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Interference following mixed infection of reovirus isolates is linked to the M2 gene
1Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
Abstract:
Following infection by pairs of reovirus isolates consisting of combinations of reovirus T1 Lang, T2 Jones, or T3 Dearing, we found that one of the isolates interfered with the yield of progeny RNA derived from the other parents. The most significant interference was produced by T2 Jones or T3 Dearing, when mixed with T1 Lang. Genetic analysis revealed that the presence of the M2 gene in the interfering parent (in the T1 Lang x T3 Dearing pair) was linked to interference. Studies on interference in infected cells indicated that interference occurs after adsorption and penetration.
Insights
Reovirus isolates T2 Jones or T3 Dearing interfere with progeny RNA yield from T1 Lang. This viral interference, linked to the M2 gene, occurs after cell adsorption and penetration.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Reoviruses are double-stranded RNA viruses with segmented genomes.
- Viral interference can limit progeny production and impact coinfection dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate interference between different reovirus serotypes during coinfection.
- To identify the genetic basis and cellular stage of reovirus interference.
Main Methods:
- Coinfection of cells with pairs of reovirus isolates (T1 Lang, T2 Jones, T3 Dearing).
- Quantification of progeny RNA yield.
- Genetic analysis to link interference to specific viral genes.
- Cellular studies to determine the stage of interference.
Main Results:
- Significant interference observed when T2 Jones or T3 Dearing coinfected with T1 Lang.
- The M2 gene was identified as a key factor in interference, particularly in the T1 Lang x T3 Dearing combination.
- Interference was found to occur post-adsorption and penetration, affecting viral replication.
Conclusions:
- Specific reovirus serotypes exhibit interference, impacting coinfection outcomes.
- The M2 gene plays a crucial role in mediating this interference phenomenon.
- Reovirus interference is a post-entry mechanism affecting viral replication stages.