Analysis of Cytokine mRNA Expression During Zika Virus Infection In Mesocricetus auratus.

Background: The Orthoflavivirus zikaense (ZIKV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, has been associated with severe neurological issues, particularly microcephaly, due to its ability to infect neural progenitor cells. This study investigates the mRNA expression of cytokines involved in the inflammatory response during ZIKV infection in Mesocricetus auratus. The research aims to understand the immune response to ZIKV in the context of sexual transmission.

Methods: The study utilized hamsters of the species Mesocricetus auratus, divided into four groups: three infected with ZIKV and one control group. The animals were euthanized according to ethical guidelines, and renal tissues were collected. Total RNA was extracted and quantified, and both viral load and cytokine mRNA levels were measured using RT-qPCR. The study targeted cytokines such as TNF-A, RIG-I, RANTES, MDA5, IFN-A, and IFN-B. Statistical analysis was performed using Jamovi v 1.6.

Results: The study found that the viral load peaked between 3 and 5 days postinfection and then significantly decreased. The expression of cytokine mRNAs showed distinct patterns, with peaks and declines at various time points post-infection. These patterns differed between male and female subgroups. Pearson correlation analysis revealed negative correlations between mRNA expression and days post-infection in most groups.

Conclusion: The study concludes that ZIKV infection in hamsters induces a robust inflammatory response in the kidneys, with dynamic cytokine expression profiles that could serve as markers for monitoring infection and related pathologies. Genderspecific immune responses highlight the complexity of ZIKV pathogenesis, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for Zika-related complications.