key: cord-0876926-6et1grl3
authors: DÖRRIES, R.; SCHWENDER, S.; WEGE, H.; HARMS, H.; WATANABE, R.; MEULEN, V. TER
title: Coronavirus‐JHM‐Induced Demyelinating Encephalomyelitis in Rats: Analysis of the Intrathecal Immune Response
date: 2006-12-17
journal: Ann N Y Acad Sci
DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1988.tb27205.x
sha: d1e0f1d4f39399ed752c91757ddd4ff8e2526f6c
doc_id: 876926
cord_uid: 6et1grl3

nan

animals reveal a clonally very restricted JHM-specific antibody response with a low titer in the central nervous system: induction of Ia antigens on astrocytes by virus particles that have escaped neutralization is likely to happen in vivo as well. From these data, we wanted to determine the distribution of lymphocyte subsets in the brain of SDE-diseased Lewis rats in relation to virus-infected cells and for the brain cell type infected in or around a demyelinated area revealing intense lymphocyte infiltration.

By a combination of computer-aided cytophotometry and immunocytochemistry a multicolored topographic map of a representative demyelinated area in the cerebellum of an SDE animal was developed, revealing the following picture: Adjacent to a perivascular cuff, cytotoxic T cells distribute from the center of the focal demyelination, almost free of virus-infected cells versus the abundantly infected marginal zone. The rim of the plaque is the site where infiltrating T-helper cells are detected in close association with B lymphocytes and macrophages. However, the majority of macrophages show a strong affinity for the center of the plaque, indicating their function as a scavenger cell to eliminate cell debris. Because by double immunofluorescence oligodendrocytes were shown to be a major target for JHM virus in this area, we assume that immune-mediated killing of these cells takes place. This interpretation is further supported by preliminary observations that indicate that virus-infected cells in plaque areas express class I antigens in high density.

These data suggest that immune-mediated killing of JHM-infected oligodendrocytes may lead to the release of myelin components acting as autoantigens by presentation on astrocytes in the context of class I1 antigens.

The biology and pathogenesis of coronaviruses

Adoptive transfer of EAE-like lesions from rats with coronavirus-induced demyelinating encephalomyelitis

viral particles induce Ia antigen expression on astrocytes

Murine coronavirus induced encephalomyelitides in rats: Analysis of immunoglobulins and virus-specific antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid