AsianScientist (Feb. 20, 2019) – Researchers in Singapore have demonstrated how a specific physical interaction between two types of immune cells influences the progress of dengue infection. Their results are published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
The incidence of dengue virus infection has grown dramatically in recent years, with estimates suggesting 390 million infections annually. Dengue fever manifests as a severe, flu-like illness with high fever and can in some cases develop into a life-threatening condition.
No treatments exist for dengue fever and although a vaccine is commercially available, it is only recommended for use in people who have had dengue at least once before. To develop better vaccines, scientists need to better understand the interactions between the dengue virus and the immune system.
In the present study, researchers led by Assistant Professor Ashley St. John of the Duke-National University of Singapore (NUS) Medical School found that mast cells, a type of immune cell that patrols the skin, have a role to play in guarding against dengue virus entry to the body.
Mast cells are largely known for recruiting other types of immune cells through the release of special attracting chemicals. The researchers found that mast cells were responsible for drawing another type of immune cell—the gamma delta (γδ) T-cell—to the site of dengue virus infection. The γδ T-cells also physically interacted with the mast cells, something not previously observed in viral infections.
By binding to a receptor known as the endothelial protein C receptor on mast cells, the γδ T-cells were activated and increased in number, producing interferon gamma which destroys the dengue virus. The study authors plan to use the results of their research to work toward the development of better vaccines for viruses, like dengue, that are spread by mosquitoes.
“We need much better vaccinations for dengue and for related viral pathogens that are injected into the skin by mosquitoes,” said St. John of Duke-NUS.
The article can be found at: Mantri & St. John (2018) Immune Synapses Between Mast Cells and γδ T Cells Limit Viral Infection.
———
Source: Duke-NUS Medical School; Photo: Shutterstock.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.
