Picornavirus security proteins promote the release of extracellular vesicle enclosed viruses via the modulation of host kinases.

The discovery that extracellular vesicles (EVs) serve as carriers of virus particles calls for a reevaluation of the release strategies of non-enveloped viruses. Little is currently known about the molecular mechanisms that determine the release and composition of EVs produced by virus-infected cells, as well as conservation of these mechanisms among viruses. We previously described an important role for the Leader protein of the picornavirus encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) in the induction of virus-carrying EV subsets with distinct molecular and physical properties. EMCV L acts as a 'viral security protein' by suppressing host antiviral stress and type-I interferon (IFN) responses. Here, we tested the ability of functionally related picornavirus proteins of Theilers murine encephalitis virus (TMEV L), Saffold virus (SAFV L), and coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3 2Apro), to rescue EV and EV-enclosed virus release when introduced in Leader-deficient EMCV. We show that all viral security proteins tested were able to promote virus packaging in EVs, but that only the expression of EMCV L and CVB3 2Apro increased overall EV production. We provide evidence that one of the main antiviral pathways counteracted by this class of picornaviral proteins, i.e. the inhibition of PKR-mediated stress responses, affected EV and EV-enclosed virus release during infection. Moreover, we show that the enhanced capacity of the viral proteins EMCV L and CVB3 2Apro to promote EV-enclosed virus release is linked to their ability to simultaneously promote the activation of the stress kinase P38 MAPK. Taken together, we demonstrate that cellular stress pathways involving the kinases PKR and P38 are modulated by the activity of non-structural viral proteins to increase the release EV-enclosed viruses during picornavirus infections. These data shed new light on the molecular regulation of EV production in response to virus infection.

The Contribution of Microglia and Brain-Infiltrating Macrophages to the Pathogenesis of Neuroinflammatory and Neurodegenerative Diseases during TMEV Infection of the Central Nervous System.

The infection of the central nervous system (CNS) with neurotropic viruses induces neuroinflammation and is associated with the development of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. The activation of the innate and adaptive immune response, including microglial, macrophages, and T and B cells, while required for efficient viral control within the CNS, is also associated with neuropathology. Under healthy conditions, resident microglia play a pivotal role in maintaining CNS homeostasis. However, during pathological events, such as CNS viral infection, microglia become reactive, and immune cells from the periphery infiltrate into the brain, disrupting CNS homeostasis and contributing to disease development. Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV), a neurotropic picornavirus, is used in two distinct mouse models: TMEV-induced demyelination disease (TMEV-IDD) and TMEV-induced seizures, representing mouse models of multiple sclerosis and epilepsy, respectively. These murine models have contributed substantially to our understanding of the pathophysiology of MS and seizures/epilepsy following viral infection, serving as critical tools for identifying pharmacological targetable pathways to modulate disease development. This review aims to discuss the host-pathogen interaction during a neurotropic picornavirus infection and to shed light on our current understanding of the multifaceted roles played by microglia and macrophages in the context of these two complexes viral-induced disease.

Increased expression of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in dentate gyrus and amygdala causes postinfectious seizures.

Alterations in the extracellular matrix are common in patients with epilepsy and animal models of epilepsy, yet whether they are the cause or consequence of seizures and epilepsy development is unknown. Using Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection-induced model of acquired epilepsy, we found de novo expression of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), a major extracellular matrix component, in dentate gyrus (DG) and amygdala exclusively in mice with acute seizures. Preventing the synthesis of CSPGs specifically in DG and amygdala by deletion of the major CSPG aggrecan reduced seizure burden. Patch-clamp recordings from dentate granule cells revealed enhanced intrinsic and synaptic excitability in seizing mice that was significantly ameliorated by aggrecan deletion. In situ experiments suggested that dentate granule cell hyperexcitability results from negatively charged CSPGs increasing stationary cations on the membrane, thereby depolarizing neurons, increasing their intrinsic and synaptic excitability. These results show increased expression of CSPGs in the DG and amygdala as one of the causal factors for TMEV-induced acute seizures. We also show identical changes in CSPGs in pilocarpine-induced epilepsy, suggesting that enhanced CSPGs in the DG and amygdala may be a common ictogenic factor and potential therapeutic target.

Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus Replicates in Primary Neuron Cultures and Impairs Spine Density Formation.

In this study, we examined infection with the highly neurovirulent GDVII, the less neurovirulent DA strains, and with a mutant DA, which lacks the L* protein (L*-1) involved in viral persistence and demyelinating disease, to analyze the direct effects of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) replication using primary cultures of mouse brain hippocampal neurons. All viruses replicate in cultured neurons, with GDVII having the highest titers and L*-1 the lowest. Accordingly, all were positive for viral antigen staining 3 days postinfection (dpi), and DA and L*-1 were also positive after 12 dpi. NeuN + immunostaining showed an early and almost complete absence of positive cells in cultures infected with GDVII, an approximately 50% reduction in cultures infected with DA, and fewer changes in L*-1 strains at 3 dpi. Accordingly, staining with chloromethyltetramethylrosamine orange (Mitotracker OrangeTM) as a parameter for cell viability showed similar results. Moreover, at 1 dpi, the strain DA induced higher transcript levels of neuroprotective genes such as IFN-Iß, IRF7, and IRF8. At 3 dpi, strains GDVII and DA, but not the L*-1 mutant, showed lower PKR expression. In addition, confocal analysis showed that L*-1-infected neurons exhibited a decrease in spine density. Treatment with poly (I:C), which is structurally related to dsRNA and is known to trigger IFN type I synthesis, reduced spine density even more. These results confirmed the use of mouse hippocampal neuron cultures as a model to study neuronal responses after TMEV infection, particularly in the formation of spine density.

Anti-Glycolipid Antibody Examination in Five EAE Models and Theiler's Virus Model of Multiple Sclerosis: Detection of Anti-GM1, GM3, GM4, and Sulfatide Antibodies in Relapsing-Remitting EAE.

Anti-glycolipid antibodies have been reported to play pathogenic roles in peripheral inflammatory neuropathies, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome. On the other hand, the role in multiple sclerosis (MS), inflammatory demyelinating disease in the central nervous system (CNS), is largely unknown, although the presence of anti-glycolipid antibodies was reported to differ among MS patients with relapsing-remitting (RR), primary progressive (PP), and secondary progressive (SP) disease courses. We investigated whether the induction of anti-glycolipid antibodies could differ among experimental MS models with distinct clinical courses, depending on induction methods. Using three mouse strains, SJL/J, C57BL/6, and A.SW mice, we induced five distinct experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)35-55, MOG92-106, or myelin proteolipid protein (PLP)139-151, with or without an additional adjuvant curdlan injection. We also induced a viral model of MS, using Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV). Each MS model had an RR, SP, PP, hyperacute, or chronic clinical course. Using the sera from the MS models, we quantified antibodies against 11 glycolipids: GM1, GM2, GM3, GM4, GD3, galactocerebroside, GD1a, GD1b, GT1b, GQ1b, and sulfatide. Among the MS models, we detected significant increases in four anti-glycolipid antibodies, GM1, GM3, GM4, and sulfatide, in PLP139-151-induced EAE with an RR disease course. We also tested cellular immune responses to the glycolipids and found CD1d-independent lymphoproliferative responses only to sulfatide with decreased interleukin (IL)-10 production. Although these results implied that anti-glycolipid antibodies might play a role in remissions or relapses in RR-EAE, their functional roles need to be determined by mechanistic experiments, such as injections of monoclonal anti-glycolipid antibodies.

Effect of Siponimod on Brain and Spinal Cord Imaging Markers of Neurodegeneration in the Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus Model of Demyelination.

Siponimod (Sp) is a Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator, and it suppresses S1P- mediated autoimmune lymphocyte transport and inflammation. Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS) exhibits inflammation-driven acute and chronic phases, spinal cord lesions, brain and spinal cord atrophy, and white matter injury. The objective of the study was to investigate whether Sp treatment could attenuate inflammation-induced pathology in the TMEV model by inhibiting microglial activation and preventing the atrophy of central nervous tissue associated with neurodegeneration. Clinical disability score (CDS), body weight (BW), and rotarod retention time measures were used to assess Sp's impact on neurodegeneration and disease progression in 4 study groups of 102 animals, including 44 Sp-treated (SpT), 44 vehicle-treated, 6 saline-injected, and 8 age-matched healthy controls (HC). Next, 58 (22 SpT, 22 vehicle, 6 saline injected, and 8 HC) out of the 102 animals were further evaluated to assess the effect of Sp on brain region-specific and spinal cord volume changes, as well as microglial activation. Sp increased CDS and decreased BW and rotarod retention time in TMEV mice, but did not significantly affect most brain region volumes, except for lateral ventricle volume. Sp suppressed ventricular enlargement, suggesting reduced TMEV-induced inflammation in LV. No significant differences in spine volume changes were observed between Sp- and vehicle-treated animals, but there were differences between HC and TMEV groups, indicating TMEV-induced inflammation contributed to increased spine volume. Spine histology revealed no significant microglial density differences between groups in gray matter, but HC animals had higher type 1 morphology and lower type 2 morphology percentages in gray and white matter regions. This suggests that Sp did not significantly affect microglial density but may have modulated neuroinflammation in the spinal cord. Sp may have some effects on neuroinflammation and ventricular enlargement. However, it did not demonstrate a significant impact on neurodegeneration, spinal volume, or lesion volume in the TMEV mouse model. Further investigation is required to fully understand Sp's effect on microglial activation and its relevance to the pathophysiology of MS. The differences between the current study and previous research using other MS models, such as EAE, highlight the differences in pathological processes in these two disease models.

C57BL/6J mice exposed to perfluorooctanoic acid demonstrate altered immune responses and increased seizures after Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus infection.

Introduction: Neurological diseases can stem from environmental influences such as antecedent viral infections or exposure to potential toxicants, some of which can trigger immune responses leading to neurological symptoms. Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) is used to model human neurological conditions associated with prior viral infections, with outcomes partly attributable to improper induction and regulation of the immune response. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) can alter pathologies known to influence neurological disease such as inflammatory responses, cytokine expression, and glial activation. Co-exposure to TMEV and PFOA was used to test the hypothesis that early life exposure to the potential immunotoxicant PFOA would affect immune responses so as to render TMEV-resistant C57BL/6J (B6) mice susceptible to viral-induced neurological disease. Methods: Neonate B6 mice were exposed to different treatments: non-injected, sham-infected with PBS, and TMEV-infected, with the drinking water of each group including either 70 ppt PFOA or filtered water. The effects of PFOA were evaluated by comparing neurological symptoms and changes in immune-related cytokine and chemokine production induced by viral infection. Immune responses of 23 cytokines and chemokines were measured before and after infection to determine the effects of PFOA exposure on immune response. Results: Prior to infection, an imbalance between Th1, Th2, and Treg cytokines was observed in PFOA-exposed mice, suppressing IL-4 and IL-13 production. However, the balance was restored and characterized by an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines in the non-infected group, and a decrease in IL-10 in the PFOA + TMEV group. Furthermore, the PFOA + TMEV group experienced an increase in seizure frequency and severity. Discussion: Overall, these findings provide insight into the complex roles of immune responses in the pathogenesis of virus-associated neurological diseases influenced by co-exposures to viruses and immunotoxic compounds.

ASC- and caspase-1-deficient C57BL/6 mice do not develop demyelinating disease after infection with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus.

Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) induces an acute polioencephalomyelitis and a chronic demyelinating leukomyelitis in SJL mice. C57BL/6 (B6) mice generally do not develop TMEV-induced demyelinating disease (TMEV-IDD) due to virus elimination. However, TMEV can persist in specific immunodeficient B6 mice such as IFNß-/- mice and induce a demyelinating process. The proinflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and IL-18 are activated by the inflammasome pathway, which consists of a pattern recognition receptor molecule sensing microbial pathogens, the adaptor molecule Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), and the executioner caspase-1. To analyze the contribution of the inflammasome pathway to the resistance of B6 mice to TMEV-IDD, ASC- and caspase-1-deficient mice and wild type littermates were infected with TMEV and investigated using histology, immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, and Western Blot. Despite the antiviral activity of the inflammasome pathway, ASC- and caspase-1-deficient mice eliminated the virus and did not develop TMEV-IDD. Moreover, a similar IFNß and cytokine gene expression was found in the brain of immunodeficient mice and their wild type littermates. Most importantly, Western Blot showed cleavage of IL-1ß and IL-18 in all investigated mice. Consequently, inflammasome-dependent activation of IL-1ß and IL-18 does not play a major role in the resistance of B6 mice to TMEV-IDD.

Ovalbumin-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells contribute to different susceptibility for Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus persistence.

Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) is the causative agent of TMEV-induced demyelinating disease (TMEV-IDD); a well-established animal model for the chronic progressive form of human multiple sclerosis (MS). In susceptible mice with an inadequate immune response, TMEV-IDD is triggered by virus persistence and maintained by a T cell mediated immunopathology. OT-mice are bred on a TMEV-resistant C57BL/6 background and own predominantly chicken ovalbumin (OVA)-specific populations of CD8+ T cells (OT-I) or CD4+ T cells (OT-II), respectively. It is hypothesized that the lack of antigen specific T cell populations increases susceptibility for a TMEV-infection in OT-mice on a TMEV-resistant C57BL/6 background. OT-I, OT-II, and C57BL/6 control mice were infected intracerebrally with the TMEV-BeAn strain. Mice were scored weekly for clinical disease and after necropsy, histological and immunohistochemical evaluation was performed. OT-I mice started to develop progressive motor dysfunction between 7 and 21 days post infection (dpi), leading up to hind limb paresis and critical weight loss, which resulted in euthanasia for humane reasons between 14 and 35 dpi. OT-I mice displayed a high cerebral virus load, an almost complete absence of CD8+ T cells from the central nervous system (CNS) and a significantly diminished CD4+ T cell response. Contrarily, only 60% (12 of 20) of infected OT-II mice developed clinical disease characterized by mild ataxia. 25% of clinically affected OT-II mice (3 of 12) made a full recovery. 5 of 12 OT-II mice with clinical disease developed severe motor dysfunction similar to OT-I mice and were euthanized for humane reasons between 13 and 37 dpi. OT-II mice displayed only low virus-immunoreactivity, but clinical disease correlated well with severely reduced infiltration of CD8+ T cells and the increased presence of CD4+ T cells in the brains of OT-II mice. Though further studies are needed to reveal the underlying pathomechanisms following TMEV infection in OT mice, findings indicate an immunopathological process as a main contributor to clinical disease in OT-II mice, while a direct virus-associated pathology may be the main contributor to clinical disease in TMEV-infected OT-I mice.

Critical role of TLR activation in viral replication, persistence, and pathogenicity of Theiler's virus.

Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) establishes persistent viral infections in the central nervous system and induces chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease in susceptible mice. TMEV infects dendritic cells, macrophages, B cells, and glial cells. The state of TLR activation in the host plays a critical role in initial viral replication and persistence. The further activation of TLRs enhances viral replication and persistence, leading to the pathogenicity of TMEV-induced demyelinating disease. Various cytokines are produced via TLRs, and MDA-5 signals linked with NF-κB activation following TMEV infection. In turn, these signals further amplify TMEV replication and the persistence of virus-infected cells. The signals further elevate cytokine production, promoting the development of Th17 responses and preventing cellular apoptosis, which enables viral persistence. Excessive levels of cytokines, particularly IL-6 and IL-1ß, facilitate the generation of pathogenic Th17 immune responses to viral antigens and autoantigens, leading to TMEV-induced demyelinating disease. These cytokines, together with TLR2 may prematurely generate functionally deficient CD25-FoxP3+ CD4+ T cells, which are subsequently converted to Th17 cells. Furthermore, IL-6 and IL-17 synergistically inhibit the apoptosis of virus-infected cells and the cytolytic function of CD8+ T lymphocytes, prolonging the survival of virus-infected cells. The inhibition of apoptosis leads to the persistent activation of NF-κB and TLRs, which continuously provides an environment of excessive cytokines and consequently promotes autoimmune responses. Persistent or repeated infections of other viruses such as COVID-19 may result in similar continuous TLR activation and cytokine production, leading to autoimmune diseases.

IFNAR signaling of neuroectodermal cells is essential for the survival of C57BL/6 mice infected with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus.

BACKGROUND: Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) is a single-stranded RNA virus that causes encephalitis followed by chronic demyelination in SJL mice and spontaneous seizures in C57BL/6 mice. Since earlier studies indicated a critical role of type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling in the control of viral replication in the central nervous system (CNS), mouse strain-specific differences in pathways induced by the IFN-I receptor (IFNAR) might determine the outcome of TMEV infection. METHODS: Data of RNA-seq analysis and immunohistochemistry were used to compare the gene and protein expression of IFN-I signaling pathway members between mock- and TMEV-infected SJL and C57BL/6 mice at 4, 7 and 14 days post-infection (dpi). To address the impact of IFNAR signaling in selected brain-resident cell types, conditional knockout mice with an IFNAR deficiency in cells of the neuroectodermal lineage (NesCre±IFNARfl/fl), neurons (Syn1Cre±IFNARfl/fl), astrocytes (GFAPCre±IFNARfl/fl), and microglia (Sall1CreER±IFNARfl/fl) on a C57BL/6 background were tested. PCR and an immunoassay were used to quantify TMEV RNA and cytokine and chemokine expression in their brain at 4 dpi. RESULTS: RNA-seq analysis revealed upregulation of most ISGs in SJL and C57BL/6 mice, but Ifi202b mRNA transcripts were only increased in SJL and Trim12a only in C57BL/6 mice. Immunohistochemistry showed minor differences in ISG expression (ISG15, OAS, PKR) between both mouse strains. While all immunocompetent Cre-negative control mice and the majority of mice with IFNAR deficiency in neurons or microglia survived until 14 dpi, lack of IFNAR expression in all cells (IFNAR-/-), neuroectodermal cells, or astrocytes induced lethal disease in most of the analyzed mice, which was associated with unrestricted viral replication. NesCre±IFNARfl/fl mice showed more Ifnb1, Tnfa, Il6, Il10, Il12b and Ifng mRNA transcripts than Cre-/-IFNARfl/fl mice. IFNAR-/- mice also demonstrated increased IFN-α, IFN-ß, IL1-ß, IL-6, and CXCL-1 protein levels, which highly correlated with viral load. CONCLUSIONS: Ifi202b and Trim12a expression levels likely contribute to mouse strain-specific susceptibility to TMEV-induced CNS lesions. Restriction of viral replication is strongly dependent on IFNAR signaling of neuroectodermal cells, which also controls the expression of key pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines during viral brain infection.

Baseline Gait and Motor Function Predict Long-Term Severity of Neurological Outcomes of Viral Infection.

Neurological dysfunction following viral infection varies among individuals, largely due to differences in their genetic backgrounds. Gait patterns, which can be evaluated using measures of coordination, balance, posture, muscle function, step-to-step variability, and other factors, are also influenced by genetic background. Accordingly, to some extent gait can be characteristic of an individual, even prior to changes in neurological function. Because neuromuscular aspects of gait are under a certain degree of genetic control, the hypothesis tested was that gait parameters could be predictive of neuromuscular dysfunction following viral infection. The Collaborative Cross (CC) mouse resource was utilized to model genetically diverse populations and the DigiGait treadmill system used to provide quantitative and objective measurements of 131 gait parameters in 142 mice from 23 CC and SJL/J strains. DigiGait measurements were taken prior to infection with the neurotropic virus Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus (TMEV). Neurological phenotypes were recorded over 90 days post-infection (d.p.i.), and the cumulative frequency of the observation of these phenotypes was statistically associated with discrete baseline DigiGait measurements. These associations represented spatial and postural aspects of gait influenced by the 90 d.p.i. phenotype score. Furthermore, associations were found between these gait parameters with sex and outcomes considered to show resistance, resilience, or susceptibility to severe neurological symptoms after long-term infection. For example, higher pre-infection measurement values for the Paw Drag parameter corresponded with greater disease severity at 90 d.p.i. Quantitative trait loci significantly associated with these DigiGait parameters revealed potential relationships between 28 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and different aspects of gait influenced by viral infection. Thus, these potential candidate genes and genetic variations may be predictive of long-term neurological dysfunction. Overall, these findings demonstrate the predictive/prognostic value of quantitative and objective pre-infection DigiGait measurements for viral-induced neuromuscular dysfunction.

Soticlestat, a novel cholesterol 24-hydroxylase inhibitor, modifies acute seizure burden and chronic epilepsy-related behavioral deficits following Theiler's virus infection in mice.

Temporal lobe epilepsy is the most common form of acquired epilepsy and can arise due to multiple inciting events, including central nervous system (CNS) infection. CNS infection with the Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) in male C57Bl/6J mice leads to acute, drug-resistant handling-induced seizures. Cholesterol 24-hydroxylase (CH24H) is a brain-specific enzyme that converts cholesterol into 24S-hydroxycholesterol; the primary mechanism of cholesterol catabolism in the brain. The novel CH24H inhibitor, soticlestat (SOT; or TAK-935), demonstrates the potential to restore excitatory/inhibitory balance in multiple preclinical models of hyperexcitability. This study thus sought to characterize the anticonvulsant potential of SOT in the TMEV model. Treatment with SOT (30 mg/kg, p.o.; n = 30) 0-7 days post-infection (DPI) reduced overall seizure burden and severity. SOT administration significantly delayed onset of infection-induced Racine stage 5 seizures, from 8.6 ± 0.6 (VEH-treated) to 10.8 ± 0.8 (SOT-treated) observation sessions. Infected mice were then allowed 36 days treatment-free recovery before assessing impact of earlier drug administration on epilepsy-related cognitive and behavioral comorbidities, including a non-habituated open field (OF) task. Total OF distance traveled was significantly less in SOT-treated mice compared to VEH-treated mice, suggesting attenuated TMEV-induced spatial memory deficits, or reduced chronic hyperexcitability. Mice with history of SOT treatment also spent significantly more time and traveled farther in the OF center, indicative of reduced epilepsy-induced anxiety-like behavior. These studies suggest that SOT is a mechanistically novel agent for symptomatic seizure control. Moreover, acute SOT administration during an epileptogenic insult may attenuate the resulting long-term behavioral comorbidities of epilepsy.

Theilovirus 3C Protease Cleaves the C-Terminal Domain of the Innate Immune RNA Sensor, Melanoma Differentiation-Associated Gene 5, and Impairs Double-Stranded RNA-Mediated IFN Response.

Melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5), a member of the retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs), has pivotal roles in innate immune responses against many positive-stranded RNA viruses, including picornavirus and coronavirus. Upon engagement with dsRNA derived from viral infection, MDA5 initiates coordinated signal transduction leading to type I IFN induction to restrict viral replication. In this study, we describe a targeted cleavage events of MDA5 by the 3C protease from Theilovirus. Upon ectopic expression of theilovirus 3C protease from Saffold virus or Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus but not encephalomyocarditis virus, fragments of cleaved MDA5 were observed in a dose-dependent manner. When enzymatically inactive Theilovirus 3C protease was expressed, MDA5 cleavage was completely abrogated. Mass spectrometric analysis identified two cleavage sites at the C terminus of MDA5, cleaving off one of the RNA-binding domains. The same cleavage pattern was observed during Theilovirus infection. The cleavage of MDA5 by Theilovirus protease impaired ATP hydrolysis, RNA binding, and filament assembly on RNA, resulting in dysfunction of MDA5 as an innate immune RNA sensor for IFN induction. Furthermore, the cleavage-resistant MDA5 mutant against the 3C protease showed an enhanced IFN response during Saffold virus infection, indicating that Theilovirus has a strategy to circumvent the antiviral immune response by cleaving MDA5 using 3C protease. In summary, these data suggest MDA5 cleavage by 3C protease as a novel immune evasive strategy of Theilovirus.

The Dual PDE7-GSK3ß Inhibitor, VP3.15, as Neuroprotective Disease-Modifying Treatment in a Model of Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune and degenerative disease with axonal damage and demyelination as its main features. Its dual neurological and autoimmune nature makes it a disease that is difficult to treat. Treatments that simultaneously stop the immune response while protecting and repairing the nervous system are urgent. That is of utmost importance for the primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), a rare and severe variant of MS, characterized by worsening neurological function from the onset of symptoms. In this sense, inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK3ß) and phosphodiesterase 7 (PDE7) have recently shown great therapeutic potential for the treatment of demyelinating diseases. Here we investigated a dual inhibitor of these two targets, the small molecule VP3.15, in a preclinical model, which resembles primary-progressive MS (PPMS), the Theiler's mouse encephalomyelitis virus-induced demyelinated disease (TMEV-IDD). In our study, VP3.15 ameliorates the disease course improving motor deficits of infected mice. Chronic treatment with VP3.15 also showed significant efficacy in the immunomodulation process, as well as in the proliferation and differentiation of oligodendroglial precursors, improving the preservation of myelin and axonal integrity. Therefore, our results support a treatment with the safe VP3.15 as an integrative therapeutic strategy for the treatment of PPMS.

Viral Clearance and Neuroinflammation in Acute TMEV Infection Vary by Host Genetic Background.

A wide range of viruses cause neurological manifestations in their hosts. Infection by neurotropic viruses as well as the resulting immune response can irreversibly disrupt the complex structural and functional architecture of the brain, depending in part on host genetic background. The interaction between host genetic background, neurological response to viral infection, and subsequent clinical manifestations remains poorly understood. In the present study, we used the genetically diverse Collaborative Cross (CC) mouse resource to better understand how differences in genetic background drive clinical signs and neuropathological manifestations of acute Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection. For the first time, we characterized variations of TMEV viral tropism and load based on host genetic background, and correlated viral load with microglial/macrophage activation. For five CC strains (CC002, CC023, CC027, CC057, and CC078) infected with TMEV, we compared clinical signs, lesion distribution, microglial/macrophage response, expression, and distribution of TMEV mRNA, and identified genetic loci relevant to the early acute (4 days post-infection [dpi]) and late acute (14 dpi) timepoints. We examined brain pathology to determine possible causes of strain-specific differences in clinical signs, and found that fields CA1 and CA2 of the hippocampal formation were especially targeted by TMEV across all strains. Using Iba-1 immunolabeling, we identified and characterized strain- and timepoint-specific variation in microglial/macrophage reactivity in the hippocampal formation. Because viral clearance can influence disease outcome, we used RNA in situ hybridization to quantify viral load and TMEV mRNA distribution at both timepoints. TMEV mRNA expression was broadly distributed in the hippocampal formation at 4 dpi in all strains but varied between radiating and clustered distribution depending on the CC strain. We found a positive correlation between microglial/macrophage reactivity and TMEV mRNA expression at 4 dpi. At 14 dpi, we observed a dramatic reduction in TMEV mRNA expression, and localization to the medial portion of field CA1 and field CA2. To better understand how host genetic background can influence pathological outcomes, we identified quantitative trait loci associated with frequency of lesions in a particular brain region and with microglial/macrophage reactivity. These QTL were located near several loci of interest: lysosomal trafficking regulator (Lyst) and nidogen 1 (Nid1), and transmembrane protein 106 B (Tmem106b). Together, these results provide a novel understanding about the influences of genetic variation on the acute neuropathological and immunopathological environment and viral load, which collectively lead to variable disease outcomes. Our findings reveal possible avenues for future investigation which may lead to more effective intervention strategies and treatment regimens.

Divergent complement system activation in two clinically distinct murine models of multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease featuring neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in young adults. So far, most research has focused on the peripheral immune system, which appears to be the driver of acute relapses. Concurrently, the mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in the progressive forms of the disease remain unclear. The complement system, a molecular component of the innate immunity, has been recently implicated in several neurological disorders, including MS. However, it is still unknown if the complement proteins detected in the central nervous system (CNS) are actively involved in perpetuating chronic inflammation and neurodegeneration. To address this knowledge gap, we compared two clinically distinct mouse models of MS: 1) proteolipid protein (PLP)-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (rEAE) resembling a relapsing-remitting disease course, and 2) Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus-induced demyelinating disease (TMEV-IDD) resembling a progressive disease. Real-time PCR was performed in the spinal cord of rEAE mice, TMEV-IDD mice and age-matched sham controls to quantify gene expression for a broad range of complement components. In both experimental models, we found significantly increased expression of complement factors, such as C1q, C3, CfB, and C3aR. We showed that the complement system, specifically the classical complement pathway, was associated with TMEV-IDD pathogenesis, as the expression of C1q, C3 and C3aR1 were all significantly correlated to a worse disease outcome (all P≤0.0168). In line with this finding, C1q and C3 deposition was observed in the spinal cord of TMEV-IDD mice. Furthermore, C1q deposition was detected in spinal cord regions characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and axonal damage. Conversely, activation of the classical complement cascade seemed to result in protection from rEAE (C1q: P=0.0307). Interestingly, the alternative pathway related to a worse disease outcome in rEAE (CFb: P=0.0006). Overall, these results indicate potential divergent roles for the complement system in MS. The chronic-progressive disease form is more reliant on the activation of the classic complement pathway, while protecting from acute relapses. Conversely, relapsing MS appears more likely affected by the alternative pathway. Understanding the functions of the complement system in MS is critical and can lead to better, more targeted therapies in the future.

A Model for Epilepsy of Infectious Etiology using Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus.

One of the main causes of epilepsy is an infection of the central nervous system (CNS); approximately 8% of patients who survive such an infection develop epilepsy as a consequence, with rates being significantly higher in less economically developed countries. This work provides an overview of modeling epilepsy of infectious etiology and using it as a platform for novel antiseizure compound testing. A protocol of epilepsy induction by non-stereotactic intracerebral injection of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) in C57BL/6 mice is presented, which replicates many of the early and chronic clinical symptoms of viral encephalitis and subsequent epilepsy in human patients. The clinical evaluation of mice during encephalitis to monitor seizure activity and detect the potential antiseizure effects of novel compounds is described. Furthermore, histopathological consequences of viral encephalitis and seizures such as hippocampal damage and neuroinflammation are shown, as well as long-term consequences such as spontaneous epileptic seizures. The TMEV model is one of the first translational, infection-driven, experimental platforms to allow for the investigation of the mechanisms of epilepsy development as a consequence of CNS infection. Thus, it also serves to identify potential therapeutic targets and compounds for patients at risk of developing epilepsy following a CNS infection.

Serum Cytokines Predict Neurological Damage in Genetically Diverse Mouse Models.

Viral infections contribute to neurological and immunological dysfunction driven by complex genetic networks. Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) causes neurological dysfunction in mice and can model human outcomes to viral infections. Here, we used genetically distinct mice from five Collaborative Cross mouse strains and C57BL/6J to demonstrate how TMEV-induced immune responses in serum may predict neurological outcomes in acute infection. To test the hypothesis that serum cytokine levels can provide biomarkers for phenotypic outcomes of acute disease, we compared cytokine levels at pre-injection, 4 days post-injection (d.p.i.), and 14 d.p.i. Each strain produced unique baseline cytokine levels and had distinct immune responses to the injection procedure itself. Thus, we eliminated the baseline responses to the injection procedure itself and identified cytokines and chemokines induced specifically by TMEV infection. Then, we identified strain-specific longitudinal cytokine profiles in serum during acute disease. Using stepwise regression analysis, we identified serum immune markers predictive for TMEV-induced neurological phenotypes of the acute phase, e.g., IL-9 for limb paralysis; and TNF-α, IL-1ß, and MIP-1ß for limb weakness. These findings indicate how temporal differences in immune responses are influenced by host genetic background and demonstrate the potential of serum biomarkers to track the neurological effects of viral infection.

Astrocyte depletion alters extracellular matrix composition in the demyelinating phase of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis.

Astrocytes produce extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoproteins contributing to the blood-brain barrier and regulating the immune response in the central nervous system (CNS). The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of astrocyte depletion upon the clinical outcome and the composition of ECM glycoproteins in a virus-induced animal model of demyelination. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-thymidine-kinase transgenic SJL (GFAP-knockout) and wildtype mice were infected with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV). Astrocyte depletion was induced during the progressive, demyelinating disease phase by ganciclovir administration once daily between 56 and 77 days post infection (dpi). At 77 dpi GFAP-knockout mice showed a significant deterioration of clinical signs associated with a reduction of azan and picrosirius red stained ECM-molecules in the thoracic spinal cord. Basement-membrane-associated ECM-molecules including laminin, entactin/nidogen-1 and Kir4.1 as well as non-basement membrane-associated ECM-molecules like collagen I, decorin, tenascin-R and CD44 were significantly reduced in the spinal cord of GFAP-knockout mice. The reduction of the investigated ECM-molecules demonstrates that astrocytes play a key role in the production of ECM-molecules. The present findings indicate that the detected loss of Kir4.1 and CD44 as well as the disruption of the integrity of perineuronal nets led to the deterioration of clinical signs in GFAP-knockout mice.