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Pathogenesis of K virus infection in mice
Abstract:
The interaction of a murine papovavirus, K virus, with its natural host, the mouse, has been studied as a possible means of gaining insight into papovavirus infections of man. These investigations have delineated the pathogenesis of K virus infection in suckling, weanling, and adult animals, have demonstrated that the virus does not produce transplacental infection, and have shown that the virus has a strong affinity for vascular endothelium but does not appear to replicate in epithelial cells in kidneys, ureters, or bladder. Preliminary work suggests that, within brains, the virus replicates not only in capillary endothelial cells but also in astrocytes and perineuronal satellite cells. In animals surviving acute infection, K virus produces protracted infection of scattered cells within multiple organs including brains and is capable of persisting despite high titers of circulating antibody. K virus infection of mice provides a useful model of acute and persistent infection by a member of the papovavirus group.
Insights
Murine K virus infection in mice offers insights into human papovavirus diseases. This study details K virus pathogenesis, showing its affinity for vascular endothelium and persistence in surviving animals, establishing a valuable infection model.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pathogenesis
- Infectious Disease Modeling
Background:
- Papovaviruses are a significant group of viruses with implications for human health.
- Understanding viral interactions with hosts is crucial for developing effective treatments and prevention strategies.
- Murine K virus serves as a relevant model for studying papovavirus infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenesis of murine K virus infection in mice.
- To determine the tropism and replication sites of K virus within the host.
- To establish a murine model for acute and persistent papovavirus infections.
Main Methods:
- Infection of suckling, weanling, and adult mice with K virus.
- Pathological examination to delineate viral spread and tissue tropism.
- Assessment of transplacental infection potential.
- Analysis of viral persistence in surviving animals despite antibody presence.
Main Results:
- K virus demonstrated a strong affinity for vascular endothelium but did not replicate in kidney, ureter, or bladder epithelial cells.
- The virus does not cause transplacental infection.
- In brains, K virus replicated in capillary endothelial cells, astrocytes, and perineuronal satellite cells.
- Surviving animals exhibited protracted K virus infections in multiple organs, including the brain, persisting despite high antibody titers.
Conclusions:
- Murine K virus infection in mice provides a robust model for studying acute and persistent papovavirus infections.
- The findings elucidate K virus pathogenesis, highlighting its endothelial tropism and capacity for long-term persistence.
- This model can offer valuable insights into papovavirus infections relevant to human health.