skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: BK virus has tropism for human salivary gland cells in vitro: Implications for transmission

Journal Article · · Virology
 [1];  [2];  [1]
  1. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 (United States)
  2. Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 (United States)

Background: In this study, it was determined that BKV is shed in saliva and an in vitro model system was developed whereby BKV can productively infect both submandibular (HSG) and parotid (HSY) salivary gland cell lines. Results: BKV was detected in oral fluids using quantitative real-time PCR (QRTPCR). BKV infection was determined using quantitative RT-PCR, immunofluorescence and immunoblotting assays. The infectivity of BKV was inhibited by pre-incubation of the virus with gangliosides that saturated the major capsid protein, VP1, halting receptor mediated BKV entry into salivary gland cells. Examination of infected cultures by transmission electron microscopy revealed 45-50 nm BK virions clearly visible within the cells. Subsequent to infection, encapsidated BK virus was detected in the supernatant. Conclusion: We thus demonstrated that BKV was detected in oral fluids and that BK infection and replication occur in vitro in salivary gland cells. These data collectively suggest the potential for BKV oral route of transmission and oral pathogenesis.

OSTI ID:
21357564
Journal Information:
Virology, Vol. 394, Issue 2; Other Information: DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2009.07.022; PII: S0042-6822(09)00426-7; Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved.; ISSN 0042-6822
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English