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Updated: Sep 25, 2025

The Sciatic Nerve Cuffing Model of Neuropathic Pain in Mice
Published on: July 16, 2014
A human coronavirus OC43-derived polypeptide causes neuropathic pain
Veronica I Shubayev1,2, Jennifer Dolkas1,2, Glaucilene Ferreira Catroli1,2
1Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
Human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) infection may cause neuropathic pain through molecular mimicry. A viral peptide mimics myelin basic protein (MBP), leading to hypersensitivity and altered spinal cord gene expression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Human coronaviruses (HCoVs) are increasingly linked to neurological complications.
- The mechanisms underlying virus-induced neurological sequelae remain poorly understood.
- Myelin basic protein (MBP) is crucial for nerve function, and its fragments can induce pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if a peptide from HCoV-OC43 (OC43p) mimics MBP and causes neuropathic pain.
- To explore the molecular mechanisms behind virus-induced pain.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of an HCoV-OC43 peptide (OC43p) homologous to an MBP motif.
- Intrasciatic injection of OC43p in rats to assess pain response.
- Transcriptome analysis of spinal cords.
- Affinity capture to identify OC43p binding partners.
Main Results:
- OC43p induced mechanical hypersensitivity in rats, unlike control peptides.
- Spinal cord transcriptome analysis revealed upregulation of nociception, immune, and energy metabolism pathways.
- OC43p was found to bind to Na+/K+-transporting ATPase.
Conclusions:
- HCoV-OC43 polypeptides may induce neuropathic pain via molecular mimicry of MBP.
- The findings suggest a novel mechanism for virus-induced pain involving molecular mimicry and disruption of cellular energy homeostasis.
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