Differential γ-herpesvirus distribution in distinct anatomical locations and cell subsets during persistent infection in mice

E Flano, IJ Kim, J Moore, DL Woodland… - The Journal of …, 2003 - journals.aai.org
E Flano, IJ Kim, J Moore, DL Woodland, MA Blackman
The Journal of Immunology, 2003journals.aai.org
Abstract Murine γ-herpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) provides an important experimental model for
analyzing γ-herpesvirus latent infection. After intranasal infection with MHV-68, we analyzed
the distribution of the virus in different anatomical locations and purified populations of cells.
Our data show that long-term latency is maintained in a variety of anatomical locations and
cell populations with different frequencies. Importantly, we demonstrate that although latency
in the lung is established in a variety of cell subsets, long-term latency in the lung is only …
Abstract
Murine γ-herpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) provides an important experimental model for analyzing γ-herpesvirus latent infection. After intranasal infection with MHV-68, we analyzed the distribution of the virus in different anatomical locations and purified populations of cells. Our data show that long-term latency is maintained in a variety of anatomical locations and cell populations with different frequencies. Importantly, we demonstrate that although latency in the lung is established in a variety of cell subsets, long-term latency in the lung is only maintained in B cells. In contrast, splenic latency is maintained in macrophages and dendritic cells, as well as in B cells. In blood, isotype-switched B cells constitute the major viral reservoir. These results show that the cell subsets in which latency is established vary within different anatomical sites. Finally, we demonstrate that long-term latency is accompanied by a low level of infectious virus in lung and spleen. These data have important implications for understanding the establishment and maintenance of latency by γ 2-herpesviruses.
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