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Human immune responses to dengue viruses
I Kurane1, B L Innis, S Nimmannitya
1Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester 01655.
The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Natural killer (NK) cells and interferon alpha (IFN α) may control primary dengue virus infections. T lymphocytes also play a role in immune responses to dengue, aiding recovery and understanding disease pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Dengue fever (DF) and severe dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF)/dengue shock syndrome (DSS) pose significant global health challenges.
- Understanding human immune responses is crucial for elucidating dengue virus infection recovery and DHF/DSS pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze human immune responses to dengue viruses.
- To investigate the mechanisms of recovery from dengue infection and the pathogenesis of DHF/DSS.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of natural killer (NK) cell activity against dengue virus-infected cells.
- Assessment of interferon alpha (IFN α) production by monocytes and lymphocytes.
- Characterization of dengue virus-specific T lymphocyte populations (CD4+CD8- and CD4-CD8+) and their functions.
Main Results:
- Human NK cells exhibit enhanced lysis of dengue virus-infected cells, augmented by antibodies.
- Dengue virus-infected monocytes and DR+ lymphocytes produce IFN α, which protects uninfected monocytes.
- Dengue virus-specific CD4+CD8- T lymphocytes and CD4-CD8+ T lymphocytes are present, exhibiting cross-reactivity and specific cytotoxic functions.
Conclusions:
- NK cells and IFN α likely play a key role in controlling primary dengue virus infections.
- T lymphocytes, including cross-reactive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, are involved in dengue virus-specific immune responses.
- Further research into these immune mechanisms can inform strategies for managing dengue and DHF/DSS.