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The Influence of Virus Infection on Microglia and Accelerated Brain Aging

Luis Filgueira1, Alexey Larionov1, Nils Lannes1

  • 1Anatomy, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.

Cells
|August 7, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Inflammatory microglia, driven by viral infections, may accelerate brain aging and cause neurocognitive deficits. This review explores the link between neurotropic viruses and microglia-mediated brain aging.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Microglia are key immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS).
  • Neuroinflammation driven by microglia is implicated in brain aging.
  • Viral infections frequently impact CNS and microglia function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of neurotropic viruses in microglia-driven neurocognitive deficiencies.
  • To elucidate the potential contribution of viral infections to accelerated brain aging.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on microglia, neuroinflammation, viral infections, and brain aging.
  • Synthesis of evidence linking specific neurotropic viruses to microglia dysfunction.
  • Analysis of mechanisms by which viruses may induce neuroinflammation and cognitive decline.

Main Results:

  • Various neurotropic viruses (e.g., HIV, flaviviruses, SARS-CoV-2, influenza, herpesviruses) interfere with microglia functions.
  • Chronic viral infections can cause persistent low-grade neuroinflammation.
  • This neuroinflammation may disrupt physiological brain repair processes, contributing to aging.

Conclusions:

  • Neurotropic viruses can dysregulate microglia, potentially leading to neurocognitive deficiencies.
  • Viral-induced microglia activation is a significant factor in accelerated brain aging.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand and target these mechanisms.
Keywords:
HIVSARS-CoV-2brain agingflavivirushuman herpes virusmicroglianeuroinflammationneurotropic virus

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