Figure 3. Loss of STAT3 does not alter RVFV replication kinetics.

A) WT and STAT3−/− MEFs were mock-infected or infected with MP12 for one hour at MOI 0.3 or MOI 3.0. Cell lysates were collected at 4, 8, 16, and 24 hpi and analyzed by western blot. Membranes were probed for total STAT3, RVFV nucleoprotein (NP), or β-actin as a loading control. B) Cells were infected as described in (A) and supernatants were collected at 4, 8, 16, and 24 hpi (MOI 0.3 and 3.0) and analyzed by plaque assay. C) HSAECs were transfected with 10 nM, 25 nM, or 50 nM of siRNA against STAT3 or a negative control siRNA. The following day, the media was changed in order to reduce cell toxicity. Cells were incubated for 48 hours, then protein lysates were collected and analyzed by western blot. Membranes were probed for total STAT3 and β-actin as a loading control. D) HSAECs were transfected with 25 nM of siRNA against STAT3 or a negative control siRNA. At 48 hours post transfection, cells were infected with MP12 at MOI 3 for one hour. Supernatants were collected 8 and 16 hpi (72 hours post transfection) and analyzed by plaque assay. * p ≤ 0.05