Influenza A virus infection of human Schwann cells in vitro.
OBJECTIVE
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss, vestibular neuronitis, vocal fold paralysis and Bell's palsy have been associated with a viral etiology, due to the infection of nerve cells. The goal of this research was to ascertain whether Schwann cells can support infection with human influenza A virus and thereby represent a plausible alternative site for virus-host interaction. Viral infection of Schwann cells may lead to secretion of inflammatory mediators, leukocyte recruitment, demyelination and nerve damage.


METHODS
Cultured human Schwann cells were exposed to human influenza A virus. Infection was assayed at various times post-inoculation (0, 24, 48 and 72 h) using light microscopy, immunocytochemistry and influenza A virus-specific reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A group of unexposed cells served as controls.


RESULTS
Following exposure to the virus, vacuolization, cellular expansion and detachment from the dish were seen as early as 24 h post-inoculation. The exposed cells demonstrated positive immunocytochemical staining for influenza A virus antigen at 24, 48 and 72 h. Using RT-PCR, a sharp rise in influenza A virus-specific mRNA was detected.


CONCLUSIONS
Human Schwann cells can be infected with human influenza A virus. Further studies will assess the inflammatory response in this model.
Levine
Joshua
J
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33101, USA.
Buchman
Craig A
CA
Fregien
Nevis
N
D002472:Cell Transformation, Viral / Q000276:immunology*; D021983:Cyclophilins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000378:metabolism; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000276:immunology; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D008858:Microscopy, Phase-Contrast; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology*; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000235:genetics
D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D012367:RNA, Viral; D021983:Cyclophilins