Quiescence Enhances Survival during Viral Infection inCaenorhabditis elegans

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1700-22.2024
• Publication Date: 2024-07-26T17:50:36Z
• Authors: Michael J. Iannacone; Paul Um; Jeremy I. Grubbs; Alexander M. van ...; David M. Raizen
• Keywords: Viral infection

Infection causes reduced activity, anorexia, and sleep, which are components of the phylogenetically conserved but poorly understood sickness behavior. We developed a Caenorhabditis elegans model to study quiescence during chronic infection, using infection with Orsay virus. The virus infects intestinal cells yet strongly affects behavior, indicating gut-to-nervous system communication. has sleep properties responsiveness rapid reversibility. Both ALA RIS neurons regulate virus-induced though plays more prominent role. Quiescence-defective animals have decreased survival when infected, benefit infectious disease. is not explained by difference in viral load, that it improves resilience rather than resistance infection. associated decrease ATP levels, this severe quiescence-defective animals. propose preserves energetic resources reducing energy expenditures and/or increasing extraction from nutrients. This presents an opportunity explore role fatigue illness.