Paramyxovirus infections in ex vivo lung slice cultures of different host species

Tien Nguyen, Rory de Vries, Martin Ludlow, BG van den Hoogen, K Lemon, Geert Amerongen, Ab Osterhaus, Rik de Swart, WP Duprex

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24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Paramyxoviruses, including measles virus (MV), human metapneumovirus (HMPV), human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) and canine distemper virus (CDV), are transmitted via the respiratory route. Despite their close phylogenetic relationship, the pathogenesis of these viruses is very different. To study viral tropism and replication ex vivo, a protocol for the inflation of lungs with low-melting-point agarose mixed with culture medium was established. Lung slices were prepared and remained viable in culture at 37 degrees C for at least 7 days. Lung slices obtained from different animal species were infected with recombinant paramyxoviruses expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). Progression of infection was monitored in real time by detection of EGFP fluorescence. Flow cytometric analysis of cells emigrating into the culture medium proved to be a valuable tool for qualitative and quantitative assessment of infection over time. MV replicated optimally in lung slices of macaques, HMPV and HRSV in lung slices of cotton rats, and CDV in lung slices obtained from dogs and ferrets. In conclusion, these ex vivo lung slice cultures are discriminatory models for the study of respiratory virus infections and can be used to inform the design of future in vivo experiments, thereby reducing numbers of animals required. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Original languageUndefined/Unknown
Pages (from-to)159-165
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Virological Methods
Volume193
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013

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  • EMC MM-04-27-01

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