The role of C-type lectin in Chikungunya arthritis

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26860308
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Virology
• Research Institution: National Institute of Infectious Diseases
• Principal Investigator: Nakayama Eri 国立感染症研究所, ウイルス第一部, 研究員 (40645339)
• Research Collaborator: Suhrbier Andreas QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute ; Prow Natalie QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: チクングニアウイルス / 関節炎 / レクチン / 糖鎖

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Chikungunya virus is transmitted to human by mosquitoes. The most common symptoms of Chikungunya virus infection are fever and arthritis. Here we showed that C-type lectins, which bind to carbohydrates in a calcium-dependent manner, bound to Chikungunya virus and mediated the attachment of the virus to the cell surface. Our data suggested that Chikungunya virus attached to the cells expressing different C-type lectins using the different glycan structures on the viral glycoprotein added in the cycle between mosquito and mammalian hosts. Furthermore, we developed the mouse model of Chikungunya arthritis seen in patients using the viral isolates from Chikungunya imported cases. The gene expression of the lectin-related molecules was upregulated in the mouse lower legs showing the arthritis by Chikungunya virus infection. These results implied that the Chikungunya viral attachment to the cell surface might increase by upregulated lectin-related molecules at the site of arthritis.

Free Research Field

ウイルス学