Work

Chronic chikungunya is associated with decreased anti-CHIKV antibody titers, neutralizing capacity, and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Infection due to the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) can cause chronic disease characterized by persistent arthralgia. While the humoral immune response to CHIKV is well characterized, the contribution of Fc-mediated effector functions in disease pathogenesis remains poorly understood. We assessed the quantitative and qualitative aspects of CHIKV-specific antibodies in patients with self-resolving or chronic chikungunya, including IgG/IgM titers and effector functions such as antibody-dependent cell phagocytosis (ADCP), complement deposition (ADCD), cell cytotoxicity (ADCC), and NK cell activation (ADNKA). Anti-CHIKV IgG and IgM titers declined between 3 and 6 months post-infection, and the lower titers at 6 months were associated with the chronic disease. The ADCP and ADCD capacities were similar between patients with self-resolving or chronic chikungunya. Patients with the chronic disease showed reduced ADCC but no reduced ADNKA. Females exhibited higher anti-CHIKV E2 antibody concentrations and ADCP. This study provides a comprehensive overview of Fc-mediated effector functions in chikungunya patients with differential disease outcomes.

Source: iScience

DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2026.116128