Secreted virus-encoded proteins reflect murine cytomegalovirus productivity in organs

J Infect Dis. 2001 Nov 15;184(10):1320-4. doi: 10.1086/323993. Epub 2001 Oct 29.

Abstract

Mouse infection with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) is an established model for studying human cytomegalovirus infection. In this study, the relationship was analyzed between MCMV activity in organs of infected mice and the presence of infectious virus (viremia), viral genomes (DNAemia), or secreted virus-encoded proteins in the blood. For the latter, 2 recombinant viruses were constructed that encode for the hepatitis B virus surface antigen and the secreted alkaline phosphatase, respectively, as secreted marker proteins. The secreted markers correlated better with the infection in organs than DNAemia and viremia. The marker protein assays can serve as practical and sensitive tools for longitudinal monitoring of MCMV infection in individual mice.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkaline Phosphatase / blood
  • Animals
  • DNA, Viral / blood
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Hepatitis B Antigens / blood
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / blood
  • Herpesviridae Infections / blood
  • Herpesviridae Infections / virology*
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Muromegalovirus / genetics
  • Muromegalovirus / isolation & purification*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Recombination, Genetic
  • Time Factors
  • Viral Proteins / blood*
  • Viremia
  • Viscera / virology

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • Hepatitis B Antigens
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Viral Proteins
  • Alkaline Phosphatase