Rotavirus and reovirus interaction with mouse peritoneal resident phagocytic cells

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Rotaviruses and reoviruses cause human and animal diseases.
• Both viruses infect the gastrointestinal tract.
• The interaction between these viruses and phagocytic cells is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interaction between rotaviruses, reoviruses, and phagocytic cells.
• To determine if phagocytic cells support or inhibit viral replication.
• To understand the role of phagocytic cells in the dissemination of these viruses.

Main Methods:

• Peritoneal resident phagocytic cells were isolated.
• Rotavirus and reovirus replication within these cells was observed.
• MA-104 cells were used to assess the infectivity of rotavirus from phagocytic cell lysates.

Main Results:

• Rotavirus replication in phagocytic cells resulted in defective particles.
• MA-104 cells inoculated with rotavirus phagocytic cell lysate showed no viral replication.
• Reovirus dissemination may be facilitated by phagocytic cells.

Conclusions:

• Phagocytic cells may control rotavirus infection by producing defective particles.
• These cells might prevent rotavirus dissemination.
• Phagocytic cells could play a role in reovirus spread.