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JC virus infection in cells from lymphoid tissue
M C Monaco1, J Shin, E O Major
1Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Neuroscience, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Developments in Biological Standardization
|October 17, 1998
Summary
JC virus (JCV) infects immune cells, specifically CD34+ hematopoietic precursor cells and B lymphocytes. These cells may serve as carriers for JCV to the brain, contributing to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Neurovirology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a severe demyelinating disease caused by JC virus (JCV) infection of oligodendrocytes.
- The precise mechanisms of JCV pathogenesis, including primary infection sites and brain entry routes, are not fully understood.
- JCV presence in peripheral lymphocytes of immunosuppressed individuals suggests a potential role for these cells in viral dissemination to the central nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the susceptibility of lymphoid organ cells, particularly CD34+ hematopoietic precursor cells and B lymphocytes, to JCV infection.
- To determine if lymphocytes can act as carriers for JCV to the brain, elucidating a potential route for PML development.
Main Methods:
- In vitro infection assays were performed on primary human CD34+ hematopoietic precursor cells and B lymphocytes.
- Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy were used to detect JCV infection and cellular differentiation markers.
Main Results:
- Both CD34+ hematopoietic precursor cells and B lymphocytes demonstrated susceptibility to JCV infection.
- JCV infection was observed specifically in cells undergoing differentiation towards a lymphocytic lineage.
- These findings support the hypothesis that lymphocytes can be infected by JCV.
Conclusions:
- CD34+ hematopoietic precursor cells and B lymphocytes are susceptible to JCV infection.
- JCV preferentially infects differentiating lymphocytic lineage cells, suggesting a mechanism for viral transport to the brain.
- This study provides critical insights into the cellular tropism of JCV and potential pathways for PML pathogenesis.