Centrosomal latency of incoming foamy viruses in resting cells
2007

Centrosomal Latency of Incoming Foamy Viruses in Resting Cells

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Lehmann-Che Jacqueline, Renault Noémie, Giron Marie Lou, Roingeard Philippe, Clave Emmanuel, Tobaly-Tapiero Joelle, Bittoun Patricia, Toubert Antoine, de Thé Hugues, Saïb Ali

Primary Institution: Université Paris 7, Paris, France

Hypothesis

What is the molecular basis for the inability of retroviruses to productively infect resting cells?

Conclusion

Incoming foamy retroviruses can stably persist at the centrosome in resting cells, awaiting cell stimulation to initiate infection.

Supporting Evidence

  • Foamy viruses do not productively infect G0 resting cells.
  • Incoming viral capsids persist as stable pre-integration intermediates in resting cells.
  • Upon cell activation, Gag proteolysis and capsid disassembly occur, allowing infection to proceed.

Takeaway

Foamy viruses can hang out near a part of the cell called the centrosome for a long time without causing infection, but when the cell gets activated, they can start to infect it.

Methodology

The study involved infecting resting and cycling human primary fibroblasts and CD4-positive T cells with foamy viruses and analyzing the localization and status of viral components over time.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on in vitro conditions, which may not fully replicate in vivo environments.

Participant Demographics

The study used human primary fibroblasts and CD4-positive T cells.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.ppat.0030074

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