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Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Lentivirus-mediated Genetic Manipulation and Visualization of Olfactory Sensory Neurons in vivo
Published on: May 22, 2011
Olfactory transmission of neurotropic viruses
Isamu Mori1, Yukihiro Nishiyama, Takashi Yokochi
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Research Center for Infectious Disease, Aichi Medical University School of Medecine, Aichi, Japan. isamor@aichi-med-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
Olfactory receptor neurons are unique in their anatomical structure and function. Each neuron is directly exposed to the external environment at the site of its dendritic nerve terminals where it is exposed to macromolecules. These molecules can be incorporated into by olfactory receptor neurons and transported transsynaptically to the central nervous system. Certain neurotropic pathogens such as herpes simplex virus and Borna disease virus make use of this physiological mechanism to invade the brain. Here the authors review the olfactory transmission of infectious agents and the resulting hazards to human and animal health.
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