Possible virus link to ALS-like disease found in mice ^{CEFR B2}

Researchers have identified a possible connection between viral infection and motor neuron disease by studying the CC023 mouse strain. In experiments reported in the Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology, the team infected five genetically diverse mouse strains with Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) and compared how host DNA influenced responses during acute, subacute and chronic phases.

They tracked changes using five approaches: comparing spinal cord inflammation over time between infected and control mice; comparing inflammation across strains; testing whether higher inflammation was linked to greater paralysis and severe symptoms; measuring viral load; and assessing whether higher viral amounts corresponded to more inflammation. Four main findings emerged: early nerve damage appeared within the first two weeks (some signs as soon as four days); the virus was cleared from the spinal cord long term but CC023 mice experienced permanent muscle wasting; CC023 mice developed lesions and physical symptoms closely resembling human ALS; and immune cells mounted an early response that ceased once the virus was eliminated.

Candice Brinkmeyer-Langford of Texas A&M University notes this is the first animal model that supports the theory a virus can trigger lasting neurological damage. The authors say CC023 could help identify post-infection biomarkers and support testing of new therapies, particularly for sporadic ALS, which is not hereditary and accounts for more than 90% of cases. The work was supported by the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship.