BK virus has tropism for human salivary gland cells in vitro: implications for transmission.
BACKGROUND
In this study, it was determined that BKV is shed in saliva and an in vitro model system was developed whereby BKV can productively infect both submandibular (HSG) and parotid (HSY) salivary gland cell lines.


RESULTS
BKV was detected in oral fluids using quantitative real-time PCR (QRTPCR). BKV infection was determined using quantitative RT-PCR, immunofluorescence and immunoblotting assays. The infectivity of BKV was inhibited by pre-incubation of the virus with gangliosides that saturated the major capsid protein, VP1, halting receptor mediated BKV entry into salivary gland cells. Examination of infected cultures by transmission electron microscopy revealed 45-50 nm BK virions clearly visible within the cells. Subsequent to infection, encapsidated BK virus was detected in the supernatant.


CONCLUSIONS
We thus demonstrated that BKV was detected in oral fluids and that BK infection and replication occur in vitro in salivary gland cells. These data collectively suggest the potential for BKV oral route of transmission and oral pathogenesis.
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
Liesl K
LK
Jeffers
Vicki
V
Madden
Jennifer
J
Webster-Cyriaque
D001739:BK Virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity* / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002460:Cell Line; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D005732:Gangliosides / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D027601:Polyomavirus Infections / Q000378:metabolism / Q000635:transmission* / Q000821:virology*; D011991:Receptors, Virus / Q000378:metabolism; D012463:Saliva / Q000821:virology; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure / Q000821:virology*; D014412:Tumor Virus Infections / Q000378:metabolism / Q000635:transmission* / Q000821:virology*; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D014779:Virus Replication
D004279:DNA, Viral; D005732:Gangliosides; D011991:Receptors, Virus; D014764:Viral Proteins