Study of the mechanism of innate resistance to virus infection

Mapping Viral Susceptibility Loci in Mice

Genetic alleles that contribute to enhanced susceptibility or resistance to viral infections and virally induced diseases have often been first identified in mice before humans due to the significant advantages of the murine system for genetic studies. Herein we review multiple discoveries that have revealed significant insights into virus-host interactions, all made using genetic mapping tools in mice. Factors that have been identified include innate and adaptive immunity genes that contribute to host defense against pathogenic viruses such as herpes viruses, flaviviruses, retroviruses, and coronaviruses. Understanding the genetic mechanisms that affect infectious disease outcomes will aid the development of personalized treatment and preventive strategies for pathogenic infections.

Fatal persistence of West Nile virus subtype Kunjin in the brains of flavivirus resistant mice

Flaviviruses cause febrile illnesses in humans that may progress to encephalitis and death. Both viral and host factors determine the level of virus replication and outcome of infection. In mice, genetically determined resistance conferred by the flavivirus resistance locus (Flv) is responsible for the restricted flavivirus replication and prevention of disease development. Majority of flaviviruses express significant virulence, replicate to high titers and cause high mortality in susceptible mice, while congenic resistant mice endure the infection, show significantly reduced levels of virus replication and remain healthy. In contrast, infection with West Nile virus subtype Kunjin (KUNV) causes morbidity and fatal outcomes even in mice that are naturally resistant to flaviviruses. There are two possible mechanisms that could account for such an unforeseen virulence of KUNV in resistant mice: (a) an abrogation of Flv-controlled natural resistance leading to high virus replication, or (b) massive virus-induced immunopathology in the brain. To identify the cause(s) of fatality of KUNV infection, disease progression, virus replication and brain histopathology were studied in parallel in resistant and congenic susceptible mice. While KUNV replicated to high titers causing early fatalities in susceptible mice, it showed only reduced replication associated with the delayed morbidity in resistant mice indicating no abrogation of the Flv resistance. No evidence of excessive immune cell infiltration and tissue damage following KUNV infection were found. However, incomplete KUNV clearance not previously described was perceived as an important source of pathogenesis in resistant mice.

Long-term balancing selection at the west nile virus resistance gene, Oas1b, maintains transspecific polymorphisms in the house mouse

Oligoadenylate synthetases (OASs) are interferon-inducible enzymes that participate in the first line of defense against a wide range of viral infection. Recent studies have determined that Oas1b, a member of the OAS gene family in the house mouse (Mus musculus), provides specific protection against flavivirus infection (e.g., West Nile virus, dengue fever virus, and yellow fever virus). We characterized the nucleotide sequence variation in coding and noncoding regions of the Oas1b gene for a large number of wild-derived strains of M. musculus and related species. Our sequence analyses determined that this gene is one of the most polymorphic genes ever described in any mammal. The level of variation in noncoding regions of Oas1b is an order of magnitude higher than the level reported for other regions of the mouse genome and is significantly different from the level of intraspecific variation expected under neutrality. Furthermore, a phylogenetic analysis of intronic sequences demonstrated that Oas1b alleles are ancient and that their divergence predates several speciation events, resulting in transspecific polymorphisms. The amino acid sequence of Oas1b is also extremely variable, with 1 out of 7 amino acid positions being polymorphic within M. musculus. Oas1b alleles are comparatively more divergent at synonymous positions than most autosomal genes and the ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous substitution is remarkably high, suggesting that positive selection has been acting on Oas1b. The ancestry of Oas1b polymorphisms and the high level of amino acid polymorphisms strongly suggest that the allelic variation at Oas1b has been maintained in mouse populations by long-term balancing selection.

Genetic resistance to flaviviruses

Resistance to flavivirus-induced disease in mice was first discovered in the 1920s and was subsequently shown to be controlled by the resistant allele of a single dominant autosomal gene. While the majority of current laboratory mouse stains have a homozygous-susceptible phenotype, the resistant allele has been found to segregate in wild mouse populations in many different parts of the world. Resistance is flavivirus specific and extends to both mosquito- and tick-borne flaviviruses. Resistant animals are infected productively by flaviviruses but produce lower virus titers, especially in their brains, as compared to susceptible mice. Decreased virus production is observed in resistant animals even during a lethal infection and the times of disease onset and death are also delayed as compared to susceptible mice. An intact immune response is required to clear flaviviruses from resistant mice. The resistant phenotype is expressed constitutively and does not require interferon induction. The Flv gene was discovered using a positional cloning approach and identified as Oas1b. Susceptible mice produce a truncated Oas1b protein. A C820T transition in the fourth exon of the gene introduced a premature stop codon and was found in all susceptible mouse strains tested. Possible mechanisms by which the product of the resistant allele could confer the resistant phenotype are discussed.

Is flavivirus resistance interferon type I-independent?

Interferon type I comprises a group of major virus-inducible host antiviral factors that control infection with a great number of human and animal viruses. They are ubiquitously expressed cytokines that interfere with virus replication within different cell types by activating a number of host genes and several parallel antiviral pathways. Two major intracellular actors of IFN-I-induced antiviral states are ribonucleic acid-dependent protein kinase and 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetases/RNase L, both being induced by IFN-I and activated by viral double stranded ribonucleic acid. In addition, Mx proteins and ribonucleic acid-specific adenosine deaminase have also been implicated in IFN-I-induced antiviral responses to some RNA viruses. Viruses, in turn, have evolved different strategies to escape a control imposed by IFN-I and by IFN-I-induced antiviral factors. The fatal outcome of virus infection as well as the efficiency of IFN-I-based antiviral therapies in its prevention, are determined by complex interactions between viral virulence factors and cellular antiviral IFN-I inducible factors. In the light of these facts and current knowledge on IFN-I involvement in flavivirus infection, I discuss a possible role of IFN-I signalling in resistance to flavivirus infection in a model of congenic mouse strains that express different levels of susceptibility/resistance to common flaviviruses. Specifically, this review emphasizes importance of fully operative 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetases/RNase L pathway for the IFN-I-induced stimulation of flavivirus resistance conferred by Flv.

The cellular nature of genetic susceptibility to a virus

Using peritoneal macrophage cultures it was found that both PRI mice and their macrophages in culture were susceptible to mouse hepatitis virus and that C(3)H mice and macrophages were resistant. All F(1) macrophages and some back-cross cell cultures were susceptible. The degeneration of F(1) and back-cross macrophages obtained either from adult mouse peritoneal exudate or newborn mouse liver, occurred more slowly than PRI macrophages. Segregation of susceptibility occurred in the first back-cross generation. Tests of three back-cross generations from susceptible mice yielded about one-quarter of the mice shown to be susceptible either by direct test or test of their macrophages. A clear correlation between susceptibility in vivo and in vitro was established both in the test of the percentage segregation and in tests of individual back-cross mice. A small series of tests, however, indicated that 50 per cent of the back-cross mice had the genetic capacity to transmit susceptibility. Thus a hypothesis of two genes for susceptibility, although not excluded, may yield to a hypothesis of a single dominant gene, incompletely expressed. Resistant cells were converted into susceptible cells by ingestion of a relatively large particle containing a heat-stable substance. This susceptibility, although complete, was temporary. The nature of the factor causing the change has been discussed.

Immune mediated and inherited defences against flaviviruses

BACKGROUND

Flavivirus infection elicits an abundant immune response in the host which is directed against a number of the viral proteins. Resistance to flavivirus-induced disease can also be controlled via a non-immune mechanism involving the product of a naturally occurring murine gene, Flv.

OBJECTIVES

To review studies that have reported the mapping of epitopes on flavivirus proteins that elicit T- or B-cell immune responses in mice or humans and to discuss a possible mechanism for flavivirus-specific genetic resistance.

STUDY DESIGN

Purified viral proteins and synthetic peptides were used to map B-cell epitopes. Purified proteins, vaccinia-expressed viral protein fragments and synthetic peptides were used to map T-cell epitopes. Congenic-resistant, C3H/RV and congenic susceptible, C3H/He mice and cell cultures were used to study the mechanism of genetic resistance to flavivirus infection.

RESULTS

T- and B-cell epitopes have been mapped to the E, NS1 and NS3 proteins of several flaviviruses. Immune responses to the C, PreM, NS2a, NS4a, and NS5 proteins have also been documented. Data suggest that the Flv gene product acts intracellularly to suppress the synthesis of viral genomic RNA.

CONCLUSIONS

Although flavivirus infection elicits an abundant immune response, this response is not always rapid enough to protect the host from developing encephalitis. During secondary infections both the humoral and cellular flavivirus-specific responses can confer protection. Dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) appear to be caused by an overly vigorous immune response. In genetically resistant animals reduced production of virus results in a slower spread of the infection, which in turn allows time for the immune response to develop and to clear the infection before disease symptoms appear.

Mouse susceptibility to mouse hepatitis virus infection is linked to viral receptor genotype

We have reported that the receptor for mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) expressed in MHV-susceptible BALB/c mice (MHVR1) has 10 to 30 times the virus-binding activity of the MHV receptor expressed in MHV-resistant SJL mice (MHVR2) (N. Ohtsuka, Y. K. Yamada, and F. Taguchi, J. Gen. Virol. 77:1683-1992, 1996). This fact indicates the possibility that the difference in MHV susceptibility between BALB/c and SJL mice is determined by the virus-binding activity of the receptor. To test this possibility, we have examined MHV susceptibility in mice with the homozygous MHVR1 gene (R1/R1 genotype), mice with the MHVR1 and MHVR2 genes (R1/R2 genotype), and mice with the homozygous MHVR2 gene (R2/R2 genotype) produced by cross and backcross mating between BALB/c and SJL mice. All 63 F2 and backcrossed mice with the MHVR1 gene (R1/R1 and R1/R2) were susceptible to MHV infection, and all 57 with the homozygous MHVR2 gene (R2/R2) were resistant. We have also examined the MHV receptor genotypes of several mouse strains that were reported to be susceptible to MHV infection. All of those mice had the MHVR1 gene. These results suggest the possibility that the viral receptor determines the susceptibility of the whole animal to MHV infection.

THE PATHOGENESIS OF HERPES VIRUS ENCEPHALITIS. II. A CELLULAR BASIS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF RESISTANCE WITH AGE

The resistance to herpes virus encephalitis which develops with age was studied in mice using fluorescent antibody staining. Adult mice remained susceptible to intracerebral inoculation, and the infection of the central nervous system was identical with that found in immature mice. A "barrier" to the spread of virus inoculated extraneurally developed with maturation, and the limitation of spread appeared to coincide with the infection of peritoneal and tissue macrophages. In vitro, suckling and adult mouse macrophages were infected with equal ease. However, suckling mouse macrophages infected other cells in contact with them, while infected adult mouse macrophages did not. Studies failed to reveal the nature of this change in macrophages which developed with age. The role of macrophages in the pathogenesis of herpes virus encephalitis is discussed. The hypothesis is made that an alteration in the macrophages of the maturing mouse plays an important role in its development of resistance to herpes virus encephalitis.

LEUKOCYTES AND INTERFERON IN THE HOST RESPONSE TO VIRAL INFECTIONS. I. MOUSE LEUKOCYTES AND LEUKOCYTE-PRODUCED INTERFERON IN VACCINIA VIRUS INFECTION IN VITRO

1. Investigation of the role of leukocytes in vaccinia virus infection is reported in an in vitro model, in the absence of an immune response. 2. Mouse leukocytes were shown to be capable of inhibiting the progression of vaccinia virus infection in primary mouse embryo fibroblast cultures. The degree of protection varied from slowing of spread of infection to complete control of the infection with eventual elimination of detectable virus and recovery of the culture. 3. Interferon production by leukocytes is thought to be an important factor in the observed protective effect.

Cell proteins bind specifically to West Nile virus minus-strand 3' stem-loop RNA

The first 96 nucleotides of the 5'noncoding region (NCR) of West Nile virus (WNV) genomic RNA were previously reported to form thermodynamically predicted stem-loop (SL) structures that are conserved among flaviviruses. The complementary minus-strand 3' NCR RNA, which is thought to function as a promoter for the synthesis of plus-strand RNA, forms a corresponding predicted SL structure. RNase probing of the WNV 3' minus-strand stem-loop RNA [WNV (-)3' SL RNA] confirmed the existence of a terminal secondary structure. RNA-protein binding studies were performed with BHK S100 cytoplasmic extracts and in vitro-synthesized WNV (-)3' SL RNA as the probe. Three RNA-protein complexes (complexes 1,2, and 3) were detected by a gel mobility shift assay, and the specificity of the RNA-protein interactions was confirmed by gel mobility shift and UV-induced cross-linking competition assays. Four BHK cell proteins with molecular masses of 108, 60, 50, and 42 kDa were detected by UV-induced cross-linking to the WNV (-)3' SL RNA. A preliminary mapping study indicated that all four proteins bound to the first 75 nucleotides of the WNV 3' minus-strand RNA, the region that contains the terminal SL. A flavivirus resistance phenotype was previously shown to be inherited in mice as a single, autosomal dominant allele. The efficiencies of infection of resistant cells and susceptible cells are similar, but resistant cells (C3H/RV) produce less genomic RNA than congenic, susceptible cells (C3H/He). Three RNA-protein complexes and four UV-induced cross-linked cell proteins with mobilities identical to those detected in BHK cell extracts with the WNV (-)3' SL RNA were found in both C3H/RV and C3H/He cell extracts. However, the half-life of the C3H/RV complex 1 was three times longer than that of the C3H/He complex 1. It is possible that the increased binding activity of one of the resistant cell proteins for the flavivirus minus-strand RNA could result in a reduced synthesis of plus-strand RNA as observed with the flavivirus resistance phenotype.

Low resolution mapping around the flavivirus resistance locus (Flv) on mouse chromosome 5

Although the phenomenon of innate resistance to flaviviruses in mice was recognized many years ago, it was only recently that the genetic locus (Flv) controlling this resistance was mapped to mouse Chromosome (Chr) 5. Here we report the fine mapping of the Flv locus, using 12 microsatellite markers which have recently been developed for mouse Chr 5. The new markers were genotyped in 325 backcross mice of both (C3H/HeJ x C3H/RV)F1 x C3H/HeJ and (BALB/c x C3H/RV)F1 x BALB/c backgrounds, relative to Flv. The composite genetic map that has been constructed identifies three novel microsatellite loci, D5Mit68, D5Mit159, and D5Mit242, tightly linked to the Flv locus. One of those loci, D5Mit159, showed no recombinations with Flv in any of the backcross mice analyzed, indicating tight linkage (< 0.3 cM). The other two, D5Mit68 and D5Mit242, exhibited two and one recombinations with Flv (0.6 and 0.3 cM) respectively, defining the proximal and distal boundaries of a 0.9-cM segment around this locus. The proximal flanking marker, D5Mit68, maps to a segment on mouse Chr 5 homologous to human Chr 4. This, together with the previous data produced by our group, locates Flv to a region on mouse Chr 5 carrying segments that are conserved on either human Chr 4, 12, or 7, but present knowledge does not allow precise identification of the syntenic element.

Mapping the Flv locus controlling resistance to flaviviruses on mouse chromosome 5

Genetically determined resistance to flaviviruses in mice is a dominant trait conferred by alleles at a single autosomal locus designated Flv, but no gene products have been associated with this locus and the mechanism of resistance is not well understood. To further characterize this model of genetic resistance, we conducted mapping studies to determine the chromosomal location of Flv. Because of evidence suggesting that the Flv locus is on chromosome 5, three-point backcross linkage analyses were used to define the location of Flv relative to previously assigned chromosome 5 markers. The results confirm the chromosome 5 location of Flv and indicate a map position between the anchor loci rd and Gus-s. The chromosomal localization of Flv is the first step in the production of a detailed linkage map of the Flv region, which may open approaches to positional cloning of the resistance gene.

Genetic studies of flavivirus resistance in inbred strains derived from wild mice: evidence for a new resistance allele at the flavivirus resistance locus (Flv)

Studies of genetic resistance to flavivirus infection in laboratory mice have led to the development of a single model in which resistance is conferred by an autosomal dominant gene designated Flvr. Because of evidence suggesting that wild mice carry virus resistance genes which are not present in laboratory mice, we compared flavivirus resistance in the inbred strains CASA/Rk, CAST/Ei, and MOLD/Rk, which are derived directly from wild mice, and the congenic strains C3H/RV (Flvr/Flvr) and C3H/HeJ (Flvs/Flvs). Resistance to the Murray Valley encephalitis virus strain OR2 and the 17D vaccine strain of yellow fever virus was assessed by determining the lethality of intracerebral infection and by measuring virus replication in the brain. The resistance of the CASA/Rk and CAST/Ei strains resembled the resistance of C3H/RV mice, whereas the resistance of the MOLD/Rk strain was intermediate between those of C3H/RV and C3H/HeJ mice. Genetic analyses showed that resistance in both the CASA/Rk and MOLD/Rk strains is conferred by single autosomal dominant alleles at the Flv locus. Our data indicate that flavivirus resistance in the CASA/Rk strain is due to a gene which is similar or identical to Flvr, whereas resistance in the MOLD/Rk strain is due to a previously undescribed gene which we designate Flvmr to indicate minor resistance to flavivirus infection. Since genetic resistance to flaviviruses is rare in laboratory mice, the CASA/Rk and MOLD/Rk strains will be valuable for further investigation of this phenomenon.

Genetic aspects of macrophage involvement in natural resistance to virus infections

Macrophages are thought to constitute an important element in the body's natural defense against invasion and dissemination of viruses. Possible antiviral mechanisms of macrophages are defined and referred to as intrinsic, i.e. the ability of macrophages to serve as a nonpermissive barrier between the virus and susceptible cells and extrinsic, i.e. the ability of macrophages to affect the virus or virus replication in surrounding cells. Most studies on the role of macrophages in natural resistance to virus infections have been performed in animal models. An interesting aspect of many viral infections in animals is the finding of a genetically determined variation in natural resistance. Because of the availability of numerous inbred and congenic strains most studies on genetically determined resistance have been performed in mice. The classical examples are resistance to flaviviruses and susceptibility to mouse hepatitis virus, both of which are inherited as dominant, monogenic traits. With these viruses macrophage intrinsic restriction of virus replication has been found to express at the cellular level the genetics of resistance/susceptibility seen in the intact animal. Other examples, where macrophages have been implicated in genetically determined resistance include herpes simplex virus and influenza virus. The involvement of macrophages in natural resistance to these viruses is discussed in relation to other putative resistance determinants like interferon production and sensitivity and natural killer cell activity.

Incomplete growth of varicella-zoster virus in human monocytes

Infection of human peripheral blood monocytes by varicella-zoster virus (VZV) was investigated. When freshly isolated monocytes of young adult volunteers were infected with cell-free VZV and examined by indirect immunofluorescence, specific antigens appeared at 8 hr and the number of antigen-positive cells reached the maximum between 24 and 48 hr postinfection. The proportion of antigen-positive cells to total cells was similar to that of the permissive control (HeLa cells), while very few infectious centers (IC) of monocytes were formed in comparison with the infected control cells. Monocytes isolated from infants and old persons formed a larger number of IC than those of young adults. Electron microscopic study of VZV-infected monocytes from three young adult volunteers demonstrated that the proportion of VZV particle-positive cells to total cells was similar to that of antigen-positive cells, and most of the particles seen in the nuclei were low in density and lacked a central core. These results suggest that the growth of VZV in human adult monocytes is incomplete. This restriction of VZV growth by monocytes may play an important role in defense against VZV infection.

A replication-efficient mutant of West Nile virus is insensitive to DI particle interference

A previous report described the isolation of a mutant of West Nile virus (WNV) from culture fluid obtained from persistently infected genetically resistant C3H/RV mouse cells that replicates significantly more efficiently in cultures of C3H/RV cells than does the parental virus. This replication-efficient mutant, designated RE-WNV, has now been found to be insensitive to interference by WNV defective interfering (DI) particles. This characteristic was demonstrated by several means. The RE-WNV mutant was able to superinfect persistently infected cultures that were no longer producing detectable parental virus, while the parental virus was not. Good yields of the mutant virus were produced during six serial undiluted passages of RE-WNV in both resistant C3H/RV and congenic susceptible C3H/HE cells. In contrast, during passage of parental virus in C3H/RV cells, progeny virus could not be detected after the third passage, due to an enhanced interference by WNV DI particles with standard virus replication in these cells. The RE-WNV was also insensitive to interference by a pool of parental virus enriched for DI particles. Analysis of the mutant genome by oligonucleotide fingerprinting indicated that the genome RNA of the mutant differs by two unique spots from the parental RNA. The relevance of this mutant to the eventual understanding of the mechanism by which C3H/RV and C3H/HE cells manifest their flavivirus-specific difference in the efficiency of progeny virus production is discussed.

Analysis of extracellular West Nile virus particles produced by cell cultures from genetically resistant and susceptible mice indicates enhanced amplification of defective interfering particles by resistant cultures

[3H]uridine-labeled extracellular West Nile virus (WNV) particles produced by cell cultures obtained from genetically resistant C3H/RV and congenic susceptible C3H/HE mice were compared by sucrose density gradient centrifugation as well as by analysis of the particle RNA. Defective interfering (DI) WNV particles were observed among progeny produced during acute infections in both C3H/RV and C3H/HE cells. Although only a partial separation of standard and DI particles was achieved, the DI particles were found to be more dense than the standard virions. Particles containing several species of small RNAs consistently constituted a major proportion of the total population of virus progeny produced by C3H/RV cells, but a minor proportion of the population produced by C3H/HE cells. Decreasing the multiplicity of infection or extensive plaque purification of the WNV inoculum decreased the proportion of small RNAs found in the progeny virus. The ratio of DI particles to standard virus observed in progeny virus was determined by the cell type used to grow the virus. The ratio could be shifted by passaging virus from one cell type to the other. Homologous interference could be demonstrated with WNV produced by C3H/RV cells but not with virus produced by C3H/HE cells. Continued passage of WNV in C3H/HE cells resulted in a cycling of infectivity. However, passage in C3H/RV cells resulted in the complete loss of infectious virus. Four size classes of small viral RNA, with sedimentation coefficients of about 8, 15, 26, and 34S, were observed in the extracellular particles. A preliminary analysis of these RNAs by oligonucleotide fingerprinting indicated that the smaller RNAs were less complex than the 40S RNA and differed from each other. The data are consistent with the conclusion that WNV DI particles interfere more effectively with standard virus replication and are amplified more efficiently in C3H/RV cells than in congenic C3H/HE cells. The relevance of these findings to the further understanding of genetically controlled resistance to flaviviruses is discussed.

Pathogenesis and immune response of vaccinated and unvaccinated rhesus monkeys to tick-borne encephalitis virus

The rhesus monkey was used as a model for diseases caused by viruses of the tick-borne encephalitis virus complex to study the efficacy and safety of a commercial killed vaccine. Animals infected intravenously developed a subclinical infection with no histopathological lesions but with transient clinical chemical changes that included elevated transaminase, dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase activities and that declined as an immune response developed. The immune response was detected as neutralizing antibody in serum and serum antibody to several viral proteins. Antibodies to viral envelope protein and two other infected cell-specific polypeptides were also detected. Intranasal infection resulted in a disease resembling that in humans, except that no pyrexia was observed. Clinical chemical changes similar to those in intravenously infected monkeys developed, but most animals died before an immune response was mounted. Using this model, we have demonstrated that a commercial vaccine protects animals against a wild-type virus isolate and that it elicits an effective immune reaction without any evidence of an immune enhancement phenomenon or adverse side effects as judged by clinical observation, clinical chemistry, and histopathology.

Replication of mouse hepatitis viruses with high and low virulence in cultured hepatocytes

Ten strains of mouse hepatitis virus with different levels of virulence and hepatotropism were examined for the ability to replicate in cultured mouse hepatocytes. All of these viruses multiplied well in hepatocytes, attaining a maximum of 10(5) to 10(7) PFU per 0.2 ml, with cytopathic effects characterized by the formation of polykaryocytes. However, in nonparenchymal adherent cells of the liver (liver macrophages), highly virulent mouse hepatitis virus type 2 multiplied to a titer 1,000 times higher than that of mouse hepatitis virus S with a low virulence. These results suggest that the virulence of mouse hepatitis virus in infected mice is determined by its potential for replication not in hepatocytes, but in macrophages, including Kupffer cells in the liver.

Dengue virus multiplication in cultures of mouse peritoneal macrophages: effects of macrophage activators

Dengue-2 virus multiplied in cultures of methylcellulose-induced peritoneal macrophages of BALB/c mice. The in vitro-cultivated macrophages from dengue-1 virus-immune mice produced larger amounts of dengue-2 virus than did those from nonimmune controls. The effect of macrophage activators was examined by using nonimmune macrophages. Enhanced virus production was demonstrated in cultures of macrophagges pretreated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The number of virus-infected cells in the pretreated cultures was estimated to be about 0.01% or less of the total macrophages. Continuous treatment of macrophages with PHA before and after virus inoculation brought about the most marked enhancement of dengue-2 virus multiplication. On the other hand, treatment with concanavalin A or pokeweed mitogen showed little effect on the multiplication of the same virus. Treatment with carrageenan, a specific macrophage blocking agent, markedly suppressed dengue-2 virus production in both dengue-1 virus-immune macrophages and LPS-treated macrophages. The indirect fluorescent-antibody (FA) technique revealed dengue-2 viral antigen in the cytoplasm of infected macrophages, and the FA-positive macrophages were more numerous in PHA-treated cultures than in untreated controls. The results obtained are discussed in relation to a possible role of activated monocytes/macrophages in the pathogenesis of dengue hemorrhagic fever.

Interferon independence of genetically controlled resistance to flaviviruses

Flavivirus-resistant C3H/RV mice injected with sheep anti-interferon globulin and then infected with either West Nile or yellow fever virus survived and displayed no disease symptoms. Also, treatment of embryo fibroblast cultures prepared from C3H/RV or congenic susceptible C3H/HE mice with anti-interferon serum resulted in an increased yield of West Nile virus from both types of cultures, but the amount of infectious virus produced by resistant cultures remained 1 to 1.5 logs lower than that produced by susceptible cell cultures. These results indicate that the mode of expression of the flavivirus resistance gene differs significantly from that of the Mx gene conferring resistance to influenza virus-induced disease in A2G mice.

Suppression of vesicular stomatitis virus defective intefering particle generation by a function(s) associated with human chromosome 16

Human-mouse somatic cell hybrids were made between adenine phosphoribosyltransferase-deficient mouse L cells and a strain of human primary fibroblasts and selected in medium containing alanosine and adenine (J. A. Tischfield and F. H. Ruddle, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 71:45-49, 1974). These hybrids were tested for the generation of defective interfering (DI) particles of vesicular stomatitis virus to determine whether or not a host gene controls the induction of DI particles. None of the seven independently arising hybrid clones tested generated detectable DI particles during 13 successive undiluted passages. In addition, the parental human cells also failed to generate DI particles. In contrast, the parental mouse cells generated a detectable level of DI particles during continuous passage. Thus, failure to generate DI particles appears to act in a dominant fashion in these hybrids. Human chromosome 16 and adenine phosphoribosyltransferase were present, as a direct consequence of the selection system, in all of the hybrid clones that failed to generate DI particles. It was the only human chromosome observed in the cells of every hybrid clone. This was verified by both isozyme and karyotype analyses. After hybrids were back-selected (with 2,6-diaminopurine) for loss of human adenine phosphoribosyltransferase and chromosome 16, they gained the ability to generate DI particles. Replication of DI particles already present in virus stocks, however, was normal in all of the hybrid clones and the parental human cells. This suggests that the induction, but not the replication, of DI particles is affected by the human genome and that a factor on human chromosome 16 seems to selectively suppress the mouse cell's ability to generate DI particles in the hybrids. These results support the idea that the induction of DI particles is controlled in part by host cell function(s), as suggested previously (C. Y. Kang and R. Allen, J. Virol. 25:202-206, 1978).

Genetic resistance to lethal flaviviral encephalitis. III. Replication of Banzi virus in vitro and in vivo in tissues of congeneic susceptible and resistant mice

The replication of Banzi virus, flavivirus, was compared in vitro and in vivo in tissues of congenic mice genetically resistant (C3H/RV) or genetically susceptible (C3H/He) to lethal infection. Ultrastructural changes in brains of resistant and susceptible adult mice following intracerebral or intraperitoneal inoculation of virus also were compared. Banzi virus replicated equally well in monolayer cultures of infant and adult brain, stimulated and non-stimulated macrophages and embryonic cells from both strains of mice. Similarly, no significant differences were found between strains in virus growth in brain, spleen or thymus of peripherally-inoculated infant mice. In intracerebrally-inoculated adult mice, virus titers in brains of resistant mice were consistently lower than in susceptible mice. Visualization of virus particles was dependent on virus concentration in tissues. The changes in brain tissues of both strains of mice were similar, differing only in the time of onset which was noted two days later in C3H/RV mice than in C3H/He mice. These results indicate that, in the case of Banzi virus, the phenotypic expression of genetically-determined resistance of lethal flavivirus infection cannot be attributed primarily to the ability of host cells to support virus replication.

Isolation of a replication-efficient mutant of West Nile virus from a persistently infected genetically resistant mouse cell culture

Flavivirus-resistant mouse embryofibroblasts (C3H/RV) that were infected with West Nile virus, strain E101 (WNV), yielded fewer infectious virions than did cultures of congenic susceptible cells (C3H/HE). Analysis of intracellular viral RNA synthesis indicated that the incorporation of [3H]uridine into 40S genome RNA was markedly reduced in resistant cells, and about 100-fold less labeled 40S RNA was found in pelleted extracellular virions from resistant cultures than in those from susceptible ones. A non-temperature-sensitive mutant of WNV isolated from culture fluid of a persistently infected culture of genetically resistant mouse cells was found to produce higher yields of infectious virus than the parental WNV used to initiate the persistent infection. Analysis of intracellular actinomycin D-resistant RNA indicated that the mutant virus (WNV-RV) was more efficient at incorporating [3H]uridine into 40S RNA in resistant cells than was the parental virus. WNV-RV also synthesized 40S RNA more efficiently than parental virus in congenic susceptible cells and in BHK cells. Analysis of the incorporation of [35S]methionine into viral proteins was likewise enhanced in WNV-RV-infected cells. The WNV-RV mutant provides a tool for studying the regulation of transcription of flavivirus RNA.

Influence of the immune system on the course of infection with murine coronavirus JHM in suckling mice

The course of infection with murine corona virus JHM in C3H mice depends on the age of the animals. Mice up to 20 days of age are fully susceptible while mice older than 23 days resist the infection. Protection of suckling mice from death of infection can be provided by intraperitoneal administration of immune spleen cells but not by non-immune spleen cells from adult mice. The immune spleen cells can be generated by priming adult mice, or by priming non-immune spleen cells from adult mice in baby mice with inactivated JHM virus. Thus the immune system might well be involved in the different outcome of infection with JHM-virus in suckling and adult mice, but it does not seem to be the exclusive factor responsible for the achievement of natural resistance.

Possible genetic determinants in epidemic polyarthritis caused by Ross River virus infection

HLA D locus-related (DR) antigens and Gm phenotypes were determined in 30 patients with epidemic polyarthritis following Ross River virus (RRV) infection and contrasted with those in comparison series of 119 (DR) and 1220 (Gm) normal subjects. HLA DR7 (46.7% cf. 21.0%) and the heterozygous Gm phenotype a+x+b+ (33.3% cf. 15.3%) were significantly increased in the patients, with relative risks of 3.3 and 2.8 respectively. The occurrence of Gm a+x+b+ was independent of DR7, and conferred a relative risk of 4.3 in DR7-negative patients. Differences found in clinical features, specific lymphocyte proliferative responses and antibody titres did not reach significant levels. The association with DR7 was inversely related to age in residents of an area of moderate endemic risk, and to levels of natural cell-mediated immunity (natural killer cell activity). These correlations point to possible mechanisms by which genetic traits might influence the occurrence or consequence of RRV infection.

Age-dependent resistance of human alveolar macrophages to herpes simplex virus

Studies in mice demonstrate an age-dependent susceptibility to disseminated herpesvirus infection which is mediated. at least in part, by a defect in macrophage antiviral function. We examined the growth of herpes simplex virus within human alveolar macrophages obtained by bronchopulmonary lavage from neonates, adults with a variety of immunosuppressive disorders, and healthy adult volunteers. At 24 h postinfection, mean viral titers in neonatal macrophages increased 19-fold over adsorbed virus levels, a highly significant increase when compared to either immunosuppressed or normal adult macrophages (P less than 0.0005). These findings indicate that human macrophages, like those of mice, exhibit age-dependent permissiveness for the replication of herpes simplex virus. This permissiveness may at least partially account for the clinical observation that human newborns are highly susceptible to disseminated herpes simplex virus infections, whereas adults are not.

Mechanisms of resistance to Corynebacterium kutscheri in mice

Involvement of the mononuclear phagocyte system in the mechanism of resistance to Corynebacterium kutscheri was studied in C57B1/6 and Swiss Lynch mice. A major difference between the two mouse strains was that the phagocytic cells of the livers of C57B1/6 mice destroyed the bacteria with much greater efficiency. There was no evidence of serum factors which might have led to this greater bacterial killing observed in the C57B1/6 mice, and in vivo phagocytosis of C. kutscheri was identical in both mouse strains. Resistance to C. kutscheri could be transferred with spleen and/or bone marrow cells from resistant (Swiss Lynch X C57B1/6) F1 mice to 650-rad irradiated susceptible Swiss Lynch mice. Nonspecific and acquired mechanisms of resistance to C. kutscheri are discussed.

Difference in response to mouse hepatitis virus among susceptible mouse strains

After intraperitoneal inoculation with a high-virulent mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) a significant difference was seen in survival time between DDD and CDF1 (BALB/c X DDD) mice, while 50% lethal doses were not significantly different. With 3 X 10(3) PFU of the virus CDF1 and DDD mice died in 45 and 120 hr, respectively, on the average. This difference of susceptibility between DDD and CDF1 mice was first demonstrable at the age of 1 week and was more pronounced at the age of 4 weeks but showed no dependence of the sex. Virus titers ran 2 to 3 log higher in the liver and blood of CDF1 than in those of DDD mice, while being only 1 log higher in the spleen. At an early stage of infection viral antigen was demonstrable by immunofluorescence in sinusoidal lining cells of the liver more prominently in VDF1 than in DDD mice. Interferon production occurring in parallel with virus growth was significantly higher in CDF1 than in DDD mice. In DDD mice, liver lesions were rather focal with some accumulation of round cells, while they were confluent with poor cellular response in CDF1 mice. Viral growth in cultured peritoneal macrophages from CDF1 mice was 1 log higher than in those from DDD mice. The results suggest that the divergence in response to MHV among susceptible mice greatly depends upon the susceptibility of macrophages and reticuloendothelial cells which constitute primary targets of the virus.

Inherited resistance to Corynebacterium kutscheri in mice

An analysis of the factors responsible for inherited resistance to Corynebacterium kutscheri was undertaken. Various inbred mouse strains were examined; these included the Swiss Lynch and C57Bl/l mice, their F1 and F2 progeny, and the progeny of the F1 backcrossed to each parent strain. Two modes of inherited resistance are described. An examination suggested that resistance as measured by the mean lethal dose of C. kutscheri was under polygenic control and was inherited continuously. However, the efficiency with which C. kutscheri was eliminated by the mononuclear phagocyte cells of the liver over 3 days differed markedly among strains. A genetic analysis of this mononuclear phagocyte microbicidal efficiency (MPME) in Swiss Lynch and C57Bl/6 mice was undertaken. The trait, MPME, was present, but did not segregate, in the F1 progeny or in the progeny of the backcross to the resistant C57Bl/6 parent; this was clear evidence of dominance. Moreover, MPME segregated in a ratio of 1:1 in the progeny of the backcross to the sensitive Swiss Lynch parent and in a ratio of 3:1 in the F2 progeny. It was concluded that MPME was inherited discontinuously and was controlled by a single dominant autosomal gene (or closely linked group); the recessive allele was assigned the gene symbol ack. Linkage experiments showed there to be no association between the ack locus and any of the immune-response genes.

Supraependymal cells of hypothalamic third ventricle: identification as resident phagocytes of the brain

Cells lying on the ventricular surface of the hypothalamic ependyma of the tegu lizard exhibit the pseudopodial and flaplike processes characteristic of macrophages found elsewhere. Since they ingest latex beads, they may be considered a resident phagocytic system of the brain. The importance of ependyma and ventricular phagocytes as a first line of defense against viral invasion of the brain, as well as their role in the pathogenesis of certain virus-related diseases, is suggested by a number of experimental and clinical observations.

Role of macrophages in resistance to murine cytomegalovirus

The role of macrophages in protecting mice from murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) was studied in Swiss, CBA/J, and C57BL/6J mice. CBA/J mice were more resistant to virus than were C57BL/6J mice at all ages tested. Prior treatment of adult Swiss mice with 60 mg of silica, a dose selectively toxic to macrophages, increased mortality due to MCMV infection. Transfer of syngeneic adult macrophages to suckling mice significantly increased their resistance to subsequent MCMV infection. Transfer of syngeneic, nonimmune adult lymphocytes to suckling mice also had a lesser but significant protective effect against subsequent MCMV challenge. In vitro infection of adult CBA/J and C57BL/6J macrophages with virulent and attenuated MCMV resulted in productive infection in only a small percentage of cells and recovery of very little virus from the extracellular fluid. Infection of CBA macrophages was no less productive than C57BL/6J nor was infection with virulent virus more productive than with attenuated virus. Histological examination of the livers of MCMV-infected CBA/J and C57BL/6J mice suggested that divergent cellular immune responses to infection might account for differences in susceptibility. It is postulated that the macrophage may facilitate the inductive phase of cellular immunity, one possible explanation for its demonstrated importance in host defenses against MCMV.