Robert S. Fujinami
Professor of Neurology and of Pathology
B.A. University of Utah
Ph.D. Northwestern University
Bob Fujimani's PubMed Literature Search
Research
Virus infection leading to central nervous system (CNS) demyelination. Theiler’s virus causes an encephalomyelitis in mice and this infection mimics multiple sclerosis (MS) in humans. The virus spreads through the CNS and infects white matter particularly the oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. This project involves understanding the virologic and immunologic participation in this CNS demyelinating disease.
How virus infection modulates immune responses leading to autoimmune disease. Genetically altered viruses encoding myelin proteins can either protect against or enhance an autoimmune disease known as experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). This is a model for the human disease, MS. These data were generated using viruses encoding myelin basic protein, and myelin proteolipid protein. Other viral constructs coding for other CNS proteins need to be characterized. This project involves definition of how these viral constructs can modulate immune responses and whether infection leads to autoimmune disease.
Virus Infection and Epilepsy. We have created a new infectious agent model for temporal lobe epilepsy. In our previous studies, SJL/J mice infected with Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) develop a persistent viral infection with an inflammatory demyelinating pathology in the CNS. In recent studies, C57BL/6 mice infected with TMEV develop acute seizures that resolve and later have spontaneous seizures. TMEV in C57BL/6 mice targets the hippocampus. The ensuing acute innate inflammatory response contributes to the acute seizures. We are investigating the contributions of the innate immune response to the acquisition of seizures.
Immunologic basis for autism. We are investigating the etiology and pathogenesis of autism. This developmental disease is acknowledged as a syndrome having a broad range of symptoms. It appears that genetics play a major role in the development of this disease, but environmental factors may also contribute to the disease. We are investigating immune responses to microbes and central nervous system components in autistic patients.
Photomicrograph of Theiler's virus-infected cell. Note the crystalline array of the viral particles in the cytoplasm of the cell. Virus causes a persistent infection of the central nervous system.
References
1. Libbey JE, Kennett NJ, Wilcox KS, White HS, Fujinami RS (2011) Interleukin-6, produced by resident cells of the central nervous system and infiltrating cells, contributes to the development of seizures following viral infection. J Virol, accepted 4-26-11
2. Libbey JE, Fujinami RS (2011) Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis as a testing paradigm for adjuvants and vaccines. Vaccine 29(17):3356-3362
3. Stewart KA-A, Wilcox KS, Fujinami RS, White HS (2010) Development of postinfection epilepsy following Theiler’s virus infection of C57BL/6 mice. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 69(12):1210-9
4. Kemball C, Fujinami RS, Whitton JL (2010) Adaptive immune responses. In The Picornaviruses E Erhenfeld, E Domingo, R Roos (Eds.), ASM Press, Washington, D.C., 303-19
5. Stewart K-AA, Wilcox KS, Fujinami RS, White HS (2010) Theiler’s virus infection chronically alters seizure susceptibility. Epilepsia 51(8):1418-28
6. Libbey JE, Fujinami RS (2010) Potential triggers of MS. [In: R Martin and A Lutterotti (Eds.), Molecular Basis of Multiple Sclerosis. The Immune System, Springer, New York, Berlin & Heidelberg, 2009] Results Probl Cell Differ 51:21-42
7. Tsunoda I, Fujinami RS (2010) Neuropathogenesis of Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus infection, an animal model for multiple sclerosis. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 5(3):355-69
8. Libbey JE, Fujinami RS (2010) Role for antibodies in altering behavior and movement. Autism Res 3:1-6, PMID: 20589715
9. Libbey JE, Kirkman NJ, Wilcox KS, White HS, Fujinami RS (2010) Role for complement in the development of seizures following acute viral infection. J Virol 84(13):6452-60 [JVI Spotlight, Brain complement activation during viral encephalitis. J Virol 84(13):6268]
Updated 6/2/2011
