Dengue virus serotype 2 blocks extracellular signal-regulated kinase and nuclear factor-κB activation to downregulate cytokine production.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Dengue virus (DENV) infection is the most common mosquito-borne viral disease threatening human health around the world. Type I interferon (IFN) and cytokine production are crucial in the innate immune system. We previously reported that DENV serotype 2 (DENV-2) induced low levels of interferon regulatory factor 3 and NF-κB activation, thus leading to reduced production of IFN-β in the early phase of infection. Here, we determined whether DENV infection not only hampers type I IFN activation but also cytokine production triggered by Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling.

Methodology/principal findings

We used quantitative RT-PCR and found that only low levels of IFN-β and inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 10 (IL-10), IL-12 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)

SUBMITTER: Chang TH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3425550 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature