Induction of monocyte procoagulant activity by murine hepatitis virus type 3 parallels disease susceptibility in mice

In this study, we demonstrate that the induction by lymphocytes of monocyte PCA in response to MHV-3 infection reflects the susceptibility of the host to infection by MHV-3. We further indicate that there exists a genetic restriction in the MHV-3induced pathway of lymphoreticular PCA. This is characterized by the lack of generation of PCA in the resistant animal, modest induction in mice that develop mild and chronic disease, and a profound PCA response by the fully susceptible animal who develops fatal hepatitis. The induction of lymphoreticular PCA antedates viral replication and appearance of histologic lesions in susceptible organs. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the monocyte is the cellular source of this activity but cellular collaboration between lymphocytes and monocytes is required for the generation of the PCA response.