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Updated: May 14, 2026
Dissecting Host-virus Interaction in Lytic Replication of a Model Herpesvirus
Published on: October 7, 2011
Characteristics of viruses derived from nude mice with persistent measles virus infection
Yusaku Abe1, Koichi Hashimoto, Masahiro Watanabe
1Department of Pediatrics, Fukushima Medical University, Fukusjima, Japan. yusakua@fmu.ac.jp
Abstract:
Measles virus (MV) isolates from patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) differ from wild-type MV virologically. However, few animal models have reported viruses with characteristics of the SSPE virus. The MV Edmonston strain was inoculated into the subarachnoid space of nude mice. All nude mice displayed weight loss and required euthanasia, with a mean survival duration of 73.2 days. The viral load in the brain was 4- to 400-fold higher than the inoculated load, and brain infection was confirmed by immunostaining. Gene sequencing of the viruses revealed that amino acid mutations occurred more frequently in matrix proteins. The most common mutation was a uridine-to-cytosine transition. The virus exhibited lower free virus particle formation ability than the Edmonston strain. When nude mice were challenged with 2 × 10(2) PFU of the brain-derived virus, the mean survival duration was 34.7 days, which was significantly shorter than that of the mice challenged with 4 × 10(4) PFU of the Edmonston strain (P < 0.01). This study indicated that MV in a nude mouse model of persistent infection exhibited characteristics of the SSPE virus. This model may prove useful in elucidating the pathogenic mechanism of SSPE and developing potential therapeutics.
Insights
Measles virus (MV) in a nude mouse model developed characteristics similar to subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) virus. This persistent infection model shows promise for understanding SSPE pathogenesis and developing new treatments.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a severe neurological complication of measles virus (MV) infection.
- Existing animal models do not fully replicate the unique virological characteristics of SSPE-associated MV isolates.
- Understanding the mechanisms driving SSPE pathogenesis is crucial for therapeutic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and characterize a novel animal model for persistent measles virus infection that mimics SSPE virus properties.
- To investigate the virological and pathological changes in the brain following subarachnoid inoculation of MV in nude mice.
- To evaluate the potential of this model for studying SSPE and testing therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Nude mice were inoculated with the Edmonston strain of measles virus into the subarachnoid space.
- Viral load, brain infection, and survival rates were monitored.
- Gene sequencing was performed on recovered viruses to identify mutations.
- The neurovirulence of brain-derived virus was assessed through subsequent challenge studies.
Main Results:
- Inoculated nude mice exhibited significant weight loss and reduced survival (mean 73.2 days).
- Brain viral loads increased substantially (4- to 400-fold), with confirmed infection via immunostaining.
- Gene sequencing revealed frequent mutations in matrix proteins, notably uridine-to-cytosine transitions.
- The brain-derived virus showed reduced ability to form free virus particles and was significantly more virulent upon re-challenge (shorter survival, 34.7 days).
Conclusions:
- The MV Edmonston strain, after persistent infection in nude mice, acquired characteristics resembling SSPE virus.
- This nude mouse model demonstrates key features of SSPE, including neuroinvasion, altered viral properties, and increased virulence.
- This model offers a valuable platform for future research into SSPE pathogenesis and the evaluation of potential antiviral therapies.
