Control of Acute Arboviral Infection by Natural Killer Cells

Abstract

The recent explosive pandemic of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) followed by Zika (ZIKV) virus infections occurring throughout many countries represents the most unexpected arrival of arthropod-borne viral diseases in the past 20 years. Transmitted through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, the clinical picture associated with these acute arbovirus infections, including Dengue (DENV), CHIKV and ZIKV, ranges from classical febrile illness to life-threatening disease. Whereas ZIKV and CHIKV-mediated infections have previously been recognized as relatively benign diseases, in contrast to Dengue fever, recent epidemic events have brought waves of increased morbidity and mortality leading to a serious public health problem. Although the host immune response plays a crucial role in controlling infections, it may also promote viral spread and immunopathology. Here, we review recent developments in our understanding of the immune response, with an emphasis on the early antiviral immune response mediated by natural killer cells and emphasize their Janus-faced effects in the control of arbovirus infection and pathogenesis. Improving our understanding knowledge on of the mechanisms that control viral infection is crucial in the current race against the globalization of arbovirus epidemics.

Modelling the impact of antibody-dependent enhancement on disease severity of Zika virus and dengue virus sequential and co-infection

“…In the current study, we only included the immune response induced by antibodies. In reality, the immune response should be much more complex, and multiple immune cells, such as the T-cells and natural killer cells can play important roles in virus clearance [40]. We examined and predicted the impact of ADE on the viral dynamics of both DENV and ZIKV in the case of co-infection, however, the parameters of our co-infection model (i.e.…”

Pathogenic Th1 responses in CHIKV‐induced inflammation and their modulation upon Plasmodium parasites co‐infection

“…19,40 In a similar fashion, NK cells presence in inflamed tissues is believed to play an important role in CHIKV pathology by exerting direct antiviral activity through cytotoxic mechanisms and by producing IFNγ to enhance both innate and adaptive immune responses. 4,42,43 Upregulation of IL-12, a potent NK cell stimulator, has been reported in joints of virus-infected mice 20 suggesting the involvement of activated NK cells.…”

Double‐bright (CD56bright/CD16bright) natural killer cell adoptive immunotherapy for SARS‐CoV‐2

“…In these diseases, severe clinical manifestations were related to either NK cell dysfunction or its genetic characteristics utilized by the virus to overcome NK cell activity. 11 Finally, genetic NK cell deficiency is characterized by severe and disseminated varicella zoster, CMV, Epstein-Barr or herpes simplex viral infections. 12 SARS-CoV-2-infected patients have a decreased number of circulating NK cells, 1 and in the predominant immune-suppressive lung microenvironment, senescent dysfunctional NK cells probably are not properly activated.…”