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Persistent SV5 virus infection in continuous cell cultures
Abstract:
A continuous line of guinea pig kidney cells (CGPK/H) and a continuous line of mouse fibroblasts (L/H) spontaneously infected with parainfluenza virus SV5 were found. These cultures showed no enhanced cell degeneration or symplast formation, nor was haemagglutinin accumulation or infectious virus demonstrated in them. However, regular reproduction of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) characteristic of parainfluenza viruses, morphologically complete virions and antigens producing antibody to SV5 virus were found in the cells. Focal haemadsorption neutralized by antiserum to SV5 virus was also demonstrated. The infection persisted in the cell populations for over 2 years (the observation period) under standard conditions of cell dispersion and subcultivation.
Insights
Continuous guinea pig kidney and mouse fibroblast cell lines were found to be spontaneously infected with parainfluenza virus SV5. Despite persistent infection, no cell damage or infectious virus was detected, indicating a non-cytopathic viral behavior.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Continuous cell lines are crucial for studying viral infections.
- Spontaneous infections can occur in cell cultures, requiring careful characterization.
- Parainfluenza virus SV5 is a known respiratory pathogen.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate spontaneous infections of parainfluenza virus SV5 in continuous cell lines.
- To characterize the behavior and persistence of SV5 in CGPK/H and L/H cells.
- To determine if the infection leads to cytopathic effects or production of infectious virus.
Main Methods:
- Cultivation of guinea pig kidney (CGPK/H) and mouse fibroblast (L/H) cell lines.
- Monitoring for cell degeneration and syncytia formation.
- Detection of viral antigens, ribonucleoprotein (RNP), and complete virions using immunological and morphological techniques.
- Assessing haemadsorption and neutralization assays with SV5 antiserum.
Main Results:
- Spontaneous infection with parainfluenza virus SV5 was identified in CGPK/H and L/H cells.
- No significant cell degeneration or syncytia formation was observed.
- Viral ribonucleoprotein (RNP), complete virions, and SV5 antigens were consistently reproduced.
- Focal haemadsorption, neutralized by SV5 antiserum, was detected.
- The infection remained persistent for over two years of observation.
Conclusions:
- Continuous cell lines can harbor persistent, non-cytopathic parainfluenza virus SV5 infections.
- SV5 can replicate and produce viral components without causing overt cell damage.
- These findings highlight the importance of sensitive detection methods for identifying persistent viral infections in cell cultures.