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Bone-marrow derived macrophages as targets for the replication of mouse hepatitis virus type 3
Abstract:
Bone-marrow (BM) derived macrophages are sensitive target cells for replication of mouse hepatitis virus type 3 (MHV3). These cells can be grown in large numbers and the percentage of defined macrophages increased until day 10 when 100% of the cells represented macrophages. MHV3 replicated within these cells to high titers and caused the formation of multi-nucleated giant cells. This effect was seen with very low virus inocula in BM macrophages of C57BL/6 mice that are highly susceptible to in vivo infection with MHV3 whereas macrophages from resistant A/J mice did not show a cytopathic effect at these virus doses. 1000-fold higher virus doses, however, caused the cytopathic effect in macrophages of both C57BL/6 and A/J mice.
Insights
Mouse hepatitis virus type 3 (MHV3) replicates efficiently in bone-marrow derived macrophages, causing cell fusion. Macrophages from susceptible mice show effects at lower doses than resistant mice.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Bone-marrow (BM) derived macrophages are crucial immune cells.
- Mouse hepatitis virus type 3 (MHV3) is a significant pathogen.
- Understanding virus-host interactions at the cellular level is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the susceptibility of BM-derived macrophages to MHV3 infection.
- To compare the cellular response to MHV3 in macrophages from susceptible and resistant mouse strains.
Main Methods:
- Culturing BM-derived macrophages from C57BL/6 (susceptible) and A/J (resistant) mice.
- Inoculating macrophages with varying doses of MHV3.
- Assessing viral replication, cell viability, and cytopathic effects (e.g., multi-nucleated giant cell formation).
Main Results:
- BM-derived macrophages supported high-titer MHV3 replication.
- MHV3 infection induced multi-nucleated giant cell formation in susceptible C57BL/6 macrophages at low doses.
- Resistant A/J macrophages required 1000-fold higher MHV3 doses to exhibit similar cytopathic effects.
Conclusions:
- BM-derived macrophages are highly susceptible targets for MHV3 replication.
- Differential susceptibility to MHV3-induced cytopathic effects exists between mouse macrophage strains.
- Dose-dependent susceptibility highlights the complex interplay between MHV3 and host macrophage immunity.