase was measured as an indicator of inflammation.
    • Viral replication, spread to cervical ganglia, latent infection, and cellular infiltration were assessed.

    Main Results:

    • Resistant mouse strains (e.g., C57BL/6) showed less ear thickness increase compared to susceptible strains (e.g., DBA/2).
    • Local viral replication, spread to ganglia, and latent infection were significantly reduced in resistant strains.
    • Cellular infiltration at the inoculation site was lower in resistant mice.
    • Resistance to ear inoculation was inherited as a dominant characteristic, similar to i.p. inoculation.

    Conclusions:

    • Ear pinna inoculation is a viable non-lethal method for distinguishing HSV-1 resistance in inbred mouse strains.
    • The study identified key differences in viral dynamics and host response between resistant and susceptible mice.
    • This model may aid in the identification and characterization of genetic factors conferring HSV-1 resistance.

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