Arbovirus Infections and Epigenetic Mechanisms; a Potential Therapeutic Target.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Virology
• Epigenetics

Background:

• Arboviruses are significant public health threats, causing a spectrum of illnesses from mild to severe.
• Neurotropic arboviruses specifically target the nervous system, potentially leading to neurological disorders.
• Epigenetic mechanisms are crucial for normal brain function, including neurogenesis, plasticity, memory, and cognition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the complex interactions between arboviruses and epigenetic mechanisms in the context of neurotropic infections.
• To highlight the role of epigenetic deregulation in arboviral-induced neurological diseases.
• To explore novel therapeutic strategies targeting virus-induced epigenetic alterations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on studies investigating arboviral interactions with host epigenetic machinery.
• Analysis of research on epigenetic modifications (e.g., DNA methylation, histone modification, non-coding RNAs) in neurotropic arboviral infections.
• Synthesis of findings to elucidate the interplay between arboviral neurotropism and epigenetic regulation.

Main Results:

• Arboviruses can manipulate host epigenetic processes to facilitate their replication and pathogenesis.
• Epigenetic alterations induced by arboviruses contribute to the development of neurological complications.
• Specific epigenetic pathways, such as microRNA (miRNA) regulation, are implicated in arboviral neuroinflammation and disease severity.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the reciprocal interplay between arboviruses and host epigenetics is essential for controlling neurotropic arboviral infections.
• Targeting virus-mediated epigenetic changes offers a promising avenue for developing novel antiviral therapies.
• Interventions aimed at modulating epigenetic modifications could mitigate neuroinflammation and reduce disease severity in arboviral neurological disorders.