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Spread of herpes simplex virus in lymph nodes after experimental infection of mice
Abstract:
Herpes simplex virus was frequently isolated from ipsilateral popliteal lymph nodes after percutaneous inoculation of the dorsal face of the footpad, and from ipsi- and contralateral submandibular lymph nodes after percutaneous inoculation of the cheek or the orofacial area of mice. Virus was detected only on very rare occasion in nondraining lymph nodes (inguinal or axillary) or in contralateral popliteal lymph nodes, but was frequently isolated in contralateral lumbar lymph nodes after footpad inoculation. The presence of virus in lymph nodes paralleled or followed the invasion of ipsilateral sensory ganglia and was associated with dissemination of virus in contralateral sensory ganglia after unilateral inoculation. In older mice virus was detected only occasionally in lymph nodes and dissemination of virus in contralateral sensory ganglia was generally not observed. The results suggest that lymphatic spread may contribute to dissemination of virus in contralateral sensory ganglia after unilateral inoculation of mice.
Insights
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) spreads through lymphatic vessels to sensory ganglia, particularly in younger mice. Lymphatic dissemination may play a role in HSV
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) establishes lifelong infections.
- Understanding HSV dissemination is crucial for developing effective antiviral strategies.
- Previous research has focused on neuronal pathways, but lymphatic spread is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of lymphatic spread in the dissemination of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in mice.
- To determine the primary sites of HSV replication and spread following peripheral inoculation.
- To compare HSV dissemination patterns in young versus older mice.
Main Methods:
- Percutaneous inoculation of HSV into the footpad or orofacial area of mice.
- Virus isolation from various lymph nodes (popliteal, inguinal, axillary, lumbar, submandibular) at different time points.
- Detection of virus in sensory ganglia (ipsilateral and contralateral).
- Comparison of results between young and older mice.
Main Results:
- HSV was frequently detected in draining lymph nodes (popliteal, submandibular) after inoculation.
- Contralateral lumbar lymph nodes showed frequent HSV detection after footpad inoculation.
- HSV presence in lymph nodes correlated with sensory ganglia invasion.
- HSV dissemination to contralateral sensory ganglia was more pronounced in younger mice.
- Older mice showed less frequent lymph node detection and limited contralateral ganglia spread.
Conclusions:
- Lymphatic spread is a significant route for HSV dissemination to lymph nodes and potentially to contralateral sensory ganglia.
- Age influences HSV dissemination patterns, with younger mice exhibiting more extensive spread.
- These findings highlight the importance of the lymphatic system in HSV pathogenesis and suggest potential therapeutic targets.