How Antibodies Affect Murine Gamma-Herpesvirus Infection in Macrophages
Author Information
Author(s): Rosa Gustavo T. Gillet, Laurent Smith, Christopher M. de Lima, Brigitte D. Stevenson, Philip G. Stevenson
Primary Institution: University of Cambridge
Hypothesis
Can herpesvirus still infect Fc receptor+ cells even when exposed to neutralizing antibodies?
Conclusion
IgG Fc receptors limit the neutralization of gamma-herpesviruses such as MHV-68.
Supporting Evidence
- Immune sera blocked MHV-68 infection of fibroblasts but enhanced infection of macrophages.
- Viral glycoprotein-specific monoclonal antibodies also enhanced infection.
- MHV-68 appeared to be predominantly latent in macrophages regardless of Fc receptor engagement.
Takeaway
This study found that antibodies meant to block a virus can actually help it infect certain immune cells instead.
Methodology
The researchers tested the effect of immune sera on MHV-68 infection in various cell types, including fibroblasts and macrophages.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on in vitro conditions, which may not fully replicate in vivo scenarios.
Participant Demographics
Mice used were BALB/c and C57BL/6J, aged 6-8 weeks.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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