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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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Losartan and enalapril decrease viral absorption and interleukin 1 beta production by macrophages in an experimental
Juan Pablo Hernández-Fonseca1, Anyelo Durán1, Nereida Valero1
1Instituto de Investigaciones Clínicas "Dr. Américo Negrette", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Zulia, Apartado Postal 23, Maracaibo, 4001-A, Zulia, Venezuela.
Archives of Virology
|September 1, 2015
Summary
Angiotensin II (Ang II) plays a role in dengue virus type 2 infection. Blocking Ang II with losartan or enalapril reduced viral antigen expression and IL-1β production in infected macrophages.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
Background:
- The role of angiotensin II (Ang II) in viral infections, specifically dengue, is not well understood.
- Ang II is a key component of the renin-angiotensin system, influencing blood pressure and inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of Ang II modulation on dengue virus type 2 infection.
- To assess the impact of losartan (AT1 receptor antagonist) and enalapril (ACE inhibitor) on viral antigen expression and IL-1β production.
Main Methods:
- Mice were treated with losartan or enalapril, or left untreated (control).
- Animals were infected intraperitoneally with dengue virus type 2.
- Peritoneal macrophages were isolated and analyzed for viral antigen expression and IL-1β levels.
Main Results:
- Dengue virus type 2 infection led to increased IL-1β production and high viral antigen expression in macrophages.
- Treatment with losartan or enalapril significantly decreased both IL-1β production and viral antigen expression.
- These findings suggest Ang II signaling pathways are involved in dengue pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Angiotensin II appears to play a significant role in enhancing dengue virus type 2 replication and associated inflammation.
- Targeting the renin-angiotensin system with drugs like losartan or enalapril may offer a therapeutic strategy for dengue infection.
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