Human norovirus culture in B cells

Nat Protoc. 2015 Dec;10(12):1939-47. doi: 10.1038/nprot.2015.121. Epub 2015 Oct 29.

Abstract

Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) are a leading cause of foodborne disease and severe childhood diarrhea, and they cause a majority of the gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. However, the development of effective and long-lasting HuNoV vaccines and therapeutics has been greatly hindered by their uncultivability. We recently demonstrated that a HuNoV replicates in human B cells, and that commensal bacteria serve as a cofactor for this infection. In this protocol, we provide detailed methods for culturing the GII.4-Sydney HuNoV strain directly in human B cells, and in a coculture system in which the virus must cross a confluent epithelial barrier to access underlying B cells. We also describe methods for bacterial stimulation of HuNoV B cell infection and for measuring viral attachment to the surface of B cells. Finally, we highlight variables that contribute to the efficiency of viral replication in this system. Infection assays require 3 d and attachment assays require 3 h. Analysis of infection or attachment samples, including RNA extraction and RT-qPCR, requires ∼6 h.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • B-Lymphocytes / virology*
  • Caliciviridae Infections / metabolism*
  • Caliciviridae Infections / virology
  • Cell Culture Techniques / methods*
  • Cell Line
  • Coculture Techniques / methods
  • Humans
  • Norovirus / physiology*
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Virus Cultivation / methods*
  • Virus Internalization
  • Virus Replication