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Experimental optic neuritis induced by a demyelinating strain of mouse hepatitis virus
Kenneth S Shindler1, Lawrence C Kenyon, Mahasweta Dutt
1FM Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia,Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
Abstract:
Optic neuritis (ON), an inflammatory demyelinating optic nerve disease, occurs in multiple sclerosis (MS). Pathological mechanisms and potential treatments for ON have been studied via experimental autoimmune MS models. However, evidence suggests that virus-induced inflammation is a likely etiology triggering MS and ON; experimental virus-induced ON models are therefore required. We demonstrate that MHV-A59, a mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) strain that causes brain and spinal cord inflammation and demyelination, induces ON by promoting mixed inflammatory cell infiltration. In contrast, MHV-2, a nondemyelinating MHV strain, does not induce ON. Results reveal a reproducible virus-induced ON model important for the evaluation of novel therapies.
Insights
A new mouse model using a specific virus, mouse hepatitis virus-A59 (MHV-A59), effectively replicates virus-induced optic neuritis (ON). This model is crucial for studying ON, a condition linked to multiple sclerosis (MS).
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Virology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Optic neuritis (ON) is an inflammatory optic nerve disease often associated with multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Current research relies on experimental autoimmune models, but viral triggers are increasingly implicated in MS and ON.
- There is a need for reliable experimental models of virus-induced ON.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and validate a reproducible animal model for virus-induced optic neuritis.
- To investigate the role of specific viral strains in inducing ON.
Main Methods:
- Infection of mice with two strains of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV-A59 and MHV-2).
- Assessment of optic nerve inflammation, demyelination, and inflammatory cell infiltration.
- Comparison of disease induction between the two viral strains.
Main Results:
- MHV-A59 infection induced optic neuritis characterized by mixed inflammatory cell infiltration.
- MHV-2, a nondemyelinating strain, did not induce optic neuritis.
- The MHV-A59 model demonstrated reproducible induction of ON.
Conclusions:
- MHV-A59 provides a valuable and reproducible model for studying virus-induced optic neuritis.
- This model is suitable for evaluating potential therapeutic strategies for ON.
