Microglia are resident macrophages in the central nervous system (CNS). They become activated upon injury or infection in the CNS. Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection causes development of an autoimmune demyelinating disease in the CNS of SJL mice. TMEV induced demyelinating disease has been identified as a model for multiple sclerosis in humans. The two diseases share several similarities. Previous studies have shown that microglia are present in the early lesions of both of these demyelinating diseases This study proposes to determine the role of microglia in the initiation and continuation of the demyelinating disease. First, microglia will be studied to determine their role in viral persistence which leads to the demyelinating disease in the CNS. Second, the role of microglia as antigen presenting cells during the viral infection will be examined to determine whether microglia present viral epitopes. The initial immune response leads to tissue damage and the initiation of the autoimmune response against myelin proteins. Next, the ability of microglia to present myelin epitopes will be studied for their role in the exacerbation of the demyelination. Thus, this study will determine the various roles microglia as resident macrophages in the CNS may play in TMEV induced autoimmune demyelinating disease.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32NS010893-02
Application #
6186750
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-BDCN-2 (02))
Program Officer
Behar, Toby
Project Start
2000-09-01
Project End
Budget Start
2000-09-01
Budget End
2001-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$37,516
Indirect Cost
Name
Northwestern University at Chicago
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
005436803
City
Chicago
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
60611