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Arboviruses and the central nervous system
1Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
Springer Seminars in Immunopathology
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Arboviruses cause encephalitis by infecting neurons. While the immune system fights the virus, infected neurons persist, necessitating ongoing antibody production in the central nervous system (CNS).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Arboviruses infect host neurons, leading to encephalitis.
- Neuron damage severity depends on virus virulence and neuron maturity.
- Neurons do not directly interact with T cells due to absent MHC antigens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the immune response to arbovirus infection in the central nervous system (CNS).
- To understand the role of glial cells and T cells in arboviral encephalitis.
- To investigate the mechanisms of viral persistence and control in the CNS.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of immune cell infiltration in infected brain tissue.
- Assessment of cytokine profiles and antibody production.
- Evaluation of viral RNA persistence in the CNS.
Main Results:
- Local immune response involves mononuclear cell infiltration and cytokine production.
- Type 2 T cell-associated cytokines are prominent, aiding B cells and deactivating macrophages.
- Antibody controls viral replication but does not eliminate infected cells, leading to persistent viral RNA.
Conclusions:
- Arbovirus infection triggers a localized immune response in the CNS.
- Immune control of arboviruses is incomplete, allowing viral RNA persistence.
- Continuous intraparenchymal antibody production is required to manage persistent viral RNA in the CNS.