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Updated: May 29, 2026
Intracerebroventricular Viral Injection of the Neonatal Mouse Brain for Persistent and Widespread Neuronal Transduction
Published on: September 15, 2014
[Comparative evaluation of Leningrad-3 mumps vaccine virus neurovirulence in a neonatal rat model]
Abstract:
The neurovirulence and replication potential of several mumps virus strains, including Leningrad-3 mumps vaccine virus (FSUE SIC "Microgen", Russia) and wild type strains isolated in the Novosibirsk Region (Russia), were assessed in rat tests. The mean neurovirulence scores of the Leningrad-3 virus (< 4.0) were significantly lower than those of wild type strains (ranging from 6.1 to 15.2) and were in accordance with the scores determined for other attenuated mumps vaccine strains (usually ranging from 0 to 5). In general, the relative ability of the viruses to replicate in the rat brain tracked with their neurovirulence scores. These results indicate a low neurovirulence potential of the Leningrad-3 mumps vaccine virus for humans.
Insights
The Leningrad-3 mumps vaccine virus shows significantly lower neurovirulence in rats compared to wild strains. This suggests the Leningrad-3 mumps vaccine virus has a low neurovirulence potential for humans.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Mumps virus strains vary in neurovirulence.
- Assessing vaccine strain safety is crucial for public health.
- Understanding viral replication in the brain informs risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the neurovirulence and replication potential of the Leningrad-3 mumps vaccine virus.
- To compare Leningrad-3 with wild-type mumps virus strains.
- To determine the safety profile of the Leningrad-3 mumps vaccine virus.
Main Methods:
- Neurovirulence scoring in rat models.
- Assessment of viral replication in rat brain tissue.
- Comparative analysis of Leningrad-3 and wild-type strains.
Main Results:
- Leningrad-3 mumps vaccine virus exhibited significantly lower mean neurovirulence scores (< 4.0) than wild-type strains (6.1–15.2).
- Viral replication in the rat brain correlated with neurovirulence scores.
- Scores for Leningrad-3 aligned with established attenuated mumps vaccine strains (0–5).
Conclusions:
- The Leningrad-3 mumps vaccine virus demonstrates a low neurovirulence potential.
- Results support the safety profile of the Leningrad-3 mumps vaccine.
- Further human studies may be warranted to confirm safety in clinical settings.
