Human polyomaviruses DNA detection in peripheral blood leukocytes from immunocompetent and immunocompromised...

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Human polyomaviruses, including BK virus (BKV) and JC virus (JCV), are widespread in the population.
• While often latent, these viruses can reactivate, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems.
• The role of peripheral blood leukocytes in the persistence and dissemination of polyomaviruses remains an area of investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and reactivation patterns of BKV and JCV in peripheral blood leukocytes of immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals.
• To analyze the genetic variations of JCV DNA in different bodily compartments (blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid).
• To elucidate the role of peripheral blood lymphocytes in the life cycle and dissemination of polyomaviruses.

Main Methods:

• Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect BKV and JCV DNA in peripheral blood leukocytes.
• Viral DNA shedding in urine was analyzed to determine reactivation frequencies.
• Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis was performed on amplified JCV sequences from various sources.

Main Results:

• BKV sequences were detected in 52.8-62.5% of individuals, and JCV sequences in 38.8-50%.
• Bone marrow transplant recipients showed the highest frequency of BKV and JCV reactivation, but reactivation also occurred in immunocompetent individuals.
• JCV DNA from lymphocytes and cerebrospinal fluid often displayed rearranged patterns, unlike the archetype pattern found in urine.

Conclusions:

• Peripheral blood lymphocytes are crucial for the persistence of polyomavirus infections.
• Lymphocytes facilitate the dissemination of JCV, potentially enabling the emergence of rearranged variants adapted for neuroinvasion.
• These findings highlight the complex interplay between host immunity, viral genetics, and polyomavirus pathogenesis.