In vitro sensitivity of human metapneumovirus to type I interferons

Viral Immunol. 2011 Apr;24(2):159-64. doi: 10.1089/vim.2010.0073.

Abstract

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) has been recognized as an important respiratory pathogen. Due to its relatively recent discovery, only limited information is available on the relationship between hMPV and type I interferons (IFN). This study was designed to determine whether in vitro hMPV is sensitive to the antiviral activity of IFN-β, leukocyte IFN-α, and several IFN-α subtypes in a human Hep-2 cell line. The results showed that 50% inhibitory concentration values against hMPV for the various type I IFN preparations were significantly higher than those against the IFN-sensitive vesicular stomatitis virus, and some IFN-α subtypes appeared to be more active against hMPV than others, with IFN-α subtypes 5, 6, 8, and 10 being the most potent, and IFN-α2, 17, and 21 the least potent. The results show that hMPV grown in Hep-2 is partially resistant to the antiviral activity of type I IFNs. Additional studies are required to understand whether and to what extent the relatively low sensitivity of hMPV to IFNs influences the clinical outcomes of infected individuals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line
  • Hepatocytes / virology
  • Humans
  • Inhibitory Concentration 50
  • Interferon Type I / pharmacology*
  • Interferon-alpha / pharmacology
  • Metapneumovirus / drug effects*
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Interferon Type I
  • Interferon-alpha