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Updated: Aug 25, 2026
Vaccinia Virus Infection & Temporal Analysis of Virus Gene Expression: Part 2
Published on: April 9, 2009
In situ analysis of proteolipid protein gene transcripts during persistent Theiler's virus infection
S Ozden1, C Aubert, D Gonzalez-Dunia
1Unité Virus Lents, UA 1157 CNRS, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
Abstract:
SJL/J mice inoculated intracranially with the DA strain of Theiler's virus exhibit a persistent demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. To investigate the effect of persistent infection of oligodendrocytes on the expression of myelin genes, we analyzed the level of PLP mRNA in infected as well as uninfected oligodendrocytes. This study was performed at the single-cell level using the simultaneous detection of viral antigens by immunocytochemistry and PLP mRNAs by in situ hybridization with 35S-labeled oligonucleotide probes. Our data indicate that viral infection of oligodendrocytes reduces the level of PLP mRNA by about 80%.
Insights
Persistent Theiler
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Theiler's virus causes persistent demyelinating disease in SJL/J mice.
- Oligodendrocytes are myelin-producing cells in the central nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how persistent Theiler's virus infection affects myelin gene expression in oligodendrocytes.
- To quantify changes in proteolipid protein (PLP) mRNA levels in infected oligodendrocytes.
Main Methods:
- Single-cell analysis of infected and uninfected oligodendrocytes.
- Simultaneous immunocytochemistry for viral antigens and in situ hybridization for PLP mRNA.
- Use of 35S-labeled oligonucleotide probes for high-resolution detection.
Main Results:
- Viral infection significantly reduces PLP mRNA levels in oligodendrocytes.
- A reduction of approximately 80% in PLP mRNA was observed in infected cells.
Conclusions:
- Persistent Theiler's virus infection downregulates myelin gene expression at the single-cell level.
- This downregulation of PLP mRNA may contribute to the demyelination observed in the central nervous system.
