Differential gamma-herpesvirus distribution in distinct anatomical locations and cell subsets during persistent infection in mice.
Murine gamma-herpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) provides an important experimental model for analyzing gamma-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 gamma(2)-herpesviruses.
Flaño
Emilio
E
Trudeau Institute, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA.
Kim
In-Jeong
IJ
Moore
John
J
Woodland
David L
DL
Blackman
Marcia A
MA
D000818:Animals; D016175:B-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D018142:Gammaherpesvirinae / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology*; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D017578:Immunoglobulin Class Switching; D008168:Lung / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009928:Organ Specificity / Q000276:immunology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013154:Spleen / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D017735:Virus Latency / Q000276:immunology*; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000276:immunology