Role of tight junctions of polarized epithelial MDCK cells in the replication of herpes simplex virus type 1.

Before completion of polarization, Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells showed high infectivity and progeny production of herpes simplex virus type 1 infection. After polarization or formation of tight junctions, the infectivity and virus replication in MDCK cells was restricted significantly. The disruption of tight junctions by depletion of Ca2+ resulted in increasing virus infectivity and productivity. Mechanical disruption of tight junctions by scratching the cell monolayers with injection needle allowed markedly the replication of HSV-1 in the cells aligned along the injured area. In polarized MDCK cells the progeny were released preferentially from the apical surface of the cells. These data suggest that because polarized MDCK cells mimic the epithelial cell layers, this cell line is helpful for determining the factors which regulate viral transmission in the human body.