
PhD ceremony Ms. M.A. Diosa Toro: Host cell responses to dengue virus infection
PhD ceremony: Ms. M.A. Diosa Toro, 11.00hrs, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen
Dissertation: Host cell responses to dengue virus infection
Promotor(s): prof.dr. J.M. Smit, prof.dr. S. Urcuqui Inchima
Faculty: Medical Sciences / UMCG
Summary:
Dengue virus (DENV) is the most common mosquito-borne virus and annually around 390 million people get infected with major socio-economic consequences. In spite of this, there are no specific therapies available. With the research presented in the PhD thesis “host cell responses to dengue virus infection” we aimed to better understand the molecular interactions occurring between DENV and its human host cells. In our research we determined which human cell types are more likely to be infected by DENV upon the mosquito bite. We found that macrophages, an important immune cell which function is to kill invading microorganism, actually contribute in great manner to the replication of DENV. Furthermore, we deciphered one of the mechanisms by which antibodies against DENV can, instead of controlling the virus, enhance the infection of human macrophages. We also studied how human small RNA molecules, that are in charge of controlling the expression of many genes, are altered by DENV. We described the mechanism by which one of these small RNA molecules reduces the replication of DENV. Finally we studied how DENV is able to regulate the cellular stress induced in infected cells in order to promote its own survival. Thus, with this thesis we deepened the knowledge regarding the mechanisms by which human cells interact with DENV. The detailed study of such interactions will guide the rational design of anti-dengue therapies. Indeed, during our studies we discovered a potential anti-DENV drug and its antiviral activity is also shown in this thesis.
Dissertation: http://hdl.handle.net/(...)eb-af50-f91e027a1b9a
Last modified: | 05 October 2017 3.14 p.m. |
More news
-
28 November 2023
Science: more exciting than showbiz
Science often seems very complicated. Most people probably don't really know what researchers do, and what it takes to make a breakthrough. That is why it is important to keep the general public informed of what is happening in science, says Iris...
-
13 November 2023
UMCG beantwoordt vragen patiënten met hulp van AI
Het UMCG zet kunstmatige intelligentie (artificial intelligence, afgekort AI) in om zorgverleners te helpen bij het beantwoorden van schriftelijke vragen van patiënten. Dit gebeurt in samenwerking met andere ziekenhuizen vanuit de EPIC Nederlandse...
-
12 September 2023
Vulnerable 'girls knee' cries out for preventative measures
Movement scientist Anne Benjaminse advocates preventive maintenance to avoid cruciate ligament injuries in soccer playing girls.