The Development of Epilepsy Following CNS Viral Infections: Mechanisms.

Publication date: Nov 16, 2024

This review examines the role of different viral infections in epileptogenesis, with a focus on Herpesviruses such as Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), Flaviviruses, Picornaviruses, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Influenzavirus and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A growing literature on animal models, such as the paradigmatic Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) model, and clinical investigations in patients with epilepsy have started to elucidate cellular mechanisms implicated in seizure initiation and development of epilepsy following viral infections. A central role of neuroinflammation has emerged, with evidence of activation of the innate and adaptive immunity, dysregulation of microglial and astrocytic activity and production of multiple cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. Several chronic downstream effects result in increased blood-brain barrier permeability, direct neuronal damage, and modifications of ion channels ultimately leading to altered neuronal excitability and seizure generation. Key findings underscore the complex interplay between initial viral infection, neuroinflammation, and later development of epilepsy. Further research is needed to elucidate these mechanisms and develop targeted interventions.

Concepts Keywords
Astrocytic Animals
Clinical COVID-19
Epilepsy Epilepsy
Herpesviruses Epilepsy
Viral Epileptogenesis
HHV-6
Humans
Inflammation
Neuroinflammatory Diseases
Viral

Semantics

Type Source Name
disease MESH Epilepsy
disease MESH Viral Infections
disease IDO role
disease IDO immunodeficiency
disease MESH seizure
disease MESH neuroinflammation
disease IDO production
disease MESH Central Nervous System Viral Diseases
disease MESH COVID-19
disease MESH Inflammation

Original Article

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