Imprints of virus infection: can paramyxoviruses permanently modify triacylglycerol metabolism?

We have examined whether the passage of a paramyxovirus in a cell (BGM, African green monkey kidney) or animal (Swiss mouse) can permanently modify its metabolism. In an in vitro model in which cells had been cured of a measles virus persistent infection, the cells retained the modifications affecting lipid metabolism and composition induced during the infection. In a canine distemper virus mouse model, the same virus-induced modifications were observed in mice after the virus had been eliminated.