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A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
Published on: April 28, 2019
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Galectin-1 exerts inhibitory effects during DENV-1 infection
Karina Alves Toledo1, Marise Lopes Fermino2, Camillo Del Cistia Andrade2
1Department of Biological Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP (FCL-Assis), Assis, Brazil.
Plos One
|November 14, 2014
Summary
Galectin-1 (Gal-1) inhibits dengue virus type 1 (DENV-1) replication by preventing viral entry into cells. This finding suggests galectin-1 as a potential antiviral therapy for dengue infection.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Dengue virus (DENV) causes significant global health issues with no current vaccines or treatments.
- Galectin-1 (Gal-1) is a mammalian lectin involved in cell-pathogen interactions and immune regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of galectin-1 in dengue virus type 1 (DENV-1) infection.
- To explore galectin-1 as a potential antiviral compound against DENV-1.
Main Methods:
- Assessed DENV-1 infection in human cell lines with varying Gal-1 expression.
- Administered exogenous human recombinant Gal-1 (hrGal-1) to infected cells.
- Utilized galectin-1-deficient mice to evaluate in vivo effects.
- Investigated viral adsorption and internalization mechanisms.
Main Results:
- DENV-1 infection decreased endogenous Gal-1 expression in cells.
- Exogenous hrGal-1 inhibited DENV-1 production in a dose-dependent manner, requiring dimerization and the carbohydrate recognition domain.
- hrGal-1 directly bound DENV and inhibited viral adsorption and internalization.
- Endogenous Gal-1 expression conferred resistance to DENV-1 infection in macrophages and influenced host susceptibility in mice.
Conclusions:
- Galectin-1 plays a crucial role in cellular resistance to DENV-1 infection.
- Galectin-1 inhibits DENV-1 by interfering with early infection stages, including viral entry.
- Galectin-1 represents a promising therapeutic target for developing novel antiviral strategies against dengue.
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