Enterovirus-A71 preferentially infects and replicates in human motor neurons, inducing neurodegeneration by ferroptosis.

ABSTRACT: Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) causes Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease and has been clinically associated with neurological complications. However, there is a lack of relevant models to elucidate the neuropathology of EV-A71 and its mechanism, as the current models mainly utilize animal models or immortalized cell lines. In this study, we established a human motor neuron model for EV-A71 infection. Single cell transcriptomics of a mixed neuronal population reveal higher viral RNA load in motor neurons, suggesting higher infectivity and replication of EV-A71 in motor neurons. The elevated RNA load in motor neurons correlates with the downregulation of ferritin-encoding genes. Subsequent analysis confirms that neurons infected with EV-A71 undergo ferroptosis, as evidenced by increased levels of labil

SUBMITTER: Chooi WH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11285248 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature