Clearance of genotype 1b hepatitis C virus in chimpanzees in the presence of vaccine-induced E1-neutralizing antibodies

Accumulating evidence indicates that neutralizing antibodies play an important role in protection from chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Efforts to elicit such responses by immunization with intact heterodimeric E1E2 envelope proteins have met with limited success. To determine whether antigenic sites, which are not exposed by the combined E1E2 heterodimer structure, are capable of eliciting neutralizing antibody responses, we expressed and purified each as separate recombinant proteins E1 and E2, from which the immunodominant hypervariable region (HVR-1) was deleted. Immunization of chimpanzees with either E1 or E2 alone induced antigen-specific T-helper cytokines of similar magnitude. Unexpectedly, the capacity to neutralize HCV was observed in E1 but not in animals immunized with E2 devoid of HVR-1. Furthermore, in vivo only E1-vaccinated animals exposed to the heterologous HCV-1b inoculum cleared HCV infection.

An anti-HIV-1 V3 loop antibody fully protects cross-clade and elicits T-cell immunity in macaques mucosally challenged with an R5 clade C SHIV

Neutralizing antibodies have been shown to protect macaques against SHIV challenge. However, genetically diverse HIV-1 clades have evolved, and a key question left unanswered is whether neutralizing antibodies can confer cross-clade protection in vivo. The novel human monoclonal antibody HGN194 was isolated from an individual infected with an HIV-1 clade AG recombinant circulating recombinant form (CRF). HGN194 targets an epitope in the third hypervariable loop (V3) of HIV-1 gp120 and neutralizes a range of relatively neutralization-sensitive and resistant viruses. We evaluated the potential of HGN194 to protect infant rhesus monkeys against a SHIV encoding a primary CCR5-tropic HIV-1 clade C envelope. After high-dose mucosal challenge, all untreated controls became highly viremic while all HGN194-treated animals (50 mg/kg) were completely protected. When HGN194 was given at 1 mg/kg, one out of two monkeys remained aviremic, whereas the other had delayed, lower peak viremia. Interestingly, all protected monkeys given high-dose HGN194 developed Gag-specific proliferative responses of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. To test whether generation of the latter involved cryptic infection, we ablated CD8+ cells after HGN194 clearance. No viremia was detected in any protected monkeys, thus ruling out virus reservoirs. Thus, induction of CD8 T-cell immunity may have resulted from transient "Hit and Run" infection or cross priming via Ag-Ab-mediated cross-presentation. Together, our data identified the HGN194 epitope as protective and provide proof-of-concept that this anti-V3 loop mAb can prevent infection with sterilizing immunity after challenge with virus of a different clade, implying that V3 is a potential vaccine target.

No difference in Gag and Env immune-response profiles between vaccinated and non-vaccinated rhesus macaques that control immunodeficiency virus replication

Recent advances in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine design have resulted in induction of strong CD4 T-cell proliferative and polyfunctional cytokine responses, which are also characteristic for long-term non-progressing (LTNP) HIV-infected individuals. However, limited information is available on the persistence of these responses after infection. Results from studies in non-human primates indicate that vaccine-induced immune responses are partially maintained upon viral infection and differ from the responses seen in non-vaccinated animals that typically progress to disease. However, it is unclear how these partially preserved responses compare to immune responses that are acquired naturally by LTNP animals. In this study, immune-response profiles were compared between vaccinated animals that, upon SHIV₈₉.₆ challenge, became infected but were able to control virus replication, and a group of animals having spontaneous control of this viral infection. Both groups were found to develop very similar immune responses with regard to induction of CD4 and CD8 T-cell polyfunctional cytokine responses, proliferative capacity and cytotoxic capacity, as measured by a standard ₅₁Cr release assay and more direct ex vivo and in vivo CTL assays. Hence, vaccinated animals that become infected, but control infection, appear to establish immune responses that are similar to those elicited by long-term non-progressors.

CD8+ NK cells are predominant in chimpanzees, characterized by high NCR expression and cytokine production, and preserved in chronic HIV-1 infection

HIV-1 infection in humans results in an early and progressive NK cell dysfunction and an accumulation of an "anergic" CD56- CD16+ NK subset, which is characterised by low natural cytotoxicity receptor expression and low cytokine producing capacity. In contrast to humans, chimpanzee NK cells do not display a distinguishable CD56(bright) and CD56(dim) subset but, as shown here, could be subdivided into functionally different CD8+ and CD8- subsets. The CD8+ NK cells expressed significantly higher levels of triggering receptors including NKp46 and, upon in vitro activation, produced more IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and CD107 than their CD8- counterparts. In addition, chimpanzee CD8- NK cells had relatively high levels of HLA-DR expression, suggestive of an activated state. Killing inhibitory receptors were expressed only at low levels; however, upon in vitro stimulation, they were up-regulated in CD8+ but not in CD8- NK cells and were functionally capable of inhibiting NKp30-triggered killing. In contrast to HIV-1-infected humans, infected chimpanzees maintained their dominant CD8+ NK cell population, with high expression of natural cytotoxicity receptors.

Potent adaptive immune responses induced against HIV-1 gp140 and influenza virus HA by a polyanionic carbomer

Carbopol is a polyanionic carbomer gel used in man for a variety of topical applications and drug delivery purposes. Here we show that subcutaneous administration of carbopol with glycoprotein antigens elicits unusually strong specific adaptive immune responses in mice. Recombinant soluble HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env)-based antigen formulated in carbopol was at least as potent at stimulating Env-specific B and T cell responses as Freund's Complete Adjuvant, and significantly more potent than aluminium salts. The antigen-specific T cell immune response elicited both Th1 and Th2 cytokines including high titers of IFN-gamma, IL-2 and IL-4, and drove a Th1 isotype-switched antibody response. Mice immunized with a low dose of purified influenza HA in carbopol generated high titers of anti-HA antibodies and were protected from lethal challenge and disease with live virus. Similarly, immunization of mice with the melanoma cell line B16F10 formulated in carbopol significantly delayed tumor growth. We propose that carbopol, or related cross-linked polyacrylic acid analogues, may have promise for use as systemic vaccine adjuvants in man.

Analysis of memory B cell responses and isolation of novel monoclonal antibodies with neutralizing breadth from HIV-1-infected individuals

BACKGROUND

The isolation of human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that neutralize a broad spectrum of primary HIV-1 isolates and the characterization of the human neutralizing antibody B cell response to HIV-1 infection are important goals that are central to the design of an effective antibody-based vaccine.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

We immortalized IgG(+) memory B cells from individuals infected with diverse clades of HIV-1 and selected on the basis of plasma neutralization profiles that were cross-clade and relatively potent. Culture supernatants were screened using various recombinant forms of the envelope glycoproteins (Env) in multiple parallel assays. We isolated 58 mAbs that were mapped to different Env surfaces, most of which showed neutralizing activity. One mAb in particular (HJ16) specific for a novel epitope proximal to the CD4 binding site on gp120 selectively neutralized a multi-clade panel of Tier-2 HIV-1 pseudoviruses, and demonstrated reactivity that was comparable in breadth, but distinct in neutralization specificity, to that of the other CD4 binding site-specific neutralizing mAb b12. A second mAb (HGN194) bound a conserved epitope in the V3 crown and neutralized all Tier-1 and a proportion of Tier-2 pseudoviruses tested, irrespective of clade. A third mAb (HK20) with broad neutralizing activity, particularly as a Fab fragment, recognized a highly conserved epitope in the HR-1 region of gp41, but showed striking assay-dependent selectivity in its activity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals that by using appropriate screening methods, a large proportion of memory B cells can be isolated that produce mAbs with HIV-1 neutralizing activity. Three of these mAbs show unusual breadth of neutralization and therefore add to the current panel of HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies with potential for passive protection and template-based vaccine design.

Viruses as vaccine vectors for infectious diseases and cancer

Recent developments in the use of viruses as vaccine vectors have been facilitated by a better understanding of viral biology. Advances occur as we gain greater insight into the interrelationship of viruses and the immune system. Viral-vector vaccines remain the best means to induce cellular immunity and are now showing promise for the induction of strong humoral responses. The potential benefits for global health that are offered by this field reflect the scope and utility of viruses as vaccine vectors for human and veterinary applications, with targets ranging from certain types of cancer to a vast array of infectious diseases.

Characterization of novel polyomaviruses from Bornean and Sumatran orang-utans

Serological screening of sera from orang-utans demonstrated a high percentage of sera that cross-reacted with antigens of the polyomavirus (PyV) simian virus 40. Analysis of archival DNA samples from 71 Bornean and eight Sumatran orang-utans with a broad-spectrum PCR assay resulted in the detection of PyV infections in 11 animals from both species. Sequence analysis of the amplicons revealed considerable differences between the PyVs from Bornean and Sumatran orang-utans. The genome from two PyVs, one from each species, was therefore amplified and sequenced. Both viral genomes revealed a characteristic PyV architecture, but lacked an obvious agnogene. Neighbour-joining analysis positioned the viruses in a large cluster together with viruses from bats, bovines, rodents and several primate PyVs from chimpanzees, African green monkeys, squirrel monkeys and the human Merkel cell PyV.

Systemic neutralizing antibodies induced by long interval mucosally primed systemically boosted immunization correlate with protection from mucosal SHIV challenge

Immune correlates of vaccine protection from HIV-1 infection would provide important milestones to guide HIV-1 vaccine development. In a proof of concept study using mucosal priming and systemic boosting, the titer of neutralizing antibodies in sera was found to correlate with protection of mucosally exposed rhesus macaques from SHIV infection. Mucosal priming consisted of two sequential immunizations at 12-week intervals with replicating host range mutants of adenovirus type 5 (Ad5hr) expressing the HIV-1(89.6p) env gene. Following boosting with either heterologous recombinant protein or alphavirus replicons at 12-week intervals animals were intrarectally exposed to infectious doses of the CCR5 tropic SHIV(SF162p4). Heterologous mucosal prime systemic boost immunization elicited neutralizing antibodies (Nabs), antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC), and specific patterns of antibody binding to envelope peptides. Vaccine induced protection did not correlate with the type of boost nor T-cell responses, but rather with the Nab titer prior to exposure.

Chimpanzee CD4+ T cells are relatively insensitive to HIV-1 envelope-mediated inhibition of CD154 up-regulation

CD40-CD154 interaction forms a key event in regulation of crosstalk between dendritic cells and CD4 T cells. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infected patients CD154 expression is impaired, and the resulting loss of immune responsiveness by CD4+ T cells contributes to a progressive state of immunodeficiency in humans. Although chimpanzees are susceptible to chronic HIV-1/SIVcpz infection, they are relatively resistant to the onset of AIDS. This relative resistance is characterized by maintenance of CD4+ T cell populations and function, which is highly compromised in human patients. In our cohort of chronically HIV-1- and SIVcpz-infected chimpanzees, we demonstrated the capacity to produce IL-2, following CD3/CD28 stimulation, as well as preserved CD154 up-regulation. Cross-linking of CD4 with mAb was found to inhibit CD3/CD28-induced up-regulation of CD154 equally in chimpanzees and humans. However, specific cross-linking with trimeric recombinant HIV-1 gp140 revealed reduced sensitivity for inhibition of CD154 up-regulation in chimpanzees, requiring fourfold higher concentrations of viral protein. Chimpanzee CD4+ T cells are thus less sensitive to the immune-suppressive effect of low-dose HIV-1 envelope protein than human CD4+ T cells.

HLA homology within the C5 domain promotes peptide binding by HIV type 1 gp120

The mechanisms by which HIV-1 induces chronic pathogenic immune activation associated with disease progression remain unclear despite many years of AIDS research. One proposal suggests that sequence and structural mimicry between gp120 and HLA may endow HIV with the capacity to arouse alloreactive and autoimmune responses within the susceptible host, fueling disease progression in a manner similar to graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Both gp120 and HLA share a common functional interaction with CD4 but also demonstrate peptide binding properties. Here we report the conserved nature of this feature across HIV-1 envelopes, the crucial role of the HLA homologous C5 region for peptide interactions, and the elimination of this property through specific antibody targeting. Given that the C5 domain mimics a HLA activation domain and the reported clinical benefits associated with nonneutralizing antibodies against this region, targeting the C5 domain may have use as a therapeutic vaccine to protect against disease progression.

Independent evolution of an antiviral TRIMCyp in rhesus macaques

The antiretroviral restriction factor TRIM5 has recently emerged as an important mediator of innate immunity and species-specific inhibition of retroviral replication in mammals. Selection pressure from pathogenic infection has driven rapid evolution of TRIM5 genes, leading to the antiviral specificities we see today. Remarkably, the New World owl monkey (Aotus trivirgatus) encodes a TRIM5 protein in which the antiviral determinants in the B30.2 domain have been replaced by cyclophilin A (CypA) encoded by a retrotransposed cDNA. The owl monkey TRIMCyp protein restricts infection by a subset of lentiviruses that recruit CypA to their capsids, including HIV-1 and feline immunodeficiency virus. Here, we show that the Old World monkey, rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta), also encodes a TRIMCyp protein that has arisen independently from that in owl monkeys. The rhesus TRIMCyp is encoded by a single, but common, allele (Mamu7) of the rhesus TRIM5 gene, among at least six further alleles that encode full-length TRIM5 proteins with no homology to CypA. The antiviral specificity of the rhesus TRIMCyp is distinct, restricting infection of HIV-2 and feline immunodeficiency virus but not HIV-1. Restriction by rhesus TRIMCyp is before reverse transcription and inhibited by blocking CypA binding, with cyclosporine A, or by mutation of the capsid CypA binding site. These observations suggest a mechanism of restriction that is conserved between TRIMCyp proteins. The lack of activity against HIV-1 suggests that Mamu7 homozygous animals will be null for TRIM5-mediated restriction of HIV-1 and could contribute to improved animal models for HIV/AIDS.

Differential CD4+ versus CD8+ T-cell responses elicited by different poxvirus-based human immunodeficiency virus type 1 vaccine candidates provide comparable efficacies in primates

Poxvirus vectors have proven to be highly effective for boosting immune responses in diverse vaccine settings. Recent reports reveal marked differences in the gene expression of human dendritic cells infected with two leading poxvirus-based human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine candidates, New York vaccinia virus (NYVAC) and modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA). To understand how complex genomic changes in these two vaccine vectors translate into antigen-specific systemic immune responses, we undertook a head-to-head vaccine immunogenicity and efficacy study in the pathogenic HIV type 1 (HIV-1) model of AIDS in Indian rhesus macaques. Differences in the immune responses in outbred animals were not distinguished by enzyme-linked immunospot assays, but differences were distinguished by multiparameter fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis, revealing a difference between the number of animals with both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell responses to vaccine inserts (MVA) and those that elicit a dominant CD4(+) T-cell response (NYVAC). Remarkably, vector-induced differences in CD4(+)/CD8(+) T-cell immune responses persisted for more than a year after challenge and even accompanied antigenic modulation throughout the control of chronic infection. Importantly, strong preexposure HIV-1/simian immunodeficiency virus-specific CD4(+) T-cell responses did not prove deleterious with respect to accelerated disease progression. In contrast, in this setting, animals with strong vaccine-induced polyfunctional CD4(+) T-cell responses showed efficacies similar to those with stronger CD8(+) T-cell responses.

Immune-response profiles induced by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 vaccine DNA, protein or mixed-modality immunization: increased protection from pathogenic simian–human immunodeficiency virus viraemia with protein/DNA combination

Current data suggest that prophylactic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) vaccines will be most efficacious if they elicit a combination of adaptive humoral and T-cell responses. Here, we explored the use of different vaccine strategies in heterologous prime–boost regimes and evaluated the breadth and nature of immune responses in rhesus monkeys induced by epidermally delivered plasmid DNA or recombinant HIV proteins formulated in the AS02A adjuvant system. These immunogens were administered alone or as either prime or boost in mixed-modality regimes. DNA immunization alone induced cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses, with a strong bias towards Th1-type cytokines, and no detectable antibodies to the vaccine antigens. Whenever adjuvanted protein was used as a vaccine, either alone or in a regime combined with DNA, high-titre antibody responses to all vaccine antigens were detected in addition to strong Th1- and Th2-type CMI responses. As the vaccine antigens included HIV-1 Env, Nef and Tat, as well as simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)mac239 Nef, the animals were subsequently exposed to a heterologous, pathogenic simian–human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV)89.6p challenge. Protection against sustained high virus load was observed to some degree in all vaccinated groups. Suppression of virus replication to levels below detection was observed most frequently in the group immunized with protein followed by DNA immunization, and similarly in the group immunized with DNA alone. Interestingly, control of virus replication was associated with increased SIV Nef- and Gag-specific gamma interferon responses observed immediately following challenge.

Molecular characterization of the first polyomavirus from a New World primate: squirrel monkey polyomavirus

DNA samples from a variety of New World monkeys were screened by using a broad-spectrum PCR targeting the VP1 gene of polyomaviruses. This resulted in the characterization of the first polyomavirus from a New World primate. This virus naturally infects squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sp.) and is provisionally named squirrel monkey polyomavirus (SquiPyV). The complete genome of SquiPyV is 5075 bp in length, and encodes the small T and large T antigens and the three structural proteins VP1, VP2 and VP3. Interestingly, the late region also encodes a putative agnoprotein, a feature that it shares with other polyomaviruses from humans, baboons and African green monkeys. Comparison with other polyomaviruses revealed limited sequence similarity to any other polyomavirus, and phylogenetic analysis of the VP1 gene confirmed its uniqueness.

Old rhesus macaques treated with interleukin-7 show increased TREC levels and respond well to influenza vaccination

Old age is accompanied by an increased incidence of infection and poorer responses to vaccination. In this proof of principle study, old female rhesus macaques (aged 18.5 to 23.9 years) were treated with recombinant simian interleukin-7 (IL-7) or saline, according to a two-phase regime. Treatment was not associated with bone loss as judged by plasma carboxy terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) levels, nor with neutropenia. IL-7-treated animals showed an increase in the number of blood CD4(+) CD3(+) and CD8(+) CD3(+) T cells after both phases of treatment and a transient increase in the number of naïve (CD62L(+) CD45RA(+)) T cells for both CD4(+) and CD8(+) subsets after only the first treatment. Increases in TREC levels per T cell followed both phases of treatment, but were more prolonged after the second phase. Following vaccination with inactivated influenza strain A/PR/8/34, hemagglutination inhibition assays showed that half of the IL-7-treated animals showed a greater than eight-fold increase in antibody titer following the first challenge with the vaccine. In addition IL-7-treated animals showed higher numbers of central memory CD8(+) T cells compared to pretreatment levels with numbers greater than in the saline-treated group. Animals with the highest hemagglutination inhibition titers and the best proliferation against flu antigen were among those with the highest TREC per T cell levels after the second phase of treatment. Treatment of the elderly with IL-7 may provide an effective therapy to improve the immune system.

Comparison of intranasal with targeted lymph node immunization using PR8-Flu ISCOM adjuvanted HIV antigens in macaques

The rapidly spreading HIV epidemic requires a vaccine that elicits potent mucosal immunity to halt or slow transmission. Induction of these responses will depend on the use of appropriate adjuvants and targeting of the mucosal immune system. Previously, immune stimulating complexes (ISCOM) have shown great potency as adjuvant in the induction of mucosal responses in mice and systemic responses in non-human primates. In this study, HIV formulated in PR8-Flu ISCOM adjuvant was applied to immunize rhesus macaques against HIV; targeting the mucosa either via intranasal (IN) application or via targeted lymph node immunization (TLNI). While, strong systemic, HIV specific, cytokine, lymphoproliferative, and antibody responses were induced via the TLNI route, the IN application generated only low responses. Furthermore, all four animals immunized via TLNI developed vaginal IgA antibodies against gp120. In conclusion, in contrast to what has been demonstrated in mice, the IN application of PR8-Flu ISCOM did not induce strong immune responses in rhesus macaques unlike those immunized by the TLNI route.

A simian immunodeficiency virus V3 loop mutant that does not efficiently use CCR5 or common alternative coreceptors is moderately attenuated in vivo

Sexually transmitted HIV-1 strains utilize the chemokine receptor CCR5 for viral entry and inhibitors targeting this coreceptor offer great promise for antiretroviral therapy. They also raise the question, however, whether viral variants exhibiting altered coreceptor interactions and resistance against these antiviral agents might still be pathogenic. In the present study, we analyzed a SIVmac239 envelope (Env) mutant (239DL) containing two mutations in the V3 loop which reduced viral entry via CCR5 by 10- to 20-fold, disrupted utilization of common alternative SIV coreceptors and changed the way Env engaged CCR5. To evaluate its replicative capacity and pathogenic potential in vivo we infected six rhesus macaques with 239DL. We found that 239DL replication was only slightly attenuated early during infection. Thereafter, a D324V change, which restored efficient CCR5 usage and coincided with 239wt-like levels of viral replication, emerged in two animals. In contrast, the viral geno- and phenotype remained stable in the other four rhesus macaques. Although these animals had about 100-fold reduced viral RNA loads relative to 239wt-infected macaques, they showed pronounced CD4 T-cell depletion in the intestinal lamina propria, and one developed opportunistic infections and died with simian AIDS. Thus, changes in the V3 loop that diminished CCR5 usage and altered Env interactions with CCR5 reduced the pathogenic potential of SIVmac in rhesus macaques but did not abolish it entirely.

Vaccine-induced early control of hepatitis C virus infection in chimpanzees fails to impact on hepatic PD-1 and chronicity

Broad T cell and B cell responses to multiple HCV antigens are observed early in individuals who control or clear HCV infection. The prevailing hypothesis has been that similar immune responses induced by prophylactic immunization would reduce acute virus replication and protect exposed individuals from chronic infection. Here, we demonstrate that immunization of naïve chimpanzees with a multicomponent HCV vaccine induced robust HCV-specific immune responses, and that all vaccinees exposed to heterologous chimpanzee-adapted HCV 1b J4 significantly reduced viral RNA in serum by 84%, and in liver by 99% as compared to controls (P=0.024 and 0.028, respectively). However, despite control of HCV in plasma and liver in the acute period, in the chronic phase, 3 of 4 vaccinated animals developed persistent infection. Analysis of expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines in serial hepatic biopsies failed to reveal an association with vaccine outcome. However, expression of IDO, CTLA-4 [corrected] and PD-1 levels in liver correlated with clearance or chronicity.

CONCLUSION

Despite early control of virus load, a virus-associated tolerogenic-like state can develop in certain individuals independent of vaccination history.

Immunological correlates of protection from HIV infection and disease

The recent meeting on "Immune Correlates of Protection from HIV Infection and Disease" examined new data from a variety of preclinical and clinical settings. These new insights may facilitate vaccine design and clinical evaluation.

Upregulation of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in hepatitis C virus infection

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is induced by proinflammatory cytokines and by CTLA-4-expressing T cells and constitutes an important mediator of peripheral immune tolerance. In chronic hepatitis C, we found upregulation of IDO expression in the liver and an increased serum kynurenine/tryptophan ratio (a reflection of IDO activity). Huh7 cells supporting hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication expressed higher levels of IDO mRNA than noninfected cells when stimulated with gamma interferon or when cocultured with activated T cells. In infected chimpanzees, hepatic IDO expression decreased in animals that cured the infection, while it remained high in those that progressed to chronicity. For both patients and chimpanzees, hepatic expression of IDO and CTLA-4 correlated directly. Induction of IDO may dampen T-cell reactivity to viral antigens in chronic HCV infection.

Zoonotic viral diseases and the frontier of early diagnosis, control and prevention

Public awareness of the human health risks of zoonotic infections has grown in recent years. Currently, concern of H5N1 flu transmission from migratory bird populations has increased with foci of fatal human cases. This comes on the heels of other major zoonotic viral epidemics in the last decade. These include other acute emerging or re-emerging viral diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), West-Nile virus, Ebola virus, monkeypox, as well as the more inapparent insidious slow viral and prion diseases. Virus infections with zoonotic potential can become serious killers once they are able to establish the necessary adaptations for efficient human-to-human transmission under circumstances sufficient to reach epidemic proportions. The monitoring and early diagnosis of these potential risks are overlapping frontiers of human and veterinary medicine. Here, current viral zoonotics and evolving threats are reviewed.