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Virulence as a positive trait in viral persistence
1Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain.
Journal of Virology
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Virulent viruses can surprisingly reestablish themselves in persistently infected cell cultures, challenging existing models of virus population dynamics. This study explores how virulence impacts virus reestablishment in persistent infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Persistent viral infections involve a dynamic interplay between virus and host cell.
- Understanding virus population dynamics is crucial for managing persistent infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ability of a challenge virus to replace a resident virus in persistently infected cell cultures.
- To determine the role of viral virulence in population replacement during persistent infections.
Main Methods:
- Established persistently infected BHK-21 cell cultures with foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotype C.
- Challenged cultures with excess FMDV, including parental, genetically marked variants, and rescued mutants.
- Analyzed resident virus population composition using reverse transcription-PCR and nucleotide sequencing.
Main Results:
- The original persisting virus dominated the population post-challenge in most scenarios.
- A notable exception was observed when highly virulent viruses were used for challenge.
- Paradoxically, increased viral virulence facilitated the reestablishment of the virus population.
Conclusions:
- Viral virulence can be a key factor in reestablishing virus populations in persistently infected cell cultures.
- A model proposing selection of virus-resistant cell variants during persistence is suggested.
- Findings have implications for understanding virus persistence in hosts and cellular environments.