Lyssavirus infection activates interferon gene expression in the brain

Johnson, N., McKimmie, C. S., Mansfield, K. L., Wakefield, P. R., Brookes, S. M., Fazakerley, J. K. and Fooks, A. R. (2006) Lyssavirus infection activates interferon gene expression in the brain. Journal of General Virology, 87(9), pp. 2663-2667. (doi: 10.1099/vir.0.82024-0)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1099/vir.0.82024-0

Abstract

To investigate the innate immune response within the brain to lyssavirus infection, key transcripts indicative of innate defences were measured in a mouse model system. Following infection with Rabies virus, transcript levels for type 1 interferons (IFN-α and -β), the inflammatory mediator interleukin 6 (IL-6) and the antiviral protein Mx1 increased in the brains of mice. Intracranial inoculation resulted in the early detection of virus replication and rapid expression within the brain of the innate immune response genes. Transcripts for type 1 IFNs declined as the disease progressed. Peripheral, extraneural inoculation delayed the host response until virus entered the brain, but then resulted in a large increase in the level of IFN-β, IL-6 and Mx1 transcripts. Induction of this response was also observed following infection with the related European bat lyssaviruses, a group of zoonotic viruses capable of causing fatal, rabies-like disease in mammalian species.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:McKimmie, Dr Clive
Authors: Johnson, N., McKimmie, C. S., Mansfield, K. L., Wakefield, P. R., Brookes, S. M., Fazakerley, J. K., and Fooks, A. R.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Journal of General Virology
Publisher:Society for General Microbiology
ISSN:0022-1317
ISSN (Online):1465-2099

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