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Shahbazi M, Amri Maleh P, Bagherzadeh M, Moulana Z, Sepidarkish M, Rezanejad M, Mirzakhani M, Ebrahimpour S, Ghorbani H, Ahmadnia Z, Javanian M, Bayani M, Mohammadnia-Afrouzi M. Linkage of Lambda Interferons in Protection Against Severe COVID-19. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2021; 41:149-152. [PMID: 33885337 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2020.0187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The most recently discovered interferon (IFN) family, type III IFNs or lambda IFNs (IFN-λs) are caused by viral infection and act in mucosal barriers, such as the respiratory tract. In this study, we assessed the serum levels of IFN-λs in new coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients. Sixty-four COVID-19 patients were enrolled in this study. All cases were divided into the intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU groups according to their symptoms. Fourteen samples of healthy controls were also included. The serum levels of IFN-λ1 and IFN-λ2 were analyzed by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The concentrations of IFN-λ1 and IFN-λ2 induced in the serum of non-ICU patients (836.7 ± 284.6 and 798.8 ± 301.5 pg/mL, respectively) were higher than found in ICU patients (81.57 ± 34.25 and 48.32 ± 28.13 pg/mL, respectively) (P = 0.004 and P = 0.006, respectively) and healthy controls (85.57 ± 33.63 and 65.82 ± 21.26 pg/mL, respectively) (P = 0.03 and P = 0.04, respectively). Meanwhile, no significant differences were found in the concentration of both cytokines between the ICU patients and healthy controls. We conclude that higher levels of IFN-λs are associated with decreased clinical manifestations in COVID-19 patients. These cytokines could be a promising therapeutic agent to avoid the overwhelming consequences of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Shahbazi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- Immunoregulation Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Parviz Amri Maleh
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mojgan Bagherzadeh
- Immunoregulation Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Zahra Moulana
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mahdi Sepidarkish
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Maryam Rezanejad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- Immunoregulation Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mirzakhani
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- Immunoregulation Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Soheil Ebrahimpour
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Hosein Ghorbani
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Zahra Ahmadnia
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mostafa Javanian
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Masomeh Bayani
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mousa Mohammadnia-Afrouzi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- Immunoregulation Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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Di Giorgio A, Hartleif S, Warner S, Kelly D. COVID-19 in Children With Liver Disease. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:616381. [PMID: 33777864 PMCID: PMC7991080 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.616381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The global pandemic caused by novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19) is a major threat to the general population and for patients with pre-existing chronic conditions. We report data concerning SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with chronic liver disease (CLD). Methods: A literature review using the online database PubMed was performed to summarize available findings on the association between pre-existing liver disease and COVID-19 infection in children. Results: Children with COVID-19 have preserved effector and immunosuppressive components resulting in a milder disease compared to adults. The most common hepatic manifestation is an elevation of hepatic transaminases. Liver damage may be directly caused by viral infection of liver cells, by medications or by the chronic hypoxia seen in COVID-19 patients. A multicenter study reported that the majority of children with a CLD remained healthy during the outbreak. Similarly, studies reported that children on immunosuppressive treatment, including patients with autoimmune liver disease (AILD) and liver transplantation (LT), maintained good health during the outbreak without experiencing major complications even if infected with COVID-19. Conclusion: COVID-19-related liver injury presents with a mild elevation of transaminases, although its clinical significance is unclear. Children with CLD, including those with AILD and post-LT, do not have an increased risk for severe disease course of SARS-CoV-2 infection with little or no liver dysfunction. These data highlight the necessity to ensure normal standards of care while adhering to national Covid-19 guidelines, and particularly to maintain immunosuppressive medication to prevent relapse or rejection. Further research is required to evaluate the differences in clinical course between immunosuppressed adults and children and in particular whether asymptomatic infection is a concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Di Giorgio
- Paediatric Liver, Gastroenterology and Transplantation, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Steffen Hartleif
- Paediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Children's Hospital, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Suzan Warner
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- The Liver Unit, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Deirdre Kelly
- The Liver Unit, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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53
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Latino I, Gonzalez SF. Spatio-temporal profile of innate inflammatory cells and mediators during influenza virus infection. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2020.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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54
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IFN-λ4 is associated with increased risk and earlier occurrence of several common infections in African children. Genes Immun 2021; 22:44-55. [PMID: 33850301 PMCID: PMC8042471 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-021-00127-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Genetic polymorphisms within the IFNL3/IFNL4 genomic region, which encodes type III interferons, have been strongly associated with clearance of hepatitis C virus. We hypothesized that type III interferons might be important for the immune response to other pathogens as well. In a cohort of 914 Malian children, we genotyped functional variants IFNL4-rs368234815, IFNL4-rs117648444, and IFNL3-rs4803217 and analyzed episodes of malaria, gastrointestinal, and respiratory infections recorded at 30,626 clinic visits from birth up to 5 years of age. Compared to children with the rs368234815-TT/TT genotype (IFN-λ4-Null), rs368234815-dG allele was most strongly associated with an earlier time-to-first episode of gastrointestinal infections (p = 0.003). The risk of experiencing an infection episode during the follow-up was also significantly increased with rs368234815-dG allele, with OR = 1.53, 95%CI (1.13-2.07), p = 0.005 for gastrointestinal infections and OR = 1.30, 95%CI (1.02-1.65), p = 0.033 for malaria. All the associations for the moderately linked rs4803217 (r2 = 0.78 in this set) were weaker and lost significance after adjusting for rs368234815. We also analyzed all outcomes in relation to IFN-λ4-P70S groups. Our results implicate IFN-λ4 and not IFN-λ3 as the primary functional cause of genetic associations with increased overall risk and younger age at first clinical episodes but not with recurrence or intensity of several common pediatric infections.
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55
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Walter MR. The Role of Structure in the Biology of Interferon Signaling. Front Immunol 2020; 11:606489. [PMID: 33281831 PMCID: PMC7689341 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.606489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferons (IFNs) are a family of cytokines with the unique ability to induce cell intrinsic programs that enhance resistance to viral infection. Induction of an antiviral state at the cell, tissue, organ, and organismal level is performed by three distinct IFN families, designated as Type-I, Type-II, and Type-III IFNs. Overall, there are 21 human IFNs, (16 type-I, 12 IFNαs, IFNβ, IFNϵ, IFNκ, and IFNω; 1 type-II, IFNγ; and 4 type-III, IFNλ1, IFNλ2, IFNλ3, and IFNλ4), that induce pleotropic cellular activities essential for innate and adaptive immune responses against virus and other pathogens. IFN signaling is initiated by binding to distinct heterodimeric receptor complexes. The three-dimensional structures of the type-I (IFNα/IFNAR1/IFNAR2), type-II (IFNγ/IFNGR1/IFNGR2), and type-III (IFNλ3/IFNλR1/IL10R2) signaling complexes have been determined. Here, we highlight similar and unique features of the IFNs, their cell surface complexes and discuss their role in inducing downstream IFN signaling responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R Walter
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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Liu S, Fang P, Ke W, Wang J, Wang X, Xiao S, Fang L. Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) infection antagonizes interferon-λ1 production. Vet Microbiol 2020; 247:108785. [PMID: 32768229 PMCID: PMC7331541 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2020.108785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is a novel swine enteropathogenic coronavirus that causes watery diarrhea, vomiting and mortality in nursing piglets. Type III interferons (IFN-λs) are the major antiviral cytokines in intestinal epithelial cells, the target cells in vivo for PDCoV. In this study, we found that PDCoV infection remarkably inhibited Sendai virus-induced IFN-λ1 production by suppressing transcription factors IRF and NF-κB in IPI-2I cells, a line of porcine intestinal mucosal epithelial cells. We also confirmed that PDCoV infection impeded the activation of IFN-λ1 promoter stimulated by RIG-I, MDA5 and MAVS, but not by TBK1 and IRF1. Although the expression levels of IRF1 and MAVS were not changed, PDCoV infection resulted in reduction of the number of peroxisomes, the platform for MAVS to activate IRF1, and subsequent type III IFN production. Taken together, our study demonstrates that PDCoV suppresses type III IFN responses to circumvent the host's antiviral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shudan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, the Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Puxian Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, the Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Wenting Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, the Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, the Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xunlei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, the Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Shaobo Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, the Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Liurong Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, the Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China.
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Ahn D, Prince A. Participation of the IL-10RB Related Cytokines, IL-22 and IFN-λ in Defense of the Airway Mucosal Barrier. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:300. [PMID: 32637365 PMCID: PMC7318800 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The airway epithelial barrier is a major barrier protecting against clinically significant infections of the lung. Its integrity is often compromised due to mechanical, chemical, or infectious causes. Opportunistic bacterial pathogens are poised to cause parenchymal infection and become difficult to eradicate due to adaptive metabolic changes, biofilm formation, and the acquisition of antimicrobial resistance and fitness genes. Enhancing mucosal defenses by modulating the cytokines that regulate barrier functions, such as interleukin-22 (IL-22) and interferon-λ (IFN-λ), members of the IL-10 family of cytokines, is an attractive approach to prevent these infections that are associated with high morbidity and mortality. These cytokines both signal through the cognate receptor IL-10RB, have related protein structures and common downstream signaling suggesting shared roles in host respiratory defense. They are typically co-expressed in multiple models of infections, but with differing kinetics. IL-22 has an important role in the producing antimicrobial peptides, upregulating expression of junctional proteins in the airway epithelium and working in concert with other inflammatory cytokines such as IL-17. Conversely, IFN-λ, a potent antiviral in influenza infection with pro-inflammatory properties, appears to decrease junctional integrity allowing for bacterial and immune cell translocation. The effects of these cytokines are pleotropic, with pathogen and tissue specific consequences. Understanding how these cytokines work in the mucosal defenses of the respiratory system may suggest potential targets to prevent invasive infections of the damaged lung.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alice Prince
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
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Park A, Iwasaki A. Type I and Type III Interferons - Induction, Signaling, Evasion, and Application to Combat COVID-19. Cell Host Microbe 2020; 27:870-878. [PMID: 32464097 PMCID: PMC7255347 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2020.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 616] [Impact Index Per Article: 154.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Without approved antiviral therapeutics or vaccines to this ongoing global threat, type I and type III interferons (IFNs) are currently being evaluated for their efficacy. Both the role of IFNs and the use of recombinant IFNs in two related, highly pathogenic coronaviruses, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, have been controversial in terms of their protective effects in the host. In this review, we describe the recent progress in our understanding of both type I and type III IFN-mediated innate antiviral responses against human coronaviruses and discuss the potential use of IFNs as a treatment strategy for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annsea Park
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Akiko Iwasaki
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
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59
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Hjorton K, Hagberg N, Pucholt P, Eloranta ML, Rönnblom L. The regulation and pharmacological modulation of immune complex induced type III IFN production by plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Arthritis Res Ther 2020; 22:130. [PMID: 32503683 PMCID: PMC7275601 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-020-02186-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have an ongoing interferon (IFN) production due to an activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), which can be triggered to type I IFN synthesis by RNA containing immune complexes (RNA-IC). Considering emerging data suggesting a role of type III IFN in the SLE disease process, we asked if RNA-IC can induce type III IFN production in pDC and how this production can be regulated. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or immune cell subsets were isolated from healthy blood donors or SLE patients and stimulated with IC containing U1 snRNP and SLE-IgG (RNA-IC). Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and an interleukin receptor 1-associated kinase 4 inhibitor (IRAK4i) were added to cell cultures. Cytokine mRNA levels were determined with a microarray and protein levels with immunoassays. Single-cell RNA sequencing of pDCs using ddSEQ technology was performed. RESULTS Type III IFN mRNA and protein was induced in RNA-IC-stimulated pDC-NK and pDC-B cell co-cultures. A subset of activated pDCs (3%) expressed both type III and type I IFN mRNA. IFN-λ2, IFN-α2b, interleukin (IL)-3, IL-6, or granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) enhanced IFN-λ1/3 production 2-5-fold. HCQ and an IRAK4i blocked the RNA-IC-triggered IFN-λ1/3 production (p < 0.01). IFN-α2b and GM-CSF increased the proportion of SLE patients producing IFN-λ1/3 in response to RNA-IC from 11 to 33%. CONCLUSIONS Type III IFN production is triggered by RNA-IC in pDCs in a TLR-MyD88-dependent manner, enhanced by NK and B cells as well as several pro-inflammatory cytokines. These results support a contributing role for both type I and type III IFNs in SLE, which needs to be considered when targeting the IFN system in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Hjorton
- Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Rudbecklaboratoriet, Dag Hammarskjölds v 20, C11, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Niklas Hagberg
- Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Rudbecklaboratoriet, Dag Hammarskjölds v 20, C11, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Pascal Pucholt
- Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Rudbecklaboratoriet, Dag Hammarskjölds v 20, C11, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maija-Leena Eloranta
- Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Rudbecklaboratoriet, Dag Hammarskjölds v 20, C11, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lars Rönnblom
- Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Rudbecklaboratoriet, Dag Hammarskjölds v 20, C11, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
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Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus and the Host Innate Immune Response. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9050367. [PMID: 32403318 PMCID: PMC7281546 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9050367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), a swine enteropathogenic coronavirus (CoV), is the causative agent of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED). PED causes lethal watery diarrhea in piglets, which has led to substantial economic losses in many countries and is a great threat to the global swine industry. Interferons (IFNs) are major cytokines involved in host innate immune defense, which induce the expression of a broad range of antiviral effectors that help host to control and antagonize viral infections. PEDV infection does not elicit a robust IFN response, and some of the mechanisms used by the virus to counteract the host innate immune response have been unraveled. PEDV evades the host innate immune response by two main strategies including: (1) encoding IFN antagonists to disrupt innate immune pathway, and (2) hiding its viral RNA to avoid the exposure of viral RNA to immune sensors. This review highlights the immune evasion mechanisms employed by PEDV, which provides insights for the better understanding of PEDV-host interactions and developing effective vaccines and antivirals against CoVs.
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61
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Tian Y, Jennings J, Gong Y, Sang Y. Xenopus Interferon Complex: Inscribing the Amphibiotic Adaption and Species-Specific Pathogenic Pressure in Vertebrate Evolution? Cells 2019; 9:E67. [PMID: 31888074 PMCID: PMC7016992 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Several recent studies have revealed previously unknown complexity of the amphibian interferon (IFN) system. Being unique in vertebrate animals, amphibians not only conserve and multiply the fish-like intron-containing IFN genes, but also rapidly evolve amniote-like intronless IFN genes in each tested species. We postulate that the amphibian IFN system confers an essential model to study vertebrate immune evolution in molecular and functional diversity to cope with unprecedented pathophysiological requirement during terrestrial adaption. Studies so far have ascribed a potential role of these IFNs in immune regulation against intracellular pathogens, particularly viruses; however, many knowledge gaps remain elusive. Based on recent reports about IFN's multifunctional properties in regulation of animal physiological and defense responses, we interpret that amphibian IFNs may evolve novel function pertinent to their superior molecular diversity. Such new function revealed by the emerging studies about antifungal and developmental regulation of amphibian IFNs will certainly promote our understanding of immune evolution in vertebrates to address current pathogenic threats causing amphibian decline.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yongming Sang
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN 37209, USA; (Y.T.); (J.J.); (Y.G.)
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