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Review: JC virus infection of lymphocytes--revisited
G L Gallia1, S A Houff, E O Major
1Center for NeuroVirology and NeuroOncology, Allegheny University of the Health Sciences, and Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, USA.
Abstract:
JC virus (JCV), the causative agent of the fatal human demyelinating disease progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), is an opportunistic papovavirus that infects and destroys oligodendrocytes, the myelin-producing cells of the central nervous system. Since its isolation from the brain of a PML patient, JCV has long been classed as a neurotropic virus. Many studies, however, have demonstrated that JCV can infect various other cell types, including immune system cells. Moreover, several recent studies have focused specifically on lymphocytes as a target of JCV. This review chronicles the association of JCV with lymphocytes, including cell type localization, molecular regulation, and viral sequences, and discusses clinical implications of these findings.
Insights
JC virus (JCV), known for causing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), also infects immune cells like lymphocytes. This review explores JCV
Area of Science:
- Neurovirology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- JC virus (JCV) is the causative agent of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a fatal demyelinating disease.
- JCV primarily targets oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system, leading to neurodegeneration.
- Emerging evidence indicates JCV infects various non-neuronal cell types, including immune cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the association between JC virus (JCV) and lymphocytes.
- To detail JCV's presence in immune cells, including localization, molecular mechanisms, and genetic sequences.
- To discuss the clinical relevance of JCV's interaction with lymphocytes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating JCV infection in lymphocytes.
- Analysis of data on JCV cell type localization within the immune system.
- Examination of molecular regulation and viral sequence data related to JCV in lymphocytes.
Main Results:
- JCV demonstrates tropism for various immune cell types, particularly lymphocytes.
- Specific lymphocyte subsets are identified as targets for JCV infection.
- Molecular and sequence analyses reveal mechanisms of JCV interaction with lymphocytes.
Conclusions:
- JCV's interaction with lymphocytes has significant implications beyond its neurotropic role.
- Understanding JCV-lymphocyte dynamics is crucial for comprehending PML pathogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies.
- Further research into JCV's immunomodulatory effects is warranted.