Borna disease virus interference with neuronal plasticity.
Viruses able to infect the central nervous system (CNS) are increasingly being recognized as important factors that can cause mental diseases by interfering with neuronal plasticity. The mechanisms whereby such infections disturb brain functions are beginning to emerge. Borna disease virus (BDV), which causes a persistent infection of neurons without direct cytolysis in several mammalian hosts, has recently gained interest as a unique model to study the mechanisms of viral interference with neuronal plasticity. This review will summarize several hypotheses that have been put forward to explain possible levels of BDV interference with brain function.
Gonzalez-Dunia
Daniel
D
Avenir Group, Inserm U563, CPTP Bat B, CHU Purpan, BP 3028, 31024 Toulouse Cedex 3, France. Daniel.Dunia@toulouse.inserm.fr
Volmer
Romain
R
Mayer
Daniel
D
Schwemmle
Martin
M
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001890:Borna Disease / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology; D001891:Borna disease virus / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D020805:Central Nervous System Viral Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005849:Gerbillinae; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity; D009474:Neurons / Q000821:virology*; D051381:Rats; D014418:Tupaiidae / Q000821:virology