Sequential changes in serum cytokines reflect viral RNA kinetics in target organs of a coxsackievirus B infection in mice

Abstract

Introduction: The pattern of cytokine responses related to viral replication during the course of the common human coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infection is not known.

Methods: 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.

Results: Virus levels peaked on day 3 in both the liver and pancreas, but were 1,000-fold higher in the pancreas. IL-17alpha, IFN-gamma, KC, MCP-1, MIP1beta, 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-1beta, IL-9, IL-12(p70), IL-13, IL-17alpha, and IFN-gamma peaked. On day 9 p.i., MIP1beta, IL-1beta, 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.