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Is asthma a protective factor for dengue fever? In vitro experiment and nationwide population-based cohort analysis
Hong-Ren Yu1, Jui-Hsiu Tsai2, Chun-Hung Richard Lin3
1Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital - Kaohsiung Medical Centre, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Summary
Asthma patients show a significantly reduced risk of Dengue fever (DF). House dust mites in asthma may decrease Dengue virus entry by reducing DC-SIGN expression on dendritic cells.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Dengue fever (DF) is a rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease with no specific vaccines or therapeutics.
- Environmental and genetic factors influence susceptibility to Dengue virus (DV) infection.
- Asthma, an allergic disease often triggered by house dust mites (HDMs), is linked to increased susceptibility to microbial infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether asthma is a risk factor for Dengue fever (DF).
Main Methods:
- A nationwide population-based cohort analysis was conducted.
- Statistical analysis, including hazard ratios (HR) and confidence intervals (CI), was used.
- In vitro experiments assessed the effect of HDM on dendritic cell (DC) function.
Main Results:
- Asthma patients exhibited a significantly decreased risk of DF (HR=0.166).
- The protective effect was more pronounced in young adults with asthma (HR=0.063).
- House dust mites (HDMs) were found to reduce the surface expression of dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3-grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN) on DCs, inhibiting DV cellular entry.
Conclusions:
- Reduced DC-SIGN expression in allergic asthmatic patients may contribute to their protection against Dengue fever.
- Modulating DC-SIGN presents a potential therapeutic target for DF prevention and treatment.
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