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Intrinsic interference between influenza A and B viruses
Abstract:
Reproduction and synthesis of virus-specific macromolecules were studied in chick embryo fibroblast cultures co-infected with influenza viruses type A (FPV) and B (B/Japan/73). When a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of B/Japan/73 virus (10 EID50/cell and higher) was equal to, or exceeded that of FPV, formation of infectious FPV virions in coinfected cells was suppressed significantly. At equal MOI of FPV and B/Japan/73 synthesis of all proteins of one partner and some proteins of the other was observed. However, when a MOI of one virus was 10 times higher than that of the other, proteins of the virus used at a higher MOI were formed. Studies of the synthesis of virus-specific cRNAs formed in the presence of cycloheximide have shown that at equal MOI. cRNAs were detected that corresponded only to one of the partners involved in the reproduction. The data obtained suggest that intrinsic interference between A and B viruses occurs at a stage of primary transcription.
Insights
Co-infection with influenza A and B viruses in cell cultures revealed significant interference. Higher B virus concentrations suppressed A virus production, suggesting interference occurs during primary transcription.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Co-infection studies are crucial for understanding viral interactions.
- Influenza A and B viruses are significant human respiratory pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interference between influenza A and B viruses during co-infection.
- To identify the stage at which this interference occurs.
Main Methods:
- Chick embryo fibroblast cultures were co-infected with influenza A (FPV) and B (B/Japan/73) viruses.
- Multiplicity of infection (MOI) was varied to assess viral protein and cRNA synthesis.
- Cycloheximide was used to study primary transcription.
Main Results:
- High MOI of B/Japan/73 virus significantly suppressed infectious FPV virion formation.
- At equal MOI, synthesis of proteins from one virus and some from the other was observed.
- At high MOI, only proteins of the dominant virus were synthesized.
- Primary transcription produced cRNAs corresponding to only one virus at equal MOI.
Conclusions:
- Intrinsic interference occurs between influenza A and B viruses.
- Interference is likely at the stage of primary transcription.