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Growth of JC virus in adult human brain cell cultures

Z Wroblewska, M Wellish, D Gilden

    Archives of Virology
    |January 1, 1980
    PubMed

    Insights

    Adult human brain cells infected with JC virus (JCV) support viral replication and show cytopathic effects. This makes the AHB cell line a valuable tool for JCV propagation.

    Area of Science:

    • Virology
    • Cell Biology
    • Neuroscience

    Background:

    • JC virus (JCV) is a human polyomavirus.
    • JCV infection can cause progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).
    • Understanding JCV replication is crucial for developing antiviral strategies.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the susceptibility of adult human brain (AHB) cells to JC virus (JCV) infection.
    • To evaluate the utility of AHB cells for JCV propagation in vitro.
    • To characterize the cytopathic effects and viral antigen expression in JCV-infected AHB cells.

    Main Methods:

    • Infection of AHB cells with JCV.
    • Observation of cytopathic effects (CPE) over time.
    • Ultrastructural analysis to identify papova virions.
    • Indirect immunofluorescence to detect T and V antigens.
    • Hemagglutination assays to quantify viral titers.

    Main Results:

    • JCV infection induced cytopathic effects in AHB cells starting at 12-14 days post-infection.
    • Papova virions were observed in the nuclei of infected cells.
    • T and V antigens were detected, confirming viral replication.
    • JCV hemagglutinating titers increased 10-40 fold in infected AHB cells.
    • AHB cells supported JCV replication even after multiple subcultivations.

    Conclusions:

    • Adult human brain cells are susceptible to JC virus infection and support viral replication.
    • The AHB cell line is a practical and effective model for propagating JC virus in vitro.
    • AHB cells offer advantages over primary human fetal brain cells due to availability and subcultivation potential.

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