Unraveling the complexities of neurotropic virus infection and immune evasion

SUMMARYNeurotropic viruses, a diverse group of pathogens targeting the central nervous system (CNS), utilize multiple mechanisms to invade this highly protected compartment. These include hematogenous spread, retrograde axonal transport, and Trojan horse strategies, enabling viral entry and dissemination. Once within the CNS, these viruses interact with resident immune cells such as microglia and astrocytes, triggering type I interferon responses critical for antiviral defense. However, neurotropic viruses employ immune evasion strategies, including inhibition of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), suppression of interferon signaling, and disruption of antigen presentation pathways, allowing them to evade immune detection. These tactics facilitate their productive replication within the CNS and, in some cases, lead to persistent infections, often resulting in severe neurological consequences such as encephalitis and neuronal damage. This review explores these dynamic interactions and emphasizes future research needs, particularly in understanding virus-host interactions and developing targeted therapeutics to combat these pathogens effectively.