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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
Dissecting Innate Immune Signaling in Viral Evasion of Cytokine Production
Published on: March 2, 2014
Immunity to polyomavirus infection: the polyomavirus-mouse model
Phillip A Swanson1, Aron E Lukacher, Eva Szomolanyi-Tsuda
1Department of Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Abstract:
A ubiquitous clinically silent murine pathogen, polyomavirus has enjoyed long-term co-evolution with the mouse, a highly tractable and genetically and immunologically informative small animal model. Thus, polyomavirus has provided a valuable experimental construct to decipher the host immune mechanisms that come into play to control systemic low-level persistent viral infections. Impaired immunosurveillance for infected cells puts the murine host at risk both to injury resulting from excessive direct virus cytolysis and development of virus-induced tumors. In this review, we present our current understanding of the multifaceted immune response invoked by the mouse to maintain détente with this potentially deleterious persistent natural pathogen, and discuss implications of these studies for therapeutic interventions for human polyomavirus infection.
Insights
Mouse polyomavirus, a persistent pathogen, offers insights into controlling viral infections. Understanding the murine immune response to polyomavirus can inform therapies for human polyomavirus infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Polyomavirus is a common, asymptomatic pathogen in mice.
- Mice are valuable models for studying persistent viral infections due to their genetic and immunological characteristics.
- Effective immunosurveillance is crucial for preventing polyomavirus-induced pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the immune mechanisms mice use to control persistent polyomavirus infections.
- To discuss the implications of these findings for human polyomavirus infections.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on murine polyomavirus immunology.
- Analysis of host-pathogen interactions in persistent viral infections.
Main Results:
- The murine immune system employs multifaceted responses to maintain control over polyomavirus.
- Impaired immune surveillance can lead to viral cytolysis and tumor development.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the mouse-polyomavirus interaction provides a model for persistent viral infection control.
- Insights gained may guide therapeutic strategies for human polyomavirus infections.
