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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Detection of the Genome and Transcripts of a Persistent DNA Virus in Neuronal Tissues by Fluorescent In situ Hybridization Combined with Immunostaining
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Detection of the Genome and Transcripts of a Persistent DNA Virus in Neuronal Tissues by Fluorescent In situ Hybridization Combined with Immunostaining

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Detection of JC virus DNA fragments but not proteins in normal brain tissue

Georgina Perez-Liz1, Luis Del Valle, Antonio Gentilella

  • 1Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neurovirology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.

Annals of Neurology
|August 9, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The human neurotropic JC virus (JCV) DNA fragments were found in the brains of healthy individuals, suggesting the brain may be a site for JCV latency. This could lead to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) if the immune system weakens.

Area of Science:

  • Neurovirology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a fatal demyelinating disease caused by JC virus (JCV) in immunocompromised patients.
  • JCV is thought to travel from the kidneys to the brain, where it destroys glial cells, leading to PML.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the hypothesis that JCV may exist in a latent state within the brains of immunocompetent individuals without neurological conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Examined JCV DNA and protein presence in five brain regions of seven immunocompetent individuals using gene amplification and immunohistochemistry.
  • Utilized laser-capture microdissection to identify specific cell types harboring JCV DNA.

Main Results:

  • JCV DNA fragments were detected in various brain regions of healthy individuals.
  • JCV DNA was found in oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, but not neurons.
  • No viral proteins were expressed in any of the examined brains.

Conclusions:

  • The presence of JCV DNA in non-PML brains indicates JCV can access all brain regions in immunocompetent individuals.
  • This suggests the brain could be a potential site for JCV latency.
  • Reactivation of JCV and subsequent demyelination (PML) may occur if immune function is compromised.

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