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Interferon action on Mayaro virus replication
M C Rebello1, M E Fonseca, J O Marinho
1Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
Abstract:
Treatment of TC7 cells with interferon (IFN) drastically reduced the yield of infectious Mayaro virus under experimental conditions that virus attachment and penetration into the cells were not affected. In IFN-treated cells, synthesis of Mayaro virus proteins was inhibited and cellular protein synthesis was restored. This phenomenon is dependent on IFN concentration and multiplicity of infection. Electron microscopy of these cells revealed normal and anomalous viral particles inside cytoplasmic vacuoles. This suggests that IFN also interferes with Mayaro virus morphogenesis and inhibits the release of virions from cells.
Insights
Interferon treatment significantly reduced infectious Mayaro virus yield by inhibiting viral protein synthesis and restoring cellular protein synthesis in TC7 cells. This suggests interferon interferes with viral assembly and release.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mayaro virus is an arbovirus that can cause febrile illness.
- Interferons (IFNs) are cytokines crucial for antiviral defense.
- Understanding host-pathogen interactions is key to developing antiviral strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of interferon (IFN) on Mayaro virus replication in TC7 cells.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which IFN inhibits Mayaro virus infection.
Main Methods:
- TC7 cells were treated with varying concentrations of IFN.
- Mayaro virus infection was initiated, and viral yield was assessed.
- Viral protein synthesis and cellular protein synthesis were analyzed.
- Electron microscopy was used to examine viral particle morphology and location.
Main Results:
- IFN treatment drastically reduced infectious Mayaro virus yield without affecting virus attachment or penetration.
- IFN inhibited Mayaro virus protein synthesis while restoring cellular protein synthesis.
- Viral particle formation and release from cells were impaired, with abnormal particles observed in cytoplasmic vacuoles.
- The inhibitory effect was dependent on IFN concentration and multiplicity of infection.
Conclusions:
- Interferon effectively inhibits Mayaro virus replication in TC7 cells.
- IFN interferes with Mayaro virus protein synthesis, morphogenesis, and virion release.
- These findings highlight IFN's potential as an antiviral agent against Mayaro virus.