A novel Cre recombinase imaging system for tracking lymphotropic virus infection in vivo.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Detection, isolation, and identification of individual virus infected cells during long term infection are critical to advance our understanding of mechanisms of pathogenesis for latent/persistent viruses. However, current approaches to study these viruses in vivo have been hampered by low sensitivity and effects of cell-type on expression of viral encoded reporter genes. We have designed a novel Cre recombinase (Cre)-based murine system to overcome these problems, and thereby enable tracking and isolation of individual in vivo infected cells.

Methodology/principal findings

Murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) was used as a prototypic persistent model virus. A Cre expressing recombinant virus was constructed and characterised. The virus is attenuated both in lytic

SUBMITTER: Dutia BM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2714982 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature