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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
A Model for Epilepsy of Infectious Etiology using Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus
Published on: June 23, 2022
Infectious RNA isolated from the spinal cords of mice chronically infected with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis
Jane E Libbey1, Ikuo Tsunoda, J Lindsay Whitton
1Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 North 1900 East, 3R330 SOM, Salt Lake City, UT 84132-2305, USA.
Abstract:
The DA strain of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) persistently infects cells of the spinal cord during the chronic phase of infection. Although in situ hybridization and reverse transcription-PCR have demonstrated the presence of viral RNA in the spinal cord, it has not been determined whether this RNA is infectious and, if so, how many PFU equivalents of virus the RNA can yield. In this study, we demonstrated that TMEV RNA isolated from the spinal cords of chronically infected mice is infectious and that there is at least 30-fold more infectious RNA than infectious virus in the spinal cords of these mice.
Insights
Infectious Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) RNA was found in mouse spinal cords during chronic infection. This infectious viral RNA is significantly more abundant than infectious TMEV particles.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) establishes persistent spinal cord infections.
- Previous studies confirmed viral RNA presence but not its infectivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if TMEV RNA from chronically infected mouse spinal cords is infectious.
- To quantify the infectious potential of this viral RNA.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of TMEV RNA from spinal cords of chronically infected mice.
- Infectivity assays to assess the plaque-forming units (PFU) of isolated RNA.
Main Results:
- TMEV RNA isolated from spinal cords is infectious.
- Infectious RNA is at least 30-fold more abundant than infectious virus in spinal cords.
Conclusions:
- Viral RNA in the spinal cord during chronic TMEV infection is infectious.
- Infectious RNA represents a major viral reservoir in the central nervous system.
