Depleted immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein (BiP) expands the endoplasmic reticulum and the golgi apparatus in dengue virus-infected cells.

Objective: To test whether depleted expression of immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein (BiP), which is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone, in dengue virus (DENV)-infected cells, affected integrities of the ER and the Golgi apparatus of the host cells. Methods: Either siRNA against BiP- or control siRNA-transfected cells was infected with DENV and subjected to electron microscopic evaluation. Results: Depleted expression of BiP affected integrities of the ER and the Golgi apparatus in DENV-infected cells. Conclusion: Integrities of the ER and the Golgi apparatus maintained by BiP in the host cells is necessary for DENV production.