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Specific infection of central nervous system white matter by a variant of gross murine leukemia virus
N A Simonian1, L A Rosenthal, J Korostoff
1Department of Pathology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia 19104.
Abstract:
Exposure of neonatal Balb.B mice to a variant of Gross murine leukemia virus, termed WB91-GV, resulted in selective white matter infection within the central nervous system. Viral antigens were detected in brain sections of animals inoculated by either intracerebral or intraperitoneal routes, but were only seen in mice exposed within the first day after birth. This distinct tropism was confirmed by virus replication and gp70 expression in isolated glial cultures in vitro. Analysis of gp70 expression in highly enriched glial subpopulations indicated that oligodendrocytes and perhaps a subset of astrocytes were the targets of this infection.
Insights
Gross murine leukemia virus (WB91-GV) selectively infects the white matter of newborn mice. This viral tropism targets oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, confirmed through in vitro glial cell cultures.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- Murine leukemia viruses can cause central nervous system (CNS) infections.
- Understanding viral tropism is crucial for studying neuroinflammation and disease pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the tropism and cellular targets of a specific Gross murine leukemia virus variant (WB91-GV) in the neonatal mouse CNS.
- To determine the impact of the route and timing of viral exposure on infection patterns.
Main Methods:
- Neonatal Balb.B mice were inoculated with WB91-GV via intracerebral or intraperitoneal routes within the first day of life.
- Viral antigens and replication were assessed in brain sections and isolated glial cultures.
- gp70 expression was analyzed in enriched glial subpopulations.
Main Results:
- WB91-GV selectively infected the white matter of the CNS in neonatal mice.
- Infection was observed only in mice exposed within 24 hours after birth.
- In vitro studies confirmed viral replication and gp70 expression in glial cells, specifically oligodendrocytes and a subset of astrocytes.
Conclusions:
- WB91-GV exhibits a distinct tropism for the neonatal mouse CNS white matter.
- Oligodendrocytes and astrocytes are the primary cellular targets of this viral infection.
- The timing of exposure is critical for establishing WB91-GV infection in the CNS.