Neuro-Immune Mechanisms in Response to Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Infection
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEE) is an emerging pathogen with epizootics and epidemics occurring in the Western Hemisphere. Recent outbreaks in South America have caused significant morbidity and mortality among domesticated livestock and surrounding human communities. VEE pathogenesis is characterized by infection of the central nervous system (CNS) where the virus targets neurons, resulting in significant neurodegeneration. VEE encephalitis can result in profound neurological deficits or even death. Because of the devastating nature of this disease and the lack of interventional therapies, it is important to understand the intricate details of VEE neuropathogenesis in order to identify targets for treatment to effect a cure. Inflammation has recently been implicated as a component of neurodegeneration. Inflammation in the CNS in response to acute infections is a protective mechanism that attempts to contain and clear neuro-invasive pathogens, however this upregulation of proinflammatory genes may be deleterious to surrounding neurons. The combined effects of direct infection and inflammation may be additive or synergistic in the amount of injury sustained in the CNS. Glial cells are of particular importance in the CNS immune response. These resident cells of the CNS have intimate associations with neurons and regulate the CNS milieu. One type of glial cell is the astrocyte. Astrocytes are found in vast numbers in the CNS and have essential functional roles in maintaining a healthy environment for neurons. Further, astrocytes play a role in the pro-inflammatory innate immune response. To identify the role of astrocytes in VEE infection, I characterized astrocyte susceptibility to VEE infection using an in vitro culture system and have further described their pro-inflammatory responses following VEE infection.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA421190
Entities
People
- Bruce A. Schoneboom
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences