Replication of Borna disease virus in rats: age-dependent differences in tissue distribution

Abstract

There are age-dependent differences in the tissue distribution of Borna disease (BD) virus in rats infected intracerebrally. While in adult rats BD virus replication is restricted to neural cells, in neonatally infected rats infectious virus or viral antigens were found in the cells of most organs. The possibility that differences in the immune status between newborn and adult animals are responsible for different tissue susceptibility could be excluded.

T cell memory specific for self and non-self antigens in rats persistently infected with Borna disease virus

“…Interestingly, a recent report from our laboratory could demonstrate that while in the acute phase ofinflammation BDV antigen is found both in the nucleus and cytoplasm of infected cells, with the duration of infection the content of antigen is continuously decreasing in the cytoplasm compartnienl. and can (inaUy only be deVeeVed in the nuclei of virus-harbouring cells [6], Similar exarnplcs of litnited antigen expression during the eourse of a persistent viral infection have already been described for other viruses, e.g, lymphocytic ehoriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection [32], Although not directly proven, it is tempting to speculate that this restriction of viral antigen expression in the late phase of BDV infecfion mighf be below a certain 'anligcnic-driving activation threshold' for maintaining a solid T cell reactivity over time. Our results of waning BDV-specitic T cell metnory during the chronilication of disease extend previous studies, which could show a complete decline in CNS inflammation despite the continuous production of viral antigens in the persistently infected brain in BDratsjl].…”

“…The Giessen strain Hc/80 of BDV was used throughout this study [6,9], Four-to-live v^-eek old female Lewis rals were obtained from the Zenlralinslitut fur Versuehstierzucht (Hannover, Germany), and were infected via intranasal route with 6x10-' IDso ofthe virus.…”

“…fearfulness and hyperactivity [2,5]. Immunohistological studies of brain lesions, which have revealed a predominance of CD4' Tcells, macrophages and late B cells [6], are further suggesting that BD is a consequence of a DTH reaction in the brain.…”

Influence of Interferon on Persistent Infection Caused by Borna Disease Virus in vitro

“…Throughout this study the strain He/80 of BD virus was used (Herzog et al, 1984). For infection of tissue culture cells a homogenate of infected rat brain (10~o, w/v) was prepared as described previously (Herzog et al, 1984).…”

“…For infection of tissue culture cells a homogenate of infected rat brain (10~o, w/v) was prepared as described previously (Herzog et al, 1984). Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV, Indiana serotype) was used for the assessment of IFN activity, and Newcastle disease virus (NDV, Italian strain) for the induction of IFN.…”