Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40390121›Full record

ArticleActa neuropathologica communications2025

Histomorphological variations in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy correlated with JCV replication in brain lesions: insights from 91 patients.

Kenta Takahashi, Yuko Sato, Hideki Hasegawa, Harutaka Katano, Tadaki Suzuki

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Acta neuropathologica communications, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Kenta TakahashiDepartment of Infectious Disease Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan Institute for Health Security, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan.
Yuko SatoDepartment of Infectious Disease Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan Institute for Health Security, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan.
Hideki HasegawaDepartment of Infectious Disease Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan Institute for Health Security, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan.
Harutaka KatanoDepartment of Infectious Disease Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan Institute for Health Security, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan. katano@niid.go.jp.ORCID 0000-0002-5332-4434
Tadaki SuzukiDepartment of Infectious Disease Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan Institute for Health Security, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan. tksuzuki@niid.go.jp.ORCID 0000-0002-3820-9542

Funding

Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development JP24fk0108637Japan Society for the Promotion of Science 22K07109Japan Society for the Promotion of Science 23K27422Japan Society for the Promotion of Science JP26860270, 18K15174 and 22K07361Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare of Japan H26-Nanchitou-Ippan-028, H29-Nanchitou-Ippan-036, 20FC1054 and 23FC1007
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a demyelinating disease caused by JC polyomavirus (JCV). The histopathology of PML is morphologically diverse and characterized by the classical triad of demyelination, enlarged oligodendroglial nuclei, and bizarre astrocytes. Pathological diagnostic criteria for PML require both the classical triad and viral detection in brain tissue. However, the frequency of this triad in surgical pathology specimens and its correlation with disease progression and viral loads remain unclear. In this study, 117 brain tissues from 91 pathologically confirmed PML patients were investigated. PML histopathology was found to be spatially and temporally pleomorphic, and not all brain tissues exhibited the complete classical triad. The sensitivity of quantitative PCR for detecting JCV in brain tissues was 100%, whereas that of immunohistochemistry (IHC) was 83.5-87.8%. Viral loads in biopsy samples were significantly higher than those in autopsy samples and decreased over time after disease onset. To systematically characterize PML lesions from the outer border to the demyelinated center, we developed a histological classification based on the classical triad and macrophage infiltration. This classification correlated with viral loads, with subtypes characterized by abundant enlarged oligodendroglial nuclei at the demyelination border exhibiting the highest levels of JCV DNA. Pathological variability was influenced by spatial and temporal factors rather than by underlying diseases, although PML associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome exhibited more severe demyelination. In conclusion, histomorphological variability in PML reflects viral replication activity, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive pathological evaluation. Combining histomorphology, tissue-based PCR for viral DNA detection, and IHC for viral antigens is crucial for assessing disease progression. Early brain biopsy from the demyelination border offers the best opportunity for a definitive diagnosis of PML and may guide therapy targeting active lesions.

Indexed as

BrainJC VirusLeukoencephalopathy, Progressive MultifocalVirus ReplicationAdultAgedAged, 80 and overDisease ProgressionDNA, ViralFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedViral LoadYoung AdultDNA, ViralBrain biopsyHistopathologyImmunohistochemistryJC polyomavirusProgressive multifocal leukoencephalopathyTissue-based PCR

Identifiers

PMID40390121
PMCPMC12087142

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