BDV Activators

Borna Disease Virus (BDV) is a unique entity that exploits a wide range of host cellular processes for its lifecycle. The activators or modulators of BDV, as a result, are chemicals that can alter these specific pathways, creating an environment conducive to BDV replication or spread. For instance, endocytic trafficking is a primary mode of BDV entry into neurons, and chemicals such as chlorpromazine play a pivotal role in this process. Not just the entry, but the uncoating of BDV is also a critical step, wherein the acidic pH maintained by vacuolar-type H+-ATPases becomes indispensable. Therefore, compounds like Bafilomycin A1, which influence endosomal pH, become integral to the viral lifecycle.

Host machinery is paramount for BDV. Chemicals like progesterone, which upregulate host kinase DYRK1A, or leptomycin B, which alters nuclear export, showcase how intricately BDV's lifecycle is intertwined with host processes. BDV's interaction with the host isn't just at the cellular level, but extends to the genetic domain as well. Histone deacetylase inhibitors like valproic acid, by altering the chromatin structure, lay the foundation for BDV genome integration into host DNA. Similarly, tunicamycin's influence on glycosylation affects the functionality of BDV's surface glycoprotein. Moreover, BDV's adaptability is evident in its capability to exploit various entry pathways, including macropinocytosis, modulated by compounds like amiloride. This diversity in BDV's interaction with the host underscores its ability to utilize a vast array of cellular pathways, and the chemicals that modulate these pathways in turn become the activators or modulators of BDV. These compounds, by targeting specific host processes, have the capability to create cellular conditions that are either conducive or restrictive for BDV replication, emphasizing the interconnectedness between BDV and its host.