Arboviruses and Osteogenesis-Associated Signalling Pathways: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Musculoskeletal...

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) like Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), Zika virus (ZIKV), and Dengue virus (DENV) pose global health risks.
• Many arboviral infections lead to chronic musculoskeletal issues, including joint and bone pain.
• These complications may arise from viral interference with skeletal homeostasis, specifically osteogenesis and bone remodeling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the interaction between arboviruses and osteogenesis-associated signaling pathways.
• To explore the link between arbovirus-induced pathway disruption and musculoskeletal diseases.
• To propose novel therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways for skeletal sequelae.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current research on arboviruses and bone biology.
• Analysis of key signaling pathways involved in osteogenesis (Wnt/β-catenin, BMP, Notch, RANKL).
• Exploration of viral mechanisms and host inflammatory responses impacting skeletal health.

Main Results:

• Arboviruses may directly or indirectly interfere with cellular processes governing skeletal homeostasis.
• Key osteogenesis signaling pathways are potential targets for viral manipulation.
• Dysregulation of these pathways by viruses or host response contributes to musculoskeletal pathology.

Conclusions:

• Understanding arbovirus interactions with osteogenesis pathways is crucial for addressing long-term skeletal complications.
• Targeting these specific pathways presents a promising therapeutic avenue.
• This approach could mitigate debilitating bone and joint issues following arbovirus infections.