Expression of Antimicrobial Peptides in Human Monocytic Cells and Neutrophils in Response to Dengue Virus Type 2

Jorge I. Castañeda-Sánchez, Diana Alhelí Domínguez-Martínez, Nataly Olivar-Espinosa, Blanca Estela García-Pérez, María Alba Loroño-Pino, Julieta Luna-Herrera, Ma Isabel Salazar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background/Aims: The innate immune response is remarkably important for controlling infections. Information about the participation of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in response to dengue virus (DENV) is scarce. The aim of this study was to examine the AMP response to DENV-2 in human THP-1 cells and neutrophils. Methods: Protein and mRNA levels of two AMPs - hBD-1 and cathelicidin LL-37 - were assessed in DENV-infected macrophage-like THP-1 cells using qRT-PCR and indirect immunofluorescence. Also, mRNA levels of α-defensins (hDEFAs) and LL-37 were examined by qRT-PCR in human neutrophils taken from peripheral blood and treated with DENV-2. Results: mRNA expression of hBD-1 rose in THP-1 cells at 24-72 h, while protein expression increased later, from 48 to 72 h after infection. Cathelicidin LL-37 mRNA expression of DENV-infected THP-1 cells was observed at 6-48 h after infection, while protein levels increased importantly up to 72 h after infection. Regarding neutrophils, the mRNA expression of hDEFAs and LL-37 increased slightly at 2 and 5 h after the contact with DENV-2. Conclusion: THP-1 cells and human neutrophils strongly respond to DENV by producing AMPs: hBD-1 and LL-37 for the THP-1 cells and hDEFAs and LL-37 for neutrophils. However, the direct effect of these molecules on DENV particles remains unclear.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)8-19
Number of pages12
JournalIntervirology
Volume59
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Sep 2016

Keywords

  • Cathelicidin LL-37
  • Dengue virus
  • hBD-1
  • hDEFAs ?β-Defensins

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Expression of Antimicrobial Peptides in Human Monocytic Cells and Neutrophils in Response to Dengue Virus Type 2'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this