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Evolution of a human cell line persistently infected with measles virus
Abstract:
A measles-virus-carrier cell line, designated AV3/MV, was derived from established human amnion (AV3) cells surviving primary infection with the Edmonston strain of measles virus. During maintenance of infected cultures in the laboratory, the cells passed from a highly productive chronic phase (where infectious virus was continuously shed) to a less productive degenerative phase (where fewer infectious particles were produced). Carrier cultures in the less-productive phase gradually deteriorated and failed to survive at 37 degrees. However, when temporarily maintained and passaged at 39.5 degrees, the cultures stabilized and carried the virus in a latent or nonproductive state. Carrier cultures in the chronic phase of infection expressed variable degrees of virus-specific CPE, replicated erratically, and generated large amounts of virus-specific antigens. In the stabilized latent phase, the cultures demonstrated no virus-specific CPE, replicated steadily, and generated reduced amounts of virus-specific antigens. The results of our studies indicate that the establishment and maintenance of persistent measles virus infections in AV3 cells are dynamic processes involving numerous variables, and that there are similarities between these latent-carrier cell lines and certain virus-carrier cell lines derived from subacute sclerosing panencephalitis brain tissues.
Insights
Researchers developed a measles virus-carrier cell line (AV3/MV) that can be stabilized in a latent state at 39.5 degrees Celsius. This finding offers insights into persistent measles virus infections and potential links to subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Measles virus can establish persistent infections in host cells.
- Understanding the dynamics of persistent viral infections is crucial for disease research.
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare, late complication of measles infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and characterize a measles virus-carrier human cell line.
- To investigate the conditions supporting persistent measles virus infection.
- To explore similarities between experimentally derived carrier cells and those from SSPE.
Main Methods:
- Derivation of AV3/MV cell line from human amnion (AV3) cells infected with measles virus (Edmonston strain).
- Maintenance of infected cultures under different temperature conditions (37°C vs. 39.5°C).
- Monitoring of viral shedding, cytopathic effects (CPE), replication rates, and antigen production.
Main Results:
- AV3/MV cells transitioned from a productive chronic phase to a degenerative phase at 37°C.
- Culturing at 39.5°C stabilized the AV3/MV cells, inducing a latent/nonproductive viral state.
- Latent phase cells showed no CPE, steady replication, and reduced antigen levels compared to chronic phase cells.
Conclusions:
- Persistent measles virus infection in cell lines is a dynamic process influenced by variables like temperature.
- Stabilizing measles virus in a latent state is achievable under specific conditions.
- The established AV3/MV cell line shares characteristics with measles virus-carrier cells from SSPE tissues, suggesting common mechanisms in persistent infections.