Ameobal Pathogen Mimivirus Infects Macrophages through Phagocytosis

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1000087
• Publication Date: 2008-06-12T22:01:33Z
• Authors: Eric Ghigo; Jürgen Kartenbeck; Pham Lien; Lucas Pelkmans; Christian Capo; Jean-Louis Mege; Didier Raoult
• Keywords: Pinocytosis; Internalization

Mimivirus, or Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus (APMV), a giant double-stranded DNA virus that grows in amoeba, was identified for the first time 2003. Entry by phagocytosis within amoeba has been suggested but not demonstrated. We demonstrate here APMV internalized macrophages non-phagocytic cells, leading to productive replication. Clathrin- and caveolin-mediated endocytosis pathways, as well degradative endosome-mediated endocytosis, were used invade macrophages. Ultrastructural analysis showed protrusions formed around entering virus, suggesting macropinocytosis involved entry. Reorganization of actin cytoskeleton activation phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases required Blocking lack colocalization with rabankyrin-5 viral Overexpression dominant-negative form dynamin-II, regulator phagocytosis, inhibited Altogether, our data demonstrated enters through new pathway entry cells. This reinforces paradigm intra-amoebal pathogens have potential infect