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Related Experiment Videos

Human foamy virus: an underestimated neuropathogen?

A Aguzzi1, K Bothe, E F Wagner

  • 1Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna, Austria.

Brain Pathology (Zurich, Switzerland)
|January 1, 1992
PubMed
Summary

Human foamy virus (HFV) can cause disease. Transgenic mice expressing HFV genes developed neurodegenerative and muscle diseases, suggesting HFV may be a human pathogen, particularly in neurological conditions.

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Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Human foamy virus (HFV) is a retrovirus linked to various diseases but not yet identified as a causative agent.
  • HFV shares genetic similarities with human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), including regulatory genes like Bel-1.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the pathogenic potential of HFV by examining the effects of its regulatory genes.
  • To establish a transgenic mouse model for studying HFV gene expression and disease induction.

Main Methods:

  • Introduction of HFV genome fragments, including the Bel region, into the germ line of mice to create transgenic models.
  • Monitoring of HFV transgene transcription levels and patterns in various tissues throughout the mice's lifespan.

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Main Results:

  • HFV transgenes were transiently transcribed during gestation and early life, with suppressed expression followed by reactivation in specific tissues.
  • Reactivated HFV expression correlated with the accumulation of transcripts in single cells and the development of progressive central nervous system and striated muscle degeneration.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides the first evidence that HFV can induce disease, specifically neurodegenerative and muscle disorders.
  • The findings suggest HFV may be a human pathogen, particularly implicated in neurological diseases.
  • The developed transgenic mouse model is a valuable tool for exploring HFV-induced neurotoxicity, the function of HFV genes, and retroviral latency.