Role of the myeloid differentiation primary response (MYD88) and TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF) pathways in dengue

AimsDengue disease courses with high viremia titers and high cytokine production suggesting viral replication and active immune response that could be related to viral evasion. One of the main targets of dengue virus (DENV) is monocyte/macrophage cells; however, little information regarding viral evasive mechanisms and pathway activation in monocytes infected by DENV is available. The aim of this study was to determine the role of myeloid differentiation primary response (MyD88), TIR-domain-containing adapter- inducing interferon-β (TRIF) and NF-kB pathways in viral replication and cytokine production in human monocyte cultures infected by DENV2.Main methodsIn this regard Pepinh- TRIF, Pepinh- MYD and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) were used to inhibit TRIF, MYD88 and NF-kB pathways. Cytokine production was measured by ELISA.Key findingsIncreased DENV replication and IFNα/β, TNF-α, IL-12 and IL-18 in infected cultures at 24 h were found. All of these parameters were significantly decreased after TRIF, MYD88 or NF-kB inhibition. Association analysis between viral replication and cytokine production showed high significant positive correlation in TRIF and MYD88 treated cultures.SignificanceThis study shows that DENV2 induces activation of innate-immune response and transcription factors to drive viral expression and replication in the face of pro-inflammatory antiviral responses in vitro.