Differentiation of neurons restricts arbovirus replication and increases expression of the alpha isoform of IRF-7.

Schultz KL, Vernon PS, Griffin DE.

Citation

Schultz KL, Vernon PS, Griffin DE. (2015) Differentiation of neurons restricts arbovirus replication and increases expression of the alpha isoform of IRF-7. Journal of Virology 89(1):48-60.

Abstract

Viral encephalomyelitis is an important cause of age-dependent morbidity and mortality. Because mature neurons are not readily regenerated, recovery from encephalitis suggests that mature neurons utilize unique antiviral mechanisms to block infection and/or clear virus. To identify maturational changes in neurons that may improve outcome, we compared immature and mature cultured neurons for susceptibility to three encephalitic arboviruses and found that replication of Old World and New World alphaviruses and a bunyavirus was reduced in mature compared to immature neurons. Neuronal maturation was associated with increased baseline expression of interferon regulatory factor 3 and 7 mRNAs and production of distinct isoforms of interferon regulatory factor 7 protein. Overall, our studies identified maturational changes in neurons that likely contribute to assembly of immunoregulatory factors prior to infection, a more rapid antiviral response, increased resistance to virus infection, and improved survival.