Antibody-Mediated Immune Control of a Retrovirus Does Not Require the Microbiota

Abstract

cCommensal microbes are often required to control viral infection by facilitating host immune defenses. However, we found that this does not hold true for retroviral infection. We report that retrovirus-resistant mice control the pathogen with virus-neutralizing antibodies independently of commensal microbiota. This is in contrast to orthomyxoviruses and arenaviruses, where resistance is ablated in animals depleted of microbiota. Clearly, when it comes to antiviral immunity, the role of the microbiota cannot be generalized.

Gut commensal bacteria enhance pathogenesis of a tumorigenic murine retrovirus

“…Monitoring sterility in GF isolators BALB/cJ and BALB/cJ RAG1 À/À mice were re-derived as germ-free (GF) at Taconic and housed in sterile isolators at the gnotobiotic facility at the University of Chicago. Sterility of GF isolators was assessed as previously described (Wilks et al, 2014). Briefly, fecal pellets were collected from isolators weekly and quickly frozen.…”

Retroviral Infection and Commensal Bacteria Dependently Alter the Metabolomic Profile in a Sterile Organ

“…BALB/cJ mice were re-derived as germ-free (GF) at Taconic farms and subsequently housed in sterile isolators at the gnotobiotic facility at the University of Chicago. GF isolator sterility was determined as previously described [ 20 ]. Fecal pellets from isolators were collected weekly and quickly frozen.…”

Gut commensal bacteria enhance pathogenesis of a tumorigenic murine retrovirus

“…BALB/cJ and BALB/cJ RAG1 -/- mice were re-derived as germ-free (GF) at Taconic and housed in sterile isolators at the gnotobiotic facility at the University of Chicago. Sterility of GF isolators was assessed as previously described (Wilks et al, 2014). Briefly, fecal pellets were collected from isolators weekly and quickly frozen.…”