Viral factors required for interferon induction by Newcastle disease virus in mouse macrophages and chicken embryo

Insights

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) inactivation by hydroxylamine does not prevent interferon induction in macrophages, suggesting viral components before uncoating trigger this immune response. However, antibody neutralization abolishes interferon production in chick embryo cells.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is a significant pathogen that can induce interferon synthesis.
  • The precise mechanism by which NDV triggers interferon production remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the triggering mechanism for interferon synthesis by NDV in mouse peritoneal macrophages and chick embryo cells.
  • To elucidate the role of viral components and intracellular fate in NDV-induced interferon production.

Main Methods:

  • NDV was inactivated using hydroxylamine or homologous antiserum.
  • Interferon induction capacity was assessed in macrophages and chick embryo cells.
  • Viral adsorption, uncoating, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity, and RNase sensitivity were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Hydroxylamine-inactivated NDV retained interferon-inducing capacity in macrophages and partially in chick embryo cells, with some RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity.
  • Hydroxylamine-inactivated NDV adsorbed and uncoated in cells, but viral double-stranded RNA was not detected.
  • Antibody neutralization abolished interferon induction capacity in chick embryo cells and altered RNA sensitivity to RNase in macrophages.

Conclusions:

  • Interferon induction by NDV involves viral components present up to the uncoating stage.
  • The cell type influences the mechanism of interferon induction by NDV.
  • Viral RNA integrity and specific viral components are crucial for triggering interferon synthesis.