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Microglia play an important role in PRV infection-induced immune responses of the central nervous system

Xiuxiu Sun1, Xinxin Jin1, Xi Liu1

  • 1Division of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.

Virology Journal
|July 14, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Microglia play a dual role in Pseudorabies virus (PRV) infection. Initially, they restrict viral replication, but later, hyperactivated microglia contribute to neuroinflammation and brain damage.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Pseudorabies virus (PRV) causes fatal encephalitis and increases brain microglia.
  • The specific role of microglia in PRV-induced central nervous system damage is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of microglia in Pseudorabies virus infection and its impact on the central nervous system.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of PRV infection in natural (pigs) and non-natural (mice) hosts.
  • Infection models in mice to study microglia activation and function.
  • In vitro experiments to assess microglia's effect on viral replication and infectivity.
  • Analysis of TREM2 expression in microglia.

Main Results:

  • PRV infection induced more severe inflammation and neuropathology in pigs than in mice.
  • Activated microglia initially restricted PRV replication but led to hyperactivation and neuroinflammation late in infection.
  • Microglia restricted viral replication and infectivity in vitro, associated with increased TREM2 expression.
  • Microglia depletion worsened neurological symptoms, blood-brain barrier disruption, and lymphocyte infiltration.

Conclusions:

  • Microglia exhibit a dual role in PRV infection, offering protection in early stages and contributing to pathology in later stages.
  • Microglia's phagocytic activity, potentially mediated by TREM2, is crucial for controlling PRV.
  • Targeting microglia may offer therapeutic strategies for PRV-induced encephalitis.
Keywords:
Central nervous systemInflammationMicrogliaPseudorabies virus

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