Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026
A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
Published on: April 28, 2019
Macrophage and dengue virus: friend or foe?
U C Chaturvedi1, Rachna Nagar, Richa Shrivastava
1Department of Microbiology, K.G. Medical University, Lucknow, India. ucc05@rediffmail.com
Abstract:
The cells of monocyte-macrophage (Mphi) lineage play important roles both in innate and adaptive immune responses. They are the first line of defence in body and their job is to phagocytose a foreign invader, the pathogen, digest it and remove it. Mphi help body in mounting the antigenspecific immune response by presenting the digested pathogen antigen in conjunction with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules to recruit B and T lymphocytes response. Usually Mphi succeed in their job of eliminating most pathogens from the body but sometimes the pathogen strikes a "friendship" with them and starts using them for its benefit. A number of pathogens, including dengue virus (DV), subvert Mphi and use them for their replication, increasing the severity of damage to the body. This duality may be related to the fact that Mphi serve as efficient host cell for DV replication, in addition to being responsible for innate immunity and for initiating adaptive immune responses. This review gives a brief overview of the various roles of Mphi (enmity and friendship) during dengue virus infection.
Insights
Monocyte-macrophages (Mphi) are crucial immune cells that typically eliminate pathogens. However, some viruses like dengue virus (DV) exploit Mphi for replication, worsening disease severity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Monocyte-macrophages (Mphi) are key immune cells involved in both innate and adaptive immunity.
- Mphi phagocytose pathogens and present antigens to lymphocytes, initiating immune responses.
- Certain pathogens, like dengue virus (DV), can subvert Mphi functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the dual role of Mphi during dengue virus infection.
- To explore how Mphi act as both defenders and hosts for DV.
- To understand the complex interactions between Mphi and DV.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Mphi functions in immunity.
- Analysis of Mphi-pathogen interactions, focusing on DV.
- Synthesis of information on Mphi's role in innate and adaptive immunity during DV infection.
Main Results:
- Mphi are essential for clearing pathogens but can be exploited by DV.
- DV replicates efficiently within Mphi, contributing to disease severity.
- Mphi's dual role (enmity vs. friendship) influences dengue pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Mphi exhibit a complex relationship with dengue virus, acting as both immune effectors and replication hosts.
- Understanding this duality is critical for comprehending dengue virus pathogenesis.
- Further research into Mphi-DV interactions may reveal therapeutic targets.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
01:29Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
01:28Cells of the Innate Immune Response
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
01:40Cell-mediated Immune Responses
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
01:18Yellow Fever