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Persistence of polyomavirus in adult SCID C.B-17 mice
Z Berke1, T Dalianis, R Feinstein
1Department of Immunology, Microbiology, Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Abstract:
C.B-17 mice with the Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (SCID) mutation were infected with the naturally occurring murine polyomavirus. Using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique, persistence of polyomavirus was followed in different tissues of the mice between 24 hours and 2 months post infection (p.i.). Viral DNA appeared by 3-5 days and was detected in all studied organs by 3 weeks p.i. From 4 weeks to 2 months p.i. viral DNA was present at high levels in all studied organs in all of the animals. As controls normal C.B-17 and A/Sn mice were used. Viral DNA appeared by 2-4 days. The infection reached a peak around 1 week p.i. This was followed by a clearing stage and viral DNA was no longer detectable by 4-5 weeks p.i. Most organs studied with PCR were also examined histologically, but no lesions were observed. Consequently persistence and organ distribution of polyomavirus in adult SCID mice differs greatly from that in normal adult mice.
Insights
Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (SCID) mice infected with murine polyomavirus showed prolonged viral DNA persistence in all organs. Normal mice cleared the infection, highlighting differences in immune response to polyomavirus.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Mouse Models
Background:
- Murine polyomavirus is a common natural infection in mice.
- Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (SCID) mice lack functional T and B lymphocytes, leading to profound immunodeficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the persistence and organ distribution of murine polyomavirus in SCID mice.
- To compare polyomavirus infection dynamics in SCID mice versus normal immunocompetent mice.
Main Methods:
- Infection of C.B-17 SCID mice and control C.B-17/A/Sn mice with murine polyomavirus.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to detect viral DNA in various tissues at different time points post-infection (24 hours to 2 months).
- Histological examination of organs was performed.
Main Results:
- Viral DNA was detected in SCID mice by 3-5 days post-infection and persisted in all studied organs at high levels from 4 weeks to 2 months.
- In contrast, normal mice showed viral DNA by 2-4 days, peaking at 1 week, with clearance by 4-5 weeks post-infection.
- No significant lesions were observed in either group despite viral presence.
Conclusions:
- SCID mice exhibit a significantly different pattern of polyomavirus persistence and organ distribution compared to normal mice.
- The immunodeficiency in SCID mice allows for uncontrolled viral replication and dissemination.
- This study underscores the critical role of adaptive immunity in controlling murine polyomavirus infection.