IMMUNOPATHOGENESIS OF VIRUS DISEASES AFFECTING THE CENTRAL-NERVOUS-SYSTEM

A variety of viruses can cause diseases of the central nervous system by two different mechanisms. Cytolytic viruses exert direct effects on cells of the nervous system that result in death and cell loss. Noncy tolytic viruses do not directly damage cells, bur might harm cell func tions in the long run However, more common is the reaction of the immu ne system towards viral antigens of those noncytolytic viruses which u ltimately might lead to an immunopathological disease. Several peculia rities of the central nervous system with regard to an immune reaction within this organ are discussed in the context of viral infections.