Immune-Mediated Protection and Pathogenesis of Chikungunya Virus

Abstract

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging alphavirus that causes debilitating acute and chronic arthritis. Infection by CHIKV induces a robust immune response that is characterized by production of type I interferons, recruitment of innate and adaptive immune cells, and development of neutralizing antibodies. Despite this response, chronic arthritis can develop in some individuals, which may be due to a failure to eliminate viral RNA and antigen and/or persistent immune responses that cause chronic joint inflammation. In this review, based primarily on advances from recent studies in mice, we discuss the innate and adaptive immune factors that control CHIKV dissemination and clearance or contribute to pathogenesis.

Human CD8 T‐cell activation in acute and chronic chikungunya infection

“…7 Activation of naive CD8 + T cells induces a development programme that stimulates effector and memory cell proliferation and differentiation. 7 Although no difference was observed in the percentage of CD8 + T cells in peripheral blood of acute and chronic patients in relation to healthy individuals (Fig. 7 Although no difference was observed in the percentage of CD8 + T cells in peripheral blood of acute and chronic patients in relation to healthy individuals (Fig.…”

“…3 experience an incapacitating arthralgia, which often includes signs of joint inflammation and tenosynovitis, that persists for months or years after the acute phase. 3,7 T and B lymphocytes and dendritic cells derived from monocytes are not susceptible to CHIKV infection, and their role in killing infected cells or possibly in the pathogenesis of the disease remains to be established. 3,7 T and B lymphocytes and dendritic cells derived from monocytes are not susceptible to CHIKV infection, and their role in killing infected cells or possibly in the pathogenesis of the disease remains to be established.…”

Chikungunya Virus Infection: Why Should U.S. Geriatricians Be Aware of It?

“…IgM, which appears as early as the fourth day after the onset of symptoms, significantly controls and reduces the viremia. After 10 days or so, the neutralizing capacity is attributable almost entirely to IgG . IgG also provides strong, long‐lasting immune protection .…”

“…IgG also provides strong, long‐lasting immune protection . Findings from studies in mice suggest that an effective cellular adaptive immunity (e.g., CD4 + T‐helper cell) is also important in the control of CHIKV infection, but it also contributes to chronic musculoskeletal tissue pathology . The innate immune response, during the acute stage, has also been studied, and findings suggest that CHIKV directly infects dendritic cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells.…”

“…After 10 days or so, the neutralizing capacity is attributable almost entirely to IgG. 22,23 IgG also provides strong, long-lasting immune protection. 24,25 Findings from studies in mice suggest that an effective cellular adaptive immunity (e.g., CD4 + T-helper cell) is also important in the control of CHIKV infection, but it also contributes to chronic musculoskeletal tissue pathology.…”