Autoimmunity in dengue virus infection

Dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a complicated disease associated with viral and immune pathogenesis. There is still no effective vaccine to prevent the progression of DHF because of its undefined pathogenic mechanisms. The generation of autoimmunity in dengue virus (DEN) infection has been implicated in dengue pathogenesis. Based on our previous studies showing antibodies (Abs) against DEN nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) cross-reacted with human platelets and endothelial cells, a mechanism of molecular mimicry may contribute to autoantibody (autoAb) production. Here, the generation of autoAbs against human endothelial cells in patients infected with different DEN serotypes is shown. The levels of autoAbs present in different disease stages of DHF and the induction of endothelial cell apoptosis by patient sera were also determined. The results suggest that autoimmune responses are implicated in dengue disease pathogenesis and cause concern in vaccine development.