Cytokine Profiles and Antibody Response Associated to Choclo Orthohantavirus Infection

This study examines the immune responses associated with Choclo Orthohantavirus (CHOV) infection, which causes hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) in Panama. It explores cytokine profiles and antibody responses from acute, convalescent, and asymptomatic individuals, comparing these with healthy controls.

Key findings:

1. Cytokine Profiles: Acute CHOV patients exhibited high levels of inflammatory cytokines, including IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-8, and IL-10, suggesting a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response. In asymptomatic and convalescent individuals, IL-4 was particularly elevated, correlating with stronger anti-inflammatory activity.

   
   

2. Antibody Responses: Elevated IgG and IgA responses against CHOV glycoprotein (CHOV-GP) were found in convalescent and asymptomatic individuals, with asymptomatics showing notably high neutralizing antibody titers, suggesting they may have a protective immune response.

   
   

3. Immune Signature: A signature of high IL-4 and IL-10 during acute infection was associated with milder disease, possibly explaining the lower severity and higher seroprevalence of CHOV in Panama compared to other more lethal hantaviruses.

   
   

In conclusion, the study reveals that a Th2-skewed immune response, marked by elevated IL-4 and IL-10 levels, is associated with milder disease outcomes in CHOV infections, and neutralizing antibodies are crucial for controlling the virus, even in asymptomatic individuals.