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Characterization of rubella virus strain differences associated with attenuation
J K Chantler1, K D Lund, N P Miki
1Division of Medical Microbiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Intervirology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
This study compared rubella vaccine strains (HPV77/DE5, RA27/3, Cendehill) with wild-type rubella virus isolates. Differences in growth, plaque morphology, and E1/E2 glycoprotein reactivity were observed, impacting infectivity in specific cell types.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Rubella virus infection poses risks, necessitating effective vaccination strategies.
- Understanding the phenotypic differences between rubella vaccine strains and wild-type isolates is crucial for vaccine efficacy and safety assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the phenotypic properties of three rubella vaccine strains (HPV77/DE5, RA27/3, Cendehill) against four wild-type (wt+) rubella virus isolates (M33, Therien, Thomas, IB2).
- To investigate variations in growth characteristics, plaque morphology, temperature sensitivity, and reactivity to antibodies.
- To assess the differential infectivity of these strains in lymphoreticular cells and chondrocytes.
Main Methods:
- Phenotypic characterization including growth curves, plaque assays, and temperature sensitivity profiling.
- Immunoperoxidase staining using polyclonal and monoclonal anti-E1 antibodies to assess viral antigen expression.
- In vitro infection studies using lymphoreticular cells and chondrocytes.
- Immunoblot analysis to detect differences in E1 and E2 glycoproteins.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were observed in growth characteristics, plaque morphology, and temperature sensitivity among the rubella vaccine and wild-type strains.
- Differential reactivity to anti-E1 antibodies was noted, indicating variations in viral protein expression.
- Rubella vaccine strains RA27/3 and Cendehill showed restricted growth in lymphoreticular cells and chondrocytes compared to wild-type strains and HPV77/DE5.
- These biological variations correlated with detectable differences in E1 and E2 glycoproteins.
Conclusions:
- Phenotypic variations exist between different rubella vaccine strains and wild-type rubella virus isolates.
- These variations, particularly in viral glycoproteins and infectivity profiles, may influence vaccine performance and host-pathogen interactions.
- Further research into these differences can inform the development of improved rubella vaccines.