| First Author | Mancini M | Year | 2021 |
| Journal | Sci Rep | Volume | 11 |
| Issue | 1 | Pages | 21171 |
| PubMed ID | 34707143 | Mgi Jnum | J:340343 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:6788023 | Doi | 10.1038/s41598-021-00391-7 |
| Citation | Mancini M, et al. (2021) The c-Rel transcription factor limits early interferon and neuroinflammatory responses to prevent herpes simplex encephalitis onset in mice. Sci Rep 11(1):21171 |
| abstractText | Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the predominant cause of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE), a condition characterized by acute inflammation and viral replication in the brain. Host genetics contribute to HSE onset, including monogenic defects in type I interferon signaling in cases of childhood HSE. Mouse models suggest a further contribution of immune cell-mediated inflammation to HSE pathogenesis. We have previously described a truncating mutation in the c-Rel transcription factor (Rel(C307X)) that drives lethal HSE in 60% of HSV-1-infected Rel(C307X) mice. In this study, we combined dual host-virus RNA sequencing with flow cytometry to explore cell populations and mechanisms involved in Rel(C307X)-driven HSE. At day 5 postinfection, prior to HSE clinical symptom onset, elevated HSV-1 transcription was detected together with augmented host interferon-stimulated and inflammatory gene expression in the brainstems of high-responding Rel(C307X) mice, predictive of HSE development. This early induction of host gene expression preceded pathological infiltration of myeloid and T cells in Rel(C307X) mice at HSE onset by day 7. Thus, we establish c-Rel as an early regulator of viral and host responses during mouse HSE. These data further highlight the importance of achieving a balanced immune response and avoiding excess interferon-driven inflammation to promote HSE resistance. |
