After inheritance of chromosomally integrated HHV-6 (ciHHV-6), viral DNA is found in every nucleated cell. The prevalence of ciHHV-6 is estimated to be 0.2-5% of humans. There are conflicting data on the potential for replication, possibly leading to clinical implications. We analysed peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from individuals with ciHHV-6 proven by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for HHV-6-specific mRNA (U94, U42, U22) and antigens by means of reverse transcription PCR and an indirect immunoperoxidase staining. U94 transcripts indicative of latent infection were detected in six (54.5%) out of 11 individuals at least once. Transcripts indicative of lytic infection (i.e. U42 and U22) were detected in four (36.4%) out of 11 individuals at least once. HHV-6 antigen was detected in seven (70%) out of 10 individuals at least once. The presence of viral mRNA and proteins supports virus gene expression from ciHHV-6, which may lead to virus replication. Considering the properties of active HHV-6 infection together with obvious replicative activity in individuals with ciHHV-6, pathophysiological effects leading to clinical consequences of chromosomally integrated viral DNA might be considered.
CITATION STYLE
Strenger, V., Caselli, E., Lautenschlager, I., Schwinger, W., Aberle, S. W., Loginov, R., … Urban, C. (2014). Detection of HHV-6-specific mRNA and antigens in PBMCs of individuals with chromosomally integrated HHV-6 (ciHHV-6). Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 20(10), 1027–1032. https://doi.org/10.1111/1469-0691.12639
Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.