In order to determine the human foamy virus (HFV) infection in vitro conveniently, we developed a baby hamster kidney cell (BHK)-21-derived indicator cell line (BHK-HFVLTR-EGFP) containing a plasmid that encodes the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) driven by the HFV long terminal repeat promoter. The viral trans-activator Bel-1 protein can induce EGFP expression, so the HFV titer could be determined by counting the corresponding EGFP-positive cells. This foamy-virus-activated EGFP expression (FAE) assay was about 50 times more sensitive than the traditional focus plaque assay by end-point dilution. Additionally, the results of the FAE assay can be obtained rapidly within 2 days, whereas the determination of focus developing needs 2 weeks. Moreover, a linear relationship was found between the fluorescence intensity and the titer of inoculated HFV. In brief, the FAE assay is a rapid, easy, sensitive and quantitative method for monitoring and investigating HFV infection. Using the indicator cell line BHK-HFVLTR-EGFP, we examined the effects of repeated freeze-and-thaw cycles and temperature on HFV stability by the FAE assay. Such information about HFV infection and stability would be valuable for HFV applications.

Keywords:
Human foamy virus, Indicator cell line, Green fluorescent protein, Titration, Infectivity, Stability
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel
2002
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.