Canine distemper virus regulates calcium-calmodulin -dependent protein kinase II phosphorylation in neuronal cultures

Mamani R.A.M.; Huanacuni L.Q.; Cotrado J.I.F.; Flores D.G.E.; Cuba L.F.D.; Chambilla V.F.Q.; Mejía T.A.G. · Revista de Investigaciones Veterinarias del Peru (2025) · DOI: 10.15381/rivep.v36i1.27951

Resumen

In vitro neuronal cell cultures, as biological systems, provide valuable molecular material for understanding and visualizing protein and biochemical interactions of the various signalling pathways in the CNS and the neurotropism of various pathogens such as viruses. In addition, Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) is transmitted among susceptible domestic canines and is recognized as a pathogen that affects the CNS of multiple hosts. The present investigation aimed to determine the effect of CDV in promoting the regulation of phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic protein CaMKII in neuronal cell cultures from embryonic hen retina. Cell viability and cytotoxicity of incubated neuronal cells and CDV 104 homogenates for 48 h were evaluated through the MTT assay, phase contrast microscopy and nuclear labelling by DAPI. The phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic protein CaMKII was determined in E8C2 retinal neuronal cultures by western blot and immunofluorescence techniques. The results obtained indicate that CDV with 104 in 48 h induces an apoptotic type excitotoxic neuronal cytotoxicity, glial inflammatory reaction, as well as the cytoplasmic phosphorylation of CamKIIThr286. It is concluded that CDV with TCID50 104 uses a regulatory mechanism through the phosphorylation of CaMKII (P-CamKIIThr286) at the glial/neuronal level in the induction of apoptotic neuronal death. © Los autores.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Jorge Basadre Grohmann; Universidad de Ciencias y Humanidades