Real-time imaging of hepatitis C virus infection using a fluorescent cell-based reporter system.

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV), which infects 2-3% of the world population, is a causative agent of chronic hepatitis and the leading indication for liver transplantation. The ability to propagate HCV in cell culture (HCVcc) is a relatively recent breakthrough and a key tool in the quest for specific antiviral therapeutics. Monitoring HCV infection in culture generally involves bulk population assays, use of genetically modified viruses and/or terminal processing of potentially precious samples. Here we develop a cell-based fluorescent reporter system that allows sensitive distinction of individual HCV-infected cells in live or fixed samples. We demonstrate use of this technology for several previously intractable applications, including live-cell imaging of viral propagation and host response, as well as visualizing infection of primary hepatocyte cultures. Integration of this reporter with modern image-based analysis methods could open new doors for HCV research.

• Authors: Christopher T Jones, Maria Teresa Catanese, Lok Man J Law, Salman R Khetani, Andrew J Syder, Alexander Ploss, Thomas S Oh, John W Schoggins, Margaret R MacDonald, Sangeeta N Bhatia, Charles M Rice
• Journal: Nature biotechnology (Nat Biotechnol) Vol. 28 Issue 2 Pg. 167-71 (Feb 2010) ISSN: 1546-1696 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 20118917 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Computer Systems
• Genes, Reporter (genetics)
• Hepacivirus (genetics, ultrastructure)
• Image Enhancement (methods)
• Microscopy, Fluorescence (methods)
• Staining and Labeling