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Updated: Oct 5, 2026
A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
Published on: April 28, 2019
Mouse hepatitis virus type-2 infection in mice: an experimental model system of acute meningitis and hepatitis
J Das Sarma1, L Fu, S T Hingley
1Division of Neuropathology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
Abstract:
Infection with mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) strain A59 produces acute hepatitis, encephalitis, and chronic demyelination in mice. However, little is known about a closely related strain, MHV-2, which is only weakly neurotropic. To better understand the molecular basis of neurotropism of MHVs, we compared the pathogenesis and genomic sequence of MHV-2 with that of MHV-A59. Intracerebral injection of MHV-2 into 4-week-old C57B1/6 mice produces acute meningitis and hepatitis without encephalitis or chronic inflammatory demyelination. Sequence comparison between MHV-2 and MHV-A59 reveals 94-98% sequence identity of the replicase gene, 83-95% sequence identity of genes 2a, 3, 5b, 6, and 7, and marked difference in the sequence of genes, 2b, 4, and 5a. This information provides the basis for further studies exploring the mechanism of viral neurotropism and virus-induced demyelination.
Insights
Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) strain A59 causes severe neurological issues, while MHV-2 shows limited neurotropism. Genomic differences in specific genes likely explain MHV-2's reduced neurotropic potential.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) strain A59 is known to cause hepatitis, encephalitis, and demyelination in mice.
- The neurotropic potential of the related MHV-2 strain is poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular basis of neurotropism in MHVs.
- To compare the pathogenesis and genomic sequences of MHV-2 and MHV-A59.
Main Methods:
- Intracerebral injection of MHV-2 into C57B1/6 mice.
- Comparative genomic sequence analysis of MHV-2 and MHV-A59.
Main Results:
- MHV-2 infection in mice resulted in acute meningitis and hepatitis, but not encephalitis or demyelination.
- Genomic comparison showed high sequence identity in replicase and several other genes, but marked differences in genes 2b, 4, and 5a between MHV-2 and MHV-A59.
Conclusions:
- Specific genetic differences, particularly in genes 2b, 4, and 5a, may underlie the distinct neurotropic properties of MHV-2 compared to MHV-A59.
- This study provides a foundation for future research into viral neurotropism and demyelination mechanisms.
