Both T and B cells shed infectious mouse mammary tumor virus
J L Dzuris1, T V Golovkina, S R Ross
1Department of Microbiology/Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia 19103-6142, USA.
Abstract:
Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) infected both B and T tissue culture cells and primary B and T cells in vivo after milk-borne transmission of the virus. The infected tissue culture cells processed viral proteins, and both these and primary B and T cells shed virus when cultured in vitro. Moreover, the infected B and T tissue culture cells transmitted virus to uninfected mammary gland cells in vitro. The level of infection of these different cell types in vivo was dependent on the strain of mouse, with C3H/HeN mice showing greater B-cell infection and BALB/c mice greater T-cell infection after nursing on MMTV-infected C3H/HeN mothers. Although their B cells were less infected, BALB/c mice developed tumors more rapidly than C3H/HeN mice. These results indicate that both infected T and B cells are potential carriers of MMTV in vivo.
Insights
Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) infects B and T cells, acting as a viral carrier. Different mouse strains show varied infection levels and tumor development, highlighting cell type roles in MMTV spread.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) is transmitted milk-borne.
- MMTV infects both B and T lymphocytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate MMTV infection dynamics in B and T cells.
- To determine the role of different cell types in MMTV transmission and tumor development.
Main Methods:
- Infection of tissue culture and primary B and T cells with MMTV.
- In vitro co-culture experiments to assess viral transmission.
- Analysis of MMTV infection levels and tumor development in different mouse strains (C3H/HeN and BALB/c).
Main Results:
- MMTV infected B and T cells in vitro and in vivo.
- Infected cells processed and shed infectious MMTV.
- MMTV-infected cells transmitted the virus to uninfected mammary gland cells in vitro.
- Mouse strain influenced MMTV tropism, with C3H/HeN showing higher B-cell infection and BALB/c showing higher T-cell infection.
- BALB/c mice developed tumors faster despite lower B-cell infection rates.
Conclusions:
- Both B and T cells serve as MMTV carriers in vivo.
- MMTV infection dynamics and subsequent tumor development are influenced by host genetics and cell type specificity.
