Immune response in Dobrava-Belgrade virus infections

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Dobrava-Belgrade virus (DOBV) causes hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).
• Hantaviral infections are characterized by increased vascular permeability and thrombocytopenia.
• Understanding the immune response is crucial for managing DOBV infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the serum cytokine profiles in hospitalized Greek HFRS patients.
• To correlate cytokine levels with disease severity and clinical outcomes.
• To elucidate the dynamics of the immune response during DOBV infection.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples from 24 hospitalized Greek HFRS patients were analyzed.
• Levels of 27 cytokines were measured.
• Cytokine levels were compared between severe, non-severe, and fatal cases, as well as controls.

Main Results:

• Severe cases showed significantly higher levels of IL-1ra, IL-6, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, GM-CSF, IP-10, MIP-1b, TNF-α, and VEGF compared to controls.
• Non-severe cases had significantly higher IL-13 and TNF-α levels.
• IP-10 was elevated, and RANTES decreased across all groups. VEGF correlated positively with disease severity. A strong, early immune response was observed in severe cases, while non-severe cases had a weaker, delayed response.

Conclusions:

• Distinct cytokine profiles are associated with DOBV infection severity.
• VEGF is a potential marker for disease severity.
• The timing and strength of the immune response, including Th1/Th2 balance, differ significantly among fatal, severe, and non-severe HFRS cases.