PPAR Gamma and Viral Infections of the Brain

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor gamma (PPAR gamma) is a master regulator of metabolism, adipogenesis, inflammation and cell cycle, and it has been extensively studied in the brain in relation to inflammation or neurodegeneration. Little is known however about its role in viral infections of the brain parenchyma, although they represent the most frequent cause of encephalitis and are a major threat for the developing brain. Specific to viral infections is the ability to subvert signaling pathways of the host cell to ensure virus replication and spreading, as deleterious as the consequences may be for the host. In this respect, the pleiotropic role of PPAR gamma makes it a critical target of infection. This review aims to provide an update on the role of PPAR gamma in viral infections of the brain. Recent studies have highlighted the involvement of PPAR gamma in brain or neural cells infected by immunodeficiency virus 1, Zika virus, or human cytomegalovirus. They have provided a better understanding on PPAR gamma functions in the infected brain, and revealed that it can be a double-edged sword with respect to inflammation, viral replication, or neuronogenesis. They unraveled new roles of PPAR gamma in health and disease and could possibly help designing new therapeutic strategies.

Automated summary

PPARγ plays a crucial role in viral infections of the brain, influencing inflammation, viral replication, and neuronogenesis. It may serve as a key target for designing new therapeutic strategies.