The Role of Coronavirus Spike Protein in Inducing Optic Neuritis in Mice: Parallels to the SARS-CoV-2 Virus

Grishma Kasle ¹, Jayasri Das Sarma

⁰Department of Biological Sciences (GK, JDS), Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, India; and Department of Ophthalmology (JDS), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology : the Official Journal of the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society +

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August 21, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV-A59) models neuroinflammatory demyelination, revealing the spike protein

Area Of Science

Neuroimmunology
Viral Pathogenesis
Demyelinating Diseases

Background

Optic neuritis (ON) is a neurological manifestation linked to multiple sclerosis (MS) and COVID-19.
The precise mechanisms of coronavirus-induced ON remain unclear.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the role of the spike protein in coronavirus-induced optic neuritis and demyelination.
To utilize a mouse hepatitis virus (MHV-A59) model for studying neuroinflammation.

Main Methods

Employing neurotropic mouse hepatitis virus (MHV-A59) and its isogenic spike protein recombinant strains in mice.
Comparing naturally occurring demyelinating (DM) and nondemyelinating (NDM) MHV strains.

Main Results

MHV-A59 infection in mice models acute optic nerve inflammation and chronic demyelination with axonal loss.
Spike protein-mediated mechanisms are implicated in virus-induced neuroinflammatory demyelination.

Conclusions

MHV-induced experimental ON and myelitis highlight the spike protein's role in demyelinating pathology.
Findings offer insights into human coronavirus-mediated ON and potential therapeutic strategies.