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Analysis of the inhibitory effect of peritoneal macrophages on the spread of herpes simplex virus
Abstract:
Peritoneal macrophages obtained from mice after an intraperitoneal injection of tryptose peptone inhibited the development of herpes simplex virus type 2 plaques in syngeneic mouse embryonic fibroblasts. In contrast, peritoneal macrophages, spleen cells, and thymocytes from untreated mice showed only a minimal inhibitory effect on the development of viral plaques. The effect was age dependent. Macrophages from 2 and 3-week-old mice showed weaker functions, requiring a larger number of cells for an equivalent reduction of plaques and virus yield than those from adult mice. When macrophages were treated with procaine, their phagocytic activity was completely abolished. However the procaine-treated macrophages still could inhibit the development of viral plaques. Peritoneal macrophages did not show any increased cytotoxicity against herpes simplex virus-infected cells; plaque inhibition might rather be attributable to their cytostatic effects on target cells.
Insights
Activated peritoneal macrophages from mice significantly inhibit herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) plaque development. This antiviral effect, mediated by cytostatic rather than cytotoxic mechanisms, is age-dependent and not reliant on phagocytic activity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Peritoneal macrophages play a crucial role in innate immunity.
- Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a significant human pathogen.
- Understanding macrophage-mediated antiviral mechanisms is vital for developing therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antiviral activity of peritoneal macrophages against HSV-2.
- To determine the mechanisms underlying macrophage-mediated inhibition of viral plaque formation.
- To assess the influence of macrophage activation and age on antiviral function.
Main Methods:
- Peritoneal macrophages were isolated from mice treated with tryptose peptone or untreated.
- Macrophage antiviral activity was assessed by measuring the inhibition of HSV-2 plaque development in mouse embryonic fibroblasts.
- Phagocytic activity of macrophages was evaluated after treatment with procaine.
- Cytotoxicity of macrophages against HSV-2 infected cells was assessed.
Main Results:
- Tryptose peptone-activated peritoneal macrophages significantly inhibited HSV-2 plaque formation compared to cells from untreated mice.
- The inhibitory effect was age-dependent, with macrophages from adult mice exhibiting stronger functions than those from younger mice.
- Procaine treatment abolished macrophage phagocytic activity but did not eliminate their ability to inhibit viral plaque development.
- Macrophages did not exhibit enhanced cytotoxicity against HSV-2 infected cells.
Conclusions:
- Peritoneal macrophages activated by intraperitoneal tryptose peptone exhibit potent antiviral activity against HSV-2.
- The plaque inhibition is primarily mediated by cytostatic effects on target cells, not by enhanced phagocytosis or direct cytotoxicity.
- Macrophage antiviral efficacy is influenced by age, with adult macrophages being more effective.