Serum IL-18 and IL-18BP levels in patients with Chikungunya virus infection
Autor(es): Chirathaworn Chintana, Rianthavorn Pornpimol, Wuttirattanakowit Norra, Poovorawan Yong
Resumo: Chikungunya virus infection has recently emerged in several countries. The inflammatory response is suggested to be involved in the pathology observed in this infectious disease. Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is an inducer of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production - has been shown to play a role in several inflammatory diseases. IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) is a natural regulator of IL-18. In this study, we determined the levels of IL-18 - IL-18BP in patients with Chikungunya virus infection. Acute - convalescent sera were collected from each patient. The levels of both IL-18 - IL-18BP were measured by ELISA assays. IL-18 - IL-18BP levels were higher in patients than in controls. In addition, the level of IL-18 was higher in convalescent than in acute sera. However, the level of IL-18BP was lower in convalescent than in acute sera. These data suggest that production of both IL-18 - IL-18BP was induced following Chikungunya virus infection. IL-18BP was increased to regulate the activity of IL-18. The ratio of IL-18 to IL-18BP was higher in convalescent than in acute sera. The lower level of IL-18BP in convalescent sera was probably due to loss following IL-18 neutralization. Our data suggest that Chikungunya virus infection promotes the T helper-1 (Th-1) response by inducing IL-18 production. Manipulation of IL-18 - IL-18BP levels could be a promising therapeutic approach to alleviate symptoms in patients with Chikungunya virus infection.
Imprenta: Viral Immunology, v. 23, n. 1, p. 113-117, 2010
Identificador do objeto digital: 10.1089/vim.2009.0077
Descritores: Chikungunya virus - Cytopathology ; Chikungunya virus - Pathogenesis ; Chikungunya virus - Proteins ; Chikungunya virus - Cytokines ; Chikungunya virus - Infectious diseases ; Chikungunya virus - Viral infections ; Chikungunya Virus - Virus ; Chikungunya virus - Immunology ; Chikungunya virus - Public health
Data de publicação: 2010
