Toll-Like Receptor 3 (TLR3) Plays a Major Role in the Formation of Rabies Virus Negri Bodies
2009

How Rabies Virus Uses TLR3 to Form Negri Bodies

publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Ménager Pauline, Roux Pascal, Mégret Françoise, Bourgeois Jean-Pierre, Le Sourd Anne-Marie, Danckaert Anne, Lafage Mireille, Préhaud Christophe, Lafon Monique

Primary Institution: Institut Pasteur, Paris, France

Hypothesis

TLR3 plays a major role in the formation of Negri Bodies during rabies virus infection.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that TLR3 is crucial for the formation of Negri Bodies and viral replication in rabies virus-infected neurons.

Supporting Evidence

  • TLR3 is found in perinuclear aggregates during rabies virus infection.
  • Absence of TLR3 leads to reduced viral replication and better survival rates in mice.
  • Negri Bodies contain both TLR3 and viral proteins, indicating a role in viral multiplication.

Takeaway

When rabies virus infects neurons, it uses a protein called TLR3 to create special structures that help the virus multiply. Without TLR3, these structures can't form, and the virus doesn't spread as well.

Methodology

The study involved analyzing human neuronal cells and TLR3−/− mice to investigate the role of TLR3 in rabies virus infection and Negri Body formation.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on in vitro and animal models, which may not fully replicate human responses.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.002

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.ppat.1000315

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