An indicator cell assay for detection of human cytomegalovirus based on enhanced green fluorescent protein

Wu Tse Liu, Jun Ren Sun, Chi Hung Lin, Rei Lin Kuo, Szu Hao Kung*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

An indicator cell line (ML-UL54-EGFP) for the detection of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) by a simple and direct method was developed. The stable line was constructed by introducing into mink lung cells an expression cassette that contains the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter gene under the control of an HCMV-inducible promoter. The promoter was from the upstream region of the HCMV UL54 (pol) gene, an early gene promoter that is activated in the early phase of HCMV infection. Following infection with HCMV for 48 h, the stable line expressed well detectable level of the EGFP as observed under a fluorescence microscope. The sensitivity of the indicator cell assay is at least comparable with that of a plaque assay as assessed with a panel of HCMV strains. There were no detectable fluorescent cells after inoculations with several viruses other than HCMV, indicating high specificity. Analysis with flow cytometry revealed that the induced fluorescence from the infected cells was proportional to the titer of HCMV inoculated, making it possible to quantify HCMV infectious particles. In summary, the EGFP-based indicator cell line is of potential use for rapid detection and quantification of HCMV in clinical specimens.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2940
Pages (from-to)85-92
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Virological Methods
Volume96
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Green fluorescent protein
  • Human cytomegalovirus
  • UL54 promoter

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