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Published on: June 13, 2011
Theiler's virus-induced central nervous system disease in mice
UCLA Forum in Medical Sciences
|January 1, 1976
Summary
Theiler's viruses cause a biphasic neurological disease in mice, starting with motor neuron damage and paralysis, followed by persistent infection and demyelination leading to late-onset neurological dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Neurovirology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Theiler's viruses (TV) are common enteric pathogens in mice.
- TV causes a biphasic neurological disease after IC inoculation, affecting the central nervous system (CNS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the early and late phases of Theiler's virus infection in mice.
- To investigate the role of host immunity in disease progression and demyelination.
Main Methods:
- Intracranial (IC) inoculation of mice with Theiler's viruses.
- Observation of clinical signs, pathological lesions (neuron degeneration, demyelination), and immune responses.
- Assessment of host susceptibility using SJL/J inbred strain.
Main Results:
- Early phase: virus replication in CNS gray matter, motor neuron degeneration, and flaccid paralysis.
- Late phase: persistent infection, mononuclear infiltration, primary demyelination, and a distinct neurological disorder.
- Delayed humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to TV antigen, atypical for acute infections.
Conclusions:
- Theiler's virus infection leads to a chronic, biphasic neurological disease with potential immune-mediated demyelination.
- Further research is needed to identify cells supporting chronic virus replication and mechanisms of persistent infection.
