[Transneuronal tracing using neurotropic viruses in the mammals]
1Groupe d'étude des réseaux moteurs, CNRS, FRE 2722, 280 boulevard Sainte-Marguerite, 13009 Marseille.
Virologie (Montrouge, France)
|October 23, 2021
Summary
Neurotropic viruses like pseudorabies and rabies have significantly advanced the study of mammalian neuronal networks for 15 years. These viruses trace neural connections, revealing complex brain organization and interactions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Virology
Context:
- Neurotropic viruses have been instrumental in mapping mammalian central nervous system organization for 15 years.
- Viruses like pseudorabies, herpes simplex type 1, and rabies propagate transneuronally, enabling study of synaptic connectivity.
Purpose:
- To review the development and applications of neurotropic viruses as transneuronal tracers.
- To highlight the synergistic contributions of virology and neuroscience in understanding neural networks.
Summary:
- Pseudorabies virus (Bartha strain) is effective for autonomic nervous system tracing in rodents.
- Rabies virus aids in characterizing motor networks and mapping primate cortical connectivity.
- Recombinant pseudorabies viruses facilitate the study of interactions between distinct neuronal networks.
Impact:
- Enhanced understanding of neuronal network organization and function in mammals.
- Demonstrated the power of viral tracing techniques in neuroscience research.
- Facilitated the study of complex neural circuitries and inter-network communication.
