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Published on: March 14, 2019
Drosophila as a Model for Human Viral Neuroinfections
Ilena Benoit1,2, Domenico Di Curzio2, Alberto Civetta1
1Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, 599 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2G3, Canada.
Abstract:
The study of human neurological infection faces many technical and ethical challenges. While not as common as mammalian models, the use of Drosophila (fruit fly) in the investigation of virus-host dynamics is a powerful research tool. In this review, we focus on the benefits and caveats of using Drosophila as a model for neurological infections and neuroimmunity. Through the examination of in vitro, in vivo and transgenic systems, we highlight select examples to illustrate the use of flies for the study of exogenous and endogenous viruses associated with neurological disease. In each case, phenotypes in Drosophila are compared to those in human conditions. In addition, we discuss antiviral drug screening in flies and how investigating virus-host interactions may lead to novel antiviral drug targets. Together, we highlight standardized and reproducible readouts of fly behaviour, motor function and neurodegeneration that permit an accurate assessment of neurological outcomes for the study of viral infection in fly models. Adoption of Drosophila as a valuable model system for neurological infections has and will continue to guide the discovery of many novel virus-host interactions.
Insights
Fruit flies (Drosophila) offer a powerful model for studying neurological infections and neuroimmunity, overcoming challenges in human research. This review highlights their utility in understanding virus-host dynamics and developing antiviral therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Virology
- Genetics
- Immunology
Background:
- Human neurological infections present significant research challenges.
- Mammalian models are common but have limitations.
- Drosophila (fruit fly) offers a powerful alternative model for virus-host dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the benefits and drawbacks of using Drosophila as a model for neurological infections and neuroimmunity.
- To illustrate the application of Drosophila in studying viral neurological diseases.
- To explore the potential for antiviral drug screening and target discovery using Drosophila models.
Main Methods:
- Examination of in vitro, in vivo, and transgenic Drosophila systems.
- Comparison of Drosophila phenotypes with human neurological conditions.
- Analysis of standardized readouts for fly behavior, motor function, and neurodegeneration.
Main Results:
- Drosophila models effectively mimic aspects of human viral neurological diseases.
- Standardized assessments allow accurate evaluation of neurological outcomes.
- The fly system facilitates the study of both exogenous and endogenous viruses.
Conclusions:
- Drosophila is a valuable and reproducible model system for neurological infections.
- Investigating virus-host interactions in flies can lead to novel antiviral strategies.
- The use of Drosophila will continue to drive discoveries in neurovirology and neuroimmunology.
