Interferon-induced restriction of Chikungunya virus infection

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an enveloped RNA virus that causes Chikungunya fever (CHIKF), which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitos. Although CHIKVF had been regarded as an endemic disease in limited regions of Africa and Asia, the recent global reemergence of CHIKV heightened awareness of this infectious disease, and CHIKV infection is currently considered an increasing threat to public health. However, no specific drug or licensed vaccine is available for CHIKV infection. As seen in other RNA virus infections, CHIKV triggers the interferon (IFN) response that plays a central role in host defense against path-ogens. Experimental evidence has demonstrated that control of CHIVK replication by the IFN response is ach-ieved by antiviral effector molecules called interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), whose expressions are upregulated by IFN stimulation. This review details the molecular basis of the IFN-mediated suppression of CHIKV, particularly the ISGs restricting CHIKV replication.

Automated summary

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a enveloped RNA virus that causes a disease called Chikungunya fever (CHIKF), which is transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitos. Although CHIKF was previously only considered endemic in limited regions of Africa and Asia, the recent global reemergence of CHIKV has increased awareness of this infectious disease, making it a growing public health threat. Currently, there are no specific drugs or licensed vaccines available to treat CHIKV infection. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms of how the interferon (IFN) response suppresses CHIKV, particularly the role of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in restricting CHIKV replication.