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Mouse Footpad Inoculation Model to Study Viral-Induced Neuroinflammatory Responses
Published on: June 14, 2020
Lyssavirus infection activates interferon gene expression in the brain
Nicholas Johnson1, Clive S McKimmie2, Karen L Mansfield1
1Rabies and Wildlife Zoonoses Group (WHO Collaborating Centre for the Characterization of Rabies and Rabies-related Viruses), Department of Virology, Veterinary Laboratories Agency (Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK.
The Journal of General Virology
|August 9, 2006
Summary
Lyssavirus infection triggers an early innate immune response in the mouse brain, characterized by increased type 1 interferons and inflammatory genes. This response is crucial for combating rabies virus and related zoonotic lyssaviruses.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Lyssaviruses, including rabies virus, pose significant public health threats.
- Understanding the innate immune response in the brain is critical for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the brain's innate immune response to lyssavirus infection.
- To analyze the expression of key immune-related transcripts following Rabies virus infection.
Main Methods:
- A mouse model was used to study lyssavirus infection.
- Transcript levels for type 1 interferons (IFN-alpha, IFN-beta), IL-6, and Mx1 were measured in brain tissue.
- Both intracranial and peripheral inoculation routes were employed.
Main Results:
- Rabies virus infection rapidly induced innate immune gene expression in the brain.
- Type 1 interferon transcripts decreased as the disease progressed.
- Peripheral inoculation delayed but amplified the brain's immune response upon viral entry.
Conclusions:
- The brain mounts a rapid innate immune response to lyssavirus infection.
- The timing and magnitude of the immune response depend on the inoculation route.
- Similar responses were observed with European bat lyssaviruses, highlighting their zoonotic potential.
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