Protection from arthritis and myositis in a mouse model of acute chikungunya virus disease by bindarit, an inhibitor of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 synthesis.

Rulli, Nestor E; Rolph, Michael S; Srikiatkhachorn, Anon; Anantapreecha, Surapee; Guglielmotti, Angelo; Mahalingam, Suresh · J Infect Dis · 2011

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is associated with outbreaks of infectious rheumatic disease in humans. Using a mouse model of CHIKV arthritis and myositis, we show that tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) were dramatically induced in tissues from infected mice. The same factors were detected in the serum of patients with CHIKV-induced polyarthralgia and polyarthritis, with MCP-1 levels being particularly elevated. Bindarit (MCP inhibitor) treatment ameliorated CHIKV disease in mice. Histological analysis of muscle and joint tissues showed a reduction in inflammatory infiltrate in infected mice treated with bindarit. These results suggest that bindarit may be useful in treating CHIKV-induced arthritides in humans.

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