Biological Activities of Dengue Virus on Murine Macrophages

Abstract

The biological activities of dengue 2 virus on its target cells, namely
macrophages and neutrophils were investigated. Preliminary results showed that
polyethylene glycol precipitated dengue 2 virus acted as a chemoattractant for peritoneal
cells of Balbc/I mice and for established rnonoctyesfmacrophage cell lines (WEHI
265.1). This in nine response was also seen in vitro using Boyden Chemotaxis chambers
and was found to be inhibited by specific viral antibodies. The ability of the
virus to activate these cells was then evaluated. Treatment of the peritoneal cells with
virus induced a respiratory burst with the production of picomoles of superoxides. In
addition, the virus induced production of reactive nitrogen intermediates (1-2 uM) and
also resulted in exocytosis of Iysozyme. Adhesiveness was also observed and appeared
to increase with higher concentrations of the virus. The above results demonstrate
that increased adhesiveness and activation are induced following treatment of peritoneal
cells and the cell line WEHI 265.1 with dengue virus.