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Anterograde Neuronal Circuit Tracers Derived from Herpes Simplex Virus 1: Development, Application, and Perspectives
Dong Li1,2, Hong Yang1,2, Feng Xiong1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Virology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|August 23, 2020
Summary
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) offers potential for gene therapy and neuroscience. H129-derived HSV-1 tracers map neuronal circuits but require improvements in labeling, specificity, and toxicity for broader applications.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a versatile viral vector with broad tropism and large genome capacity for gene delivery and oncolysis.
- HSV-1's unique neuronal infection and spread properties are valuable for neuroscience research, particularly in mapping neuronal circuits.
- The H129 strain of HSV-1 exhibits anterograde transneuronal transmission, making it a key component of anterograde neuronal circuit tracers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current H129-derived viral tracers for mapping neuronal pathways.
- To highlight strategies for advancing H129-derived HSV-1 as a viral tool.
- To address limitations of existing H129 tracers, including labeling intensity, specificity, and toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on H129-derived HSV-1 viral tracers.
- Analysis of the development and application of polysynaptic and monosynaptic tracers.
- Examination of strategies for improving HSV-1-based viral tools.
Main Results:
- H129-derived tracers have been developed into a sophisticated toolbox for neuroanatomical studies.
- These tracers have successfully revealed important neuronal circuits.
- Current limitations include suboptimal labeling intensity, potential nonspecific retrograde labeling, and high toxicity.
Conclusions:
- H129-derived HSV-1 tracers are valuable tools for mapping neuronal circuits but face challenges.
- Technological advancements are needed to overcome current limitations and enhance their utility.
- Future development should focus on improving labeling, specificity, and reducing toxicity for broader applications in neuroscience.
