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Immune complex disease in chronic viral infections
1Department of Experimental Pathology, Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation, La Jolla, California 92037.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Chronic viral infections in animals can cause immune complex disease, similar to human disorders. This occurs when viral antibodies and immune proteins deposit in the kidneys, leading to nephritis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Chronic viral infections in animals can manifest as immune complex diseases, mirroring human conditions.
- Immune complex disease is characterized by the deposition of virus-host antibody complexes in tissues.
- This condition has been observed in various animal models, including mice, horses, and pigs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize immune complex disease in chronic animal viral infections.
- To investigate the role of viral antigens, host antibodies, and complement in disease pathogenesis.
- To explore the correlation between immune complex deposition and disease severity.
Main Methods:
- Detection of viral antigens, host immunoglobulins (Ig), and complement component C3 in renal tissue.
- Identification of circulating immune complexes in infected animals.
- Quantification of elutable Ig from kidneys and their reactivity with specific viruses.
Main Results:
- Immune complex disease was confirmed in chronic murine infections with LCM, LDV, MSV, and ADM.
- Evidence suggests immune complex disease in Coxsackie B, polyoma, equine anemia, and hog cholera.
- Transplacental transmission of maternal antiviral antibody in LCM infections leads to early-onset severe immune complex nephritis.
Conclusions:
- Chronic viral infections are a significant cause of immune complex disease in animals.
- The presence of viral-host Ig complexes and C3 deposits in the glomeruli are key diagnostic markers.
- Disease severity, particularly nephritis, is directly proportional to the amount and viral specificity of elutable kidney Ig.
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