Involvement of vacuolar proton ATPase in Junin virus multiplication

Summary.  The role of vacuolar-proton ATPase (V-H⁺ATPAse) on Junin virus (JV) replication was evaluated by analyzing the effect of specific inhibitors of the enzyme activity on different steps of virus multiplication cycle. The presence of the macrolide antibiotics bafilomycin A₁ and concanamycin A during the first two hours of infection caused a significant reduction of extracellular infectious virus production and viral protein expression in Vero and BHK-21 cells. The inhibitory action of the compounds was mainly exerted at an early stage of the JV multiplication cycle, without affecting virus attachment to the cell but preventing virus penetration. A correlation between the inhibitory action of the compounds on intracellular compartments acidification and the reduction of JV yield was observed. The addition of concanamycin A at different times after infection indicated that the compound also interferes with the release of infectious particles to the extracellular medium. Although, intracellular transport of JV glycoproteins to the cell membrane, seems not to be affected as revealed by immunofluorescence staining. The results confirm that JV enters into the cell through the endocytic pathway as previously suggested by using lysosomotropic compounds. Received May 5, 2000 Accepted August 1, 2000     

Reduced virulence of a Junin virus mutant is associated with restricted multiplication in murine cells

C167, a mutant derived from the XJC13 strain of Junin virus, is highly attenuated in its pathogenic properties for newborn mice. Whereas 10(2).PFU of XJC13 injected intracerebrally killed 100% of two-day-old mice, the mutant showed no detectable lethality. Survival of mice infected with C167 was associated with a reduced and delayed virus replication in brain and a defective spread of virus from the site of inoculation to the other tissues, including spleen, kidney, thymus, liver, peritoneal cells and serum. As an apparent consequence of the restricted replication of C167 in mice, no detectable interferon induction and low levels of neutralizing antibodies were observed. Analysis of multiplication kinetics of C167 and XJC13 in different cell cultures in vitro has confirmed that the attenuated phenotype of C167 was related to a specific inefficient replication in murine cells. This host-range restriction was due to a combination of adsorption and penetration blockage.     

Effects of alloxan and reducing agents on macrophages in culture

The diabetogenic effect of the quinonoid compound alloxan is not understood in detail although it supposedly involves reactions mediated by alloxan and oxygen radicals. These reactive species may form extra- or intracellularly and cause cell damage through a variety of complex interactions with several macromolecules. The purpose of this study was to elucidate early (less than or equal to 60 min) effects of alloxan and reducing agents (cysteine and ascorbic acid) on cultured macrophages, as assayed by the trypan blue dye exclusion test and the sensitive fluorescein diacetate and propidium iodide (FDA/PI) double staining technique. During the reactions between alloxan and reducing agents, oxygen was consumed as a sign of superoxide anion radical formation. When alloxan alone was added to two different culture media without serum, oxygen was still consumed, indicating formation of oxygen radicals due to the occurrence of reducing substances in cell culture media. This finding demonstrated the necessity of performing further studies in solutions without reducing capacity, e.g. in phosphate-buffered saline. The experiments showed that exposure of normal and malignant macrophages to alloxan and reducing substances resulted in rapidly occurring plasma membrane damage and ensuing cell death. Separate addition of catalase, desferrioxamine or superoxide dismutase resulted in evident, slight and no protection, respectively. The combinations of (i) catalase and desferrioxamine, and (ii) catalase, desferrioxamine and superoxide dismutase, however, inhibited cell damage in a pronounced and complete way, respectively. The results are interpreted as indicating cell damage due to the extracellular formation of hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals. The latter in close proximity to the cells and acting on the plasma membrane, while the former, after diffusing into the cell, may have several intracellular targets. The FDA/PI technique proved its value as a quantifiable method for the evaluation not only of cell death but also of cell damage with computer-based fluorometry.     

Dehydroepiandrosterone, epiandrosterone and synthetic derivatives inhibit Junin virus replication in vitro

In the present paper the in vitro antiviral activity of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), epiandrosterone (EA) and 16 synthetic derivatives against Junin virus (JUNV) replication in Vero cells was studied. DHEA and EA caused a selective inhibition of the replication of JUNV and other members of the Arenaviridae family such as Pichinde virus and Tacaribe virus. The compounds were not virucidal to cell-free JUNV. The impairment of viral replication was not due to an inhibitory effect of the steroids on virus adsorption or internalization. An inhibitory effect of the compounds on JUNV protein synthesis and both intracellular and extracellular virus production was demonstrated. A partial inhibitory action on cell surface expression of JUNV glycoprotein G1 was also detected on DHEA- and EA-treated cultures. Like DHEA and EA, three compounds obtained from EA by chemical synthesis showed selectivity indexes higher than ribavirin, the only antiviral compound that has shown partial efficacy against arenavirus infections.     

Recent developments on Junin virus,a causative agent for Argentine haemorrhagic fever

Junin virus consists of ribonucleic acid as the genome and is responsible for a rapidly changing tendency of the virus. The virus is accountable for ailments in the human body and causes Argentine Haemorrhagic Fever (AHF). The infection is may be transmitted through contact between an infected animal/host and a person, and later between person to person. Prevention of outbreaks of AHF in humans can be a tough practice, as their occurrence is infrequent and unpredictable. In this review, recent information from the past 5 years available on the Junin virus including the risk of its emergence, infectious agents, its pathogenesis in humans, available diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and disease management has been summarised. Altogether, this article would be highly significant in understanding the mechanistic basis behind virus interaction and other processes during the life cycle. Currently, no specific therapeutic options are available to treat the Junin virus infection. The information covered in this review could be important for finding possible treatment options for Junin virus infections.     

The occurrence of virus,interferon, and circulating antibodies in mice after experimental infection with Junin virus

Summary Groups of white mice 3 to 30 days old were inoculated intracerebrally or intraperitoneally with Junin virus, the etiological agent of argentine hemorrhagic fever. Samples of brain and blood were taken at different intervals after inoculation to study the presence of virus, interferon and neutralizing antibodies. Mice increased its resistance to Junin virus with age, regardless the route of inoculation. When inoculated by intracerebral route, mortality reached 100% in 5 to 10 days old mice, decreasing to 7% by the age of 30 days. Virus was detected in the brain of 5–10 days old mice from the 3rd day on until death (11th day) occurred; in older groups of mice virus was no longer detectable by the 10th day after infection. Generally interferon (IF) in brain roughly paralleled the virus curve. Viremia was only detected in 5 days old animals on the 4th day after infection. Circulating IF was found from the 2nd day on in approximately similar levels in all cases. Neutralizing antibodies appeared late, not before the 20th day p. i. and therefore could be only detected in surviving 15 to 30 days old mice.When inoculated by intraperitoneal route mortality was 100% in 24 hours old mice, decreasing to 5% by the age of 6 days. Only in the 3 days old group, virus was briefly detected in brain on the 5th day; but neither in this group nor in the olders an interfering activity in this organ could be demonstrated. No viremia or circulating antibodies were detected in any animal during the period of observation. However circulating IF persisted from 20 hours on in all age groups, suggesting that virus multiplication did occur.Member of the Research Career, CONICET (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas) Argentina.     

Effect of staggered cyclophosphamide-immunosuppression on resistance to experimental Junin virus infection

Summary Otherwise resistant adult mice were rendered susceptible to intracerebral Junin virus (JV) infection only when a staggered cyclophosphamide (CY) schedule was used.Forty-five-day old Balb/c mice, intracerebrally JV-infected and immunosuppressed with four 50 mg/kg body weight CY doses at days –1, +1, +4, +6 (day 0: viral infection) developed a lethal disease (86.6 per cent mortality) with high CNS viral titers and brain lesions. Neutralizing antibodies were absent throughout, while immunofluorescent antibody levels were considerably diminished.The transfer of hyperimmune serum conferred partial though significant protection on CY-treated animals but no correlation was found between CNS viral titers and mortality since in both infected CY-treated and untreated mice similar brain viral content was found.This was also confirmed by immune spleen cell transfer at day 0 where the clearance achieved was unable to modify the time course of the disease.Feasible mechanisms explaining recovery from JV infection by means of the protective effect of antibodies and the cell-mediated clearance are discussed.With 5 FiguresFellow of the Research Career from Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas (CONICET) Argentina.Member of the Research Career of the CONICET.     

Immunodeficiency virus exploitation of dendritic cells in the early steps of infection

The unique capacity of dendritic cells (DCs) to capture and process pathogens for presentation to the immune system, combined with their capacity to express costimulatory and adhesion molecules as well as cytokines and chemokines, renders them powerful antigen-presenting cells. However, immunodeficiency viruses hijack DCs to facilitate virus dissemination while subverting effective immune activation. Depending on the activation level of the DC subset, human immunodeficiency virus can use different receptors (CD4, chemokine, and C-type lectin receptors) to bind to DCs. These aspects likely impact whether a DC is productively infected by or simply carries virus for transmission to more permissive targets. DCs efficiently transmit virus to CD4+ T cells, driving virus growth as well as providing signals to trigger virus expansion in virus-bearing CD4+ T cells. There is accumulating evidence that viral determinants (nef, tat) selectively modulate immature DC biology, fostering DC-T cell interactions and virus replication without up-regulating costimulatory molecules for effective immune function. In addition, virus-loaded, immature DCs activate CD4+ virus-specific T cells, and mature DCs stimulate CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Thus, even if immature DCs entrap virus as it crosses the mucosae and initiate a CD4+ T cell response, this is likely insufficient to control infection. Appreciating how virus modulates DC function and what determines whether virus is processed for immune stimulation or transmitted between cells will unveil the exact role of these cells in the onset of infection and advance preventative microbicide and vaccine/therapeutic approaches.     

Abrogation of Junin virus encephalitis by critical cyclophosphamide timing and dosage

Junin virus-induced encephalitis in suckling mouse is a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction, whose immunopathologic nature has been proven by suppressing the thymus-dependent response. Cyclophosphamide (CY) given at day +6 post-infection (p.i.) has been shown to modulate infection, presumably by TDTH lymphocyte inactivation. To determine critical timing and i.p. drug dose, brain histology and survival were studied in 3-day-old Balb/c mice, inoculated i.c. with Junin virus. Optimal protection was achieved with a non-toxic, 50 mg/kg CY dose at day 6 p.i. (+6): no brain tissue damage was detected in animals killed at day +12, when the necropsied controls exhibited widespread lesions. Other timings (day +3, +4, +5) proved less effective. As regards alternative dosage at day +6, 30 mg was useless, and severe leptomeningitis was evident, whereas 40 mg significantly lowered mortality, and lesions were much milder and less constant. It seems that the 50 mg/kg CY dose must be administered at a critical time p.i. to inactivate sensitized TDTH lymphocytes and to reduce mortality and CNS pathology significantly.     

Neurovirulence of wild and laboratory Junin virus strains in animal hosts

The neurovirulence of Candid #1 and XJCL3 laboratory strains and CbalV4454 and CbaFHA5069 wild strains of Junin virus was studied in albino mice, guinea pigs, and a South American wild rodent, Calomys musculinus, of different ages inoculated by the intracerebral route. Infectivity in brain and organs, lethality, and neuropathological lesions were determined. The laboratory and wild strains showed similar neurovirulence only in 2-day-old mice. The neurovirulence of laboratory strains decreased with the age of the animal, and the Candid #1 strain affected only 2-day-old mice. In guinea pigs, the 2 wild strains and XJCL3 laboratory strain were neurovirulent for 11-day-old and adult animals giving moderate lymphocytic infiltration in the brain and mild lesions in the spinal cord. Virus titres from the brain and the spinal cord were lower with the XJCL3 and CbalV4454 strains than with the CbaFHA5069 strain; with the latter, virus was recovered only from the lymph nodes, the lung, kidney, liver, and spleen. The Candid #1 strain was not neurovirulent even for 11-day-old animals. In contrast, the laboratory strains were neurovirulent for Calomys musculinus, depending on the age of the animal. Virus was recovered from the brains showing lymphocyte infiltration but not from other organs. The CbaFHA5069 strain was not neurovirulent, although virus was recovered from the brain, spleen, liver, lymph nodes, and salivary glands. These results with the 3 hosts indicate that Junin virus neurovirulence is virus strain-dependent, and host species and age-dependent, with the Candid #1 strain proving the least neurovirulent of the strains studied.     

The lack of effects of alkylating agents on mammalian cell membranes

The importance of cell membrane components as target sites for the action of 2,3,5-tris(ethyleneimino)-benzoquinone (Trenimon), mechlorethamine hydrochloride (HN2) and tris(2-chloroethyl) amine hydrochloride (HN3) was investigated. Uptake of 2-aminoisobutyric acid (AIBA) was studied under nonsaturating conditions where the transport system was rate-limiting for the uptake. Uptake of AIBA into L5178Y leukaemic cells was either inhibited or stimulated, depending on the type of the drug, the drug concentration and the length of incubation. Treatment of human erythrocytes with 10(-3) M HN3 produced new high-molecular-weight protein bands on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Conversely, HN3 had no effect on L5178Y cell membrane proteins. Neither HN2 nor Trenimon produced any detectable changes in membrane proteins of L5178Y cells or human erythrocytes. None of the three drugs at concentrations and incubation conditions which inhibited cell replication changed the stoichiometry or dissociation constant of concanavalin A (Con A) binding sites on L5178Y cells. Trenimon at highly toxic concentrations had no effect on the fluidity of phospholipid membranes or of membranes of Ehrlich ascites tumour cells as analysed by ESR spin-label methods. The results presented here do not support the hypothesis that cell membranes are the primary target sites for alkylating drugs.     

Growth of Junin virus,the etiological agent of argentinian hemorrhagic fever,in cell cultures

Summary Propagation of Junin virus, the etiological agent of Argentinian hemorrhagic fever, has been studied in a variety of cell cultures. One line of African green monkey kidney cells (Vero) at the 107th to 165th passage levels supported the multiplication of the virus and developed a marked cytopathic effect (CPE), while no CPE appeared in another line (BS-C-1) at the 34th passage level. CPE was markedly enhanced by rolling the cultures, and the cytocidal nature of virus replication was markedly more pronounced under these conditions. Junin virus also produced well-defined plaques in monolayer cultures of Vero cells under agar overlay. Virus assays obtained by titration endpoint of CPE or by plaque counts in Vero cells were in almost all instances higher than those obtained by titration in suckling mice. A linear relationship was observed between plaque counts and virus concentration. Maximum adsorption was obtained by 120 minutes incubation at 37°C. When the cultures were infected with <0.001 PFU per cell, the maximum virus titer was obtained on the 5th day after inoculation.Neutralization tests employing the 80% plaque reduction endpoint give reproducible results and indicate the absence of antibody for Junin virus in the Tacaribe and Machupo antisera that were tested.     

Influence of cellular functions on the evolution of persistent infections with Junin virus

Summary Vero cell cultures persistently infected with Junin virus and subjected to different cultural conditions were established. The production of infectious plaque-forming virus,ts mutants and interfering viral particles was determined at different times during 110 days after infection. Carrier cultures maintained in stationary conditions continuously released PFU while proliferating persistent cultures exhibited a cyclical pattern which tends to a rapid PFU disappearance. Concomitantly, in stationary cultures the production of interfering particles was delayed and was lower than in actively growing persistent cells. The metabolic state of the infected cells did not affect the release ofts mutants. The results suggest that a cellular function is involved on the regulation of Junin virus persistent infections.With 2 FiguresMember of Research Career from Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET).     

Dose-dependent cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of antineoplastic alkylating agents on human lymphoblastoid cells

The alkylating agents in clinical use as antineoplastics are strongly implicated as human carcinogens on the basis of animal studies and human epidemiologic studies. However, there is little quantitative information on the extent to which exposure to these drugs is mutagenic for normal (non-malignant) cells and the extent to which such mutagenicity correlates with cytotoxicity of these agents. Human lymphoblastoid cells (WIL2-NS) were exposed to graded doses of eight antineoplastic alkylating agents. Cell killing and mutation induction at the hypoxanthine -guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) locus were measured by cloning in microplates in the presence and absence of 6-thioguanine. Dose-dependent decreases in survival were used to calculate IC50s for each of the drugs tested. The IC50s, for 1 hr exposure, ranged from 4 x 10(-7) M for nitrogen mustard to 5 x 10(-4) M for busulfan. The eight drugs tested each induced detectable increases in the frequency of mutant cells. The mutagenicity of these agents is correlated strongly with cytotoxicity. However, at equitoxic doses (IC50), the frequency of induced mutants ranged from approximately 3 x 10(-6) for 1,3-bis(2-chlorethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) to 2 x 10(-5) for busulfan and cisplatin. These results quantitate the dose-dependent cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of these bifunctional alkylating agents on human cells. All are cytotoxic and mutagenic, although their mutagenic efficiency varies.