Sequential Changes in Serum Cytokines Reflect Viral RNA Kinetics in Target Organs of a Coxsackievirus B Infection in Mice

The pattern of cytokine responses related to viral replication during the course of the common human coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infection is not known. Serum levels of 21 cytokines and chemokines were studied (Luminex technique) in CVB3-infected in mice on days 3, 6, and 9 post-infection (p.i.). CVB3 was measured quantitatively (reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction) in the liver and pancreas. Virus levels peaked on day 3 in both the liver and pancreas, but were 1,000-fold higher in the pancreas. IL-17 alpha, IFN-gamma, KC, MCP-1, MIP1 beta, and RANTES were detected on all days. On day 3 p.i., IL-6, IL-12(p40), KC, MCP-1, RANTES, and TNF-alpha were found to peak. On day 6 p.i., IL-1 beta, IL-9, IL-12(p70), IL-13, IL-17 alpha, and IFN-gamma peaked. On day 9 p.i., MIP1 beta, IL-1 beta, MCP-1, and TNF-alpha were still increased. These changes in cytokines may be used to monitor the progress of enteroviral infections in clinical settings.