Emerging Controversies and Advances in Neurovirology

A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Human Virology and Viral Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2026 | Viewed by 84

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Neurovirology is rapidly evolving, driven by novel discoveries and complex new challenges. Persistent viral infections are increasingly recognized for their potential roles in chronic neurological disorders, yet causal relationships and mechanisms remain active areas of debate. Recent events, such as the neurological sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, have further highlighted the intricate interplay between viral pathogens and the nervous system, sparking urgent questions about viral invasion, immune responses, and long-term outcomes.

Innovative therapeutic strategies, including the use of oncolytic viruses for brain tumors, and novel research models such as neural organoids, are pushing the boundaries of the field, while simultaneously raising important ethical, safety, and regulatory concerns. In parallel, expanding knowledge about viral latency, neuroimmune interactions, and zoonotic threats underscores the need for interdisciplinary approaches and new frameworks for understanding virus–host dynamics within the central nervous system.

This Special Issue seeks to showcase cutting-edge research, comprehensive reviews, and thought-provoking perspectives that explore both established and emerging themes in neurovirology. Contributions addressing basic mechanisms, clinical implications, novel methodologies, therapeutic innovations, or ethical considerations are all welcome. By gathering a broad spectrum of insights, we aim to foster dialogue, inspire innovation, and highlight the pivotal role of viruses in shaping nervous system health and disease.

Dr. Karolina Akinosoglou
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • neurovirology
  • viral encephalitis
  • persistent viral infection
  • neuroinflammation
  • viral latency
  • oncolytic viruses
  • brain tumors
  • neurodegeneration
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • long COVID
  • zoonotic viruses
  • neural organoids
  • microglia activation
  • virus–host interactions
  • viral neuropathogenesis
  • central nervous system infections
  • herpesviruses
  • immune-mediated neurodegeneration
  • viral reactivation
  • ethical issues in neurovirology

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

14 pages, 589 KiB  
Article
Adoptive JC Virus-Specific T Lymphocytes for the Treatment of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy: Experience from Two Italian Centers
by Maria Magdalena Pocora, Paola Bini, Giulia Berzero, Elisa Vegezzi, Luca Diamanti, Matteo Gastaldi, Paola Cinque, Gaia Catalano, Matteo Paoletti, Anna Pichiecchio, Fulvio Tartara, Sabrina Basso, Fausto Baldanti, Milena Furione, Patrizia Comoli and Enrico Marchioni
Viruses 2025, 17(7), 934; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17070934 - 30 Jun 2025
Abstract
Background: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare but fatal disease caused by John Cunningham virus (JCV) in immunocompromised individuals, with no effective antiviral treatment currently available. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of adoptive JCV-specific T lymphocyte therapy in patients with [...] Read more.
Background: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare but fatal disease caused by John Cunningham virus (JCV) in immunocompromised individuals, with no effective antiviral treatment currently available. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of adoptive JCV-specific T lymphocyte therapy in patients with PML. Methods: Nineteen patients meeting the 2013 consensus criteria for “definite PML” were included, and JCV-specific T lymphocytes expanded from autologous or allogeneic peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using JCV antigen-derived peptides were administered. Clinical outcomes were monitored through neuroimaging and biological markers. Results: The mean age at diagnosis was 56.5 years, with a mean time to treatment of three months. Patients received a median of two infusions. At 12 months, six patients (31.6%) survived, while 13 (68.4%) had died, primarily due to PML progression. Survivors had a higher median baseline Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) score (50% vs. 30%, p = 0.41) and a significantly shorter diagnosis delay. MRI assessment showed a reduced disease burden in survivors, and JCV-DNA copy numbers decreased overall. One case of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) was observed. Conclusions: Adoptive JCV-specific T lymphocytes may represent a safe therapeutic option for PML patients, and the MRI burden and JCV-DNA copy may serve as biomarkers for disease monitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Controversies and Advances in Neurovirology)
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