Japanese encephalitis virus infection induces changes of mRNA profile of mouse spleen and brain
Yang Yang1, Jing Ye, Xiaohong Yang
1State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, PR China. sbcao@mail.hzau.edu.cn
Background:
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus, leading to an acute encephalitis and damage to the central nervous system (CNS). The mechanism of JEV pathogenesis is still unclear. DNA microarray analyses have been recently employed to detect changes in host gene expression, which is helpful to reveal molecular pathways that govern viral pathogenesis. In order to globally identify candidate host genes associated with JEV pathogenesis, a systematic mRNA profiling was performed in spleens and brains of JEV-infected mice.
Results:
The results of microarray analysis showed that 437 genes in spleen and 1119 genes in brain were differentially expressed in response to JEV infection, with obviously upregulated genes like pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines, apoptosis-related proteases and IFN inducible transcription factors. And the significant pathways of differentially expressed genes are involved in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity, antigen processing and presentation, MAPK signaling, and toll-like receptor signaling, etc. The differential expression of these genes suggests a strong antiviral response of host but may also contribute to the pathogenesis of JEV resulting in encephalitis. Quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) assay of some selected genes further confirmed the results of microarray assay.
Conclusions:
Data obtained from mRNA microarray suggests that JEV infection causes significant changes of mRNA expression profiles in mouse spleen and brain. Most of differentially expression genes are associated with antiviral response of host, which may provide important information for investigation of JEV pathogenesis and therapeutic method.
Insights
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection alters host gene expression in mouse spleen and brain, revealing pathways involved in antiviral responses and potential pathogenesis. This study identifies key genes for further JEV research.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a flavivirus causing acute encephalitis and central nervous system (CNS) damage.
- The precise mechanisms of JEV pathogenesis remain largely unknown.
- Understanding host gene expression changes is crucial for elucidating viral pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To globally identify candidate host genes associated with JEV pathogenesis.
- To systematically profile mRNA expression in JEV-infected mouse spleens and brains.
Main Methods:
- DNA microarray analysis was used for systematic mRNA profiling.
- Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was employed for validation.
Main Results:
- JEV infection induced differential expression of 437 genes in spleen and 1119 genes in brain.
- Upregulated genes included pro-inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis-related proteases, and IFN-inducible factors.
- Key affected pathways involved cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, natural killer cell activity, and toll-like receptor signaling.
Conclusions:
- JEV infection significantly alters mRNA expression profiles in mouse spleen and brain.
- Differentially expressed genes are primarily linked to the host's antiviral response.
- Findings offer insights into JEV pathogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
01:19Encephalitis l: Introduction
01:25Arboviral Encephalitis