Desmin mutations in cardiomyocytes increase susceptibility to coxsackievirus B3 infection by impairing antiviral IFN-β response and upregulating viral receptors expression

Summary

CVB3/28 infection compromises the structural integrity and contractile function of cardiomyocytes and exerts a more severe effect in cells harboring DES mutations. These findings underscore a pathogenic synergy between genetic cytoskeletal defects and viral infection, revealing a mechanistic basis for the heightened vulnerability of patients carrying mutation in DES gene to virus-induced cardiac decompensation. CVB3/28 infection disrupts cardiomyocyte structure and impairs contractility, with more severe effects in cells carrying DES mutations. By enhancing viral replication and weakening antiviral defenses, DES mutations act synergistically with CVB3/28 infection to increase the risk of cardiac dysfunction. © 2026. The Author(s).

Authors Callon D, Hovhannisyan Y, Friob G, Vartanian-Grimaldi JS, Guennec BE, Lebreil AL, Li Z, Suspène R, Andreoletti L, Fornès P, Berri F, Vartanian JP, Joanne P, Agbulut O
Journal Stem cell research & therapy
Publication Date 2026 Feb 27;17(1)
PubMed 41761335
PubMed Central PMC13049878
DOI 10.1186/s13287-025-04878-2

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