Degradation of Japanese encephalitis virus by neutrophils

The ability of neutrophils to degrade the phagocytosed Japanese encephaliti s (JE) virion, via triggering of the respiratory burst and generation of to xic radicals has been investigated. JEV or JEV-induced macrophage derived f actor (MDF) induces increase in intracellular oxidative signals with genera tion of superoxide anion (O-2(-)), via activation of cytosolic NADPH and su bsequent formation of hydrogen peroxide, with maximum activity on day 7 pos t infection. The response was sensitive to anti-MDF antibody treatment. Fur ther, the study revealed rapid degradation of phagocytosed JE viral protein and nucleic acid. The viral protein degradation was partially dependent on the generation of toxic oxygen species as it could be abrogated by pretrea tment of the cells with staurosporine.