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Immunopathological study of spleen during Japanese encephalitis virus infection in mice
A Mathur1, M Bharadwaj, R Kulshreshtha
1Postgraduate Department of Microbiology, K.G. Medical College, Lucknow, India.
Abstract:
Following intraperitoneal inoculation, Japanese encephalitis virus replicated in peritoneal macrophages, appeared on day 3 in the splenic macrophages of the perifollicular region and later in cells of the periarteriolar lymphoid sheath (PALS) as shown by indirect immunofluorescence. Productive JEV infection was observed both in macrophages and T-cells. Morphological study of spleen during JEV infection revealed proliferative changes, with increased number of macrophages from day 3 p.i. in the perifollicular region followed by accumulation of polymorphonuclear leucocytes which reached a maximum on day 9 p.i. The T dependent areas were considerably enlarged by day 9 and gradually reduced in size by week 3. At later periods germinal centres appeared in the T independent area and were prominent by day 15. The cells containing virus antigen disappeared with the appearance of germinal centres, thus indicating the role of the latter also in virus clearance.
Insights
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infects macrophages and T-cells in mice, causing spleen changes. Germinal centers appear later, aiding in virus clearance.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a significant cause of viral encephalitis globally.
- Understanding the early pathogenesis and immune response to JEV is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the early replication sites and splenic immune response following intraperitoneal inoculation of Japanese encephalitis virus.
- To elucidate the role of splenic cellular changes, including germinal center formation, in JEV clearance.
Main Methods:
- Indirect immunofluorescence was used to detect JEV replication in splenic macrophages and T-cells.
- Morphological studies of spleen tissues were conducted at various time points post-infection.
- Cellular changes, including macrophage proliferation and leukocyte accumulation, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- JEV replicated in peritoneal macrophages and subsequently in splenic macrophages and T-cells (in PALS).
- Splenic morphological changes included macrophage proliferation, polymorphonuclear leukocyte accumulation, and enlargement of T-dependent areas.
- Germinal centers emerged in T-independent areas by day 15, coinciding with the disappearance of virus antigen-containing cells.
Conclusions:
- JEV infection initially targets macrophages and T-cells within the spleen.
- The spleen undergoes significant proliferative and inflammatory changes during JEV infection.
- Germinal center formation appears to play a role in the clearance of Japanese encephalitis virus from the spleen.