Development of murine model for dengue virus infection

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 23590542
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Virology
• Research Institution: Osaka University
• Principal Investigator: KUROSU TAKESHI 大阪大学, 微生物病研究所, 招へい教員 (70432432)
• Project Period (FY): 2011-04-28 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: デングウイルス / 熱帯感染症 / 蚊媒介性疾患 / 新興・再興感染症

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The mechanism of severe dengue remains unknown, and there is no effective drug or therapy against dengue virus infection. To understand the mechanism of severe dengue, we established the mouse model system using the recombinant chimeric dengue virus and interferon knock out mice. Mice infected with the chimeric dengue virus showed plasma leakage, thrombocytopenia and antibody-dependent enhancement which have been seen in patients with severe dengue. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha was a critical factor for severe diseases. In addition, we observed strong bone marrow suppression, which is related to thrombocytopenia.
We examined if this model could be applied to study the therapeutic effect and side effect of anti-dengue virus antibody. This model is a valid model system to study pathogenesis of severe dengue and development of therapeutics.

Free Research Field

基礎医学　ウイルス学