Deciphering the Molecular Landscape of Dengue Infection: Insights from gene expression profiling and Protein Interactions

Abstract

Dengue fever (DF) is a viral infection recognized as one of the most rapidly spreading vector-borne diseases among humans. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying disease aetiology and potential therapeutic targets remain unclear. This study presents a thorough examination of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) throughout the spectrum of Dengue infection stages, offering insights into disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Through meticulous analysis of DEGs within each infection stage, key genes pertinent to disease progression are identified, highlighting their roles in host-virus interactions. Noteworthy discoveries include the upregulation of IFI27 and USP18 in mild infection, suggesting involvement in viral replication inhibition and host defence, alongside the downregulation of CMTM2, indicating alterations in immune-related functions. Similarly, in severe infection, upregulated genes like IGHV1-69 are linked to illness severity, while downregulated IL-13RA1 signifies disruptions in cytokine signaling. Overlapping DEGs between infection groups unveil shared biological processes, further elucidated through functional enrichment analysis, showcasing coordinated regulation of cellular processes and pathways. Integration of Dengue virus and human interaction network analysis reveals crucial insights into the mechanisms by which the virus mediates the disease progression and offers potential therapeutic opportunities for disease management.