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On the relationship between measles virus and Alzheimer neurofibrillary tangles in subacute sclerosing
C Bancher1, H Leitner, K Jellinger
1Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, Lainz Hospital, Vienna, Austria.
Abstract:
We have studied the relationship between measles virus and the accumulation of abnormally phosphorylated tau (PHF-tau) in nine cases of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). By assessing the presence of viral intranuclear inclusions and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) in each case, we found no correlation between presence and amount of measles virus and the numbers of neurons containing PHF-tau. Immunohistochemical double labeling in a case with long duration of disease and severe histopathologic change revealed no strict colocalization of measles virus antigen and PHF-tau throughout different brain regions. In areas containing both antigens, most neurons carrying measles virus did not have a tangle and vice versa, eventhough some colocalization beyond that expected by chance was observed in specific cortical areas. These results indicate that, although secondary to viral infection, NFT formation in SSPE is not restricted to cells carrying viral antigen. Conversely, measles virus infected cells do not necessarily accumulate PHF-tau. This lack of colocalization at the cellular level, throughout different brain areas and among different cases suggests that the formation of NFT in SSPE is not directly induced by the infectious agent. The formation of NFT in this disease appears to be elicited through a specific type of tissue damage and, thus, to be an epiphenomenon. This pathogenetic detail may be of interest for our understanding of the role of neurofibrillary degeneration in the pathogenesis of other more frequent neurodegenerative diseases with cytoskeletal pathology.
Insights
Measles virus does not directly cause neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) formation in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). NFT accumulation is not strictly linked to viral presence, suggesting it
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Virology
- Pathology
Background:
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a severe neurological complication of measles virus infection.
- Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), composed of hyperphosphorylated tau (PHF-tau), are a hallmark of SSPE neuropathology.
- The direct relationship between measles virus and PHF-tau accumulation in SSPE remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between measles virus presence and PHF-tau accumulation in SSPE.
- To determine if measles virus directly induces neurofibrillary tangle formation in SSPE.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of nine SSPE cases for viral inclusions and NFTs.
- Immunohistochemical double labeling to assess colocalization of measles virus antigen and PHF-tau.
- Examination of different brain regions and disease durations.
Main Results:
- No direct correlation found between measles virus load and the number of neurons containing PHF-tau.
- Immunohistochemistry revealed limited colocalization of measles virus antigen and PHF-tau.
- Neurons infected with measles virus did not consistently accumulate PHF-tau, and vice versa.
Conclusions:
- Neurofibrillary tangle formation in SSPE is not directly induced by the measles virus.
- NFTs in SSPE appear to be an epiphenomenon, possibly resulting from virus-induced tissue damage.
- Findings may offer insights into neurofibrillary degeneration in other neurodegenerative diseases.