Virus Exposure Triggers Parkinson's-Like Brain Damage in Mice, Study Finds

A Texas A&M study used Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) in mice to model Parkinson's-like neurodegeneration. The virus infected dopamine-producing neurons and caused motor deficits that persisted after the virus was cleared, suggesting viruses could contribute to Parkinson's risk alongside genetic or environmental factors. This new viral model offers a tool to study disease progression and etiology, complementing genetic or toxin-based models, though TMEV itself does not infect humans.