Viral kinetics are associated with changes in cytokines and chemokines in serum and target organs of SSM-CVB3-infected macaques

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the relationship between viral kinetics and the expression patterns for different cytokines and chemokines in the serum and organs of coxsackievirus B3 (SSM-CVB3)-infected macaques over the course of infection. MethodsSSM-CVB3 levels in serum and organs were measured using the Spearman–Karber 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) method. Cytokine and chemokine levels in the serum and organs were measured by indirect-ELISA. ResultsLow viral titers were detected in the serum samples on the first day post-inoculation (p.i.) and peaked at 6 to 10days p.i. in the serum samples from five macaques. Serum levels of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-12p40, IL-17α, IFN-γ, TNF-α, MCP-1 and MIP-1β were detected each day and, similar to the viral titers, peaked at 6 to 10days. IL-10 was only detected on days 10 to 14 p.i. Additionally, higher viral titers and relative viral mRNA levels were associated with higher cytokine and chemokine levels in selected tissues from infected macaques including heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney and brain. ConclusionThe results indicate that patterns of cytokine and chemokine response are associated with viral kinetics in the serum and target organs of SSM-CVB3-infected macaques, suggesting that the changes in cytokines and chemokines could help further our understanding of the progress of CVB3 infections in clinical settings.