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Are astrocytes infected in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)?
Abstract:
Ultrastructural characteristics of the early steps of PML virus infection, i.e. adsorption, penetration, and intracellular virus transport were demonstrated in astrocytes. These phenomena were more frequently seen in the cytoplasm than virus assembly in the nuclei. Infection of the astrocytes is usually non-productive. Light- and electron-microscopic analysis of the present case and 23 cases published in the literature since 1970 leads to the conclusion that the relation is inverse between the appearance of giant, bizarre astrocytes and that of the productive infection of the non-transformed one. The transformation of the astrocytes seems to be induced by infection with the PML virus.
Insights
This study reveals how the PML virus infects astrocytes, noting its early stages occur in the cytoplasm. Astrocytes infected by the PML virus may transform, with giant cells appearing when productive infection is low.
Area of Science:
- Neurovirology
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Astrocytes play crucial roles in the central nervous system.
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a demyelinating disease caused by the JC virus.
- Understanding virus-host interactions in astrocytes is vital for neurodegenerative disease research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the ultrastructural characteristics of early Porcine Endometrial Epithelial cells (PEEC) virus infection stages in astrocytes.
- To investigate the relationship between astrocyte morphology and productive infection.
- To explore the potential of PML virus to induce astrocyte transformation.
Main Methods:
- Light and electron microscopy were employed to analyze astrocyte infection.
- Ultrastructural examination focused on virus adsorption, penetration, and intracellular transport.
- Comparative analysis of a current case with 23 historical cases was performed.
Main Results:
- Early PML virus infection steps (adsorption, penetration, transport) were observed in astrocyte cytoplasm, more frequently than nuclear assembly.
- Astrocyte infection with PML virus is typically non-productive.
- An inverse relationship exists between the appearance of giant, bizarre astrocytes and productive infection in non-transformed cells.
Conclusions:
- PML virus infection primarily affects astrocyte cytoplasm in early stages.
- Astrocyte transformation appears to be induced by PML virus infection.
- The presence of giant astrocytes correlates with reduced productive infection, suggesting a role in the disease process.