Research advances understanding of tick-borne Powassan virus
Tick populations are expanding across the U.S., driving an increase in tick-borne diseases. Among them is Powassan virus, a rare but increasingly reported infection that can cause severe brain inflammation and lasting neurological complications.
A study published in Viruses has revealed changes in brain microRNAs during infection with the Powassan virus. Researchers noted that these microRNAs, which regulate cellular function, were disrupted throughout the course of the virus. This disruption is linked to pathways associated with inflammation, cell death, immune regulation, and tissue repair, shedding new light on the molecular mechanisms behind neurological damage.
Led by doctoral student Amany Elsharkawy, the research aims to identify biomarkers of disease progression and potential therapeutic targets. In another study, researchers developed a detailed animal model for Powassan virus infection, mimicking key neurological features seen in humans. Their findings show how the virus breaches the blood-brain barrier, triggers widespread neuroinflammation, damages neurons, and persists in the brain post-infection.
The model also highlights long-term neurological changes, offering vital insights into how Powassan virus leads to long-term disease. Scientists believe understanding these processes could pave the way for new antiviral treatments. In a separate study published in Frontiers in Microbiology, researchers discovered that a crucial part of the immune system, type I interferon, plays a pivotal role in controlling Powassan virus infection.
When this antiviral pathway is impaired, the virus spreads more rapidly and causes excessive inflammation. This discovery could guide the development of future therapies aimed at bolstering the immune system's response to the virus. Together, these studies provide a clearer picture of Powassan virus's progression, its interaction with the immune system, and its impact on the brain.
This understanding is crucial as tick populations expand and cases rise, particularly in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions of the U.S. The more scientists learn about this virus now, the better prepared they'll be to address emerging infectious diseases in the future.
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