Dysregulated TGF-β Production Underlies the Age-Related Vulnerability to Chikungunya Virus

Jennifer L. Uhrlaub, Vesna Pulko, Victor R. DeFilippis, Rebecca Broeckel, Daniel N. Streblow, Gary D. Coleman, Byung S. Park, John F. Lindo, Ivan Vickers, Joshua J. Anzinger, Janko Nikolich-Žugich

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Scopus citations

Abstract

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging global pathogen with pandemic potential, which causes fever, rash and debilitating arthralgia. Older adults over 65 years are particularly susceptible to severe and chronic CHIKV disease (CHIKVD), accounting for >90% of all CHIKV-related deaths. There are currently no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments available to limit chronic CHIKVD. Here we show that in old mice excessive, dysregulated TGFβ production during acute infection leads to a reduced immune response and subsequent chronic disease. Humans suffering from CHIKV infection also exhibited high TGFβ levels and a pronounced age-related defect in neutralizing anti-CHIKV antibody production. In vivo reduction of TGFβ levels minimized acute joint swelling, restored neutralizing antibody production and diminished chronic joint pathology in old mice. This study identifies increased and dysregulated TGFβ secretion as one key mechanism contributing to the age-related loss of protective anti-CHIKV-immunity leading to chronic CHIKVD.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere1005891
JournalPLoS pathogens
Volume12
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2016

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Parasitology
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Virology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Dysregulated TGF-β Production Underlies the Age-Related Vulnerability to Chikungunya Virus'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this