Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 20, 2025
11:54
Measurement of BK-polyomavirus Non-Coding Control Region Driven Transcriptional Activity Via Flow Cytometry
Published on: July 13, 2019
9.3K
Archetype JC polyomavirus DNA associated with extracellular vesicles circulates in human plasma samples
Stefano Scribano1, Mirko Guerrini1, Rosaria Arvia1
1Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
Summary
JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) DNA was detected in extracellular vesicles (EV) from HIV patients at risk for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). This finding suggests EVs may play a role in JCPyV persistence and spread to the central nervous system.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) causes progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in immunocompromised individuals.
- Viruses, including JCPyV, may utilize extracellular vesicles (EVs) for propagation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if JCPyV-DNA is present in circulating plasma EVs from patients at risk for PML.
- To investigate the potential role of EVs in JCPyV infection and pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Plasma samples from 120 HIV-positive patients and 50 healthy donors were analyzed.
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were isolated and characterized.
- JCPyV-DNA presence and quantity were measured using Multiplex real-time TaqMan PCR.
- Immunoelectron microscopy (IEM) was used to detect JCPyV Vp1 antigen in EVs.
Main Results:
- JCPyV-DNA was detected in 28% of HIV-positive patients and 4% of healthy donors.
- JCPyV-DNA was found in 42% of characterized plasma EVs from viremic samples.
- IEM confirmed the presence of JCPyV Vp1 antigen within plasma-derived EVs.
Conclusions:
- Extracellular vesicles harbor JCPyV-DNA and JCPyV Vp1 antigen.
- EV-associated JCPyV-DNA may offer insights into viral persistence and neuroinvasion mechanisms.
- This study highlights a potential novel pathway for JCPyV dissemination.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
49.0K
Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the...
49.0K
01:29Viruses with RNA Genomes
584
RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...
584
02:33Retroviruses
14.4K
Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
14.4K
01:03Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer
6.0K
Rous Sarcoma virus or RSV was discovered by F. Peyton Rous in the year 1911 as a filterable transmissible agent that could cause tumors in chickens. He won a Nobel Prize for this discovery in 1966. His experiments clearly demonstrated that some cancers could be caused by infectious agents and led to the discovery of many more cancer-causing viruses in animals as well as humans.
RSV is a retrovirus that contains two copies of a plus-strand RNA genome. Its genome consists of four main open...
RSV is a retrovirus that contains two copies of a plus-strand RNA genome. Its genome consists of four main open...
6.0K