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Updated: Mar 24, 2026
Phenotypic and Functional Analysis of Activated Regulatory T Cells Isolated from Chronic Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus-infected Mice
Published on: June 22, 2016
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus: ways to establish and maintain non-cytolytic persistent infection
Abstract:
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a prototype virus of the Arenaviridae family that is attracting considerable attention both as an important experimental model system to study acute and persistent viral infections, and as a neglected human pathogen of clinical significance. Notably, LCMV is capable of persisting in an infected host, and escaping the immune system. Here we describe the strategies used by the virus to establish and maintain long-term infection in vitro and/or persistent infection in vivo. We discuss how the viral components (RNA, nucleoprotein, glycoprotein, Z protein) manipulate the host cell machinery to facilitate survival and spread of the virus without disturbing the basal cellular processes. Deep understanding of these strategies is inevitable for the development of approaches towards restricting the virus spread and/or preventing its harmful reactivation. This review summarizes the current status in this area and presents ideas emerging from existing data.
Insights
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) uses specific strategies to establish and maintain persistent infections by manipulating host cells. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing therapies against this neglected human pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a prototype Arenaviridae virus.
- LCMV serves as a model for viral infections and is a human pathogen.
- LCMV can establish persistent infections and evade immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe LCMV strategies for establishing long-term infection in vitro and in vivo.
- To discuss viral component manipulation of host cell machinery.
- To highlight the importance of understanding these strategies for therapeutic development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on LCMV infection strategies.
- Analysis of viral components (RNA, nucleoprotein, glycoprotein, Z protein) and their functions.
- Discussion of in vitro and in vivo models of LCMV persistence.
Main Results:
- LCMV employs specific molecular strategies to ensure viral survival and spread.
- Viral components like RNA, nucleoprotein, glycoprotein, and Z protein are key to manipulating host cells.
- These manipulations allow virus persistence without disrupting essential cellular processes.
Conclusions:
- Understanding LCMV's persistence strategies is vital for controlling viral spread.
- Targeting these viral mechanisms could lead to new therapeutic approaches.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate and exploit these viral evasion tactics.
