Deep-sequence identification and role in virus replication of a JC virus quasispecies in patients with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26860270
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Experimental pathology
• Research Institution: National Institute of Infectious Diseases
• Principal Investigator: Takahashi Kenta 国立感染症研究所, 感染病理部, 研究官 (80711689)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 進行性多巣性白質脳症 / JCウイルス / T抗原 / 次世代シークエンサー / quasi-species

Outline of Final Research Achievements

JC virus is a DNA virus causing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). We identified a JC virus quasi-species with an amino acid substitution in the large T antigen in patients with PML by next-generation sequencing. In vitro studies showed that the mutation strongly repressed the expression of viral proteins and reduced the viral replication. However, immunohistochemistry revealed that the expression of viral proteins was sustained in vivo. Thus, JC virus replicates in PML lesions in the presence of a mutant virus which is able to suppress virus replication.

Free Research Field

病理学