Inflammasome Activation and Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Genes Expression Following Exposure of PPRV in Vero Cells

Abstract

Background: Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), a highly contagious and fatal disease of small ruminants, caused by PPR virus (PPRV). Detection of microbes is mediated by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). These PRRs induce the assembly of a multi-protein signaling platform called the Inflammasome. It detects the pathogens and induces the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukins (IL) i.e. IL-1β and IL-18. The aim of this study was to assess the activation of inflammasome related genes, following exposure to PPRV in Vero Cells and was to assess the effect of activation of inflammasome on downstream pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 gene expression. Methods: Vero cells were infected with PPRV. The cells were incubated for different periods. Total RNA was reverse transcribed and used for amplification by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 and cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 gene expression. Result: It was revealed that 1 MOI of PPRV was appropriate for NLRP3 inflammasome activation. NLRP3 and ASC showed an increased level of expression at 2-4 hrs post inoculation (hpi). While, the Caspase-1 showed biphasic expression on 2-4 and 24 hpi, further, in the synchrony to it, IL-1β and IL-18 expression were also found to increase at 2-4 and 24 hpi.