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Zika Virus Infectious Cell Culture System and the In Vitro Prophylactic Effect of Interferons
Published on: August 23, 2016
Analysis of Cytokine mRNA Expression During Zika Virus Infection In Mesocricetus auratus
Wailla Rafaela Barroso Mendes1, Karla Fabiane Lopes de Melo1, Francisco Canindé Ferreira de Luna2
1Department of Pathology, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Brazil.
Background:
The Orthoflavivirus zikaense (ZIKV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, has been associated with severe neurological issues, particularly microcephaly, due to its ability to infect neural progenitor cells. This study investigates the mRNA expression of cytokines involved in the inflammatory response during ZIKV infection in Mesocricetus auratus. The research aims to understand the immune response to ZIKV in the context of sexual transmission.
Methods:
The study utilized hamsters of the species Mesocricetus auratus, divided into four groups: three infected with ZIKV and one control group. The animals were euthanized according to ethical guidelines, and renal tissues were collected. Total RNA was extracted and quantified, and both viral load and cytokine mRNA levels were measured using RT-qPCR. The study targeted cytokines such as TNF-A, RIG-I, RANTES, MDA5, IFN-A, and IFN-B. Statistical analysis was performed using Jamovi v 1.6.
Results:
The study found that the viral load peaked between 3 and 5 days postinfection and then significantly decreased. The expression of cytokine mRNAs showed distinct patterns, with peaks and declines at various time points post-infection. These patterns differed between male and female subgroups. Pearson correlation analysis revealed negative correlations between mRNA expression and days post-infection in most groups.
Conclusion:
The study concludes that ZIKV infection in hamsters induces a robust inflammatory response in the kidneys, with dynamic cytokine expression profiles that could serve as markers for monitoring infection and related pathologies. Genderspecific immune responses highlight the complexity of ZIKV pathogenesis, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for Zika-related complications.
Insights
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in hamsters triggers a significant inflammatory response in the kidneys, with distinct cytokine mRNA expression patterns differing by gender. These findings offer insights into ZIKV pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Orthoflavivirus zikaense (ZIKV) is linked to severe neurological issues, including microcephaly, due to neural progenitor cell infection.
- This study examines the inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression during ZIKV infection in Mesocricetus auratus (hamsters).
- The research investigates the immune response to ZIKV, considering its potential for sexual transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines in response to ZIKV infection in hamsters.
- To understand the immune response dynamics and potential gender-specific differences in ZIKV pathogenesis.
- To identify potential markers for monitoring ZIKV infection and associated pathologies.
Main Methods:
- Mesocricetus auratus hamsters were divided into ZIKV-infected and control groups.
- Renal tissues were collected, and total RNA was extracted for quantification.
- Viral load and cytokine mRNA levels (TNF-A, RIG-I, RANTES, MDA5, IFN-A, IFN-B) were measured using RT-qPCR.
Main Results:
- ZIKV viral load peaked between 3-5 days post-infection and subsequently decreased.
- Cytokine mRNA expression exhibited dynamic patterns with peaks and declines at various time points.
- Distinct expression patterns were observed between male and female hamsters, with negative correlations between mRNA expression and days post-infection.
Conclusions:
- ZIKV infection induces a robust renal inflammatory response in hamsters, characterized by dynamic cytokine profiles.
- Gender-specific immune responses suggest complexity in ZIKV pathogenesis.
- Cytokine expression patterns may serve as biomarkers for monitoring ZIKV infection and related complications, highlighting potential therapeutic targets.
