Theiler's virus replication in isolated Schwann cell cultures

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Neuroscience
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis viruses (TMEV) are known to cause neurological diseases in mice.
• GDVII virus typically causes acute, fatal encephalitis, whereas WW virus is associated with chronic demyelinating disease.
• Schwann cells, the myelinating cells of the peripheral nervous system, are potential targets for viral infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the replication and effects of GDVII and WW viruses in isolated Schwann cell cultures.
• To characterize the distinct cytopathic effects and viral morphogenesis induced by these two TMEV strains in Schwann cells.

Main Methods:

• Primary Schwann cell cultures were established from mice.
• Cells were infected with GDVII virus and WW virus isolates.
• Infected cells were analyzed using light microscopy with immunohistochemical staining for viral antigens.
• Ultrastructural changes were examined via electron microscopy.

Main Results:

• Both GDVII and WW viruses replicated in Schwann cells, inducing cytopathic effects (rounding) and expressing viral antigens.
• Electron microscopy revealed distinct morphological alterations in Schwann cells infected with each virus.
• GDVII virus infection led to the formation of crystalline arrays of virions around cytoplasmic inclusion bodies.
• WW virus infection resulted in fewer observed virions, aligned between membrane units in the cytoplasm.

Conclusions:

• Schwann cells are susceptible to infection by both GDVII and WW viruses.
• The two TMEV strains induce different cytopathic effects and distinct patterns of viral assembly within Schwann cells.
• These findings contribute to understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying TMEV-induced neuropathology.