Lactate dehydrogenase elevating virus

Lactate Dehydrogenase Elevating Virus (LDV) is a virus belonging to the family Arteriviridae, which is known to infect mice and causes elevation of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, a marker often associated with tissue damage. LDV is of significant interest in the study of virology, immunology, and the pathogenesis of viral infections due to its unique characteristics and effects on the host.

Overview

LDV is a single-stranded RNA virus that primarily targets macrophages and monocytes in the host. The infection is characterized by a persistent, non-cytolytic infection of these cells, leading to the continuous release of the virus into the bloodstream. Despite the persistent infection, LDV-infected mice do not show overt signs of illness, making it a unique model for studying chronic viral infections and the immune response.

Pathogenesis

The elevation of serum lactate dehydrogenase occurs due to the immune response against the virus, rather than direct cytolytic effects of the virus on the host cells. LDV infection leads to the activation of natural killer cells and specific T lymphocytes, which play a crucial role in controlling the infection. The interaction between the virus and the host's immune system is complex and involves various immune evasion strategies by the virus, including the suppression of interferon responses and modulation of antigen presentation.

Clinical Significance

While LDV is not a human pathogen, the study of LDV infection in mice has provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of viral persistence, immune evasion, and the role of immune responses in tissue damage. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for the development of treatments and vaccines for persistent viral infections in humans.

Research Applications

LDV has been used as a model to study the effects of chronic viral infections on the immune system, including the development of immune-mediated diseases, the impact of viral infections on autoimmune diseases, and the role of persistent infections in the development of cancer. Additionally, LDV infection models have been instrumental in studying the efficacy of antiviral drugs and the immune response to viral infections.

See Also

• Virology
• Immunology
• RNA virus
• Arteriviridae
• Macrophage
• Monocyte
• Natural killer cell
• T lymphocyte