
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
-
25 April 2023
KNAW appoints Marrink and Rosmalen as members
The Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) has appointed Professor Siewert-Jan Marrink and Professor Judith Rosmalen as members of the Academy. Members of the KNAW, prominent academics from all disciplines, are chosen on the basis of...
-
13 April 2023
Ontregeld en onzeker: UMCG-onderzoek geeft inzicht in gevolgen post-COVID
Mensen met post-COVID ervaren levensveranderende beperkingen. Ze zijn mentaal en fysiek ontregeld, ervaren veel onzekerheid en de impact op hun dagelijks leven is groot. Dit blijkt uit onderzoek van het UMCG naar de persoonlijke en maatschappelijke...
-
11 April 2023
Three promising UG researchers to top institutes abroad on Rubicon grants
Three promising PhD graduates from the University of Groningen will be able to conduct research at top institutes abroad for two years thanks to the Rubicon programme organized by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) and...