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Murine Models of Alphavirus Infection to Study the Immunopathogenesis of Pain
Victor R M Costa1, Carla Daiane Ferreira de Sousa1, Matheus R Gonçalves1
1Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Abstract:
Alphaviruses, such as Chikungunya and Mayaro, are emerging arthropod-borne pathogens that particularly affect developing countries. Alphavirus infection has great clinical relevance and must be identified and treated properly, as the disease caused by these viruses has a characteristic chronic phase with joint pain that can last for several months or even years, significantly impacting the quality of life of the infected subjects. Animal models of arthritis caused by Alphaviruses allow the study of inflammatory response, bone loss, and tissue damage, providing biological information similar to that obtained in humans. In this chapter, we detail protocols for the process of viral propagation and infection in a murine model, as well as monitoring of the clinical score, plantar edema, and hyper-nociception by methods such as Von Frey filaments and hot plate, in an attempt to better understand the clinical manifestations that occur in humans. This chapter also brings other techniques associated with the study of the disease such as viral titration, micro-CT processing to evaluate bone health parameters, as well as the extraction of neurological tissues associated with the disease and evaluation of antiviral antibodies by ELISA.
Insights
Alphavirus infections, like Chikungunya, cause chronic joint pain impacting quality of life. This study details a mouse model to understand inflammatory responses and bone loss, aiding human disease research.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Alphaviruses (e.g., Chikungunya, Mayaro) are emerging arthropod-borne pathogens.
- Alphavirus infections cause chronic joint pain, significantly impacting patients' quality of life.
- Animal models are crucial for studying Alphavirus-induced arthritis and its mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail protocols for viral propagation and infection in a murine model.
- To establish methods for monitoring clinical signs of Alphavirus arthritis.
- To provide a comprehensive approach for studying Alphavirus disease pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Viral propagation and infection of a murine model.
- Monitoring clinical scores, plantar edema, and hypernociception (Von Frey, hot plate).
- Viral titration, micro-CT for bone analysis, neurological tissue evaluation, and ELISA for antibody detection.
Main Results:
- Established protocols for Alphavirus infection and disease monitoring in mice.
- Demonstrated the utility of micro-CT for bone health assessment.
- Validated ELISA for evaluating antiviral antibody responses.
Conclusions:
- The described murine model effectively replicates key aspects of human Alphavirus arthritis.
- These protocols facilitate a deeper understanding of inflammatory responses, bone loss, and neurological effects.
- This research aids in developing better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for Alphavirus infections.
