Cerebellar Granule Cell Neurons Research Articles

RIPK3 promotes brain region-specific interferon signaling and restriction of tick-borne flavivirus infection.

Innate immune signaling in the central nervous system (CNS) exhibits many remarkable specializations that vary across cell types and CNS regions. In the setting of neuroinvasive flavivirus infection, neurons employ the immunologic kinase receptor-interacting kinase 3 (RIPK3) to promote an antiviral transcriptional program, independently of the traditional function of this enzyme in promoting necroptotic cell death. However, while recent work has established roles for neuronal RIPK3 signaling in controlling mosquito-borne flavivirus infections, including West Nile virus and Zika virus, functions for RIPK3 signaling in the CNS during tick-borne flavivirus infection have not yet been explored. Here, we use a model of Langat virus (LGTV) encephalitis to show that RIPK3 signaling is specifically required in neurons of the cerebellum to control LGTV replication and restrict disease pathogenesis. This effect did not require the necroptotic executioner molecule mixed lineage kinase domain like protein (MLKL), a finding similar to previous observations in models of mosquito-borne flavivirus infection. However, control of LGTV infection required a unique, region-specific dependence on RIPK3 to promote expression of key antiviral interferon-stimulated genes (ISG) in the cerebellum. This RIPK3-mediated potentiation of ISG expression was associated with robust cell-intrinsic restriction of LGTV replication in cerebellar granule cell neurons. These findings further illuminate the complex roles of RIPK3 signaling in the coordination of neuroimmune responses to viral infection, as well as provide new insight into the mechanisms of region-specific innate immune signaling in the CNS.

Cell Type-specific Knockout with Gli1-mediated Cre Recombination in the Developing Cerebellum.

The inducible Cre-loxP system provides a useful tool for inducing the selective deletion of genes that are essential for proper development and enables the study of gene functions in properly developed animals. Here, we show that inducible Cre-loxP driven by the Gli1-promoter can induce cell-type-specific deletion of target genes in cerebellar cortical neurons. We used reporter mice containing the YFP (yellow fluorescence protein) gene at the Gt(ROSA)26Sor locus with a loxP-flanked transcriptional stop sequence, in which successful Cre-mediated excision of the stop sequence is indicated by YFP expression in Cre-expressing cells. Administration of tamoxifen during early postnatal days (P4~7) induces Cre-dependent excision of stop sequences and allows YFP expression in proliferating neuronal progenitor cells in the external granule layer and Bergmann glia in the Purkinje cell layer. A substantial number of YFP-positive progenitor cells in the external granule layer migrated to the internal granule cell layer and became granule cell neurons. By comparison, injection of tamoxifen during late postnatal days (P19~22) induces YFP expression only in Bergmann glia, and most granule cell neurons were devoid of YFP expression. The results indicate that the Gli1 promoter is temporarily active in progenitor cells in the external granule layer during the early postnatal period but constitutively active in Bergmann glia. We propose that the Gli1-mediated CreER system can be applied for the conditional deletion of genes of interest from cerebellar granule cell neurons and/or Bergmann glia.

Cell-type- and region-specific restriction of neurotropic flavivirus infection by viperin

BackgroundFlaviviruses are a group of diverse and emerging arboviruses and an immense global health problem. A number of flaviviruses are neurotropic, causing severe encephalitis and even death. Type I interferons (IFNs) are the first line of defense of the innate immune system against flavivirus infection. IFNs elicit the concerted action of numerous interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) to restrict both virus infection and replication. Viperin (virus-inhibitory protein, endoplasmic reticulum-associated, IFN-inducible) is an ISG with broad-spectrum antiviral activity against multiple flaviviruses in vitro. Its activity in vivo restricts neurotropic infections to specific regions of the central nervous system (CNS). However, the cell types in which viperin activity is required are unknown. Here we have examined both the regional and cell-type specificity of viperin in the defense against infection by several model neurotropic flaviviruses.MethodsViral burden and IFN induction were analyzed in vivo in wild-type and viperin−/− mice infected with Langat virus (LGTV). The effects of IFN pretreatment were tested in vitro in primary neural cultures from different brain regions in response to infection with tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), West Nile virus (WNV), and Zika virus (ZIKV).ResultsViperin activity restricted nonlethal LGTV infection in the spleen and the olfactory bulb following infection via a peripheral route. Viperin activity was also necessary to restrict LGTV replication in the olfactory bulb and the cerebrum following CNS infection, but not in the cerebellum. In vitro, viperin could restrict TBEV replication in primary cortical neurons, but not in the cerebellar granule cell neurons. Interferon-induced viperin was also very important in primary cortical neurons to control TBEV, WNV, and ZIKV.ConclusionsOur findings show that viperin restricts replication of neurotropic flaviviruses in the CNS in a region- and cell-type-specific manner. The most important sites of activity are the olfactory bulb and cerebrum. Activity within the cerebrum is required in the cortical neurons in order to restrict spread. This study exemplifies cell type and regional diversity of the IFN response within the CNS and shows the importance of a potent broad-spectrum antiviral ISG.

JC virus granule cell neuronopathy onset two months after chemotherapy for low-grade lymphoma

BackgroundGranule cell neuronopathy (GCN) is a rare disease caused by the JC virus, leading to degeneration of cerebellar granule cell neurons. Primarily described in patients with AIDS, it has also been diagnosed in patients with lymphoproliferative diseases and after long-term treatment with immune-suppressing medications such as natalizumab.Case presentationA 69 year old woman presented with progressive ataxia which began 2 months after initiation of treatment for follicular low-grade B cell lymphoma with rituximab/bendamustine, and progressed for 2 years prior to admission. Extensive prior evaluation included MRI that showed atrophy of the cerebellum but normal CSF analysis and serum studies. Neurologic exam on admission was notable for severe appendicular ataxia and fatigable end-gaze direction-changing horizontal nystagmus. FDG-PET/CT scan was unremarkable and repeat lumbar puncture revealed 2 WBCs/mm3, 148 RBCs/mm3, glucose 70 mg/dL, protein 37.7 mg/dL and negative flow cytometry/cytopathology. Standard CSF JC virus PCR testing was negative, but ultrasensitive TaqMan real-time JC virus PCR testing was positive, consistent with JC virus-related GCN.ConclusionsBecause of the diagnostic challenges in identifying GCN, a high threshold of suspicion should be maintained in patients with an immune-suppressing condition such as lymphoma or on immune-suppressing agents such as rituximab, even shortly after initiation of therapy.

Concomitant granule cell neuronopathy in patients with natalizumab-associated PML.

Granule cell neuronopathy (GCN) is a rare JC virus infection of the cerebellar granule cell neurons in immunocompromised patients. On brain imaging, GCN is characterized by cerebellar atrophy which can be accompanied by infratentorial white matter lesions. The objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence of MRI findings suggestive of GCN in a large natalizumab-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) cohort. MRI scans from before, at the time of, and during follow-up after diagnosis of PML in 44 natalizumab-treated MS patients, and a control group of 25 natalizumab-treated non-PML MS patients were retrospectively reviewed for imaging findings suggestive of GCN. To assess and quantify the degree of cerebellar atrophy, we used a 4 grade rating scale. Three patients in the PML group showed imaging findings suggestive of GCN and none in the control group. In two of these PML patients, cerebellar atrophy progressed from grade 0 at the time of diagnosis of isolated supratentorial PML to grade 1 and 2 after 2.5 and 3 months, respectively, in the absence of infratentorial white mater lesions. The third patient had grade 1 cerebellar atrophy before diagnosis of infra- and supratentorial PML, and showed progression of cerebellar atrophy to grade 2 in the 3 months following PML diagnosis. None of the other eight patients with infratentorial PML lesions developed cerebellar atrophy suggestive of GCN. Three cases with imaging findings suggestive of GCN were detected among 44 natalizumab-associated PML patients. GCN may, therefore, be more common than previously considered in natalizumab-associated PML patients.

The Interferon-Stimulated Gene Ifi27l2a Restricts West Nile Virus Infection and Pathogenesis in a Cell-Type- and Region-Specific Manner.

The mammalian host responds to viral infections by inducing expression of hundreds of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). While the functional significance of many ISGs has yet to be determined, their cell type and temporal nature of expression suggest unique activities against specific pathogens. Using a combination of ectopic expression and gene silencing approaches in cell culture, we previously identified Ifi27l2a as a candidate antiviral ISG within neuronal subsets of the central nervous system (CNS) that restricts infection by West Nile virus (WNV), an encephalitic flavivirus of global concern. To investigate the physiological relevance of Ifi27l2a in the context of viral infection, we generated Ifi27l2a(-/-) mice. Although adult mice lacking Ifi27l2a were more vulnerable to lethal WNV infection, the viral burden was greater only within the CNS, particularly in the brain stem, cerebellum, and spinal cord. Within neurons of the cerebellum and brain stem, in the context of WNV infection, a deficiency of Ifi27l2a was associated with less cell death, which likely contributed to sustained viral replication and higher titers in these regions. Infection studies in a primary cell culture revealed that Ifi27l2a(-/-) cerebellar granule cell neurons and macrophages but not cerebral cortical neurons, embryonic fibroblasts, or dendritic cells sustained higher levels of WNV infection than wild-type cells and that this difference was greater under conditions of beta interferon (IFN-β) pretreatment. Collectively, these findings suggest that Ifi27l2a has an antiviral phenotype in subsets of cells and that at least some ISGs have specific inhibitory functions in restricted tissues. The interferon-stimulated Ifi27l2a gene is expressed differentially within the central nervous system upon interferon stimulation or viral infection. Prior studies in cell culture suggested an antiviral role for Ifi27l2a during infection by West Nile virus (WNV). To characterize its antiviral activity in vivo, we generated mice with a targeted gene deletion of Ifi27l2a. Based on extensive virological analyses, we determined that Ifi27l2a protects mice from WNV-induced mortality by contributing to the control of infection of the hindbrain and spinal cord, possibly by regulating cell death of neurons. This antiviral activity was validated in granule cell neurons derived from the cerebellum and in macrophages but was not observed in other cell types. Collectively, these data suggest that Ifi27l2a contributes to innate immune restriction of WNV in a cell-type- and tissue-specific manner.

Cerebellar atrophy by the jc virus in a patient with aids

JVC causes the progressive multifsocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). At least 5% of AIDS patients may develop PML. However a JVC variant attacks the granular cells of cerebellum only, among patients infected with HIV as well. This rare condition causes a progressive cerebellar syndrome and a marked atrophy of the cerebellum on MRI, without the characteristic lesions in the white matter of the PML. The natural history of this disease causes the death of the patient without having an effective treatment to date. It presents a 34 years old Hispanic man, with dizziness, gait disturbances, and a scanned speech consistent with a cerebellar syndrome of 6 months duration. The brain MRI showed diffuse cerebellar atrophy, noting the absence of white matter lesions. He was diagnosed HIV / AIDS at stage C3, with CD4 + of 52 and a serum viral load of 27,000. He started with antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The CSF was normal except for the PCR positive for the JCV. At 4 months, and despite HAART, the patient had a progression of his cerebellar syndrome, adding a severe vestibular syndrome, characterized by the inability to walk and profuse vomiting. The cerebellar atrophy increased in the brain MRI control. There was a clear recovery of the immunological parameters (CD4+ and HIV serum viral load) at this time.The follow up of the patient at 7 months showed a partial regression of cerebellar symptoms, especially with respect to dizziness and vomiting. 1. Igor J. Koralnik et al. JC Virus Granule Cell Neuronopathy: A Novel Clinical Syndrome Distinct from Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy. Ann Neurol 2005;57:576–580. 2. R.A. Du Pasquier et al. Productive infection of cerebellar granule cell neurons by JC virus in an HIV individual. Neurology 2003;61:775–782.

Gone over to the dark side

Gone over to the dark side

Frequent Infection of Neurons by SV40 Virus in SIV-Infected Macaque Monkeys with Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy and Meningoencephalitis

Simian virus 40 (SV40), family Polyomaviridae, in immunocompromised macaques can cause fatal demyelinating central nervous system disease analogous to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy caused by John Cunningham (JC) virus in immunocompromised humans. Recently, we have demonstrated that JC virus can infect cerebellar granule cell neurons and cortical pyramidal neurons in immunosuppressed people. To examine whether SV40 neuronal infection occurs spontaneously in immunosuppressed macaques, we analyzed archival brain specimens from 20 simian immunodeficiency virus-infected rhesus with AIDS and 1 cynomolgus post-transplant selected with SV40 brain infection from archival records from 1991 to 2012. In addition to white matter SV40 distribution in classic demyelinating progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, some of the 21 monkeys exhibited meningeal, subpial neocortical, and periventricular virus. This distribution pattern corresponded to broader viral tropism with neuronal infection in 14 (66.7%) of 21 cases. In all 14 cases, identified neurons were positive for early SV40 transcript large T antigen, but only 4 of the 14 cases exhibited late viral transcript viral protein 1-positive neurons. SV40-infected neurons were detected in frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal cortices, hippocampus, thalamus, and brain stem. These observations confirm that spontaneous SV40 neuronal infection occurs in immunosuppressed macaques, which parallels JC virus-neuronal infection in immunosuppressed patients. Neuronal infection may be an important aspect of both SV40 and JC virus neuropathogenesis in their respective hosts.

A Role for Ifit2 in Restricting West Nile Virus Infection in the Brain

Previous studies have demonstrated that type I interferon (IFN-I) restricts West Nile virus (WNV) replication and pathogenesis in peripheral and central nervous system (CNS) tissues. However, the in vivo role of specific antiviral genes that are induced by IFN-I against WNV infection remains less well characterized. Here, using Ifit2(-/-) mice, we defined the antiviral function of the interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) Ifit2 in limiting infection and disease in vivo by a virulent North American strain of WNV. Compared to congenic wild-type controls, Ifit2(-/-) mice showed enhanced WNV infection in a tissue-restricted manner, with preferential replication in the CNS of animals lacking Ifit2. Virological analysis of cultured macrophages, dendritic cells, fibroblasts, cerebellar granule cell neurons, and cortical neurons revealed cell type-specific antiviral functions of Ifit2 against WNV. In comparison, small effects of Ifit2 were observed on the induction or magnitude of innate or adaptive immune responses. Our results suggest that Ifit2 restricts WNV infection and pathogenesis in different tissues in a cell type-specific manner.

Differential innate immune response programs in neuronal subtypes determine susceptibility to infection in the brain by positive-stranded RNA viruses

Although susceptibility of neurons in the brain to microbial infection is a major determinant of clinical outcome, little is known about the molecular factors governing this vulnerability. Here we show that two types of neurons from distinct brain regions showed differential permissivity to replication of several positive-stranded RNA viruses. Granule cell neurons of the cerebellum and cortical neurons from the cerebral cortex have unique innate immune programs that confer differential susceptibility to viral infection ex vivo and in vivo. By transducing cortical neurons with genes that were expressed more highly in granule cell neurons, we identified three interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs; Ifi27, Irg1 and Rsad2 (also known as Viperin)) that mediated the antiviral effects against different neurotropic viruses. Moreover, we found that the epigenetic state and microRNA (miRNA)-mediated regulation of ISGs correlates with enhanced antiviral response in granule cell neurons. Thus, neurons from evolutionarily distinct brain regions have unique innate immune signatures, which probably contribute to their relative permissiveness to infection.

JC virus granule cell neuronopathy is associated with VP1 C terminus mutants

The polyomavirus JC (JCV) infects glial cells and causes progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). We described a novel JCV-variant with a 10 bp deletion in the C terminus of the VP1 capsid protein, JCV(GCN1). This mutant was associated with lytic infection of cerebellar granule cell neurons and cerebellar atrophy in an human immunodeficiency virus/PML patient. This condition, also observed independently from PML, was named JCV granule cell neuronopathy (JCV GCN). We characterized JCV mutations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of four other JCV GCN patients, and reviewed the literature on 10 reported cases. The strain from one patient harboured the identical GCN1-deletion, while the other patients had novel mutations in the same area, named JCV(GCN2-4), causing variable changes in VP1 structure. One patient also had wild-type JCV in the CSF. To study the mechanisms leading to JCV GCN, we compared viral replication kinetics from JCV(GCN1) with the prototype JCV(Mad1), the PML isolate JCV(HWM) and the prototype JCV(Mad1D) engineered with the GCN1-deletion. While all strains replicated at low levels in the medulloblastoma cell line DAOY from a cerebellar neuronal tumour, JCV(Mad1) replicated better in astroglial SVG cells than JCV(Mad1D) or JCV(GCN1) and all strains replicated at higher levels in COS-7 kidney cells, suggesting that the GCN1-deletion confers a disadvantage for viral growth in central nervous system white matter. The GCN1-deletion remained stable after 100 days in culture and VP1 protein was produced in all cell lines, indicating that JCV(GCN1) is replication-competent in vitro. These data highlight an important and previously overlooked aspect of JCV-pathogenesis. Detection of GCN-type JCV strains in CSF may help clinicians diagnose JCV GCN.

Beta interferon controls West Nile virus infection and pathogenesis in mice.

Studies with mice lacking the common plasma membrane receptor for type I interferon (IFN-αβR(-)(/)(-)) have revealed that IFN signaling restricts tropism, dissemination, and lethality after infection with West Nile virus (WNV) or several other pathogenic viruses. However, the specific functions of individual IFN subtypes remain uncertain. Here, using IFN-β(-)(/)(-) mice, we defined the antiviral and immunomodulatory function of this IFN subtype in restricting viral infection. IFN-β(-)(/)(-) mice were more vulnerable to WNV infection than wild-type mice, succumbing more quickly and with greater overall mortality, although the phenotype was less severe than that of IFN-αβR(-)(/)(-) mice. The increased susceptibility of IFN-β(-)(/)(-) mice was accompanied by enhanced viral replication in different tissues. Consistent with a direct role for IFN-β in control of WNV replication, viral titers in ex vivo cultures of macrophages, dendritic cells, fibroblasts, and cerebellar granule cell neurons, but not cortical neurons, from IFN-β(-)(/)(-) mice were greater than in wild-type cells. Although detailed immunological analysis revealed no major deficits in the quality or quantity of WNV-specific antibodies or CD8(+) T cells, we observed an altered CD4(+) CD25(+) FoxP3(+) regulatory T cell response, with greater numbers after infection. Collectively, these results suggest that IFN-β controls WNV pathogenesis by restricting infection in key cell types and by modulating T cell regulatory networks.

Rapid Signaling Actions of Environmental Estrogens in Developing Granule Cell Neurons Are Mediated by Estrogen Receptor β

Estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) constitute a diverse group of man-made chemicals and natural compounds derived from plants and microbial metabolism. Estrogen-like actions are mediated via the nuclear hormone receptor activity of estrogen receptor (ER)α and ERβ and rapid regulation of intracellular signaling cascades. Previous study defined cerebellar granule cell neurons as estrogen responsive and that granule cell precursor viability was developmentally sensitive to estrogens. In this study experiments using Western blot analysis and pharmacological approaches have characterized the receptor and signaling modes of action of selective and nonselective estrogen ligands in developing cerebellar granule cells. Estrogen treatments were found to briefly increase ERK1/2-phosphorylation and then cause prolonged depression of ERK1/2 activity. The sensitivity of granule cell precursors to estrogen-induced cell death was found to require the integrated activation of membrane and intracellular ER signaling pathways. The sensitivity of granule cells to selective and nonselective ER agonists and a variety of estrogenic and nonestrogenic EDCs was also examined. The ERβ selective agonist DPN, but not the ERα selective agonist 4,4',4'-(4-propyl-[1H]-pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl) trisphenol or other ERα-specific ligands, stimulated cell death. Only EDCs with selective or nonselective ERβ activities like daidzein, equol, diethylstilbestrol, and bisphenol A were observed to induce E2-like neurotoxicity supporting the conclusion that estrogen sensitivity in granule cells is mediated via ERβ. The presented results also demonstrate the utility of estrogen sensitive developing granule cells as an in vitro assay for elucidating rapid estrogen-signaling mechanisms and to detect EDCs that act at ERβ to rapidly regulate intracellular signaling.

BDNF-Mediated Cerebellar Granule Cell Development Is Impaired in Mice Null for CaMKK2 or CaMKIV

The Ca(2+)/calmodulin-activated kinases CaMKK2 and CaMKIV are highly expressed in the brain where they play important roles in activating intracellular responses to elevated Ca(2+). To address the biological functions of Ca(2+) signaling via these kinases during brain development, we have examined cerebellar development in mice null for CaMKK2 or CaMKIV. Here, we demonstrate that CaMKK2/CaMKIV-dependent phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) correlates with Bdnf transcription, which is required for normal development of cerebellar granule cell neurons. We show in vivo and in vitro that the absence of either CaMKK2 or CaMKIV disrupts the ability of developing cerebellar granule cells in the external granule cell layer to cease proliferation and begin migration to the internal granule cell layer. Furthermore, loss of CaMKK2 or CaMKIV results in decreased CREB phosphorylation (pCREB), Bdnf exon I and IV-containing mRNAs, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein in cerebellar granule cell neurons. Reexpression of CaMKK2 or CaMKIV in granule cells that lack CaMKK2 or CaMKIV, respectively, restores pCREB and BDNF to wild-type levels and addition of BDNF rescues granule cell migration in vitro. These results reveal a previously undefined role for a CaMKK2/CaMKIV cascade involved in cerebellar granule cell development and show specifically that Ca(2+)-dependent regulation of BDNF through CaMKK2/CaMKIV is required for this process.

Frequent Infection of Cerebellar Granule Cell Neurons by Polyomavirus JC in Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) occurs most often in immunosuppressed individuals. The lesions of PML result from astrocyte and oligodendrocyte infection by the polyomavirus JC (JCV); JCV has also been shown to infect and destroy cerebellar granule cell neurons (GCNs) in 2 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients. To determine the prevalence and pattern of JCV infection in GCNs, we immunostained formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cerebellar samples from 40 HIV-positive and 3 HIV-negative PML patients for JCV, and glial and neuronal markers. The JCV infection was detected in 30 patients (70%); 28 (93%) of them had JCV-infected cells in the GC layer; JCV-infected GCNs were demonstrated in 15 (79%) of 19 tested cases. The JCV regulatory T antigen was expressed more frequently and abundantly in GCNs than JCV VP1 capsid protein. None of 37 HIV-negative controls but 1 (3%) of 35 HIV-positive subjects without PML had distinct foci of JCV-infected GCNs. Thus, JCV infection of GCNs is frequent in PML patients and may occur in the absence of cerebellar white matter demyelinating lesions. The predominance of Tantigen over VP1 expression in GCNs suggests that they may be the site of early or latent central nervous system JCV infection. These results indicate that infection of GCNs is an important, previously overlooked, aspect of JCV pathogenesis in immunosuppressed individuals.

Myelin‐induced microglial neurotoxicity can be controlled by microglial metabotropic glutamate receptors

Microglia are present in an activated state in multiple sclerosis lesions. Incubation of primary cultured rat microglia with rat-brain derived myelin (0.1-1 microg/mL) for 24 h induced microglial activation; cells displayed enhanced ED1 staining, expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, production and release of the cytokine tumour necrosis factor-alpha and glutamate release. Exposure of microglia to myelin induced the expression of neuronal caspases and ultimately neuronal death in cultured cerebellar granule cell neurons; neurotoxicity was directly because of microglial-derived soluble toxins. Co-incubation of microglia with agonists or antagonists of different metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) subtypes ameliorated microglial neurotoxicity by inhibiting soluble neurotoxin production. Activation of microglial mGluR2 exacerbated myelin-evoked neurotoxicity whilst activation of mGluR3 was protective as was activation of group III mGluRs. These data show that myelin-induced microglial neurotoxicity can be prevented by regulation of mGluRs and suggest these receptors on microglia may be promising targets for therapeutic intervention in multiple sclerosis.

CXCR3 Mediates Region-Specific Antiviral T Cell Trafficking within the Central Nervous System during West Nile Virus Encephalitis

Regional differences in inflammation during viral infections of the CNS suggest viruses differentially induce patterns of chemoattractant expression, depending on their cellular targets. Previous studies have shown that expression of the chemokine CXCL10 by West Nile virus (WNV)-infected neurons is essential for the recruitment of CD8 T cells for the purpose of viral clearance within the CNS. In the current study we used mice deficient for the CXCL10 receptor, CXCR3, to evaluate its role in leukocyte-mediated viral clearance of WNV infection within various CNS compartments. WNV-infected CXCR3-deficient mice exhibited significantly enhanced mortality compared with wild-type controls. Immunologic and virologic analyses revealed that CXCR3 was dispensable for control of viral infection in the periphery and in most CNS compartments but, surprisingly, was required for CD8 T cell-mediated antiviral responses specifically within the cerebellum. WNV-specific, CXCR3-expressing T cells preferentially migrated into the cerebellum, and WNV-infected cerebellar granule cell neurons expressed higher levels of CXCL10 compared with similarly infected cortical neurons. These results indicate that WNV differentially induces CXCL10 within neuronal populations and suggest a novel model for nonredundancy in chemokine-mediated inflammation among CNS compartments.

Inhibition of protein kinase C protects against paraoxon-mediated neuronal cell death

Paraoxon, the active metabolite of parathion, is an acetylcholinesterases (AChE) inhibitor that kills cultured cerebellar granule cell neurons via an apoptotic mechanism. Protein kinase C is an enzyme with diverse functions but its role in paraoxon-induced cell death is unknown. We show that a neurotoxic concentration of paraoxon increases PKC phosphorylation. We tested whether PKC is involved in paraoxon-induced neuronal cell death by using the PKC activator, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (TPA). TPA increases PKC activity and enhances the neurotoxic effect of paraoxon by 28%. In sharp contrast, addition of the PKC inhibitor Ro-31-8220 protects more than 30% neurons that would otherwise die from paraoxon-induced neuronal cell death in either a pretreatment or post-treatment paradigm and markedly reduces phospho-PKC pan levels. We also show that the pretreatment of Ro-31-8220 blocks paraoxon-induced caspase-3 activity completely. These results suggest that activation of protein kinase C is required for paraoxon neurotoxicity.

Cerebellar Granule Cell Death Induced by Aluminum

Using flow cytometry of acutely isolated cerebellar granule cell neurons, we have determined the effects of Al (III) on viability, membrane potential, intracellular calcium concentration and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Al (III) killed granule cells in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion when monitored by use of the DNA-binding dye, propidium iodide. The threshold concentration was about 50 micromolar, and cell death at 100 micromolar was apparent after 30 min exposure and increased over time. Cell death was accompanied by cell swelling and a decrease in membrane potential, and was not dependent on external calcium concentration. While exposure to Al (III) was accompanied by an increase in ROS and an elevation of intracellular calcium concentration, calcium chelators and ROS scavengers did not reduce cell death. The action of Al (III) was not accompanied by activation of caspase-3 or an increase in annexin-V binding, both indicators of apoptosis. In the presence of intracellular O,O'-bis(2-aminophenyl)ethyleneglycol-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) and absence of extracellular calcium there was still a fluo-3 signal, which likely reflects an accumulation of intracellular Al (III). These observations suggest that the cell death is subsequent to intracellular accumulation of Al (III) and subsequent perturbation of cellular metabolism.