A comparison of Chikungunya virus infection, progression, and cytokine profiles in human PMA-differentiated U937 and murine RAW264.7 monocyte derived macrophages.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus that causes rash, fever and severe polyarthritis that can last for years in humans. Murine models display inflammation and macrophage infiltration only in the adjacent tissues at the site of inoculation, showing no signs of systemic polyarthritis. Monocyte-derived macrophages are one cell type suspected to contribute to a systemic CHIKV infection.