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Published on: November 22, 2011
Establishment and characterization of a subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (measles) virus persistent infection in
Abstract:
Infection of BGM cells with the Halle isolate of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) gave rise to a persistent infection (BGM/Halle), whereas infection of another African green monkey kidney cell line (Vero) under identical conditions led to a lytic infection. The BGM/Halle cells multiplied more slowly than the non-infected cells (even when the medium was changed daily). Under such conditions 10(7) to 10(8) p.f.u./ml/24 h of measles virus was released into the medium. It was established that the persistent infection was not due to the accumulation of thermosensitive mutants and that the virus was not modified as measured by several biological parameters. The virus released from BGM/Halle cells had, however, acquired an ability to give rise to a persistent infection in Vero cells. The quantity of virus released from persistently infected Vero cells was very low (10(2) to 10(3) p.f.u./ml). It was concluded that a host-cell factor plays a role in the restriction of virus replication.
Insights
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) virus caused persistent infections in BGM cells but lytic infections in Vero cells. A host-cell factor likely restricts virus replication, influencing infection outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a severe neurological complication of measles virus infection.
- Different cell lines exhibit varying susceptibility to viral infections, leading to diverse outcomes like persistent or lytic infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential infection patterns of the SSPE Halle isolate in BGM and Vero cell lines.
- To characterize the nature of persistent viral infection and identify factors influencing virus-cell interactions.
Main Methods:
- Infection of BGM and Vero cells with the SSPE Halle isolate.
- Monitoring of cell multiplication rates and viral release (p.f.u./ml/24 h).
- Analysis for thermosensitive mutants and biological modification of the virus.
Main Results:
- BGM cells developed a persistent infection (BGM/Halle) with high measles virus release (10(7)-10(8) p.f.u./ml/24 h), while Vero cells underwent a lytic infection.
- Persistent infection in BGM cells was not attributed to thermosensitive mutants or viral modification.
- Virus from BGM/Halle cells induced persistent infection in Vero cells, albeit with low viral release (10(2)-10(3) p.f.u./ml).
Conclusions:
- A host-cell factor plays a crucial role in restricting measles virus replication and determining the outcome of infection.
- The study highlights the complex interplay between viral and host cell factors in establishing persistent infections.
