Negative effect of heat shock on feline calicivirus release from infected cells is associated with the control of apoptosis.

FCV infection causes rapid cytopathic effects, and its replication results in the induction of apoptosis changes in cultured cells. It is well established that the survival of apoptotic cells can be enhanced by the expression of heat-shock proteins (Hsp) to prevent damage or facilitate recovery. Hsps can act as molecular chaperones, but they can also have anti-apoptotic roles by binding to apoptotic proteins and inhibiting the activation of caspases, the primary mediators of apoptosis. Because apoptosis occurs during FCV infection and heat shock (HS) treatment has a cytoprotective role due to the expression of Hsps, we studied the effect of the HS response to hyperthermia during FCV infection in cultured cells. We found that FCV infection does not inhibit the expression of Hsp70 induced by HS and that non-structural and structural protein synthesis was not modified during HS treatment. However, HS caused a delay in the appearance of a cytopathic effect in infected cells, as well as a reduction in the extracellular but not in the cell-associated viral yield. This antiviral effect of HS correlates with the inhibition of caspase-3 activation. Thus, the HS-induced reduction in virus production appeared to be associated with the control of apoptosis, supporting previous data that indicate that apoptosis is necessary for FCV release.

Eudragit S100 microparticles containing Spodoptera frugiperda nucleopolyehedrovirus: physicochemical characterization, photostability and in vitro virus release.

The aim of this study was to encapsulate the occlusion bodies (OBs) of Spodoptera frugiperda nucleopolyhedrovirus (SfNPV) in Eudragit S100 microparticles (MPs), considering this technique as a possible alternative to protect them from deleterious environmental conditions. The MPs were prepared by oil-in-oil emulsion (O/O) solvent evaporation method. Experimental conditions were established according to a previous multi-level experimental design involving the core/polymer ratio as independent variable. The effects of these parameters on particle size and process yield were investigated observing that polymer concentration had a significant effect on particle size. After adequate conditions for MPs formation were determined, virus was encapsulated. The virus microparticles presented a particle size between 50-300 microm and concentration was 2.62 x 10(9) OBs g(-1). Microencapsulation efficiency was 53.43% and virus release adjusted to Higuchi model suggesting diffusion as the release mechanism. Evaluated microencapsulation process protected viral particles of UV-inactivation, suggesting its potential for a biopesticide development.