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Published on: May 12, 2013
Henipavirus infection of the central nervous system
Brian E Dawes1,2, Alexander N Freiberg2,3,4
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA.
Abstract:
Nipah virus (NiV) and Hendra virus are highly pathogenic zoonotic viruses of the genus Henipavirus, family Paramyxoviridae. These viruses were first identified as the causative agents of severe respiratory and encephalitic disease in the 1990s across Australia and Southern Asia with mortality rates reaching up to 75%. While outbreaks of Nipah and Hendra virus infections remain rare and sporadic, there is concern that NiV has pandemic potential. Despite increased attention, little is understood about the neuropathogenesis of henipavirus infection. Neuropathogenesis appears to arise from dual mechanisms of vascular disease and direct parenchymal brain infection, but the relative contributions remain unknown while respiratory disease arises from vasculitis and respiratory epithelial cell infection. This review will address NiV basic clinical disease, pathology and pathogenesis with a particular focus on central nervous system (CNS) infection and address the necessity of a model of relapsed CNS infection. Additionally, the innate immune responses to NiV infection in vitro and in the CNS are reviewed as it is likely linked to any persistent CNS infection.
Insights
Nipah virus (NiV) and Hendra virus cause severe disease, with NiV posing a pandemic threat. Understanding NiV neuropathogenesis and innate immune responses is crucial for developing effective treatments and preventing future outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Neurology
Background:
- Nipah virus (NiV) and Hendra virus are highly pathogenic zoonotic viruses in the Paramyxoviridae family.
- These henipaviruses cause severe respiratory and encephalitic disease with high mortality rates.
- NiV is a potential pandemic threat, yet its neuropathogenesis remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical disease, pathology, and pathogenesis of NiV infection.
- To focus on central nervous system (CNS) infection and the need for a relapsed CNS infection model.
- To examine innate immune responses to NiV in vitro and in the CNS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on NiV and Hendra virus.
- Analysis of clinical data, pathology reports, and experimental findings.
- Synthesis of information on neuropathogenesis and immune responses.
Main Results:
- Neuropathogenesis involves both vascular disease and direct brain infection, with relative contributions unclear.
- Respiratory disease stems from vasculitis and respiratory epithelial cell infection.
- Innate immune responses are likely linked to persistent CNS infection.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of NiV neuropathogenesis.
- Developing a model for relapsed CNS infection is essential for studying persistent henipavirus infections.
- Understanding innate immunity is critical for managing NiV-related CNS disease.
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