Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) activation: A key determinant of neuropathogeny during congenital infection by cytomegalovirus

PARP in the neuropathogenesis of cytomegalovirus infection - Possible role and therapeutic perspective

Cytomegalovirus infects the majority of the population globally. Congenital CMV infection acquired through primary maternal infection in pregnancy is the most common intrauterine infection with a high mortality rate due to severe long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae. The demyelination and neuroinflammation during CMV infection have been attributed to altered immune response and ROS-mediated apoptosis. PARP-1 protein is linked to apoptotic neuronal loss with subsequent neurotoxicity and CNS injury as a result of PARP hyperactivation. PARP-1 play a critical role in the establishment of latency including EBV, HHV-8 and HIV. Research on PARP inhibitors recently shows significant progress against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and cancer therapy including malignant lymphoma and hepatitis B virus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. The role of PARP1 in the neuropathogenesis of CMV and the potential of PARP inhibitors in the prevention of neurological sequelae is still elusive. Further studies on the role of PARP on the neuropathogenesis of CMV infection can help thwart neurodegeneration through the potential development of PARP inhibitors such as small molecule inhibitors.

Neural Stem Cells: What Happens When They Go Viral?

Viruses that infect the central nervous system (CNS) are associated with developmental abnormalities as well as neuropsychiatric and degenerative conditions. Many of these viruses such as Zika virus (ZIKV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV) demonstrate tropism for neural stem cells (NSCs). NSCs are the multipotent progenitor cells of the brain that have the ability to form neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. Viral infections often alter the function of NSCs, with profound impacts on the growth and repair of the brain. There are a wide spectrum of effects on NSCs, which differ by the type of virus, the model system, the cell types studied, and the age of the host. Thus, it is a challenge to predict and define the consequences of interactions between viruses and NSCs. The purpose of this review is to dissect the mechanisms by which viruses can affect survival, proliferation, and differentiation of NSCs. This review also sheds light on the contribution of key antiviral cytokines in the impairment of NSC activity during a viral infection, revealing a complex interplay between NSCs, viruses, and the immune system.