Exploration of small-molecule entry disruptors for chikungunya virus by targeting matrix remodelling associated protein

Understanding the Biology and Immune Pathogenesis of Chikungunya Virus Infection for Diagnostic and Vaccine Development

Chikungunya virus, the causative agent of chikungunya fever, is generally characterized by the sudden onset of symptoms, including fever, rash, myalgia, and headache. In some patients, acute chikungunya virus infection progresses to severe and chronic arthralgia that persists for years. Chikungunya infection is more commonly identified in tropical and subtropical regions. However, recent expansions and epidemics in the temperate regions have raised concerns about the future public health impact of chikungunya diseases. Several underlying factors have likely contributed to the recent re-emergence of chikungunya infection, including urbanization, human travel, viral adaptation to mosquito vectors, lack of effective control measures, and the spread of mosquito vectors to new regions. However, the true burden of chikungunya disease is most likely to be underestimated, particularly in developing countries, due to the lack of standard diagnostic assays and clinical manifestations overlapping with those of other endemic viral infections in the regions. Additionally, there have been no chikungunya vaccines available to prevent the infection. Thus, it is important to update our understanding of the immunopathogenesis of chikungunya infection, its clinical manifestations, the diagnosis, and the development of chikungunya vaccines.

Seven Genes Associated With Lymphatic Metastasis in Thyroid Cancer That Is Linked to Tumor Immune Cell Infiltration

Objective

Since there are few studies exploring genes associated with lymphatic metastasis of thyroid carcinoma (THCA), this study was conducted to explore genes associated with lymphatic metastasis of THCA and to investigate the relationship with immune infiltration.

Methods

Differentially expressed genes associated with THCA lymphatic metastasis were analyzed based on The Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA) database; a protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was constructed to screen for pivotal genes. Based on the identified hub genes, their expression in THCA with and without lymphatic metastasis were determined. Functional enrichment analysis was performed. The correlation between the identified genes and immune cell infiltration was explored. LASSO logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the risk score of the most relevant gene constructs and multifactor COX regression analysis based on genes in the risk score formula.

Results

A total of 115 genes were differentially expressed in THCA with and without lymphatic metastasis, including 28 upregulated genes and 87 downregulated genes. The PPI network identified seven hub genes (EVA1A, TIMP1, SERPINA1, FAM20A, FN1, TNC, MXRA8); the expression of all seven genes was upregulated in the group with lymphatic metastasis; Immuno-infiltration analysis showed that all seven genes were significantly positively correlated with macrophage M1 and NK cells and negatively correlated with T-cell CD4+ and myeloid dendritic cells. LASSO logistic regression analysis identified the five most relevant genes (EVA1A, SERPINA1, FN1, TNC, MXRA8), and multi-factor COX regression analysis showed EVA1A, SERPINA1 and FN1 as independent prognostic factors.

Conclusion

Seven genes were associated with lymphatic metastasis of THCA and with tumor immune cell infiltration.