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Chisca M, Larouche JD, Xing Q, Kassiotis G. Antibodies against endogenous retroviruses. Immunol Rev 2024. [PMID: 39152687 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
The human genome harbors hundreds of thousands of integrations of ancient retroviruses, amassed over millions of years of evolution. To reduce further amplification in the genome, the host prevents transcription of these now endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) through epigenetic repression and, with evolutionary time, ERVs are incapacitated by accumulating mutations and deletions. However, several members of recently endogenized ERV groups still retain the capacity to produce viral RNA, retroviral proteins, and higher order structures, including virions. The retention of viral characteristics, combined with the reversible nature of epigenetic repression, particularly as seen in cancer, allow for immunologically unanticipated ERV expression, perceived by the adaptive immune system as a genuine retroviral infection, to which it has to respond. Accordingly, antibodies reactive with ERV antigens have been detected in diverse disorders and, occasionally, in healthy individuals. Although they are part of self, the retroviral legacy of ERV antigens, and association with and, possibly, causation of disease states may set them apart from typical self-antigens. Consequently, the pathogenic or, indeed, host-protective capacity of antibodies targeting ERV antigens is likely to be context-dependent. Here, we review the immunogenicity of typical ERV proteins, with emphasis on the antibody response and its potential disease implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Chisca
- Retroviral Immunology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Qi Xing
- Retroviral Immunology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - George Kassiotis
- Retroviral Immunology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
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2
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Pereira LMS, dos Santos França E, Costa IB, Lima IT, Jorge EVO, de Souza Mendonça Mattos PJ, Freire ABC, de Paula Ramos FL, Monteiro TAF, Macedo O, Sousa RCM, Freitas FB, Costa IB, Vallinoto ACR. DRB1 locus alleles of HLA class II are associated with modulation of the immune response in different serological profiles of HIV-1/Epstein-Barr virus coinfection in the Brazilian Amazon region. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1408290. [PMID: 38933108 PMCID: PMC11199549 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1408290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection involves distinct clinical and serological profiles. We evaluated the frequency of alleles of locus DRB1 of HLA class II in different serological profiles of EBV infection among HIV-1 infected patients. Methods We recruited 19 patients with primary infection, 90 with serological transition and 467 with past infection by EBV, HIV-1 co-infection was 100% in primary infection and approximately 70% in other serological profiles. EBV viral load was quantified by real-time PCR, T lymphocyte quantification and cytokine level analysis were performed by flow cytometry, and HLA locus genotyping was performed by PCR-SSO. Results The DRB1*09 allele was associated with primary infection (p: 0.0477), and carriers of the allele showed changes in EBV viral load (p: 0.0485), CD8(+) T lymphocyte counts (p: 0.0206), double-positive T lymphocyte counts (p: 0.0093), IL-4 levels (p: 0.0464) and TNF levels (p: 0.0161). This allele was also frequent in HIV-coinfected individuals (p: 0.0023) and was related to the log10 HIV viral load (p: 0.0176) and CD8(+) T lymphocyte count (p: 0.0285). In primary infection, the log10 HIV viral load was high (p: 0.0060) and directly proportional to the EBV viral load (p: 0.0412). The DRB1*03 allele correlated with serological transition (p: 0.0477), EBV viral load (p: 0.0015), CD4(+) T lymphocyte count (p: 0.0112), CD8(+) T lymphocyte count (p: 0.0260), double-negative T lymphocyte count (p: 0.0540), IL-4 levels (p: 0.0478) and IL-6 levels (p: 0.0175). In the serological transition group, the log10 HIV viral load was high (p: 0.0060), but it was not associated with the EBV viral load (p: 0.1214). Past infection was related to the DRB1*16 allele (p: 0.0477), with carriers displaying IgG levels (p: 0.0020), CD4(+) T lymphocyte counts (p: 0.0116) and suggestive CD8(+) T count alterations (p: 0.0602). The DRB01*16 allele was also common in HIV-1 patients with past EBV infection (p: 0.0192); however, the allele was not associated with clinical markers of HIV-1 infection. Conclusion Our results suggest that HLA class II alleles may be associated with the modulation of the serological profiles of the immune response to Epstein-Barr virus infection in patients coinfected with HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonn Mendes Soares Pereira
- Virology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Eliane dos Santos França
- Virology Unit, Epstein-Barr Virus Laboratory, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Virology, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Brazil
| | - Iran Barros Costa
- Virology Unit, Epstein-Barr Virus Laboratory, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Virology, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Brazil
| | - Igor Tenório Lima
- Virology Unit, Epstein-Barr Virus Laboratory, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Virology, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Olinda Macedo
- Virology Unit, Retrovirus Laboratory, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Brazil
| | - Rita Catarina Medeiros Sousa
- Virology Unit, Epstein-Barr Virus Laboratory, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Brazil
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Felipe Bonfim Freitas
- Postgraduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Virology Unit, Retrovirus Laboratory, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Brazil
| | - Igor Brasil Costa
- Virology Unit, Epstein-Barr Virus Laboratory, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Virology, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Brazil
| | - Antonio Carlos Rosário Vallinoto
- Virology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
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3
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Tuffs SW, Dufresne K, Rishi A, Walton NR, McCormick JK. Novel insights into the immune response to bacterial T cell superantigens. Nat Rev Immunol 2024; 24:417-434. [PMID: 38225276 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-023-00979-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial T cell superantigens (SAgs) are a family of microbial exotoxins that function to activate large numbers of T cells simultaneously. SAgs activate T cells by direct binding and crosslinking of the lateral regions of MHC class II molecules on antigen-presenting cells with T cell receptors (TCRs) on T cells; these interactions alter the normal TCR-peptide-MHC class II architecture to activate T cells in a manner that is independent of the antigen specificity of the TCR. SAgs have well-recognized, central roles in human diseases such as toxic shock syndrome and scarlet fever through their quantitative effects on the T cell response; in addition, numerous other consequences of SAg-driven T cell activation are now being recognized, including direct roles in the pathogenesis of endocarditis, bloodstream infections, skin disease and pharyngitis. In this Review, we summarize the expanding family of bacterial SAgs and how these toxins can engage highly diverse adaptive immune receptors. We highlight recent findings regarding how SAg-driven manipulation of the adaptive immune response may operate in multiple human diseases, as well as contributing to the biology and life cycle of SAg-producing bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen W Tuffs
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Karine Dufresne
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aanchal Rishi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicholas R Walton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - John K McCormick
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
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da Silva AL, Guedes BLM, Santos SN, Correa GF, Nardy A, Nali LHDS, Bachi ALL, Romano CM. Beyond pathogens: the intriguing genetic legacy of endogenous retroviruses in host physiology. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1379962. [PMID: 38655281 PMCID: PMC11035796 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1379962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The notion that viruses played a crucial role in the evolution of life is not a new concept. However, more recent insights suggest that this perception might be even more expansive, highlighting the ongoing impact of viruses on host evolution. Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are considered genomic remnants of ancient viral infections acquired throughout vertebrate evolution. Their exogenous counterparts once infected the host's germline cells, eventually leading to the permanent endogenization of their respective proviruses. The success of ERV colonization is evident so that it constitutes 8% of the human genome. Emerging genomic studies indicate that endogenous retroviruses are not merely remnants of past infections but rather play a corollary role, despite not fully understood, in host genetic regulation. This review presents some evidence supporting the crucial role of endogenous retroviruses in regulating host genetics. We explore the involvement of human ERVs (HERVs) in key physiological processes, from their precise and orchestrated activities during cellular differentiation and pluripotency to their contributions to aging and cellular senescence. Additionally, we discuss the costs associated with hosting a substantial amount of preserved viral genetic material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Lopes da Silva
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno Luiz Miranda Guedes
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Samuel Nascimento Santos
- UNISA Research Center, Universidade Santo Amaro, Post-Graduation in Health Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giovanna Francisco Correa
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ariane Nardy
- UNISA Research Center, Universidade Santo Amaro, Post-Graduation in Health Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Andre Luis Lacerda Bachi
- UNISA Research Center, Universidade Santo Amaro, Post-Graduation in Health Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Malta Romano
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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5
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Bauer A, Hegen H, Reindl M. Body fluid markers for multiple sclerosis and differential diagnosis from atypical demyelinating disorders. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2024; 24:283-297. [PMID: 38533708 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2024.2334849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Body fluid markers could be helpful to predict the conversion into clinically definite multiple sclerosis (MS) in people with a first demyelinating event of the central nervous system (CNS). Consequently, biomarkers such as oligoclonal bands, which are integrated in the current MS diagnostic criteria, could assist early MS diagnosis. AREAS COVERED This review examines existing knowledge on a broad spectrum of body fluid markers in people with a first CNS demyelinating event, explores their potential to predict conversion to MS, to assess MS disease activity, as well as their utility to differentiate MS from atypical demyelinating disorders such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein associated disease. EXPERT OPINION This field of research has shown a dramatic increase of evidence, especially in the last decade. Some biomarkers are already established in clinical routine (e.g. oligoclonal bands) while others are currently implemented (e.g. kappa free light chains) or considered as breakthroughs (e.g. neurofilament light). Determination of biomarkers poses challenges for continuous monitoring, especially if exclusively detectable in cerebrospinal fluid. A handful of biomarkers are measurable in blood which holds a significant potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Bauer
- Clinical Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Harald Hegen
- Clinical Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Markus Reindl
- Clinical Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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6
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Wang J, Lu X, Zhang W, Liu GH. Endogenous retroviruses in development and health. Trends Microbiol 2024; 32:342-354. [PMID: 37802660 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are evolutionary remnants of retroviral infections in which the viral genome became embedded as a dormant regulatory element within the host germline. When ERVs become activated, they comprehensively rewire genomic regulatory networks of the host and facilitate critical developmental events, such as preimplantation development and placentation, in a manner specific to species, developmental stage, and tissues. However, accumulating evidence suggests that aberrant ERV transcription compromises genome stability and has been implicated in cellular senescence and various pathogenic processes, underscoring the significance of host genomic surveillance mechanisms. Here, we revisit the prominent functions of ERVs in early development and highlight their emerging roles in mammalian post-implantation development and organogenesis. We also discuss their implications for aging and pathological processes such as microbial infection, immune response. Furthermore, we discuss recent advances in stem-cell-based models, single-cell omics, and genome editing technologies, which serve as beacons illuminating the versatile nature of ERVs in mammalian development and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jichang Wang
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Xinyi Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Weiqi Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics and China National Center for Bioinformation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Guang-Hui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China.
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7
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Dopkins N, Nixon DF. Activation of human endogenous retroviruses and its physiological consequences. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024; 25:212-222. [PMID: 37872387 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00674-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are abundant sequences that persist within the human genome as remnants of ancient retroviral infections. These sequences became fixed and accumulate mutations or deletions over time. HERVs have affected human evolution and physiology by providing a unique repertoire of coding and non-coding sequences to the genome. In healthy individuals, HERVs participate in immune responses, formation of syncytiotrophoblasts and cell-fate specification. In this Review, we discuss how endogenized retroviral motifs and regulatory sequences have been co-opted into human physiology and how they are tightly regulated. Infections and mutations can derail this regulation, leading to differential HERV expression, which may contribute to pathologies including neurodegeneration, pathological inflammation and oncogenesis. Emerging evidence demonstrates that HERVs are crucial to human health and represent an understudied facet of many diseases, and we therefore argue that investigating their fundamental properties could improve existing therapies and help develop novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Dopkins
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Douglas F Nixon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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8
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Dai L, Fan J, Qin Z. Development of human endogenous retrovirus type K- related treatments for human diseases. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29532. [PMID: 38497450 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) constitute approximately 8% of the human genome and have long been regarded as silent passengers within our genomes. However, the reactivation of HERVs has been increasingly linked to a range of human diseases, particularly the HERV-K (HML-2) family. Many studies are dedicated to elucidating the potential role of HERV-K in pathogenicity. While the underlying mechanisms require further investigation, targeting HERV-K transactivation emerges as a promising avenue for treating human diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and infectious diseases. In this review, we summarize recent advancements in the development of HERV-K-targeted therapeutic strategies against various human diseases, including antiretroviral drugs, immunotherapy, and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Dai
- Department of Pathology, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Jiaojiao Fan
- Department of Pathology, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Zhiqiang Qin
- Department of Pathology, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
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9
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Cherkasova EA, Chen L, Childs RW. Mechanistic regulation of HERV activation in tumors and implications for translational research in oncology. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1358470. [PMID: 38379771 PMCID: PMC10877039 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1358470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcription of distinct loci of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) and in some cases, translation of these transcripts have been consistently observed in many types of cancer. It is still debated whether HERV activation serves as a trigger for carcinogenesis or rather occurs as a consequence of epigenetic alterations and other molecular sequelae that characterize cellular transformation. Here we review the known molecular and epigenetic mechanisms of HERV activation in cancer cells as well as its potential contribution to carcinogenesis. Further, we describe the use of HERV expression in cancer diagnostic and characterize the potential of HERV-derived antigens to serve as novel targets for cancer immunotherapy. We believe this review, which summarizes both what is known as well as unknown in this rapidly developing field, will boost interest in research on the therapeutic potential of targeting HERV elements in tumors and the impact of HERV activation in oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Richard W. Childs
- Laboratory of Transplantation Immunotherapy, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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10
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Wang P, Fredj Z, Zhang H, Rong G, Bian S, Sawan M. Blocking Superantigen-Mediated Diseases: Challenges and Future Trends. J Immunol Res 2024; 2024:2313062. [PMID: 38268531 PMCID: PMC10807946 DOI: 10.1155/2024/2313062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Superantigens are virulence factors secreted by microorganisms that can cause various immune diseases, such as overactivating the immune system, resulting in cytokine storms, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Some studies have demonstrated that superantigens do not require intracellular processing and instated bind as intact proteins to the antigen-binding groove of major histocompatibility complex II on antigen-presenting cells, resulting in the activation of T cells with different T-cell receptor Vβ and subsequent overstimulation. To combat superantigen-mediated diseases, researchers have employed different approaches, such as antibodies and simulated peptides. However, due to the complex nature of superantigens, these approaches have not been entirely successful in achieving optimal therapeutic outcomes. CD28 interacts with members of the B7 molecule family to activate T cells. Its mimicking peptide has been suggested as a potential candidate to block superantigens, but it can lead to reduced T-cell activity while increasing the host's infection risk. Thus, this review focuses on the use of drug delivery methods to accurately target and block superantigens, while reducing the adverse effects associated with CD28 mimic peptides. We believe that this method has the potential to provide an effective and safe therapeutic strategy for superantigen-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengbo Wang
- CenBRAIN Neurotech, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310030, China
| | - Zina Fredj
- CenBRAIN Neurotech, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310030, China
| | - Hongyong Zhang
- CenBRAIN Neurotech, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310030, China
| | - Guoguang Rong
- CenBRAIN Neurotech, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310030, China
| | - Sumin Bian
- CenBRAIN Neurotech, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310030, China
| | - Mohamad Sawan
- CenBRAIN Neurotech, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310030, China
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11
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Dopkins N, Singh B, Michael S, Zhang P, Marston JL, Fei T, Singh M, Feschotte C, Collins N, Bendall ML, Nixon DF. Ribosomal profiling of human endogenous retroviruses in healthy tissues. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:5. [PMID: 38166631 PMCID: PMC10759522 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09909-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are the germline embedded proviral fragments of ancient retroviral infections that make up roughly 8% of the human genome. Our understanding of HERVs in physiology primarily surrounds their non-coding functions, while their protein coding capacity remains virtually uncharacterized. Therefore, we applied the bioinformatic pipeline "hervQuant" to high-resolution ribosomal profiling of healthy tissues to provide a comprehensive overview of translationally active HERVs. We find that HERVs account for 0.1-0.4% of all translation in distinct tissue-specific profiles. Collectively, our study further supports claims that HERVs are actively translated throughout healthy tissues to provide sequences of retroviral origin to the human proteome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Dopkins
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA.
| | - Bhavya Singh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Stephanie Michael
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Panpan Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Jez L Marston
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Tongyi Fei
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Manvendra Singh
- Clinical Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, City Campus, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Cedric Feschotte
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Nicholas Collins
- Jill Roberts Institute for Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Matthew L Bendall
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Douglas F Nixon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
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12
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Parthasarathy R, Wakefield D, Santiago FS, Kaakoush NO, Tedla N. Horizontal gene transfer and endogenous retroviruses as mechanisms for molecular mimicry. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2024; 5:e4-e5. [PMID: 37883987 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(23)00316-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Parthasarathy
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Denis Wakefield
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Fernando S Santiago
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Nadeem O Kaakoush
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Nicodemus Tedla
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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13
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Gaber N, Abdelhafiz AS, Abdel-Azim N, Shibl A, Fadel L, Hassan ZK, Ahmed EH. HERV-K np9 and HERV-R env: Two endogenous retrovirus products with potential Pathogenic roles in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2024; 38:3946320241274255. [PMID: 39122243 PMCID: PMC11316263 DOI: 10.1177/03946320241274255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are integral components of the human genome, and their reactivation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of some malignancies. External viral co-infections are suspected to play a role in HERV transactivation. This study aimed to investigate the expression of HERV-K np9 elements and HERV-R env gene in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients. Additionally, we explored potential correlations between HERV expression and common viral infections prevalent in this group of patients. METHODS Blood samples were collected from 43 pediatric ALL patients and 48 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to assess the expression of HERV-K np9 and HERV-R env, along with herpes simplex virus (HSV), parvovirus B19, and polyomavirus BK. RESULTS HERV-K np9 and HERV-R env showed significantly higher expression in the peripheral blood of ALL patients compared to healthy controls (p < .001 and p = .003, respectively). HSV positivity was associated with significantly increased HERV-K np9 expression. No significant correlations were observed between other investigated viruses and HERV gene expression. CONCLUSION The overexpression of HERV-K np9 and HERV-R env in pediatric ALL patients suggest their potential role in leukemogenesis. Our findings also suggest a possible link between HSV infection and HERV reactivation in this population. Future investigations are needed to understand the precise roles of these genes and viral infections in the development of ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha Gaber
- Clinical Pathology Department, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Samir Abdelhafiz
- Clinical Pathology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nivin Abdel-Azim
- Cancer Biology Department, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Azza Shibl
- Pediatric Oncology Department, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Lamiaa Fadel
- Cancer Biology Department, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Zeinab Korany Hassan
- Virology and Immunology Unit, Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman Hassan Ahmed
- Clinical Pathology Department, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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14
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Simula ER, Zarbo IR, Arru G, Sechi E, Meloni R, Deiana GA, Solla P, Sechi LA. Antibody Response to HERV-K and HERV-W Envelope Epitopes in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:446. [PMID: 38203616 PMCID: PMC10778599 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis is an antibody-mediated autoimmune neurological disorder characterized by impaired neuromuscular junction transmission, resulting in muscle weakness. Recently, the involvement of Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) in the pathophysiology of different immune-mediated and neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, has been demonstrated. We aimed to investigate potential immune system involvement related to humoral responses targeting specific epitopes of HERV-K and HERV-W envelope proteins in myasthenia gravis. Myasthenia gravis patients were recruited in the Neurology Unit, while healthy controls were selected from the Blood Transfusion Center, both affiliated with AOU Sassari. Highly immunogenic antigens of HERV-K and HERV-W envelope proteins were identified using the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB) online tool. These epitopes were utilized in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to detect autoantibodies in serum directed against these sequences. The study involved 39 Healthy Donors and 47 MG patients, further categorized into subgroups based on the presence of autoantibodies: MG-AchR Ab+ (n = 17), MG-MuSK Ab+ (n = 7), double seronegative patients (MG-DSN, n = 18), MG-LRP4 Ab + (n = 4), and one patient with no antibodies data (n = 1). Our findings revealed high levels of autoantibodies in myasthenia gravis patients directed against the HERV-K-env-su(19-37), HERV-K-env-su(109-126), HERV-K-env-su(164-186), HERV-W-env(93-108), HERV-W-env(129-14), and HERV-W-env(248-262) epitopes. Notably, these results remained highly significant even when patients were subdivided into MG-AchR Ab+ and MG-DSN subgroups. Correlation analysis further revealed significant positive associations between the antibody levels against HERV-K and HERV-W families in patients, suggesting a synergistic action of the two HERVs in the pathology context since this correlation is absent in the control group. This study marks the first identification of a specific humoral response directed against defined epitopes of HERV-K and HERV-W envelope proteins in myasthenia gravis patients. These findings lay the foundation for future investigations aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms driving this immune response. The detection of these autoantibodies suggests the potential for novel biomarkers, especially within the MG-DSN patient subgroup, addressing the need for new biomarkers in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Rita Simula
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43b, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Ignazio Roberto Zarbo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy University of Sassari, Viale S. Pietro 10, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.R.Z.); (G.A.); (E.S.); (R.M.); (G.A.D.)
| | - Giannina Arru
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy University of Sassari, Viale S. Pietro 10, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.R.Z.); (G.A.); (E.S.); (R.M.); (G.A.D.)
| | - Elia Sechi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy University of Sassari, Viale S. Pietro 10, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.R.Z.); (G.A.); (E.S.); (R.M.); (G.A.D.)
| | - Rossella Meloni
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy University of Sassari, Viale S. Pietro 10, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.R.Z.); (G.A.); (E.S.); (R.M.); (G.A.D.)
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Andrea Deiana
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy University of Sassari, Viale S. Pietro 10, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.R.Z.); (G.A.); (E.S.); (R.M.); (G.A.D.)
| | - Paolo Solla
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy University of Sassari, Viale S. Pietro 10, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.R.Z.); (G.A.); (E.S.); (R.M.); (G.A.D.)
| | - Leonardo Antonio Sechi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43b, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
- Struttura Complessa Microbiologia e Virologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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15
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Yoshizaki T, Kondo S, Dochi H, Kobayashi E, Mizokami H, Komura S, Endo K. Recent Advances in Assessing the Clinical Implications of Epstein-Barr Virus Infection and Their Application to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. Microorganisms 2023; 12:14. [PMID: 38276183 PMCID: PMC10820804 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Reports about the oncogenic mechanisms underlying nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) have been accumulating since the discovery of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in NPC cells. EBV is the primary causative agent of NPC. EBV-host and tumor-immune system interactions underlie the unique representative pathology of NPC, which is an undifferentiated cancer cell with extensive lymphocyte infiltration. Recent advances in the understanding of immune evasion and checkpoints have changed the treatment of NPC in clinical settings. The main EBV genes involved in NPC are LMP1, which is the primary EBV oncogene, and BZLF1, which induces the lytic phase of EBV. These two multifunctional genes affect host cell behavior, including the tumor-immune microenvironment and EBV behavior. Latent infections, elevated concentrations of the anti-EBV antibody and plasma EBV DNA have been used as biomarkers of EBV-associated NPC. The massive infiltration of lymphocytes in the stroma suggests the immunogenic characteristics of NPC as a virus-infected tumor and, at the same time, also indicates the presence of a sophisticated immunosuppressive system within NPC tumors. In fact, immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown promise in improving the prognosis of NPC patients with recurrent and metastatic disease. However, patients with advanced NPC still require invasive treatments. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop an effective screening system for early-stage detection of NPC in patients. Various modalities, such as nasopharyngeal cytology, cell-free DNA methylation, and deep learning-assisted nasopharyngeal endoscopy for screening and diagnosis, have been introduced. Each modality has its advantages and disadvantages. A reciprocal combination of these modalities will improve screening and early diagnosis of NPC.
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16
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Thomas OG, Olsson T. Mimicking the brain: Epstein-Barr virus and foreign agents as drivers of neuroimmune attack in multiple sclerosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1304281. [PMID: 38022632 PMCID: PMC10655090 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1304281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells have an essential role in adaptive immunity against pathogens and cancer, but failure of thymic tolerance mechanisms can instead lead to escape of T cells with the ability to attack host tissues. Multiple sclerosis (MS) occurs when structures such as myelin and neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) are the target of autoreactive immune responses, resulting in lesions in the brain and spinal cord which cause varied and episodic neurological deficits. A role for autoreactive T cell and antibody responses in MS is likely, and mounting evidence implicates Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in disease mechanisms. In this review we discuss antigen specificity of T cells involved in development and progression of MS. We examine the current evidence that these T cells can target multiple antigens such as those from pathogens including EBV and briefly describe other mechanisms through which viruses could affect disease. Unravelling the complexity of the autoantigen T cell repertoire is essential for understanding key events in the development and progression of MS, with wider implications for development of future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia G. Thomas
- Therapeutic Immune Design, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tomas Olsson
- Therapeutic Immune Design, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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17
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Ruiz-Pablos M, Paiva B, Zabaleta A. Epstein-Barr virus-acquired immunodeficiency in myalgic encephalomyelitis-Is it present in long COVID? J Transl Med 2023; 21:633. [PMID: 37718435 PMCID: PMC10506247 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04515-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Both myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID (LC) are characterized by similar immunological alterations, persistence of chronic viral infection, autoimmunity, chronic inflammatory state, viral reactivation, hypocortisolism, and microclot formation. They also present with similar symptoms such as asthenia, exercise intolerance, sleep disorders, cognitive dysfunction, and neurological and gastrointestinal complaints. In addition, both pathologies present Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation, indicating the possibility of this virus being the link between both pathologies. Therefore, we propose that latency and recurrent EBV reactivation could generate an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in three steps: first, an acquired EBV immunodeficiency develops in individuals with "weak" EBV HLA-II haplotypes, which prevents the control of latency I cells. Second, ectopic lymphoid structures with EBV latency form in different tissues (including the CNS), promoting inflammatory responses and further impairment of cell-mediated immunity. Finally, immune exhaustion occurs due to chronic exposure to viral antigens, with consolidation of the disease. In the case of LC, prior to the first step, there is the possibility of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection in individuals with "weak" HLA-II haplotypes against this virus and/or EBV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruno Paiva
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Av. Pío XII 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Aintzane Zabaleta
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Av. Pío XII 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain.
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18
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Singh B, Dopkins N, Fei T, Marston JL, Michael S, Reyes-Gopar H, Curty G, Heymann JJ, Chadburn A, Martin P, Leal FE, Cesarman E, Nixon DF, Bendall ML. Locus specific human endogenous retroviruses reveal new lymphoma subtypes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.08.544208. [PMID: 37333202 PMCID: PMC10274920 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.08.544208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
The heterogeneity of cancers are driven by diverse mechanisms underlying oncogenesis such as differential 'cell-of-origin' (COO) progenitors, mutagenesis, and viral infections. Classification of B-cell lymphomas have been defined by considering these characteristics. However, the expression and contribution of transposable elements (TEs) to B cell lymphoma oncogenesis or classification have been overlooked. We hypothesized that incorporating TE signatures would increase the resolution of B-cell identity during healthy and malignant conditions. Here, we present the first comprehensive, locus-specific characterization of TE expression in benign germinal center (GC) B-cells, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive and EBV-negative Burkitt lymphoma (BL), and follicular lymphoma (FL). Our findings demonstrate unique human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) signatures in the GC and lymphoma subtypes whose activity can be used in combination with gene expression to define B-cell lineage in lymphoid malignancies, highlighting the potential of retrotranscriptomic analyses as a tool in lymphoma classification, diagnosis, and the identification of novel treatment groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavya Singh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicholas Dopkins
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tongyi Fei
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jez L. Marston
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephanie Michael
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Helena Reyes-Gopar
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Departamento de Genómica Computacional, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gislaine Curty
- Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jonas J. Heymann
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amy Chadburn
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter Martin
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fabio E. Leal
- Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ethel Cesarman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Douglas F. Nixon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew L. Bendall
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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19
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Frau J, Coghe G, Lorefice L, Fenu G, Cocco E. The Role of Microorganisms in the Etiopathogenesis of Demyelinating Diseases. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1309. [PMID: 37374092 DOI: 10.3390/life13061309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD) are inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) with a multifactorial aetiology. Environmental factors are important for their development and microorganisms could play a determining role. They can directly damage the CNS, but their interaction with the immune system is even more important. The possible mechanisms involved include molecular mimicry, epitope spreading, bystander activation and the dual cell receptor theory. The role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in MS has been definitely established, since being seropositive is a necessary condition for the onset of MS. EBV interacts with genetic and environmental factors, such as low levels of vitamin D and human endogenous retrovirus (HERV), another microorganism implicated in the disease. Many cases of onset or exacerbation of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) have been described after infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, EBV and human immunodeficiency virus; however, no definite association with a virus has been found. A possible role has been suggested for Helicobacter pylori, in particular in individuals with aquaporin 4 antibodies. The onset of MOGAD could occur after an infection, mainly in the monophasic course of the disease. A role for the HERV in MOGAD has been hypothesized. In this review, we examined the current understanding of the involvement of infectious factors in MS, NMO and MOGAD. Our objective was to elucidate the roles of each microorganism in initiating the diseases and influencing their clinical progression. We aimed to discuss both the infectious factors that have a well-established role and those that have yielded conflicting results across various studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Frau
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, ASL Cagliari, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Coghe
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, ASL Cagliari, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Lorena Lorefice
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, ASL Cagliari, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Cocco
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, ASL Cagliari, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
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20
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Ansari S, Gupta N, Verma R, Singh ON, Gupta J, Kumar A, Yadav MK, Binayke A, Tiwari M, Periwal N, Sood V, Mani S, Awasthi A, Shalimar, Nayak B, Ranjith‐Kumar CT, Surjit M. Antiviral activity of the human endogenous retrovirus‐R envelope protein against SARS‐CoV‐2. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e55900. [PMCID: PMC10328075 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202255900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus‐induced disease‐19 (COVID‐19), caused by SARS‐CoV‐2, is still a major global health challenge. Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) represent retroviral elements that were integrated into the ancestral human genome. HERVs are important in embryonic development as well as in the manifestation of diseases, including cancer, inflammation, and viral infections. Here, we analyze the expression of several HERVs in SARS‐CoV‐2‐infected cells and observe increased activity of HERV‐E, HERV‐V, HERV‐FRD, HERV‐MER34, HERV‐W, and HERV‐K‐HML2. In contrast, the HERV‐R envelope is downregulated in cell‐based models and PBMCs of COVID‐19 patients. Overexpression of HERV‐R inhibits SARS‐CoV‐2 replication, suggesting its antiviral activity. Further analyses demonstrate the role of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) in regulating HERV‐R antiviral activity. Lastly, our data indicate that the crosstalk between ERK and p38 MAPK controls the synthesis of the HERV‐R envelope protein, which in turn modulates SARS‐CoV‐2 replication. These findings suggest the role of the HERV‐R envelope as a prosurvival host factor against SARS‐CoV‐2 and illustrate a possible advantage of integration and evolutionary maintenance of retroviral elements in the human genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Ansari
- Virology LaboratoryTranslational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science ClusterFaridabadIndia
| | - Nidhi Gupta
- Virology LaboratoryTranslational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science ClusterFaridabadIndia
- Present address:
Department of BiochemistryAll India Institute of Medical SciencesNew DelhiIndia
| | - Rohit Verma
- Virology LaboratoryTranslational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science ClusterFaridabadIndia
| | - Oinam N Singh
- Virology LaboratoryTranslational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science ClusterFaridabadIndia
| | - Jyoti Gupta
- Virology LaboratoryTranslational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science ClusterFaridabadIndia
| | - Amit Kumar
- Virology LaboratoryTranslational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science ClusterFaridabadIndia
| | - Mukesh Kumar Yadav
- Virology LaboratoryTranslational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science ClusterFaridabadIndia
| | - Akshay Binayke
- Immunobiology LaboratoryTranslational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science ClusterFaridabadIndia
| | - Mahima Tiwari
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science ClusterFaridabadIndia
| | - Neha Periwal
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Chemical and Life SciencesJamia Hamdard UniversityNew DelhiIndia
| | - Vikas Sood
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Chemical and Life SciencesJamia Hamdard UniversityNew DelhiIndia
| | - Shailendra Mani
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science ClusterFaridabadIndia
| | - Amit Awasthi
- Immunobiology LaboratoryTranslational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science ClusterFaridabadIndia
| | - Shalimar
- Department of GastroenterologyAll India Institute of Medical SciencesNew DelhiIndia
| | - Baibaswata Nayak
- Department of GastroenterologyAll India Institute of Medical SciencesNew DelhiIndia
| | - CT Ranjith‐Kumar
- University School of Biotechnology, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha UniversityNew DelhiIndia
| | - Milan Surjit
- Virology LaboratoryTranslational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science ClusterFaridabadIndia
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21
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Abstract
Our defenses against infection rely on the ability of the immune system to distinguish invading pathogens from self. This task is exceptionally challenging, if not seemingly impossible, in the case of retroviruses that have integrated almost seamlessly into the host. This review examines the limits of innate and adaptive immune responses elicited by endogenous retroviruses and other retroelements, the targets of immune recognition, and the consequences for host health and disease. Contrary to theoretical expectation, endogenous retroelements retain substantial immunogenicity, which manifests most profoundly when their epigenetic repression is compromised, contributing to autoinflammatory and autoimmune disease and age-related inflammation. Nevertheless, recent evidence suggests that regulated immune reactivity to endogenous retroelements is integral to immune system development and function, underpinning cancer immunosurveillance, resistance to infection, and responses to the microbiota. Elucidation of the interaction points with endogenous retroelements will therefore deepen our understanding of immune system function and contribution to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Kassiotis
- Retroviral Immunology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom;
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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22
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Wang D, Gomes MT, Mo Y, Prohaska CC, Zhang L, Chelvanambi S, Clauss MA, Zhang D, Machado RF, Gao M, Bai Y. Human Endogenous Retrovirus, SARS-CoV-2, and HIV Promote PAH via Inflammation and Growth Stimulation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7472. [PMID: 37108634 PMCID: PMC10138839 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a pulmonary vascular disease characterized by the progressive elevation of pulmonary arterial pressures. It is becoming increasingly apparent that inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of PAH. Several viruses are known to cause PAH, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), human endogenous retrovirus K(HERV-K), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), in part due to acute and chronic inflammation. In this review, we discuss the connections between HERV-K, HIV, SARS-CoV-2, and PAH, to stimulate research regarding new therapeutic options and provide new targets for the treatment of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desheng Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Marta T. Gomes
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Yanfei Mo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Clare C. Prohaska
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Sarvesh Chelvanambi
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Matthias A. Clauss
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Dongfang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Roberto F. Machado
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Mingqi Gao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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23
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Subramanian K, Paul S, Libby A, Patterson J, Arterbery A, Knight J, Castaldi C, Wang G, Avitzur Y, Martinez M, Lobritto S, Deng Y, Geliang G, Kroemer A, Fishbein T, Mason A, Dominguez-Villar M, Mariappan M, Ekong UD. HERV1-env Induces Unfolded Protein Response Activation in Autoimmune Liver Disease: A Potential Mechanism for Regulatory T Cell Dysfunction. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 210:732-744. [PMID: 36722941 PMCID: PMC10691554 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are not terminally differentiated but can acquire effector properties. Here we report an increased expression of human endogenous retrovirus 1 (HERV1-env) proteins in Tregs of patients with de novo autoimmune hepatitis and autoimmune hepatitis, which induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. HERV1-env-triggered ER stress activates all three branches (IRE1, ATF6, and PERK) of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Our coimmunoprecipitation studies show an interaction between HERV1-env proteins and the ATF6 branch of the UPR. The activated form of ATF6α activates the expression of RORC and STAT3 by binding to promoter sequences and induces IL-17A production. Silencing of HERV1-env results in recovery of Treg suppressive function. These findings identify ER stress and UPR activation as key factors driving Treg plasticity (species: human).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumar Subramanian
- Department of Surgery, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Saikat Paul
- Department of Surgery, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Andrew Libby
- Dept of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Jordan Patterson
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Adam Arterbery
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - James Knight
- Yale Center for Genome Analysis, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Guilin Wang
- Yale Center for Genome Analysis, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yaron Avitzur
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mercedes Martinez
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steve Lobritto
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yanhong Deng
- Yale Center for Analytical Sciences, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Gan Geliang
- Yale Center for Analytical Sciences, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alexander Kroemer
- Department of Surgery, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Thomas Fishbein
- Department of Surgery, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Andrew Mason
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | | | - Udeme D. Ekong
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Surgery, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
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Interplay between activation of endogenous retroviruses and inflammation as common pathogenic mechanism in neurological and psychiatric disorders. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 107:242-252. [PMID: 36270439 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are ancestorial retroviral elements that were integrated into our genome through germline infections and insertions during evolution. They have repeatedly been implicated in the aetiology and pathophysiology of numerous human disorders, particularly in those that affect the central nervous system. In addition to the known association of ERVs with multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a growing number of studies links the induction and expression of these retroviral elements with the onset and severity of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Although these disorders differ in terms of overall disease pathology and causalities, a certain degree of (subclinical) chronic inflammation can be identified in all of them. Based on these commonalities, we discuss the bidirectional relationship between ERV expression and inflammation and highlight that numerous entry points to this reciprocal sequence of events exist, including initial infections with ERV-activating pathogens, exposure to non-infectious inflammatory stimuli, and conditions in which epigenetic silencing of ERV elements is disrupted.
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25
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Laxminarayana D. Molecular insights into onset of autoimmunity in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. RHEUMATOLOGY & AUTOIMMUNITY 2022; 2:198-202. [PMID: 36714799 PMCID: PMC9874720 DOI: 10.1002/rai2.12056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Some of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected patients are facing long-term devastating effects like induction of autoimmune diseases. Here, I discuss molecular mechanisms and risk factors involved in the induction of autoimmune diseases after SARS-CoV-2 infections. Transcript editing genes were upregulated during SARS-CoV-2 infections, which might have edited host gene transcripts and paved the way for autoantigens generation and presented as nonself to generate autoantibodies followed by auto immunogenicity after SARS-CoV-2 infections. Therefore, some SARS-CoV-2 patients acquire autoimmunity. The transient and/or innocuous autoimmune response in some SARS-CoV-2 infected patients may be due to a lack of repeated production of autoantibodies to host autoantigens and/or viral antigens, which are needed to boost autoimmune response. In the future, SARS-CoV-2 mediated autoimmune disease onset will be a challenging task. Therefore, possible preventive measures and strategies to minimize and/or preclude such SARS-CoV-2 mediated autoimmune diseases have been presented in this commentary.
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Rangel SC, da Silva MD, da Silva AL, dos Santos JDMB, Neves LM, Pedrosa A, Rodrigues FM, Trettel CDS, Furtado GE, de Barros MP, Bachi ALL, Romano CM, Nali LHDS. Human endogenous retroviruses and the inflammatory response: A vicious circle associated with health and illness. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1057791. [PMID: 36518758 PMCID: PMC9744114 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1057791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) are derived from ancient exogenous retroviral infections that have infected our ancestors' germline cells, underwent endogenization process, and were passed throughout the generations by retrotransposition and hereditary transmission. HERVs comprise 8% of the human genome and are critical for several physiological activities. Yet, HERVs reactivation is involved in pathological process as cancer and autoimmune diseases. In this review, we summarize the multiple aspects of HERVs' role within the human genome, as well as virological and molecular aspects, and their fusogenic property. We also discuss possibilities of how the HERVs are possibly transactivated and participate in modulating the inflammatory response in health conditions. An update on their role in several autoimmune, inflammatory, and aging-related diseases is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Coelho Rangel
- UNISA Research Center, Universidade Santo Amaro, Post-Graduation in Health Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Amanda Lopes da Silva
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Lucas Melo Neves
- UNISA Research Center, Universidade Santo Amaro, Post-Graduation in Health Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Pedrosa
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, (3004-504), Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Caio dos Santos Trettel
- Interdisciplinary Program in Health Sciences, Institute of Physical Activity Sciences and Sports (ICAFE), Cruzeiro do Sul University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Eustáquio Furtado
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Applied Research Institute, Rua da Misericórdia, Lagar dos Cortiços – S. Martinho do Bispo, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marcelo Paes de Barros
- Interdisciplinary Program in Health Sciences, Institute of Physical Activity Sciences and Sports (ICAFE), Cruzeiro do Sul University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André Luis Lacerda Bachi
- UNISA Research Center, Universidade Santo Amaro, Post-Graduation in Health Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Malta Romano
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil,Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP (LIM52), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz Henrique Da Silva Nali
- UNISA Research Center, Universidade Santo Amaro, Post-Graduation in Health Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil,*Correspondence: Luiz Henrique Da Silva Nali, ;
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27
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Noli Truant S, Redolfi DM, Sarratea MB, Malchiodi EL, Fernández MM. Superantigens, a Paradox of the Immune Response. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14110800. [PMID: 36422975 PMCID: PMC9692936 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14110800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcal enterotoxins are a wide family of bacterial exotoxins with the capacity to activate as much as 20% of the host T cells, which is why they were called superantigens. Superantigens (SAgs) can cause multiple diseases in humans and cattle, ranging from mild to life-threatening infections. Almost all S. aureus isolates encode at least one of these toxins, though there is no complete knowledge about how their production is triggered. One of the main problems with the available evidence for these toxins is that most studies have been conducted with a few superantigens; however, the resulting characteristics are attributed to the whole group. Although these toxins share homology and a two-domain structure organization, the similarity ratio varies from 20 to 89% among different SAgs, implying wide heterogeneity. Furthermore, every attempt to structurally classify these proteins has failed to answer differential biological functionalities. Taking these concerns into account, it might not be appropriate to extrapolate all the information that is currently available to every staphylococcal SAg. Here, we aimed to gather the available information about all staphylococcal SAgs, considering their functions and pathogenicity, their ability to interact with the immune system as well as their capacity to be used as immunotherapeutic agents, resembling the two faces of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
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28
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Wieland L, Schwarz T, Engel K, Volkmer I, Krüger A, Tarabuko A, Junghans J, Kornhuber ME, Hoffmann F, Staege MS, Emmer A. Epstein-Barr Virus-Induced Genes and Endogenous Retroviruses in Immortalized B Cells from Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223619. [PMID: 36429047 PMCID: PMC9688211 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is thought to be triggered by environmental factors in individuals with an unfavorable genetic predisposition. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is a major risk factor for subsequent development of MS. Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) can be activated by EBV, and might be a missing link between an initial EBV infection and the later onset of MS. In this study, we investigated differential gene expression patterns in EBV-immortalized lymphoblastoid B cell lines (LCL) from MS-affected individuals (MSLCL) and controls by using RNAseq and qRT-PCR. RNAseq data from LCL mapped to the human genome and a virtual virus metagenome were used to identify possible biomarkers for MS or disease-relevant risk factors, e.g., the relapse rate. We observed that lytic EBNA-1 transcripts seemed to be negatively correlated with age leading to an increased expression in LCL from younger PBMC donors. Further, HERV-K (HML-2) GAG was increased upon EBV-triggered immortalization. Besides the well-known transactivation of HERV-K18, our results suggest that another six HERV loci are up-regulated upon stimulation with EBV. We identified differentially expressed genes in MSLCL, e.g., several HERV-K loci, ERVMER61-1 and ERV3-1, as well as genes associated with relapses. In summary, EBV induces genes and HERV in LCL that might be suitable as biomarkers for MS or the relapse risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Wieland
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Tommy Schwarz
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Kristina Engel
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ines Volkmer
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anna Krüger
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Alexander Tarabuko
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jutta Junghans
- Department of Neurology, Martha-Maria Hospital Halle-Dölau, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Malte E. Kornhuber
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Frank Hoffmann
- Department of Neurology, Martha-Maria Hospital Halle-Dölau, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Martin S. Staege
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-34-5557-7280
| | - Alexander Emmer
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
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Sahu S, Singh B, Kumar Rai A. Human endogenous retrovirus regulates the initiation and progression of cancers (Review). Mol Clin Oncol 2022; 17:143. [PMID: 36157315 PMCID: PMC9468830 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2022.2576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of genes is altered in various diseases and is responsible for the disease's initiation, progression and pathology. Several other genes, predominantly inactivated, may become activated in a given condition and contribute to the initiation and progression of the disease. Similarly, human endogenous viruses (HERVs) are an incomplete, non-productive and inactive viral sequence present in the heterochromatin of the human genome, and are often referred to as junk DNA. HERVs were inserted into the host genome millions of years ago. However, they were silenced due to multiple mutations and recombination that occurred over time. However, their expression is increased in cancers due to either epigenetic or transcriptional dysregulation. Some of the HERVs having intact open reading frames have been reported to express virus-like particles, functional peptides and proteins involved in tumorigenesis. To summarize, there is involvement of different HERVs in the initiation and progression of several cancers. The present review aims to provide concise information on HERV and its involvement in the initiation and progression of multiple types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srishti Sahu
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211004, India
| | - Bharat Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211004, India
| | - Ambak Kumar Rai
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211004, India
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30
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Ilse V, Scholz R, Wermann M, Naumann M, Staege MS, Roßner S, Cynis H. Immunogenicity of the Envelope Surface Unit of Human Endogenous Retrovirus K18 in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158330. [PMID: 35955468 PMCID: PMC9369184 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The triggers for the development of multiple sclerosis (MS) have not been fully understood to date. One hypothesis proposes a viral etiology. Interestingly, viral proteins from human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) may play a role in the pathogenesis of MS. Allelic variants of the HERV-K18 env gene represent a genetic risk factor for MS, and the envelope protein is considered to be an Epstein–Barr virus-trans-activated superantigen. To further specify a possible role for HERV-K18 in MS, the present study examined the immunogenicity of the purified surface unit (SU). HERV-K18(SU) induced envelope-specific plasma IgG in immunized mice and triggered proliferation of T cells isolated from these mice. It did not trigger phenotypic changes in a mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Further studies are needed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of HERV-K18 interaction with immune system regulators in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Ilse
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Weinbergweg 22, 06120 Halle, Germany; (V.I.); (R.S.); (M.W.); (M.N.)
| | - Rebekka Scholz
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Weinbergweg 22, 06120 Halle, Germany; (V.I.); (R.S.); (M.W.); (M.N.)
| | - Michael Wermann
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Weinbergweg 22, 06120 Halle, Germany; (V.I.); (R.S.); (M.W.); (M.N.)
| | - Marcel Naumann
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Weinbergweg 22, 06120 Halle, Germany; (V.I.); (R.S.); (M.W.); (M.N.)
| | - Martin S. Staege
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06097 Halle, Germany;
| | - Steffen Roßner
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, Leipzig University, Liebigstraße 19, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Holger Cynis
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Weinbergweg 22, 06120 Halle, Germany; (V.I.); (R.S.); (M.W.); (M.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-345-13142835; Fax: +49-345-13142801
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31
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Koch BF. SARS-CoV-2 and human retroelements: a case for molecular mimicry? BMC Genom Data 2022; 23:27. [PMID: 35395708 PMCID: PMC8992427 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-022-01040-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The factors driving the late phase of COVID-19 are still poorly understood. However, autoimmunity is an evolving theme in COVID-19’s pathogenesis. Additionally, deregulation of human retroelements (RE) is found in many viral infections, and has also been reported in COVID-19. Results Unexpectedly, coronaviruses (CoV) – including SARS-CoV-2 – harbour many RE-identical sequences (up to 35 base pairs), and some of these sequences are part of SARS-CoV-2 epitopes associated to COVID-19 severity. Furthermore, RE are expressed in healthy controls and human cells and become deregulated after SARS-CoV-2 infection, showing mainly changes in long interspersed nuclear element (LINE1) expression, but also in endogenous retroviruses. Conclusion CoV and human RE share coding sequences, which are targeted by antibodies in COVID-19 and thus could induce an autoimmune loop by molecular mimicry. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12863-022-01040-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Florian Koch
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nephrology, Goethe University Hospital, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt/Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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32
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Hamdy A, Leonardi A. Superantigens and SARS-CoV-2. Pathogens 2022; 11:390. [PMID: 35456065 PMCID: PMC9026686 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11040390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been posited SARS-CoV-2 contains at least one unique superantigen-like motif not found in any other SARS or endemic coronaviruses. Superantigens are potent antigens that can send the immune system into overdrive. SARS-CoV-2 causes many of the biological and clinical consequences of a superantigen, and, in the context of reinfection and waning immunity, it is important to better understand the impact of a widely circulating, airborne pathogen that may be a superantigen, superantigen-like or trigger a superantigenic host response. Urgent research is needed to better understand the long-term risks being taken by governments whose policies enable widespread transmission of a potential superantigenic pathogen, and to more clearly define the vaccination and public health policies needed to protect against the consequences of repeat exposure to the pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Hamdy
- Panres Pandemic Research, Newport TF10 8PG, UK
| | - Anthony Leonardi
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
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33
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Latifi T, Zebardast A, Marashi SM. The role of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in Multiple Sclerosis and the plausible interplay between HERVs, Epstein-Barr virus infection, and vitamin D. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 57:103318. [PMID: 35158423 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.103318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the chronic inflammatory diseases with neurological disability in the central nervous system (CNS). Although the exact cause of MS is still largely unknown, both genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role in disease risk. Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) are endogenous viral elements of the human genome whose expression is associated with MS. HERVs are normally silenced or expressed at low levels, although their expression is higher in MS than in the healthy population. Several studies highlighted the plausible interaction between HERVs and other MS risk factors, including viral infection like Epstein-Barr viruses and vitamin D deficiency which may lead to high expression of HERVs in these patients. Understanding how HERVs act in this scenario can improve our understanding towards MS etiology and may lead to the development of antiretroviral therapies in these patients. Here in this review, we try to examine the different HERVs expression implicated in MS and their association with EBV infection and vitamin D status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayebeh Latifi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arghavan Zebardast
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sayed Mahdi Marashi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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34
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Posso-Osorio I, Tobón GJ, Cañas CA. Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) and non-HERV viruses incorporated into the human genome and their role in the development of autoimmune diseases. J Transl Autoimmun 2021; 4:100137. [PMID: 34917914 PMCID: PMC8669383 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2021.100137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic incorporation of viruses as human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are components of our genome that possibly originated by incorporating ancestral of exogenous viruses. Their roles in the evolution of the human genome, gene expression, and the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases (ADs) and neoplastic phenomena are the subject of intense research. This review analyzes the evolutionary and virological aspects of HERVs and other viruses that incorporate their genome into the human genome and have known role in the genesis of ADs. These insights are helpful to understand further the possible role in autoimmunity genesis of HERVs, other ancestral viruses no HERVs and modern viruses with the ability to incorporate into the human genome or interact with HERVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Posso-Osorio
- CIRAT: Centro de Investigación en Reumatología, Autoinmunidad y Medicina Traslacional, Fundación Valle Del Lili and Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia.,Fundación Valle del Lili, Rheumatology Unit, Cali, Colombia
| | - Gabriel J Tobón
- Fundación Valle del Lili, Rheumatology Unit, Cali, Colombia.,Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology. Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Carlos A Cañas
- CIRAT: Centro de Investigación en Reumatología, Autoinmunidad y Medicina Traslacional, Fundación Valle Del Lili and Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia.,Fundación Valle del Lili, Rheumatology Unit, Cali, Colombia
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35
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Meier UC, Cipian RC, Karimi A, Ramasamy R, Middeldorp JM. Cumulative Roles for Epstein-Barr Virus, Human Endogenous Retroviruses, and Human Herpes Virus-6 in Driving an Inflammatory Cascade Underlying MS Pathogenesis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:757302. [PMID: 34790199 PMCID: PMC8592026 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.757302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Roles for viral infections and aberrant immune responses in driving localized neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS) are the focus of intense research. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), as a persistent and frequently reactivating virus with major immunogenic influences and a near 100% epidemiological association with MS, is considered to play a leading role in MS pathogenesis, triggering localized inflammation near or within the central nervous system (CNS). This triggering may occur directly via viral products (RNA and protein) and/or indirectly via antigenic mimicry involving B-cells, T-cells and cytokine-activated astrocytes and microglia cells damaging the myelin sheath of neurons. The genetic MS-risk factor HLA-DR2b (DRB1*1501β, DRA1*0101α) may contribute to aberrant EBV antigen-presentation and anti-EBV reactivity but also to mimicry-induced autoimmune responses characteristic of MS. A central role is proposed for inflammatory EBER1, EBV-miRNA and LMP1 containing exosomes secreted by viable reactivating EBV+ B-cells and repetitive release of EBNA1-DNA complexes from apoptotic EBV+ B-cells, forming reactive immune complexes with EBNA1-IgG and complement. This may be accompanied by cytokine- or EBV-induced expression of human endogenous retrovirus-W/-K (HERV-W/-K) elements and possibly by activation of human herpesvirus-6A (HHV-6A) in early-stage CNS lesions, each contributing to an inflammatory cascade causing the relapsing-remitting neuro-inflammatory and/or progressive features characteristic of MS. Elimination of EBV-carrying B-cells by antibody- and EBV-specific T-cell therapy may hold the promise of reducing EBV activity in the CNS, thereby limiting CNS inflammation, MS symptoms and possibly reversing disease. Other approaches targeting HHV-6 and HERV-W and limiting inflammatory kinase-signaling to treat MS are also being tested with promising results. This article presents an overview of the evidence that EBV, HHV-6, and HERV-W may have a pathogenic role in initiating and promoting MS and possible approaches to mitigate development of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ute-Christiane Meier
- Institut für Laboratoriumsmedizin, Klinikum der Universität München, München, Germany.,Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Abbas Karimi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Frey TR, Akinyemi IA, Burton EM, Bhaduri-McIntosh S, McIntosh MT. An Ancestral Retrovirus Envelope Protein Regulates Persistent Gammaherpesvirus Lifecycles. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:708404. [PMID: 34434177 PMCID: PMC8381357 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.708404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human gammaherpesviruses Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) persist as life-long infections alternating between latency and lytic replication. Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), via integration into the host genome, represent genetic remnants of ancient retroviral infections. Both show similar epigenetic silencing while dormant, but can reactivate in response to cell signaling cues or triggers that, for gammaherpesviruses, result in productive lytic replication. Given their co-existence with humans and shared epigenetic silencing, we asked if HERV expression might be linked to lytic activation of human gammaherpesviruses. We found ERVW-1 mRNA, encoding the functional HERV-W envelope protein Syncytin-1, along with other repeat class elements, to be elevated upon lytic activation of EBV. Knockdown/knockout of ERVW-1 reduced lytic activation of EBV and KSHV in response to various lytic cycle triggers. In this regard, reduced expression of immediate early proteins ZEBRA and RTA for EBV and KSHV, respectively, places Syncytin-1's influence on lytic activation mechanistically upstream of the latent-to-lytic switch. Conversely, overexpression of Syncytin-1 enhanced lytic activation of EBV and KSHV in response to lytic triggers, though this was not sufficient to induce lytic activation in the absence of such triggers. Syncytin-1 is expressed in replicating B cell blasts and lymphoma-derived B cell lines where it appears to contribute to cell cycle progression. Together, human gammaherpesviruses and B cells appear to have adapted a dependency on Syncytin-1 that facilitates the ability of EBV and KSHV to activate lytic replication from latency, while promoting viral persistence during latency by contributing to B cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany R. Frey
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Ibukun A. Akinyemi
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Eric M. Burton
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Sumita Bhaduri-McIntosh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Michael T. McIntosh
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Jones AR, Iacoangeli A, Adey BN, Bowles H, Shatunov A, Troakes C, Garson JA, McCormick AL, Al-Chalabi A. A HML6 endogenous retrovirus on chromosome 3 is upregulated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis motor cortex. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14283. [PMID: 34253796 PMCID: PMC8275748 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93742-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) play a significant role in central nervous system diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Studies of ALS have consistently identified retroviral enzyme reverse transcriptase activity in patients. Evidence indicates that ERVs are the cause of reverse transcriptase activity in ALS, but it is currently unclear whether this is due to a specific ERV locus or a family of ERVs. We employed a combination of bioinformatic methods to identify whether specific ERVs or ERV families are associated with ALS. Using the largest post-mortem RNA-sequence datasets available we selectively identified ERVs that closely resembled full-length proviruses. In the discovery dataset there was one ERV locus (HML6_3p21.31c) that showed significant increased expression in post-mortem motor cortex tissue after multiple-testing correction. Using six replication post-mortem datasets we found HML6_3p21.31c was consistently upregulated in ALS in motor cortex and cerebellum tissue. In addition, HML6_3p21.31c showed significant co-expression with cytokine binding and genes involved in EBV, HTLV-1 and HIV type-1 infections. There were no significant differences in ERV family expression between ALS and controls. Our results support the hypothesis that specific ERV loci are involved in ALS pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley R. Jones
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, SE5 9NU UK
| | - Alfredo Iacoangeli
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, SE5 9NU UK ,grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK ,grid.451056.30000 0001 2116 3923National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre and Dementia Unit at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Brett N. Adey
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK ,grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Social Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK ,grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Harry Bowles
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, SE5 9NU UK ,grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK ,grid.451056.30000 0001 2116 3923National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre and Dementia Unit at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London, London, UK ,grid.451056.30000 0001 2116 3923National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Aleksey Shatunov
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, SE5 9NU UK
| | - Claire Troakes
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764MRC London Neurodegenerative Diseases Brain Bank, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Jeremy A. Garson
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Adele L. McCormick
- grid.12896.340000 0000 9046 8598School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, UK
| | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, SE5 9NU UK
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Activation of Endogenous Retrovirus, Brain Infections and Environmental Insults in Neurodegeneration and Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147263. [PMID: 34298881 PMCID: PMC8303979 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic neurodegenerative diseases are complex, and their pathogenesis is uncertain. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative brain alteration that is responsible for most dementia cases in the elderly. AD etiology is still uncertain; however, chronic neuroinflammation is a constant component of brain pathology. Infections have been associated with several neurological diseases and viruses of the Herpes family appear to be a probable cause of AD neurodegenerative alterations. Several different factors may contribute to the AD clinical progression. Exogeneous viruses or other microbes and environmental pollutants may directly induce neurodegeneration by activating brain inflammation. In this paper, we suggest that exogeneous brain insults may also activate retrotransposons and silent human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs). The initial inflammation of small brain areas induced by virus infections or other brain insults may activate HERV dis-regulation that contributes to neurodegenerative mechanisms. Chronic HERV activation in turn may cause progressive neurodegeneration that thereafter merges in cognitive impairment and dementia in genetically susceptible people. Specific treatment for exogenous end endogenous pathogens and decreasing pollutant exposure may show beneficial effect in early intervention protocol to prevent the progression of cognitive deterioration in the elderly.
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Jakhmola S, Upadhyay A, Jain K, Mishra A, Jha HC. Herpesviruses and the hidden links to Multiple Sclerosis neuropathology. J Neuroimmunol 2021; 358:577636. [PMID: 34174587 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2021.577636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Herpesviruses like Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus (HHV)-6, HHV-1, VZV, and human endogenous retroviruses, have an age-old clinical association with multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is an autoimmune disease of the nervous system wherein the myelin sheath deteriorates. The most popular mode of virus mediated immune system manipulation is molecular mimicry. Numerous herpesvirus antigens are similar to myelin proteins. Other mechanisms described here include the activity of cytokines and autoantibodies produced by the autoreactive T and B cells, respectively, viral déjà vu, epitope spreading, CD46 receptor engagement, impaired remyelination etc. Overall, this review addresses the host-parasite association of viruses with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Jakhmola
- Infection Bioengineering Group, Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, India
| | - Arun Upadhyay
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, India
| | - Khushboo Jain
- Infection Bioengineering Group, Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, India
| | - Amit Mishra
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, India
| | - Hem Chandra Jha
- Infection Bioengineering Group, Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, India.
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Bello-Morales R, Andreu S, Ripa I, López-Guerrero JA. HSV-1 and Endogenous Retroviruses as Risk Factors in Demyelination. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115738. [PMID: 34072259 PMCID: PMC8199333 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a neurotropic alphaherpesvirus that can infect the peripheral and central nervous systems, and it has been implicated in demyelinating and neurodegenerative processes. Transposable elements (TEs) are DNA sequences that can move from one genomic location to another. TEs have been linked to several diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS), including multiple sclerosis (MS), a demyelinating disease of unknown etiology influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Exogenous viral transactivators may activate certain retrotransposons or class I TEs. In this context, several herpesviruses have been linked to MS, and one of them, HSV-1, might act as a risk factor by mediating processes such as molecular mimicry, remyelination, and activity of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). Several herpesviruses have been involved in the regulation of human ERVs (HERVs), and HSV-1 in particular can modulate HERVs in cells involved in MS pathogenesis. This review exposes current knowledge about the relationship between HSV-1 and human ERVs, focusing on their contribution as a risk factor for MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Bello-Morales
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (S.A.); (I.R.); (J.A.L.-G.)
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Sabina Andreu
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (S.A.); (I.R.); (J.A.L.-G.)
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Ripa
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (S.A.); (I.R.); (J.A.L.-G.)
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Antonio López-Guerrero
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (S.A.); (I.R.); (J.A.L.-G.)
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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Human Endogenous Retrovirus as Therapeutic Targets in Neurologic Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14060495. [PMID: 34073730 PMCID: PMC8225122 DOI: 10.3390/ph14060495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are ancient retroviral DNA sequences established into germline. They contain regulatory elements and encoded proteins few of which may provide benefits to hosts when co-opted as cellular genes. Their tight regulation is mainly achieved by epigenetic mechanisms, which can be altered by environmental factors, e.g., viral infections, leading to HERV activation. The aberrant expression of HERVs associates with neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), inflammatory processes and neurodegeneration. This review summarizes the recent advances on the epigenetic mechanisms controlling HERV expression and the pathogenic effects triggered by HERV de-repression. This article ends by describing new, promising therapies, targeting HERV elements, one of which, temelimab, has completed phase II trials with encouraging results in treating MS. The information gathered here may turn helpful in the design of new strategies to unveil epigenetic failures behind HERV-triggered diseases, opening new possibilities for druggable targets and/or for extending the use of temelimab to treat other associated diseases.
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Kristensen MK, Christensen T. Regulation of the expression of human endogenous retroviruses: elements in fetal development and a possible role in the development of cancer and neurological diseases. APMIS 2021; 129:241-253. [PMID: 33683784 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are remnants of ancient retroviral germline infections. Most HERV sequences are silenced in somatic cells, but interest is emerging on the involvement of HERV derived transcripts and proteins in human physiology and disease. A HERV-W encoded protein, syncytin-1, has been co-opted into fetal physiology, where it plays a role in trophoblast formation. Altered HERV transcription and expression of HERV derived proteins are associated with various cancer types and neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The implication of HERVs as potential mediators of both health and disease suggests important roles of regulatory mechanisms and alterations of these in physiological and pathological processes. The regulation of HERV sequences is mediated by a wide variety of mechanisms, and the focus of this review is on selected aspects of these, including epigenetic mechanisms such as CpG methylation and histone modifications of the HP1-H3K9me axis, viral transactivation events, and regulatory perspectives of transient stimuli in the microenvironment. Increasing knowledge of the regulation of HERV sequences will not only contribute to the understanding of complex pathogeneses, but also may pinpoint potential targets for better diagnosis and treatment in complex diseases as MS.
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Römer C. Viruses and Endogenous Retroviruses as Roots for Neuroinflammation and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:648629. [PMID: 33776642 PMCID: PMC7994506 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.648629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Many neurodegenerative diseases are associated with chronic inflammation in the brain and periphery giving rise to a continuous imbalance of immune processes. Next to inflammation markers, activation of transposable elements, including long intrespersed nuclear elements (LINE) elements and endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), has been identified during neurodegenerative disease progression and even correlated with the clinical severity of the disease. ERVs are remnants of viral infections in the human genome acquired during evolution. Upon activation, they produce transcripts and the phylogenetically youngest ones are still able to produce viral-like particles. In addition, ERVs can bind transcription factors and modulate immune response. Being between own and foreign, ERVs are reviewed in the context of viral infections of the central nervous system, in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, this review tests the hypothesis that viral infection may be a trigger at the onset of neuroinflammation and that ERVs sustain the inflammatory imbalance by summarizing existing data of neurodegenerative diseases associated with viruses and/or ERVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Römer
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, The Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Berlin, Germany
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44
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Jog NR, James JA. Epstein Barr Virus and Autoimmune Responses in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Front Immunol 2021; 11:623944. [PMID: 33613559 PMCID: PMC7886683 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.623944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex systemic autoimmune disease. Infections or infectious reactivation are potential triggers for initiation of autoimmunity and for SLE flares. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is gamma herpes virus that has been associated with several autoimmune diseases such as SLE, multiple sclerosis, Sjogren’s syndrome, and systemic sclerosis. In this review, we will discuss the recent advances regarding how EBV may contribute to immune dysregulation, and how these mechanisms may relate to SLE disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelakshi R Jog
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Judith A James
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States.,Departments of Medicine, Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
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Gröger V, Emmer A, Staege MS, Cynis H. Endogenous Retroviruses in Nervous System Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14010070. [PMID: 33467098 PMCID: PMC7829834 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several nervous system disorders including multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The toxicity of HERV-derived RNAs and proteins for neuronal cells has been demonstrated. The involvement of HERV in the pathogenesis of currently incurable diseases might offer new treatment strategies based on the inhibition of HERV activities by small molecules or therapeutic antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Gröger
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Alexander Emmer
- Department of Neurology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Martin S. Staege
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
- Correspondence: (M.S.S.); (H.C.); Tel.: +49-345-557-7280 (M.S.S.); +49-345-13142835 (H.C.)
| | - Holger Cynis
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
- Correspondence: (M.S.S.); (H.C.); Tel.: +49-345-557-7280 (M.S.S.); +49-345-13142835 (H.C.)
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Ruprecht K. The role of Epstein-Barr virus in the etiology of multiple sclerosis: a current review. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2020; 16:1143-1157. [PMID: 33152255 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2021.1847642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. While its exact etiology is unknown, it is generally believed that MS is caused by environmental triggers in genetically predisposed individuals. Strong and consistent evidence suggests a key role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a B lymphotropic human gammaherpesvirus, in the etiology of MS. Areas covered: This review summarizes recent developments in the field of EBV and MS with a focus on potential mechanisms underlying the role of EBV in MS. PubMed was searched for the terms 'Epstein-Barr virus' and 'multiple sclerosis'. Expert opinion: The current evidence is compatible with the working hypothesis that MS is a rare complication of EBV infection. Under the premise of a causative role of EBV in MS, it needs to be postulated that EBV causes a specific, and likely persistent, change(s) that is necessarily required for the development of MS. However, although progress has been made, the nature of that change and thus the precise mechanism explaining the role of EBV in MS remain elusive. The mechanism of EBV in MS therefore is a pressing question, whose clarification may substantially advance the pathophysiological understanding, rational therapies, and prevention of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klemens Ruprecht
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health , Berlin, Germany
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47
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Gao Y, Yu XF, Chen T. Human endogenous retroviruses in cancer: Expression, regulation and function. Oncol Lett 2020; 21:121. [PMID: 33552242 PMCID: PMC7798031 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are the remnants of ancient retroviruses that infected human germline cells and became integrated into the human genome millions of years ago. Although most of these sequences are incomplete and silent, several potential pathological roles of HERVs have been observed in numerous diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, and especially cancer, including breast cancer and pancreatic carcinoma. The present review investigates the expression signatures and complex regulatory mechanisms of HERVs in cancer. The long terminal repeats-driven transcriptional initiation of HERVs are regulated by transcription factors (such as Sp3) and epigenetic modifications (such as DNA methylation), and are influenced by environmental factors (such as ultraviolet radiation). In addition, this review focuses on the dual opposing effects of HERVs in cancer. HERVs can suppress cancer via immune activation; however, they can also promote cancer. HERV env gene serves a prime role in promoting carcinogenesis in certain malignant tumors, including breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, germ cell tumors, leukemia and Kaposi's sarcoma. Also, HERV ENV proteins can promote cancer via immune suppression. Targeting ENV proteins is a potential future antitumor treatment modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Gao
- Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zheijang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Fang Yu
- Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zheijang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Ting Chen
- Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zheijang 310009, P.R. China
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High levels of LINE-1 transposable elements expressed in Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus-related primary effusion lymphoma. Oncogene 2020; 40:536-550. [PMID: 33188297 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01549-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV, HHV-8) is a gamma herpesvirus associated with several human malignancies. Transposable elements (TEs) are ubiquitous in eukaryotic genomes, occupying about 45% of the human genome. TEs have been linked with a variety of disorders and malignancies, though the precise nature of their contribution to many of them has yet to be elucidated. Global transcriptome analysis for differentially expressed TEs in KSHV-associated primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cells (BCBL1 and BC3) revealed large number of differentially expressed TEs. These differentially expressed TEs include LTR transposons, long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs), and short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs). Further analysis of LINE-1 (L1) elements revealed expression upregulation, hypo-methylation, and transition into open chromatin in PEL. In agreement with high L1 expression, PEL cells express ORF1 protein and possess high reverse transcriptase (RT)-activity. Interestingly, inhibition of this RT-activity suppressed PEL cell growth. Collectively, we identified high expression of TEs, and specifically of L1 as a critical component in the proliferation of PEL cells. This observation is relevant for the treatment of KSHV-associated malignancies since they often develop in AIDS patients that are treated with RT inhibitors with potent inhibition for both HIV and L1 RT activity.
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Gröger V, Wieland L, Naumann M, Meinecke AC, Meinhardt B, Rossner S, Ihling C, Emmer A, Staege MS, Cynis H. Formation of HERV-K and HERV-Fc1 Envelope Family Members is Suppressed on Transcriptional and Translational Level. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21217855. [PMID: 33113941 PMCID: PMC7660216 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21217855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human genome comprises 8% sequences of retroviral origin, so-called human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs). Most of these proviral sequences are defective, but some possess open reading frames. They can lead to the formation of viral transcripts, when activated by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. HERVs are thought to play a pathological role in inflammatory diseases and cancer. Since the consequences of activated proviral sequences in the human body are largely unexplored, selected envelope proteins of human endogenous retroviruses associated with inflammatory diseases, namely HERV-K18, HERV-K113, and HERV-Fc1, were investigated in the present study. A formation of glycosylated envelope proteins was demonstrated in different mammalian cell lines. Nevertheless, protein maturation seemed to be incomplete as no transport to the plasma membrane was observed. Instead, the proteins remained in the ER where they induced the expression of genes involved in unfolded protein response, such as HSPA5 and sXBP1. Furthermore, low expression levels of native envelope proteins were increased by codon optimization. Cell-free expression systems showed that both the transcriptional and translational level is affected. By generating different codon-optimized variants of HERV-K113 envelope, the influence of single rare t-RNA pools in certain cell lines was demonstrated. The mRNA secondary structure also appears to play an important role in the translation of the tested viral envelope proteins. In summary, the formation of certain HERV proteins is basically possible. However, their complete maturation and thus full biologic activity seems to depend on additional factors that might be disease-specific and await elucidation in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Gröger
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Weinbergweg 22, 06120 Halle, Germany; (V.G.); (M.N.); (A.-C.M.)
| | - Lisa Wieland
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06097 Halle, Germany; (L.W.); (B.M.); (A.E.)
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06097 Halle, Germany
| | - Marcel Naumann
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Weinbergweg 22, 06120 Halle, Germany; (V.G.); (M.N.); (A.-C.M.)
| | - Ann-Christin Meinecke
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Weinbergweg 22, 06120 Halle, Germany; (V.G.); (M.N.); (A.-C.M.)
| | - Beate Meinhardt
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06097 Halle, Germany; (L.W.); (B.M.); (A.E.)
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06097 Halle, Germany
| | - Steffen Rossner
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, Leipzig University, Liebigstraße 19, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Christian Ihling
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Bioanalytics, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany;
| | - Alexander Emmer
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06097 Halle, Germany; (L.W.); (B.M.); (A.E.)
| | - Martin S. Staege
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06097 Halle, Germany
- Correspondence: (M.S.S.); (H.C.); Tel.: +49-345-5577280 (M.S.S.); +49-345-13142835 (H.C.); Fax: +49-345-5577275 (M.S.S.); +49-345-13142801 (H.C.)
| | - Holger Cynis
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Weinbergweg 22, 06120 Halle, Germany; (V.G.); (M.N.); (A.-C.M.)
- Correspondence: (M.S.S.); (H.C.); Tel.: +49-345-5577280 (M.S.S.); +49-345-13142835 (H.C.); Fax: +49-345-5577275 (M.S.S.); +49-345-13142801 (H.C.)
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Talotta R, Atzeni F, Laska MJ. The contribution of HERV-E clone 4-1 and other HERV-E members to the pathogenesis of rheumatic autoimmune diseases. APMIS 2020; 128:367-377. [PMID: 32202683 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV)-E consist of a family of more than 1300 elements, stably integrated in the human genome. Some of them are full-length proviruses able to synthesize the viral proteins gag, pol and env. The reactivation of HERV-E elements has been associated to placentation, cancer and autoimmunity. In this narrative review, we aimed to report the status of the art concerning the involvement of HERV-E in rheumatic autoimmune diseases. Following a research on PubMed database, a total of 87 articles were selected. The highest amount of evidence derives from studies on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), whereas a few to no data are available on other immune-mediated diseases. In SLE, the hyper-expression of HERV-E clone 4-1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells or differentiated lymphocytes has been associated with disease activity and autoantibody production. It is likely that HERV-E take part to the pathogenesis of rheumatic autoimmune diseases but additional research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Talotta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera "Gaetano Martino", Messina, Italy
| | - Fabiola Atzeni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera "Gaetano Martino", Messina, Italy
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