$25,000 awarded to Art Marzok, a PhD student in Dr. Matthew Miller’s lab at McMaster University.
Both genetic and environmental factors are believed to influence the onset and progression of ALS, accounting for some of the differences we see in people living with the disease. Viral infections represent one potential environmental risk factor. For example, emerging evidence suggests that endogenous retroviruses like HERV-K, remnants of viral DNA passed down from our ancestors’ past infections, may promote inflammation and motor neuron degeneration in a subset of ALS cases. However, very little is known about the role acute viral infections may play in contributing to the onset of ALS, which are sudden and rapid infections, such as those caused by influenza and coronaviruses.
With this award, Art will investigate whether acute viral infections contribute to the onset or accelerate the progression of ALS symptoms. This work builds upon his previous studies, which showed that mice carrying an ALS-associated mutation (SOD1) and previously exposed to influenza A had an accelerated disease course compared to their uninfected counterparts. Even mice exposed to inactivated virus displayed the same accelerated symptoms, suggesting that the immune response triggered by the infection played a critical role in worsening the disease.
In this study, Art will continue his investigations in mice, seeking to unravel the mechanisms through which viral infections influence ALS. He will also broaden the scope of his research to include SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, to explore its impact on ALS progression. This project will provide novel insights into the role of acute viral infections in ALS, which could pave the way for future therapeutic and preventive strategies.