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Published on: March 2, 2014
Measles virus persistence in an immortalized murine macrophage cell line
M B Goldman1, D J Buckthal, S Picciotto
1Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey 17033.
Abstract:
Persistent infection with the Edmonston strain of measles virus (MV) has been established in IC-21 cells, an immortalized murine macrophage cell line. Persistence was established immediately without syncytia formation or cytopathic effects. MV was expressed in the majority of the cells as evidenced by immunofluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, infectious centers assays, and limiting dilution analysis. Hemagglutinin (H) and phosphoprotein expressed in persistently infected IC-21 cells had retarded migration in SDS-PAGE gels when compared to these proteins expressed in Vero cells. H protein differences were also found between freshly infected IC-21 cells and persistently infected IC-21 cells passaged for over 2 years. Six sublines of IC-21 cells, infected at different times, have maintained these characteristics for 2 years of passage. During this time period the intensity of immunofluorescence and the number of infectious virus particles recoverable fluctuated in five of the six cell lines. In one cell line virus expression remained at a consistent high level. The ability to establish a persistent MV infection in murine macrophages allows studies using a cell important in disseminating the infection. It facilitates experiments on immunological aspects of viral immunity by enabling cell mixing experiments with histocompatible cell populations and by making available the wide array of cellular and humoral reagents in the mouse.
Insights
Researchers established a persistent measles virus (MV) infection in murine macrophages (IC-21 cells) without causing cell damage. This model allows for detailed studies on viral immunity and infection dissemination.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Measles virus (MV) causes significant global health issues.
- Understanding persistent viral infections is crucial for developing effective treatments and vaccines.
- Murine macrophage cell lines offer a valuable model for studying viral pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and characterize a persistent measles virus infection in IC-21 murine macrophage cells.
- To investigate the viral protein expression and stability in persistently infected cells.
- To provide a model for studying MV dissemination and immunological responses.
Main Methods:
- Establishing persistent MV infection in IC-21 cells.
- Immunofluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, infectious centers assays, and limiting dilution analysis to confirm infection.
- SDS-PAGE to analyze viral protein expression (Hemagglutinin and phosphoprotein).
Main Results:
- Persistent MV infection was established in IC-21 cells without cytopathic effects.
- Expressed Hemagglutinin (H) and phosphoprotein showed altered migration patterns in SDS-PAGE.
- Viral protein differences were observed between acute and long-term persistent infections.
- Six sublines maintained infection for 2 years, with fluctuating or consistent virus expression.
Conclusions:
- IC-21 cells provide a stable in vitro model for persistent measles virus infection.
- This model facilitates research into viral dissemination and immunological interactions.
- The model supports studies on viral immunity using established mouse immunological reagents.
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