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Alphaherpesvirus saimiri in rabbits: a model for human encephalitis?
D A Leib1, C A Hart, K McCarthy
1Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Liverpool, U.K.
The Journal of General Virology
|July 1, 1988
Summary
A virulent alphaherpesvirus saimiri (alpha HVS) isolate caused fatal encephalitis in rabbits. Prior infection with benign alpha HVS or inactivated virus conferred protection against lethal challenge, suggesting a potential vaccine strategy.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Alphaherpesvirus saimiri (alpha HVS) isolates exhibit varying pathogenicity in rabbits.
- One isolate, KM91, causes fatal encephalitis, while others induce milder symptoms and latency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of prior infection or inactivated alpha HVS against lethal KM91 challenge.
- To explore the potential of attenuated or inactivated alpha HVS as a vaccine candidate.
Main Methods:
- Intradermal inoculation of rabbits with different alpha HVS isolates (KM91, KM180, KM322, KM338).
- Challenge experiments using lethal dose of KM91 after pre-exposure to benign isolates or beta-propiolactone (beta PL)-inactivated alpha HVS.
- Co-inoculation studies with lethal KM91 and either benign or inactivated alpha HVS.
Main Results:
- Prior infection with benign alpha HVS isolates or beta PL-inactivated KM91 protected rabbits from lethal encephalitis.
- Co-inoculation with lethal KM91 and benign KM322 or inactivated KM322 resulted in complete survival.
- Co-inoculation with lethal KM91 and inactivated KM91 offered partial protection.
Conclusions:
- Benign alpha HVS isolates and inactivated alpha HVS can induce protective immunity against virulent strains.
- These findings suggest a potential for developing attenuated or inactivated alpha HVS vaccines to prevent encephalitis.
