Autor(es): Lum Fok-Moon, Teo Teck-Hui, Lee Wendy W L, Kam Yiu-Wing, Rénia Laurent, Ng Lisa F P

Resumo: In recent years, Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) was responsible for epidemic outbreaks in intertropical regions. Although acquired immunity has been shown to be crucial during CHIKV infection in both humans - mice, their exact role in the control of CHIKV infection remains unclear. In this study, wild-type (WT), CD4(-/-), - B cell (?MT) knockout mice were infected with CHIKV. Sera were taken at different days postinfection - measured for anti-CHIKV Ab levels. Isotype - neutralizing capacity of these Abs were assessed in vitro, - specific linear epitopes were mapped. Viremia in CHIKV-infected ?MT mice persisted for more than a year, indicating a direct role for B cells in mediating CHIKV clearance. These animals exhibited a more severe disease than WT mice during the acute phase. Characterization of CHIKV-specific Abs revealed that anti-CHIKV Abs were elicited early - targeted epitopes mainly at the C terminus of the virus E2 glycoprotein. Furthermore, CD4(-/-) mice could still control CHIKV infection despite having lower anti-CHIKV Ab levels with reduced neutralizing capacity. Lastly, pre-existing natural Abs in the sera of normal WT mice recognized CHIKV - were able to partially inhibit CHIKV. Taken together, natural - CHIKV infection-induced specific Abs are essential for controlling CHIKV infections.

Imprenta: The Journal of Immunology, v. 190, n. 12, p. 6295-6302, 2013

Identificador do objeto digital: 10.4049/jimmunol.1300304

Descritores: Chikungunya virus - Cell ; Chikungunya virus - Pathogenesis ; Chikungunya virus - Proteins ; Chikungunya virus - Antibodies ; Chikungunya virus - Viral infections ; Chikungunya Virus - Virus ; Chikungunya virus - Chikungunya fever ; Chikungunya virus - Epidemic ; Chikungunya virus - Immunology

Data de publicação: 2013