Detection of HHV-6-specific mRNA and antigens in PBMCs of individuals with chromosomally integrated HHV-6 (ciHHV-6).
After inheritance of chromosomally integrated HHV-6 (ciHHV-6), viral DNA is found in every nucleated cell. The prevalence of ciHHV-6 is estimated to be 0.2-5% of humans. There are conflicting data on the potential for replication, possibly leading to clinical implications. We analysed peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from individuals with ciHHV-6 proven by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for HHV-6-specific mRNA (U94, U42, U22) and antigens by means of reverse transcription PCR and an indirect immunoperoxidase staining. U94 transcripts indicative of latent infection were detected in six (54.5%) out of 11 individuals at least once. Transcripts indicative of lytic infection (i.e. U42 and U22) were detected in four (36.4%) out of 11 individuals at least once. HHV-6 antigen was detected in seven (70%) out of 10 individuals at least once. The presence of viral mRNA and proteins supports virus gene expression from ciHHV-6, which may lead to virus replication. Considering the properties of active HHV-6 infection together with obvious replicative activity in individuals with ciHHV-6, pathophysiological effects leading to clinical consequences of chromosomally integrated viral DNA might be considered.
Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
V
V
Strenger
E
E
Caselli
I
I
Lautenschlager
W
W
Schwinger
S W
SW
Aberle
R
R
Loginov
V
V
Gentili
E
E
Nacheva
D
D
DiLuca
C
C
Urban
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D002648:Child; D002877:Chromosomes, Human / Q000821:virology*; D005260:Female; D015654:Herpesvirus 6, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000821:virology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics*; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D019349:Roseolovirus Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016662:Virus Integration; D055815:Young Adult
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012367:RNA, Viral
Chromosomal integration; HHV-6; herpesvirus; lytic infection; mRNA; viral antigen; viral replication