[Ultrastructural changes in central nervous system cells due to arboviruses]

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Virology
• Cell Biology

Context:

• Arboviruses from the Togaviridae family are known to infect the central nervous system (CNS).
• Understanding the cellular mechanisms of Togaviridae infection in the CNS is crucial for developing antiviral strategies.

Purpose:

• To review and systematize the existing literature on ultrastructural changes in the CNS of experimental animals infected with Togaviridae arboviruses.
• To identify common and characteristic ultrastructural lesions induced by these viruses in nerve cells.

Summary:

• Nerve cells are the primary sites of Togaviridae arbovirus replication within the CNS.
• Key ultrastructural alterations include degeneration of rough endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, and polysomes, alongside proliferation of smooth membranes, vacuoles, and vesicles.
• Mature virions are observed accumulating in various intracellular compartments, including endoplasmic reticulum cisterns, the Golgi apparatus, and vesicles.
• While not strictly specific, these lesions are characteristic of Togaviridae infections.
• Viral dissemination in the CNS occurs via hematogenous spread, intercellular and perivascular spaces, and neuronal dendrites.

Impact:

• Provides a consolidated overview of Togaviridae-induced neuropathology at the ultrastructural level.
• Highlights characteristic cellular damage patterns that can aid in diagnosing arboviral encephalitis.
• Informs future research on the pathogenesis and treatment of Togaviridae infections affecting the CNS.