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Dengue Fever

 
 

Understanding Dengue Virus Infection

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease that affects millions and poses significant public health challenges worldwide. Caused by the Dengue virus (DENV), which has four primary serotypes, it leads to a spectrum of symptoms from mild fever to severe dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. The virus's ability to manipulate host cellular mechanisms and evade immune responses makes it a formidable pathogen.

Key Insights into Viral Exploitation and Host Responses

Viral Structure and Genome

DENV is a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family with an enveloped, icosahedral nucleocapsid. Its genome, around 11 kb in length, encodes structural and non-structural proteins crucial for viral replication and host manipulation. The structural proteins include Capsid (C), Envelope (E), and pre-Membrane (prM), essential for viral assembly and entry into host cells.

dengue virus diagram

Host Exploitation Mechanisms

The Dengue virus is mainly spread by female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, though it can also be transmitted by other species like Aedes albopictus, Aedes polynesiensis, and Aedes scutellaris. DENV attaches to various molecules, enabling it to infect a wide range of cell types. These include epithelial cells, fibroblasts, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, B cells, T cells, endothelial cells, and hepatocytes, which enhances the virus's ability to target multiple cell populations in the host.

DENV exploits various host cellular pathways for its replication. Key non-structural proteins like NS5 and NS3 play pivotal roles. NS5, with its RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity, is crucial for viral RNA synthesis. NS3, acting as a helicase and protease, facilitates viral replication and polyprotein processing.

Host Immune Response

The host counters DENV infection through a robust immune response, including the production of interferons, cytokines, and the activation of apoptosis and autophagy pathways. However, the virus often evades these defences, leading to prolonged infection and severe disease outcomes.

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is marked by severe vascular permeability, causing leakage and potentially progressing to Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS). DSS involves reduced blood flow leading to tissue damage and organ failure. Both DHF and DSS are associated with a "cytokine storm," a surge in cytokines like IL-1, IL-2, IL-10, and TNF-α, resulting from an imbalance between Th1 and Th2 responses. Overproduction of Th2 cytokines, particularly IL-10, increases DENV viral load and plasma leakage. Cross-reactive antibodies from a previous DENV infection can exacerbate this cytokine storm during a subsequent infection with a different serotype.

Innovations in Antibody Development

Harnessing the Immune System: The complexity of DENV and its interactions with the host immune system underscores the need for advanced therapeutic approaches. Antibodies play a crucial role in neutralizing the virus and preventing its replication. By targeting specific viral proteins, antibodies can block critical stages of the viral life cycle.

Customized Antibody Solutions

Biorbyt are at the forefront of developing tailored antibody therapies. These innovations include:

Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs): Engineered to target specific DENV epitopes, mAbs offer high specificity and efficacy.

Polyclonal Antibodies: Derived from immunized hosts, these antibodies provide broad-spectrum protection against multiple DENV serotypes.

ELISA Kits: These kits are designed for the accurate detection and quantification of proteins, peptides, antibodies, and hormones. They offer enhanced sensitivity and specificity, making them invaluable in diagnostics and research.

Proteins and Peptides: High-quality recombinant proteins and native proteins and petides are available for a variety of applications, including as standards in assays and helpful in functional studies. These proteins are purified to ensure reliability and consistency in experimental outcomes.

Join the Fight Against Dengue

Partner with Biorbyt to leverage cutting-edge antibody technology and comprehensive services in the fight against dengue. Our expertise and innovative solutions ensure that you stay ahead in developing effective interventions to combat this global health threat.

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