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Rotavirus-specific proteins are detected in murine macrophages in both intestinal and extraintestinal lymphoid
1Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th St. and Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
Abstract:
Rotaviruses replicate in mature, villous epithelial cells of the mammalian small intestine. Although rotavirus has not been detected in plasma of infants with rotavirus-induced gastroenteritis, rotavirus particles and rotavirus genomic RNA have been detected in extraintestinal sites (e.g. cerebrospinal fluid). Using a murine rotavirus strain well adapted to growth in the small intestines of suckling mice, we found that macrophages (and to a lesser extent B cells) in gut-associated lymphoid tissue contained rotavirus-specific proteins, and that these antigen-containing cells travelled to sites distant to the intestine.
Insights
Rotavirus infection spreads beyond the gut. Macrophages carrying rotavirus proteins were found in lymphoid tissues and traveled to distant sites in mice, suggesting a potential pathway for systemic spread.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Rotaviruses are a leading cause of gastroenteritis in infants.
- While typically localized to the small intestine, rotavirus components have been found in extraintestinal sites like cerebrospinal fluid.
- The systemic dissemination mechanisms of rotavirus remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential for rotavirus dissemination beyond the gastrointestinal tract.
- To identify immune cells involved in the transport of rotavirus antigens.
- To track the migration of antigen-containing cells from the gut to distant locations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a murine rotavirus model in suckling mice.
- Examined macrophages and B cells within gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) for rotavirus proteins.
- Tracked the movement of antigen-positive cells from the intestine.
Main Results:
- Rotavirus-specific proteins were detected in macrophages and, to a lesser extent, B cells within the GALT.
- These antigen-containing immune cells were observed to migrate from the intestine.
- The study demonstrated that infected immune cells can travel to sites distant from the primary infection site.
Conclusions:
- Macrophages and B cells in the GALT can acquire rotavirus antigens.
- These antigen-carrying immune cells can disseminate from the intestine to extraintestinal sites.
- This cellular trafficking may represent a mechanism for systemic rotavirus spread.