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Brain pathology (Zurich, Switzerland)1995; 5(3); 223-230; doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3639.1995.tb00598.x

Presence of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and expression of MHC class I and MHC class II antigen in horses with Borna disease virus-induced encephalitis.

Abstract: Tissues from 9 horses and 1 donkey suffering from natural Borna disease were investigated immunomorphologically. Lymphocytic inflammatory reactions and increased expressions of MHC class I and class II antigen were found in the brain as well as in the trigeminal and olfactory system. Perivascular inflammatory infiltrates were dominated by CD4+ T cells, whereas the majority of CD8+ T cells were disseminated intraparenchymally. No evidence of inflammation was found in the retina. Borna disease virus proteins and nucleic acids were present in the hippocampus, thalamus and medulla oblongata in all 10 animals, in the cerebral cortex, retina, trigeminal ganglion and nerve in 9, in the olfactory epithelium in 6 and in roots and proximal parts of large peripheral nerves in 3. No evidence of infection was found in the autonomic nervous system, lung, heart, liver, kidney or gut. BDV- proteins and nucleic acids were even more abundant in the trigeminal system than in the olfactory system, suggesting that infection may have occurred via the trigeminal nerve.
Publication Date: 1995-07-01 PubMed ID: 8520721DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3639.1995.tb00598.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support
  • U.S. Gov't
  • P.H.S.

Summary

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The research investigates the immunological response in horses affected by Borna disease, characterized by encephalitis. The study analyzes the presence and distribution of T cell populations and MHC class I and II antigens in the nervous system of affected animals, and the potential pathways of the virus infection.

Research Methodology and Materials

  • The tissue samples used in the study were taken from nine horses and one donkey that were affected by natural Borna disease.
  • The researchers conducted an immunomorphological investigation to assess the cellular and tissue structural alterations associated with the immune response.

Key Findings

  • Increased expressions of MHC class I and class II antigen and lymphocytic inflammatory reactions were detected in the brain, and the olfactory and trigeminal systems in the animals.
  • CD4+ T cells predominantly formed perivascular inflammatory infiltrates, while the majority of CD8+ T cells were scattered within the nerve tissue (intraparenchymally).
  • No signs of inflammation were noted in the retina of the animals.
  • Borna disease virus proteins and nucleic acids were found in numerous parts of the nervous system, including the hippocampus, thalamus, and medulla oblongata in all 10 animals.
  • The expression of Borna disease virus proteins and nucleic acid was most abundant in the horses’ trigeminal system—an observation leading the researchers to suggest that infection may have occurred via the trigeminal nerve.

Significant Implications

  • The finding of no inflammation in the retina despite Borna virus presence indicates a localized immune response in different parts of the nervous system.
  • The expression and distribution of different T cell types might reveal the pathophysiological events in Borna disease and the immune mechanisms at play during viral encephalitis.
  • The study reveals new insights about the pathway of infection, suggesting the trigeminal nerve as a significant route for Borna virus, expanding our understanding of the disease’s spread and potentially informing strategies for therapeutic interventions and disease control.

Cite This Article

APA
Bilzer T, Planz O, Lipkin WI, Stitz L. (1995). Presence of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and expression of MHC class I and MHC class II antigen in horses with Borna disease virus-induced encephalitis. Brain Pathol, 5(3), 223-230. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1750-3639.1995.tb00598.x

Publication

ISSN: 1015-6305
NlmUniqueID: 9216781
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 5
Issue: 3
Pages: 223-230

Researcher Affiliations

Bilzer, T
  • Institut für Neuropathologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Planz, O
    Lipkin, W I
      Stitz, L

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Borna Disease / immunology
        • Borna Disease / virology
        • Brain / immunology
        • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
        • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
        • Equidae / immunology
        • Histocompatibility Antigens / blood
        • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / blood
        • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / blood
        • Horse Diseases / immunology
        • Horses
        • Inflammation / immunology

        Grant Funding

        • NS-29425 / NINDS NIH HHS

        Citations

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