The role of the poly(A) tract in the replication and virulence of tick-borne encephalitis virus

• DOI: 10.1038/srep39265
• Publication Date: 2016-12-17T07:00:14Z
• Authors: Naveed Asghar; Yi-Ping Lee; Emma Nilsson; Richard Lindqvist; Wessam Melik; Andrea Kröger; Anna K. Överby; Magnus Johansson
• Keywords: Viral quasispecies; Tick-borne encephalitis virus; Flavivirus

The tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a flavivirus transmitted to humans, usually via tick bites. causes (TBE) in and symptoms range from mild flu-like severe long-lasting sequelae, including permanent brain damage. It has been suggested that within the population of viruses mammalian host, quasispecies with neurotropic properties might become dominant host resulting neurological symptoms. We previously demonstrated existence TBEV variants variable poly(A) tracts single blood-fed tick. To characterize role tract replication virulence, we generated infectious clones Torö-2003 wild-type (A)3C(A)6 sequence (Torö-6A) or modified (A)3C(A)38 (Torö-38A). Torö-38A replicated poorly compared Torö-6A cell culture, but was more virulent than mouse model TBE. Next-generation sequencing genomes after passaging culture and/or revealed mutations specific genomic regions presence contribute observed differences virulence. These data suggest for development as virulence determinant mice.