A pilot study on the impact of infection routes on disease progression and immune response by dengue infection in AG129 mice
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63719/imrj.2026.12.02.002Keywords:
Dengue virus type 2, AG129 mice, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, viremia, immune response, cytokineAbstract
AG129 mouse is a mouse model commonly utilised in the study of dengue pathogenesis using various viral inoculation routes. Different viral infection routes may elicit distinct host responses. This pilot study compares the development of dengue virus infection in AG129 mice via intraperitoneal and subcutaneous routes. AG129 mice were infected with dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2) via intraperitoneal or subcutaneous injection. Disease progression was monitored through daily body weight and morbidity scores for 14 days. Plasma viral RNA levels were quantified by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Plasma non-structural protein 1 (NS1) level was determined by dengue NS1 antigen- ELISA method. Platelet and blood differential counts were counted. Plasma cytokines were assessed on day 1, 3, 5, and 7 post-infection using multiplex immunoassay. Body weight loss was similar between groups until day 4 post-infection, where intraperitoneally infected mice showed greater loss. Morbidity signs were more pronounced in intraperitoneally infected mice from day 2 to 6 post-infection. Viremia levels detected by NS1 protein and viral RNA were similar between both routes. Intraperitoneal infection triggered an earlier increase in white blood cells and neutrophil counts, as well as earlier lymphocyte reduction and thrombocytopenia. Cytokine analysis revealed early elevations of seven cytokines in intraperitoneally infected mice. In contrast, subcutaneously infected mice showed higher levels of interferon-γ and interleukin-10. Intraperitoneal infection in AG129 mice with DENV-2 induced thrombocytopenia, earlier immune responses and transiently higher morbidity as compared to the subcutaneous route. Therefore, different routes of virus inoculation should be carefully considered in future experimental designs using the AG129 mouse model.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Nur Hana Md Jelas, Nor Azrina Norahmad, Tiffiny Chau Dee Ho, Bazilah Jusoh, Umi Rubiah Sastu, Murizal Zainol, Ravindran Thayan, Ami Fazlin Syed Mohamed, Mohd Ridzuan Mohd Abd Razak (Author)
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