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Sensitivity of subgroup F adenoviruses to interferon
1Department of Virology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Abstract:
The subgroup F adenoviruses were tested for their ability to induce interferon in semi-permissive human cells (Chang conjunctiva) and non-permissive cells (HEF, human embryo lung fibroblasts). These cells did not produce interferon spontaneously or in response to infection by either of these adenoviruses. It was concluded that interferon induction in response to subgroup F adenovirus infection is not a likely explanation of limited virus growth in culture. Adenovirus 40 and Ad41, unlike Ad2, were found to be sensitive to human lymphoblastoid interferon in Chang conjunctival cells. The addition of Ad2 to cells before pretreatment with interferon resulted in the partial and complete abrogation of Ad40 and Ad41 interferon sensitivity, respectively. The suppressive effect of Ad2 on the inhibitory action of interferon and the modulatory function of Ad2 in mixed infection with either Ad40 or Ad41 suggests the inadequate functioning of a subgroup F adenovirus gene product or products involved in suppression of the interferon-induced antiviral state.
Insights
Subgroup F adenoviruses do not induce interferon. Adenovirus 40 and 41 are sensitive to interferon, but Adenovirus 2 can suppress this effect, suggesting a defective gene product in subgroup F adenoviruses.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Adenoviruses are common human pathogens.
- Subgroup F adenoviruses (Adenovirus 40 and 41) cause gastroenteritis, particularly in children.
- The role of interferon in controlling adenovirus infections is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interferon-inducing potential of subgroup F adenoviruses.
- To determine the sensitivity of subgroup F adenoviruses to interferon.
- To explore the interaction between different adenovirus subgroups in the context of interferon response.
Main Methods:
- Infection of human cell lines (Chang conjunctiva, HEF) with subgroup F adenoviruses.
- Assessment of interferon production in infected cells.
- Testing the sensitivity of Adenovirus 40 and 41 to human lymphoblastoid interferon.
- Co-infection experiments with Adenovirus 2 and subgroup F adenoviruses to evaluate interference.
Main Results:
- Subgroup F adenoviruses did not induce interferon in semi-permissive or non-permissive human cells.
- Adenovirus 40 and 41 were sensitive to human lymphoblastoid interferon.
- Adenovirus 2 inhibited the antiviral effect of interferon on Adenovirus 40 and 41, abrogating their sensitivity.
- This suggests a potential defect in subgroup F adenovirus gene products responsible for interferon suppression.
Conclusions:
- Interferon induction is unlikely to explain the limited growth of subgroup F adenoviruses in culture.
- Adenovirus 2 can modulate the interferon response, interfering with the antiviral state induced by interferon against subgroup F adenoviruses.
- A defective gene product in subgroup F adenoviruses may be involved in suppressing the interferon-induced antiviral state.