LCMV target regions in developing brain

Within the developing brain, LCMV specifically targets regions containing mitotically active neuronal precursors. [A] During the early postnatal period in the rat, neurogenesis continues in 4 brain regions, which include the cerebellum (C), dentate gyrus (DG), olfactory bulb (OB), and periventricular region (PV). These are precisely the same 4 regions in which neurons are vulnerable to LCMV infection. [B] Micrograph illustrating the selective infection of the olfactory bulb by LCMV. This is a 50-micron-thick section through the anterior forebrain of a 30-day-old rat inoculated with LCMV on postnatal day 4. The section has been immunohistochemically stained for LCMV antigens. Note that the olfactory bulb (OB) is selectively infected. The immediately adjacent olfactory stalk (OS) is free of infection. The arrowheads demarcate the line between the olfactory bulb (right of arrowheads) and olfactory stalk (left of arrowheads) and demonstrate the highly selectivity pattern of LCMV infection. [C] Micrograph illustrating the selective infection of the dentate gyrus. This section was obtained from the same LCMV-infected animal shown in panel B and is immunohistochemically stained for LCMV antigen. Note that the neurons of the dentate gyrus (DG) are selectively infected, whereas the neurons of the immediately adjacent hilus (H) are spared. Magnification bars represent 1mm in B and 100um in C. (Reproduced from Bonthius and Perlman, PLoS Pathogens 2007; 3:1541-50.)