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The role of pseudorabies virus thymidine kinase expression in trigeminal ganglion infection
Abstract:
The role of pseudorabies virus (PRV) thymidine kinase (TK) expression in the pathogenesis of PRV infection of mice was studied with TK-negative (TK-) mutants. Thymidine phosphorylation and arabinosylthymine inhibition of PRV replication and efficiency of plating were used to characterize TK+ and TK- PRV. In addition, a plaque autoradiography procedure was utilized to determine the TK phenotype of individual plaques. TK+ and TK- PRV replicated well in ocular tissues, while TK+ but not TK- did so in ganglion tissue. Mortality was absent after TK- PRV inoculation and widespread after inoculation of similar amounts of TK+ PRV. Latent infection in mice was not detected with either TK+ or TK- PRV. This study indicated the probable importance of PRV TK expression in acute trigeminal ganglion infection.
Insights
Pseudorabies virus (PRV) thymidine kinase (TK) expression is crucial for acute trigeminal ganglion infections in mice. TK-negative PRV mutants did not cause mortality or latent infections, highlighting TK
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is an important pathogen affecting swine.
- The role of viral thymidine kinase (TK) in PRV pathogenesis is not fully understood.
- Understanding PRV TK's function is key to developing effective antiviral strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of PRV thymidine kinase (TK) expression in the pathogenesis of PRV infection in mice.
- To characterize the replication and infectivity of TK-positive (TK+) and TK-negative (TK-) PRV strains.
- To determine the impact of TK expression on PRV-induced mortality and latency.
Main Methods:
- Utilized TK-negative (TK-) PRV mutants for comparative studies.
- Assessed PRV replication and efficiency of plating using thymidine phosphorylation and arabinosylthymine inhibition.
- Employed plaque autoradiography to determine the TK phenotype of individual PRV plaques.
Main Results:
- Both TK+ and TK- PRV replicated effectively in ocular tissues.
- Only TK+ PRV replicated in ganglion tissue, while TK- PRV did not.
- Mortality was observed following TK+ PRV inoculation but was absent with TK- PRV; latent infection was not detected for either strain.
Conclusions:
- PRV TK expression is likely essential for acute infection of the trigeminal ganglion.
- TK-negative PRV mutants are attenuated, showing reduced virulence and lack of mortality.
- PRV TK plays a significant role in the early stages of PRV pathogenesis in mice.