Chikungunya Virus and Autophagy
Author Information
Author(s): Krejbich-Trotot Pascale, Gay Bernard, Li-Pat-Yuen Ghislaine, Hoarau Jean-Jacques, Jaffar-Bandjee Marie-Christine, Briant Laurence, Gasque Philippe, Denizot Mélanie
Primary Institution: IRG, EA 4517, Immunopathology and Infection Research Grouping, CHR North Felix Guyon and University of La Reunion, St Denis, Ile de la Reunion, France
Hypothesis
Does Chikungunya Virus (ChikV) trigger an autophagic process that promotes its own replication?
Conclusion
The study suggests that autophagy plays a promoting role in ChikV replication.
Supporting Evidence
- ChikV infection increases the number of GFP-LC3 positive cells, indicating autophagy activation.
- Electron microscopy revealed numerous autophagosomes in ChikV-infected cells.
- Inhibition of autophagy significantly decreases ChikV replication.
- Induction of autophagy enhances ChikV replication.
Takeaway
Chikungunya virus tricks our cells into using a process called autophagy to help it make more copies of itself.
Methodology
Fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy were used to analyze the autophagic process in HEK.293 cells infected with ChikV, along with pharmacological and genetic inhibition of autophagy.
Limitations
The study does not fully elucidate the late phases of autophagosome maturation.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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