Vaccinia virus was shown to replicate in the ovaries of normal inbred mice and cause sufficient damage to ovarian follicles to decrease fertility of the mice. The mouse-adapted strain, VV-WR, had a greater affinity for growth in ovaries than the vaccine strains, VV-Elstree, VV-NYBH or VV-Copenhagen. Virus reached the ovaries after intravenous or intraperitoneal inoculation, but not after subcutaneous inoculation in the foot pad. Interleukin-2 (IL-2), when expressed by a recombinant vaccinia virus was able to decrease the titre of virus in the ovaries and prevent infertility. Both non-specific (natural killer cells) and antigen-specific mechanisms were active within the ovaries and may play a role in the IL-2-mediated clearance of vaccinia virus.
History
Publication title
Immunology and Cell Biology
Volume
68
Issue
Pt 5
Pagination
325-333
ISSN
0818-9641
Department/School
Tasmanian School of Medicine
Publisher
Blackwell Publishing Asia
Place of publication
54 University St, P O Box 378, Carlton, Australia, Victoria, 3053
Rights statement
Copyright 2010 Australasian Society for Immunology Inc.
Repository Status
Restricted
Socio-economic Objectives
Prevention of human diseases and conditions; Treatment of human diseases and conditions