Persistence of viral DNA in the epithelial basal layer suggests a model for papillomavirus latency following immune regression.

ABSTRACT: Rabbit oral papillomavirus (ROPV) causes benign and spontaneously regressing oral lesions in rabbits, and is a useful model of disease associated with low-risk human papillomavirus types. Here we have adapted the ROPV system to study papillomavirus latency. Following lesion regression, ROPV DNA persists at the majority of regressed sites at levels substantially lower than those found in productive papillomas. Spliced viral transcripts were also detected. ROPV persistence in the absence of disease could be demonstrated for a year following infection and lesion-regression. This was not associated with completion of the virus life-cycle or new virion production, indicating that ROPV persists in a latent state. Using novel laser capture microdissection techniques, we could show that the site o

SUBMITTER: Maglennon GA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3101335 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature