Unraveling the complex interplay: immunopathology and immune evasion strategies of alphaviruses with emphasis on neurological implications

Author(s)

Souza, Raquel de Oliveira ; Duarte Junior, Jose Wandilson Barboza ; Della Casa, Victoria Simoes ; Rosa, Daniela Santoro ; Renia, Laurent ; Claser, Carla

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY; v. 14, p. 18-pg., 2024-08-15.

Abstract

Arthritogenic alphaviruses pose a significant public health concern due to their ability to cause joint inflammation, with emerging evidence of potential neurological consequences. In this review, we examine the immunopathology and immune evasion strategies employed by these viruses, highlighting their complex mechanisms of pathogenesis and neurological implications. We delve into how these viruses manipulate host immune responses, modulate inflammatory pathways, and potentially establish persistent infections. Further, we explore their ability to breach the blood-brain barrier, triggering neurological complications, and how co-infections exacerbate neurological outcomes. This review synthesizes current research to provide a comprehensive overview of the immunopathological mechanisms driving arthritogenic alphavirus infections and their impact on neurological health. By highlighting knowledge gaps, it underscores the need for research to unravel the complexities of virus-host interactions. This deeper understanding is crucial for developing targeted therapies to address both joint and neurological manifestations of these infections. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/13004-0 - Development of subunit vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 based on the receptor binding domain (RBD)
• Grantee: Daniela Santoro Rosa
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/06970-0 - Identification of pathogenicity mechanism induced during co-infection with Mayaro virus and Plasmodium berghei ANKA
• Grantee: José Wandilson Barboza Duarte Júnior
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 18/24470-0 - Study of immune-pathological alterations induced during co-infection with Alpha virus and Malaria in murine model
• Grantee: Carla Claser
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/13236-1 - Development of experimental models in C57BL/6 for coinfection studies with Mayaro and Chikungunya viruses
• Grantee: Victória Simões Della Casa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 22/15124-6 - Study of humoral and cellular immune response modulation induced by Mayaro and Chikungunya viruses in coinfected mice
• Grantee: Raquel de Oliveira Souza
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master