Figure 1.

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection of highly pure human neurons does not produce a cytopathic effect (CPE). Phase-contrast microscopy of terminally differentiated neurons maintained in tissue culture for up to 21 days showed healthy-appearing neurons on day 0 (a) and day 14 in culture (b) as well as 14 days after VZV infection (c). Immunofluorescence staining (d–f) with anti-βIII-tubulin antibody revealed positive staining for the neuronal marker (red). Nuclei stained blue with DAPI. Copied and modified with permission from J. Neurovirol [33].