Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Recurrent Herpetic Stromal Keratitis in Mice, a Model for Studying Human HSK
07:27

Recurrent Herpetic Stromal Keratitis in Mice, a Model for Studying Human HSK

Published on: December 18, 2012

Immunopathological basis of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus-induced chorioretinitis and keratitis

Martin S Zinkernagel1, Beatrice Bolinger, Philippe Krebs

  • 1Research Department, Kantonal Hospital St. Gallen, Rorschacherstrasse 95, 9007 St. Gallen, Switzerland.

Journal of Virology
|October 24, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) causes ocular disease, primarily chorioretinitis, dependent on CD8(+) T cells. Preventive vaccination strategies targeting antibodies and T cells show promise against LCMV-induced eye infections.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection can cause central nervous system disease.
  • LCMV-associated ocular disease, including chorioretinitis and keratitis, is not well understood.
  • The immunopathological mechanisms of LCMV-induced eye disease require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the immunopathological mechanisms of LCMV-induced ocular disease.
  • To determine the role of different LCMV strains in causing eye pathology.
  • To evaluate potential preventive strategies against LCMV-mediated ocular disease.

Main Methods:

  • Intraocular administration of LCMV strains (Armstrong, WE, Docile) in mice.
  • Time course analysis of ocular inflammation.
  • Assessment of LCMV-mediated ocular disease in T-cell-deficient mouse models.
  • Evaluation of topical immunosuppressive agents and passive immunization.
  • Analysis of pre-existing T-cell responses for protection.

Main Results:

  • Neurotropic LCMV strain Armstrong induced severe chorioretinitis and keratitis.
  • Viscerotropic strains WE and Docile caused less severe ocular disease.
  • LCMV-induced ocular disease was dependent on virus-specific CD8(+) T cells, with minimal CD4(+) T cell involvement.
  • Passive immunization and pre-existing T-cell immunity partially protected against ocular damage.

Conclusions:

  • LCMV-mediated ocular disease pathogenesis is primarily driven by CD8(+) T cells.
  • Antibody- and T-cell-based vaccination strategies may prevent LCMV-induced chorioretinitis.
  • Further research into LCMV-specific immune responses can inform therapeutic and prophylactic approaches.

More Related Videos

Phenotypic and Functional Analysis of Activated Regulatory T Cells Isolated from Chronic Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus-infected Mice07:17

Phenotypic and Functional Analysis of Activated Regulatory T Cells Isolated from Chronic Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus-infected Mice

Published on: June 22, 2016

Intracerebroventricular and Intravascular Injection of Viral Particles and Fluorescent Microbeads into the Neonatal Brain05:51

Intracerebroventricular and Intravascular Injection of Viral Particles and Fluorescent Microbeads into the Neonatal Brain

Published on: July 24, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...