Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Ross River virus (RRV) are mosquito-transmitted alphaviruses that cause debilitating acute and chronic musculoskeletal disease. Monocytes are implicated in the pathogenesis of these infections; however, their specific roles are not well defined. To investigate the role of inflammatory Ly6ChiCCR2+ monocytes in alphavirus pathogenesis, we used CCR2-DTR transgenic mic...

Induction of interferon-alpha (IFNalpha) gene expression in virus-infected cells requires phosphorylation-induced activation of the transcription factors IRF3 and IRF7. However, the kinase(s) that targets these proteins has not been identified. Using a combined pharmacological and genetic approach, we found that none of the kinases tested was responsible for IRF phosphorylation in cells infecte...

Influenza is a serious public health problem that causes a contagious respiratory disease. Vaccination is the most effective strategy to reduce transmission and prevent influenza. In recent years, cell-based vaccines have been developed with continuous cell lines such as Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) and Vero. However, wild-type influenza and egg-based vaccine seed viruses will not grow effi...

The transcription factor interferon regulatory 4 (IRF4) belongs to the IRF family and has several important functions for adaptive immune response. Mutations affecting members IRF1, IRF3, IRF7, IRF8, or IRF9 have been described in patients presenting with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) highlighting importance these factors cellular host defense against mycobacterial and/or viral infections. IR...