Viral probe into the events of cellular (in vitro) aging

Viral infection by vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) as well as cellular protection against it were studied in cultured human diploid fibroblast cells (WI38 strain) of varying senescence (passage) level. Full protection against viral infection can be achieved by pretreatment of cells with an interferon inducer (complex of polycytidylate and polyinosinate) or by pretreatment with concentrates of interferon itself. The late passages (over 45) require higher concentration of both agents than the medium passages (25–45); a complete failure of protective mechanisms occurs only close to cellular death. Furthermore, effects of confluency and of duration of induction impulse were studied. WI38 cells are sensitive to VSV infection through their entire life span; however, during the last passage before their death by senescence, VSV replication is significantly decreased. It is concluded that even in relatively senescent cells (a) protection mechanisms which were not used previously can be activated, (b) synthesizing machinery necessary for efficient support of viral replication is sustained, and (c) release of lysosomal enzymes ending the viral replication does not begin sooner than with cells of earlier passage level.