Host-adaptive mutations in Chikungunya virus genome
Xinhang Ning,
Binghui Xia,
Jiaqi Wang,
Rong Gao,
Hao Ren
Affiliations
Xinhang Ning
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Biodefense, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
Binghui Xia
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Biodefense, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
Jiaqi Wang
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Biodefense, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
Rong Gao
Department of Respiratory Medicine, The People’s Liberation Army Joint Logistic Support Force 943 Hospital, Wuwei, Gansu, People’s Republic of China
Hao Ren
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Biodefense, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is the causative agent of chikungunya fever (CHIKF), and its primary vectors are the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. CHIKV was initially endemic to Africa but has spread globally in recent years and affected millions of people. According to a risk assessment by the World Health Organization, CHIKV has the potential seriously impact public health. A growing body of research suggests that mutations in the CHIKV gene that enhance viral fitness in the host are contributing to the expansion of the global CHIKF epidemic. In this article, we review the host-adapted gene mutations in CHIKV under natural evolution and laboratory transmission conditions, which can help improve our understanding of the adaptive evolution of CHIKV and provide a basis for monitoring and early warning of future CHIKV outbreaks.
