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Does physiological interferon play a role in Mengo virus infection of mice?
Z Błach-Olszewska1, A Veckenstedt, E Zaczyńska
1Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław.
Abstract:
NZB, BALB/c and C3H mice, differing in their production of physiological interferon (IFN), were used as models to investigate its role in their resistance to Mengo virus infection. These mouse strains also differ in their susceptibility to the infection. NZB and BALB/c mice, producing higher titers of physiological IFN than C3H mice, proved to be less resistant to the infection than the latter mouse strain. This suggests that physiological IFN does not play protective role against Mengo virus infection in NZB and BALB/c mice. Instead, the higher level of in vitro spontaneously released physiological macrophage IFN correlated with the higher death rate in Mengo virus infected mice (NZB > BALB/c > C3H). Our results suggest a reverse correlation between the amount of detectable physiological IFN and resistance to the infection.
Insights
This study found that higher levels of physiological interferon (IFN) in mice correlated with increased susceptibility to Mengo virus infection, suggesting IFN does not offer protection against this virus.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mengo virus infection susceptibility varies among mouse strains.
- Physiological interferon (IFN) production differs between NZB, BALB/c, and C3H mice.
- The role of endogenous IFN in viral resistance is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of physiological interferon (IFN) in mouse resistance to Mengo virus.
- To determine if IFN production levels correlate with susceptibility or resistance to Mengo virus infection.
Main Methods:
- Utilized NZB, BALB/c, and C3H mouse models with differing IFN production.
- Assessed Mengo virus infection outcomes and physiological IFN titers in these strains.
- Measured in vitro spontaneously released macrophage IFN levels.
Main Results:
- NZB and BALB/c mice, with higher IFN titers, were less resistant to Mengo virus than C3H mice.
- A positive correlation was observed between elevated macrophage IFN levels and increased mortality rates.
- Results indicate a reverse correlation between detectable physiological IFN and resistance to Mengo virus.
Conclusions:
- Physiological interferon (IFN) does not appear to play a protective role against Mengo virus infection in these mouse models.
- Higher endogenous IFN levels may be associated with increased susceptibility to Mengo virus.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay between IFN and viral pathogenesis.