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Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Highly Sensitive Assay for Measurement of Arenavirus-cell Attachment
Published on: March 2, 2016
Decoding arenavirus pathogenesis: essential roles for alpha-dystroglycan-virus interactions and the immune response
Michael B A Oldstone1, Kevin P Campbell
1Department of Immunology & Microbial Science, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. mbaobo@scripps.edu
This review examines Lassa fever virus (LFV) and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) pathogenesis. Understanding virus-host interactions, particularly with alpha-dystroglycan, is key to viral persistence and disease.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunobiology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Viral pathogenesis arises from virus-host interactions, with outcomes determined by the balance of virulence and host resistance.
- The Old World arenavirus family includes Lassa fever virus (LFV) and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV).
- LCMV serves as a crucial rodent model for understanding immunobiology and viral pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding viral pathogenesis and persistent infections.
- To highlight the role of virus-receptor interactions in arenavirus pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research on Lassa fever virus and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus.
- Focus on the interaction between arenaviruses and their host receptor, alpha-dystroglycan (α-DG).
Main Results:
- Recent advances provide a framework for understanding persistent viral infections.
- Insights into the pathogenesis of acute Lassa fever virus infection have been illuminated.
- The interaction with alpha-dystroglycan (α-DG) is a central component in arenavirus pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Understanding virus-receptor interactions, specifically with alpha-dystroglycan (α-DG), is critical for comprehending arenavirus pathogenesis.
- This knowledge is essential for developing strategies against Lassa fever virus and LCMV infections.
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