Les encéphalites limbiques à autoanticorps anti-CASPR2 sont des atteintes du système nerveux central caractérisées par des troubles de la mémoire et des crises d’épilepsie. La protéine CASPR2 (Contactin-associated protein-like 2), avec son partenaire TAG-1, est connue pour son rôle dans le rassemblement des canaux potassiques voltage-dépendants (Kv1.1 et Kv1.2) dans la région juxtaparanodale des nœuds de Ranvier ; régions essentielles pour la conduction rapide des messages nerveux. Par ailleurs, de plus en plus d’études suggèrent un rôle de CASPR2 dans la plasticité synaptique et l’excitabilité neuronale, en lien avec les symptômes observés chez les patients présentant des anticorps anti-CASPR2. Cependant, le rôle pathogénique des anticorps anti-CASPR2 dans les encéphalites limbiques reste loin d’être compris. Au cours de ma thèse, j’ai souhaité améliorer la connaissance des mécanismes pathologiques des anticorps anti-CASPR2 de patient dans l’encéphalite limbique auto-immune. Pour cela, j’ai déterminé les caractéristiques biologiques des anticorps anti-CASPR2, suggérant un rôle direct des anticorps sur la fonction de CASPR2 en ciblant les domaines N-terminaux de la protéine. De plus, j’ai identifié deux mécanismes d’action potentiels des anticorps anti-CASPR2 sur l’interaction entre CASPR2 et TAG-1 et sur l’expression des canaux Kv1.2 en surface. Ces travaux impliquent d’avantage les anticorps anti-CASPR2 dans la pathogénicité des encéphalites limbiques auto-immunes / Anti-CASPR2 autoimmune limbic encephalitis is a central nervous system disorder characterized by memory disorders and epilepsy. CASPR2 (Contactin-associated protein-like 2) with its partner TAG-1, is known for its role in the clusterisation of voltage-dependent potassium channels (Kv1.1 and Kv1.2) in the juxtaparanodal region of node of Ranvier; which are essential for the rapid conduction of nerve signals. In addition, an increasing number of studies suggest a role of CASPR2 in synaptic plasticity and neuronal excitability, in relation with the symptoms observed in patients with anti-CASPR2 antibodies. However, the pathogenic role of anti-CASPR2 antibodies in limbic encephalitis remains far from clear. During my thesis I wished to improve our understanding of the mechanisms mediated by anti-CASPR2 antibodies in limbic encephalitis. To this end, I determined the biological characteristics of anti-CASPR2 antibodies, suggesting a direct role of antibodies on CASPR2 function by targeting its N-terminal domains. Furthermore, I identified two potential mechanisms of anti-CASPR2 antibodies on CASPR2/TAG-1 interaction and on Kv1.2 cell surface expression. These works further implicate anti-CASPR2 antibodies in the pathogenicity of autoimmune limbic encephalitis

TLR3 est un récepteur endosomal qui détecte les doubles brins d’ARN produits par HSV-1 lors de sa réplication. La majorité des patients déclarés portants des mutations dans le gène TLR3 ont souffert de l’encéphalite herpétique (EH) sans autre phénotype clinique majeur. Nous avons décrit trois patients présentant des mutations dans le gène TLR3. Ici, nous reportons trois nouvelles formes de défaut AD de TLR3: G743D+R811I et L360P, qui chez deux patients confèrent un défaut AD de TLR3 par dominance négative et haplo-insuffisance; et R867Q, qui confère à un patient un défaut partial AR de TLR3. Les fibroblastes des patients présentent une diminution des réponses médiées par TLR3 et sont plus susceptibles à l’infection par le HSV-1. Le défaut de TLR3 est donc présent chez six (5%) patients sur les 120 EH patients étudiés. De plus, de façon surprenante, nous avons identifé deux mutations dans le gène TLR3 chez deux patients présentant des pneumonies sévères dues au virus de l’influenza A (IAV). Deux patients sont hétérozygotes pour les mutations P554S et P680L dans le gène TLR3. Il a été reporté que P554S est délétère et exerte un effet dominant-négatif chez les patients d’EH. P680L est aussi délétère et cause un défaut AD de TLR3 par haplo-insuffisance. Les fibroblastes hétérozygotes pour la mutation P680L ainsi que les cellules épitheliales pulmonaires dérivées de iPSCs présentent une susceptibilité accrue à IAV. Ces résultats suggèrent que le défaut de TLR3 ne cause pas seulement l’EH mais aussi des pneumonies IAV sévères via une diminution des réponses immunitaires dépendantes de TLR3 et médiées par IFN intrinsèques au système nerveux central et aux poumons. / TLR3 is an endosomal receptor for dsRNA, an intermediate of viral replication. Most of the reported human TLR3 deficiency related to life-threatening HSV-1 encephalitis (HSE), in otherwise healthy children. To date, we have described 3 patients with TLR3 deficiency and 7 patients with TLR3 pathway gene deficiency. We herein report the three novel forms of TLR3 deficiency: G743D+R811I and L360P in two patients underlie AD TLR3 deficiency due to dominant negative (DN) and haploinsufficiency, respectively, and R867Q in one patient leads to a partial AR TLR3 deficiency. The patients’ fibroblasts display impaired TLR3 responses and enhanced HSV-1 susceptibility. TLR3 deficiency is therefore a relatively common in childhood HSE, as it is found in six (5%) of the 120 patients studied. In addition, we surprisingly found two TLR3 mutations in two patients with influenza A virus (IAV) pneumonitis. The pathogenesis of isolated severe influenza is largely unknown, until we recently reported a child with AR IRF7 deficiency. Two patients are each heterozygous for P554S and P680L in TLR3. P554S is previously found to be deleterious and DN in HSE patients. P680L is also deleterious and causes AD TLR3 deficiency by haploinsufficiency. We show that P680L heterozygous fibroblasts fail to produce IFN-β and -λ upon poly(I:C) and IAV infection. Furthermore, both P680L heterozygous and AR TLR3-deficient fibroblasts and iPSCs-derived lung epithelium display enhanced susceptibility to IAV, like IRF7-deficient cells. These findings suggest that TLR3 deficiency underlies not only HSE but also severe influenza due to impaired TLR3-dependent, IFN-mediated, CNS or lung-intrinsic antiviral immunity.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-01-26T12:51:48Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 carolinacolombellipacca_tese.pdf: 2227429 bytes, checksum: 4bcc12b8c06f6322170e32bfccfc8fa1 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-11-01 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Introduction. Arboviruses, arthropod-borne viruses, are frequently associated with human outbreaks and represent a serious health problem. The genus Flavivirus, which includes both the Yellow Fever Virus (YFV) and Saint Louis Encephalitis Virus (SLEV), are important pathogens that result in high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. In Brazil, YFV has a sylvatic cycle and occurs annually, despite the efficiency of the vaccine. Saint Louis Encephalitis is an infectious illness that can cause acute fever caused by SLEV, which is widely distributed in the Americas. The emergence of SLEV became a serious concern after the first related outbreak in Brazil in 2006, in the city of Sao Jose do Rio Preto. There is no specific antiviral drug for these viruses, only supporting treatment that can alleviate the symptoms and prevent complications. The need to develop effective and safe antiviral drugs is indispensable for the treatment of these infections. Objective. The aim of this work was to identify new possible antiviral drugs against the arboviruses that can cause acute fever and encephalitis (YFV and SLEV) and to evaluate the capacity of inhibition of these compounds in ABR mice. Material and Methods. Plaque reduction assay, flow citometry, immunofluorescence and cellular viability were used to test the compounds in vitro. ABR mice were inoculated with YFV, and the biological samples were tested for the presence of the virus through the use of plaque reduction assay and qPCR. Neutralization assay was also performed. Results. Treated cells showed efficient inhibition of viral replication at concentrations that presented minimal toxicity to the cells. The assays showed that ftalyl-tiazole and fenoxytiosemicarbazone were more effective, and that they reduced viral replication by 60% and 75% for YFV and SLEV, respectively. The analysis also revealed that the ABR mice inoculated with YFV had histopathological alterations in the liver; however, the samples did not present viral title. Neutralization assay showed a high concentration of antibodies in the serum. Conclusion. The inhibitions of viral replication were confirmed through the use of some assays in vitro, and the effectiveness of the selected compounds show that they are an option in the treatment of these viruses. More detailed studies are needed to determine the mechanism of action of these molecules. The mice were found to have histopathological alterations, which indicates viral infection; however, they also presented with high concentrations of antibodies. More studies about animal models are necessary to make in vivo experiments. / Introdução: Os arbovírus, vírus transmitidos por artrópodes, são freqüentemente associadas a surtos em seres humanos e representam um problema sério de saúde pública. Os vírus pertencentes ao gênero Flavivirus, tais como vírus da Febre Amarela (YFV) e vírus da Encefalite de Saint Louis (SLEV), são importantes patógenos que podem causar alta taxa de morbidade e mortalidade no mundo. No Brasil, YFV é mantido em ciclo silvestre notificados anualmente, a despeito da segurança e eficiência da vacina. A encefalite de Saint Louis é uma doença infecciosa febril aguda causada pelo SLEV amplamente distribuída nas Américas. A emergência do SLEV passou a ser um fato preocupante no Brasil a partir da constatação do primeiro surto no país em 2006, na cidade de São Jose do Rio Preto. Não existe tratamento específico para estas viroses, somente tratamento de suporte para ajudar a aliviar os sintomas e prevenir complicações. Desta forma, há uma grande necessidade de que sejam desenvolvidos antivirais efetivos e seguros para o tratamento destas infecções. Objetivos: O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar potenciais compostos antivirais contra os arbovírus causadores de doença febril aguda e encefalites (YFV e SLEV) in vitro e avaliar a capacidade de inibição da replicação viral dos compostos in vivo em camundongos ABR. Materiais e Métodos: Para tanto, foram realizados ensaios de redução de placas, citometria de fluxo, imunofluorescencia, bem como testes de viabilidade celular para as analises in vitro. Além disto, camundongos ABR foram inoculados com YFV e seus materiais biológicos testados para a presença de partículas virais por ensaio de redução de placas e qPCR. Adicionalmente, foi realizado ensaio de neutralização do soro dos animais. Resultados: Celulas tratadas com os compostos mostraram eficiente inibição da replicação viral em concentrações que apresentam baixa citotoxicidade. Os ensaios mostraram que derivados de ftalyl-tiazole e fenoxytiosemicarbazone foram os mais eficazes na ação antiviral, apresentando redução de 60% e 75% para YFV e SLEV, respectivamente. Camundongos ABR inoculados com YFV apresentaram alterações histológicas no fígado, entretanto, não foi constatado título viral nas amostras testadas. O ensaio de neutralização mostra altas concentrações de anticorpos no soro dos animais. Conclusões: A inibição da replicação foi comprovada por vários ensaios in vitro evidenciando as moléculas como potentes alternativas para o tratamento dos vírus. Mais estudos são necessários para a determinação do mecanismo de ação destas moléculas. Os camundongos apresentaram alterações histopatológicas sendo um indicativo de infecção, entretanto, apresentam altas taxas de anticorpos. Mais estudos sobre modelo animal são necessários para a realização de ensaios in vivo.

Submitted by Cássio da Cruz Nogueira (cassionogueirakk@gmail.com) on 2017-05-15T16:43:54Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Dissertacao_EncefalomieliteEquinaIlha.PDF: 1366808 bytes, checksum: ba2d7733f0ff4fb35353b9c21dc7a614 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Edisangela Bastos (edisangela@ufpa.br) on 2017-05-19T12:26:25Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Dissertacao_EncefalomieliteEquinaIlha.PDF: 1366808 bytes, checksum: ba2d7733f0ff4fb35353b9c21dc7a614 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-19T12:26:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Dissertacao_EncefalomieliteEquinaIlha.PDF: 1366808 bytes, checksum: ba2d7733f0ff4fb35353b9c21dc7a614 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-02-29 / Nove casos de encefalomielite equina foram estudados na Ilha de Marajó, estado do Pará, Brasil. Os animais apresentavam dificuldade em se manter em estação, andar em círculo, acentuada depressão, pálpebras cerradas, paralisia da língua, tremores musculares, bruxismo, anorexia e desidratação. Alguns apresentavam diminuição dos reflexos auricular, palpebral, de ameaça, diminuição do tônus da língua e taquicardia. Posição de auto-auscultação foi observada com frequência. Os animais muitas vezes eram encontrados apoiados em troncos e cercas para se manterem em estação. À necropsia verificou-se hemorragia das leptomeninges e medula, alguns animais apresentaram ainda aderencia das leptomeninges. Na histopatologia verificou-se encefalite difusa afetando principalmente a substância cinzenta, com meningite e coroidite. Foi observada presença de manguitos perivasculares constituídos por células inflamatórias mononucleadas. Em dois animais identificou-se o Eastern equine encephalitis virus por semi nested transcrição reversa reação de polimerase em cadeia (Semi-Nested RT-PCR). / Nine cases of equine encephalomyelitis were studied in the Marajó Island, State of Pará, Brazil. The animals had difficulty in maintaining a station, walk in a circle, marked depression, eyelids closed, tongue paralysis, muscle tremors, bruxism, anorexia and dehydration. Some had their ear and eyelid reflexes diminished, decreased tongue tone and tachycardia. Position of self-hearing was observed frequently. The animals were often found leaning on tree trunks and fences to keep themselves on station. At necropsy, they showed hemorrhage of the meninges and spinal cord, and some animals also showed adhesion of the meninges. Histologically there was diffuse encephalitis affecting mainly the gray matter, with meningitis and choroiditis. It was observed the presence of perivascular cuffs consisting of mononuclear inflammatory cells. In two animals it was possible to identificate the Eastern equine encephalitis virus by semi-nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (semi-nested RT-PCR).

Para avaliar a fagocitose de células da série monócitos-macrófagos de cabras naturalmente infectadas pelo vírus da artrite encefalite caprina a vírus (VAEC), 30 cabras da raça Saanen foram utilizadas e alocadas em dois grupos distintos, sendo um grupo formado por 15 animais soropositivos à imunodifusão em gel de ágar para detecção de anticorpos séricos antivírus da AEC e o outro formado por 15 animais soronegativos ao teste. Células mononucleares de sangue periférico foram isoladas por gradiente de concentração e plaqueadas em placas de poliestireno para isolamento de células da série monócito-macrófago. Após adesão das mesmas, adicionou-se a bactéria Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis como desafio antigênico. Dois tipos de fagocitose foram observados em relação ao número de bactérias internalizadas nos vacúolos citoplasmáticos dos macrófagos, isto é, verificou-se a presença de células fagocitando em média 12 bactérias e outro grupo fagocitando um número incontável de bactérias. Dessa forma, classificou-se a fagocitose em fagocitose + (até 12 bactérias) e fagocitose ++ (mais de 12 bactérias). Em relação à fagocitose total (fagocitose + e fagocitose ++) não foram verificadas diferenças estatística significativas entre os grupos experimentais (p < 0,41). Todavia, ao discriminar a fagocitose conforme a quantificação de bactérias fagocitadas, encontrou-se diferença estatística entre os grupos, sendo que o grupo positivo apresentou maior porcentagem de fagocitose ++ (p < 0,001). O grupo negativo apresentou maior porcentagem de fagocitose + (p < 0,012). Correlação positiva entre monócitos fagocitando e fagocitose ++ foi observada no grupo de animais soropositivos (p < 0,006), porém, não foi observada nenhuma correlação no grupo negativo (p < 0,49). Esses resultados demonstram uma possível alteração na intensidade da fagocitose de macrófagos de animais infectados com o VAEC, sugerindo que os animais com artrite encefalite caprina estejam mais susceptíveis à linfadenite caseosa. / To evaluate the phagocytosis from monocyte-macrophage line cells 30 naturally infected Saanen goats with caprine arthritis-encephalitis vírus (VCAE) were used, and divided uniformly in different groups according to agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGID). Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC) was isolated by density gradient centrifugation. The monocyte-macrophage cells were separated from PBMC by their adherence properties. Afterwards, the phagocytosis function was assessed by phagocytosis assay using Corynebacterium psudotuberculosis as a source of antigen. Therefore, two distinct types of phagocytosis were observed and were set according to the number of bacteria within the cytoplasmatic vacuoles. Thus, the phagocytosis rates were also divided in two groups, on the first was observed up to 12 bacteria in the vacuoles; on the other hand in the second group an uncountable number of bacteria were usually seen. Consequently, the phagocytosis rates were also divided in phagocytosis + (up to 12 bacteria) and phagocytosis ++ (more than 12 bacteria). The results from the phagocytosis rates show any difference, however when the phagocytosis rates were separated in the order of the number of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis phagocyted, the phagocytosis ++ from positive animals in the sera test were higher than the negative one (p < 0.001). Nevertheless, the negative group presents higher pahgocytosis + (p < 0.012). Furthermore a positive and significant correlation between phagocytosis ++ and monocyte phagocytosis (p < 0.006) were also encountered in the positive animals, however the same were not observed in the negative group (p < 0.49). In face of, the results from the present trial point out to higher susceptibility to caseous linphadenitis in goats infected with VCAE due to the alteration on the phagocytosis strength in these animals.

Infecções no sistema nervoso central (SNC) causadas por microrganismos desencadeiam sintomas de moderados a severos, dependendo da região atingida, podendo ser designadas como encefalites ou meningites. Os vírus são os agentes mais comuns nestas infecções. Os agentes virais responsáveis por essas enfermidades que apresentam maior incidência na população mundial são certos herpesvírus, flavivírus, influenza A, enterovírus e vírus da caxumba. Entretanto, essa prevalência varia de acordo com a população, estado imunológico do indivíduo, idade e região estudada. Embora existam dados bem estabelecidos da etiologia dessas doenças em alguns países, ainda há uma carência de informação no que diz respeito à etiologia dessas moléstias no Brasil. Assim, informações mais precisas em relação à prevalência desses agentes em nosso meio são necessárias para o desenvolvimento e aplicação de métodos de diagnósticos mais rápidos e eficientes. Neste trabalho, foram analisadas 120 amostras de liquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR), procedentes de dois centros da cidade de São Paulo (Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia e Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de medicina da Universidade de São Paulo), as quais foram submetidas à reação em cadeia de polimerase para o herpesvirus simples 1 e 2 (HSV 1 e 2), vírus da varicela zoster (VZV), herpesvirus humano 6 (HHV-6), influenza A (FLUA), enterovírus, vírus da caxumba, poliomavírus vírus BK (BKV) e vírus JC (JCV) para flavivírus. Do total, 44 amostras (36,7%) apresentaram resultado positivo para algum dos vírus analisados no âmbito desta pesquisa, sendo 15 (12,5%) para poliomavírus BKV, 2 (1,7%) para poliomavírus JCV, 21 (17,5%) para HSV1 e 2, 5 (4,2%) foram positivos para BKV e HSV1 e 2 (coinfecção) e 1 (0,8%) para vírus Epstein-Barr (EBV). Uma parte das amostras negativas foi submetida a sequenciamento direto de nova geração (n=8 amostras), resultando em amostras positivas para vírus (vírus simio 40), protozoários e bactérias. Este estudo mostrou que infelizmente, menos de 50% das encefalites e meningites assépticas puderam ser relacionadas a algum agente viral. Houve uma alta prevalência de HSV no material estudado, de acordo com o esperado, mas a presença de poliomavírus no LCR destes indivíduos foi acima da observada na literatura. Esses, bem como os resultados de sequenciamento direto e sua associação a etiologia das encefalites e meningites, devem ser interpretados com cautela. / Central nervous system (CNS) infections caused by microorganism trigger moderate to severe symptoms, depending on the region affected and may be referred as encephalitis or meningitis. Viruses are the most common agents in these infections. The viral agents responsible for these diseases with highest incidence worldwide are certain herpesviruses, flaviviruses, influenza A, enteroviruses, and mumps virus. However, their prevalence vary according to the population, immunological state of the individual, age and region studied. Although there are well-established data on the etiology of these diseases in some countries, there is little information regarding the etiology of these diseases in Brazil. Thus, data regarding the prevalence of these agents in our environment is necessary for the development and application of faster and more efficient diagnostic methods. In this study, 120 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from two centers of the city of São Paulo (Hospital Santa Casa de Misericordia and Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo) were investigated by PCRs for herpes simplex virus (HSV 1 and 2), varicela zoster virus (VZV), human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6), influenza A, enterovirus, mumps virus, polyomavirus BK virus and JC virus and flaviviruses. From these, 44 samples (36.7%) presented positive result for one of the viruses analyzed, being 15 (12.5%) for polyomavirus BKV, 2 (1.7%) for polyomavirus JCV, 21 (17.5%) for HSV 1 and 2, 5 (4.2%) samples were positive for BKV and HSV1 and 2 (coinfection) and 1 (0.8%) for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). A part of the negative samples (n=8) were submitted to next generation direct sequencing and revealed the presence of agents as viruses (simian virus 40), protozoa and bacteria. This study showed that unfortunately, less than 50% of the aseptic encephalitis and meningitis could be related to some viral agent. It was found high prevalence of HSV, as expected, but the presence of polyomavirus in the CSF of these individuals was higher than that observed in the literature. These results, as well as direct sequencing results and its relationship to the etiology of encephalitis and meningitis should be interpreted with caution.

Herpesviruses have co-speciated with several vertebrate and invertebrate animals throughout the history of evolution. In the immunocompetent human host, primary infection is usually benign, whereafter the virus is brought into life-long latency. Viral reactivation can however cause severe disease in immunocompromised, and rarely also in immunocompetent, patients. The overall aim of this thesis was to study the immunologic effects of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) infection in neurocognitive disorders. CMV is known to promote T-cell differentiation towards a more effector-oriented phenotype, similar to what is seen in the elderly. We have addressed the frequency of CMV-specific CD8+ T-cells in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Furthermore, we have investigated whether AD patients present with a different CMV-specific immune profile, overall CD8 phenotype or inflammatory cytokine response to anti-CD3/CD28 beads, CMV pp65 and amyloid beta. Subjects with AD presented with a lower proportion of CMV-specific CD8+ T-cells compared to non-demented (ND) controls, but no differences in overall CD8 differentiation were seen. Overall, AD subjects presented with a more pro-inflammatory peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) phenotype. When PBMCs were challenged with CD3/CD28-stimulation, CMV seropositive AD subjects presented with more IFN-γ release than both CMV seronegative AD subjects and CMV seropositive ND controls. For effective screening of humoral herpesvirus immunity, both in research and in clinical practice, efficient immunoassays are needed. We have addressed the methodology of multiplex herpesvirus immunoassays and related bioinformatics and investigated antibody levels in AD patients and ND controls. Subjects with AD presented with lower levels of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) IgG. However, there was no difference in HHV-6 DNA levels in PBMCs between the groups. Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is a devastating disease, where antiviral treatment has greatly decreased mortality but not eliminated the associated long-term neurocognitive morbidity. We have investigated the correlation between N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor (NMDAR) autoimmunity and recovery of neurocognitive functions after HSE. Approximately one quarter of all HSE cases developed NMDAR autoantibodies within 3 months after onset of disease. Antibody development was associated with an impaired neurocognitive recovery during the two year follow-up and could become an important therapy guiding factor in the future.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a double stranded DNA virus that causes epithelial skin infections and persists through the life of the host by infecting neurons, where it can switch to a latent state to evade an immune response. In rare cases during primary infection or after reactivation, instead of undergoing lytic infection at the epithelial surface, it instead travels to the brain and causes herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSVE) which can have a ≥70% mortality rate if untreated. As the virus takes over its host cell, it gains control of the host cell machinery and manipulates host gene expression in order to evade the immune system and to pool its resources into the replication of the virus. One aspect of the dysregulated gene expression involves microRNAs (miRNAs). MiRNAs are short, non-coding RNAs that bind to the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of messenger RNAs (mRNAs), leading to translational repression of the target. Dysregulated miRNAs are often down-regulated during infection as the virus takes over, but many miRNAs have also been found to be up-regulated as well1–5. The aim of this study is to observe the full cellular miRNA changes in the context of an acute viral encephalitic infection using HSV-1, and to further characterize selected up-regulated miRNAs to determine their function in the context of the disease state. Of particular note were miR-141 and miR-200c which showed anti-apoptotic effects on neuronal cell culture and did not impact cell viability during an over-expression of the miRNAs. MiR-141, miR-183 and miR-200a expression was enriched within specific areas of the brain during infection. In addition, the potential for miR-150 to bind to a bioinformatically predicted target site within the shared 3'UTR of the HSV-1 UL18, UL19 and UL20 genes was explored. Examining the changes in expression of this class of regulatory RNAs and investigating their potential functions may yield new insight into the relationship between host and virus during infection.

The first aim of this study was to detect antiviral activities of substances isolated from natural products against tick-borne encephalitis virus in in vitro model. Resveratrol isolated from plant material and adamantane derivatives were studied in this regard. The maximum tolerated concentrations of the investigated substances were determined for the glioblastoma cell line used in the experiments using flow cytometry and subsequently. Next, the number of viral particles produced by infected cells after incubation with the studied substances was determined using plaque titration. Possible antibacterial effects of the studied materials against standard strains of bacteria Staphyloccocus aureus, Staphyloccocus epidermidis, Escherichia coli and selected strains of Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes were examined.

We examined the influence of the host genetic background on the pathogenesis of tick-borne encephalitis. We determined virus titers in organs and serum in different time intervals post-infection for different ways of inoculation. We also stated mean survival times and antibody production in different strains of mice infected with tick-borne encephalitis virus. Moreover, differences in expression of immunologicaly important genes in brains of infected mice were compared.