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Rosales R, McGovern BL, Rodriguez ML, Leiva-Rebollo R, Diaz-Tapia R, Benjamin J, Rai DK, Cardin RD, Anderson AS, Sordillo EM, van Bakel H, Simon V, García-Sastre A, White KM. Nirmatrelvir and molnupiravir maintain potent in vitro and in vivo antiviral activity against circulating SARS-CoV-2 omicron subvariants. Antiviral Res 2024; 230:105970. [PMID: 39067667 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105970] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Variants of SARS-CoV-2 pose significant challenges in public health due to their increased transmissibility and ability to evade natural immunity, vaccine protection, and monoclonal antibody therapeutics. The emergence of the highly transmissible Omicron variant and subsequent subvariants, characterized by an extensive array of over 32 mutations within the spike protein, intensifies concerns regarding vaccine evasion. In response, multiple antiviral therapeutics have received FDA emergency use approval, targeting the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and main protease (Mpro) regions, known to have relatively fewer mutations across novel variants. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of nirmatrelvir (PF-07321332) and other clinically significant SARS-CoV-2 antivirals against a diverse panel of SARS-CoV-2 variants, encompassing the newly identified Omicron subvariants XBB1.5 and JN.1, using live-virus antiviral assays. Our findings demonstrate that while the last Omicron subvariants exhibited heightened pathogenicity in our animal model, nirmatrelvir and other clinically relevant antivirals consistently maintained their efficacy against all tested variants, including the XBB1.5 subvariant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romel Rosales
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Global Health Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Briana L McGovern
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Global Health Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - M Luis Rodriguez
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Global Health Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rocio Leiva-Rebollo
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Global Health Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Randy Diaz-Tapia
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Global Health Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jared Benjamin
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Global Health Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Devendra K Rai
- Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., Pearl River, NY, 10965, USA
| | - Rhonda D Cardin
- Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., Pearl River, NY, 10965, USA
| | | | - Emilia Mia Sordillo
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Harm van Bakel
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Artificial Intelligence And Human Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Viviana Simon
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Global Health Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Center for Vaccine Research and Pandemic Preparedness, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adolfo García-Sastre
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Global Health Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kris M White
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Global Health Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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Fountain-Jones NM, Vanhaeften R, Williamson J, Maskell J, Chua ILJ, Charleston M, Cooley L. Effect of molnupiravir on SARS-CoV-2 evolution in immunocompromised patients: a retrospective observational study. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2024; 5:e452-e458. [PMID: 38527471 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(23)00393-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Continued SARS-CoV-2 infection among immunocompromised individuals is likely to play a role in generating genomic diversity and the emergence of novel variants. Antiviral treatments such as molnupiravir are used to mitigate severe COVID-19 outcomes, but the extended effects of these drugs on viral evolution in patients with chronic infections remain uncertain. This study investigates how molnupiravir affects SARS-CoV-2 evolution in immunocompromised patients with prolonged infections. METHODS The study included five immunocompromised patients treated with molnupiravir and four patients not treated with molnupiravir (two immunocompromised and two non-immunocompromised). We selected patients who had been infected by similar SARS-CoV-2 variants and with high-quality genomes across timepoints to allow comparison between groups. Throat and nasopharyngeal samples were collected in patients up to 44 days post treatment and were sequenced using tiled amplicon sequencing followed by variant calling. The UShER pipeline and University of California Santa Cruz genome viewer provided insights into the global context of variants. Treated and untreated patients were compared, and mutation profiles were visualised to understand the impact of molnupiravir on viral evolution. FINDINGS Patients treated with molnupiravir showed a large increase in low-to-mid-frequency variants in as little as 10 days after treatment, whereas no such change was observed in untreated patients. Some of these variants became fixed in the viral population, including non-synonymous mutations in the spike protein. The variants were distributed across the genome and included unique mutations not commonly found in global omicron genomes. Notably, G-to-A and C-to-T mutations dominated the mutational profile of treated patients, persisting up to 44 days post treatment. INTERPRETATION Molnupiravir treatment in immunocompromised patients led to the accumulation of a distinctive pattern of mutations beyond the recommended 5 days of treatment. Treated patients maintained persistent PCR positivity for the duration of monitoring, indicating clear potential for transmission and subsequent emergence of novel variants. FUNDING Australian Research Council.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M Fountain-Jones
- Pathology Department, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, TAS, Australia; School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia.
| | | | - Jan Williamson
- Pathology Department, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Janelle Maskell
- Pathology Department, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - I-Ly J Chua
- Pathology Department, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Michael Charleston
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Louise Cooley
- Pathology Department, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, TAS, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
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Gerashchenko GV, Hryshchenko NV, Melnichuk NS, Marchyshak TV, Chernushyn SY, Demchyshina IV, Chernenko LM, Kuzin IV, Tkachuk ZY, Kashuba VI, Tukalo MA. Genetic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 virus variants observed upon three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine between February 2021-January 2022. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25618. [PMID: 38380034 PMCID: PMC10877268 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of our study was to identify and characterize the SARS-CoV-2 variants in COVID-19 patients' samples collected from different regions of Ukraine to determine the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 phylogenetics and COVID-19 epidemiology. Patients and methods Samples were collected from COVID-19 patients during 2021 and the beginning of 2022 (401 patients). The SARS-CoV-2 genotyping was performed by parallel whole genome sequencing. Results The obtained SARS-CoV-2 genotypes showed that three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine were represented by three main variants of concern (VOC), named Alpha, Delta and Omicron; each VOC successfully replaced the earlier variant. The VOC Alpha strain was presented by one B.1.1.7 lineage, while VOC Delta showed a spectrum of 25 lineages that had different prevalence in 19 investigated regions of Ukraine. The VOC Omicron in the first half of the pandemic was represented by 13 lines that belonged to two different clades representing B.1 and B.2 Omicron strains. Each of the three epidemic waves (VOC Alpha, Delta, and Omicron) demonstrated their own course of disease, associated with genetic changes in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. The observed epidemiological features are associated with the genetic characteristics of the different VOCs, such as point mutations, deletions and insertions in the viral genome. A phylogenetic and transmission analysis showed the different mutation rates; there were multiple virus sources with a limited distribution between regions. Conclusions The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 virus and high levels of morbidity due to COVID-19 are still registered in the world. Observed multiple virus sourses with the limited distribution between regions indicates the high efficiency of the anti-epidemic policy pursued by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine to prevent the spread of the epidemic, despite the low level of vaccination of the Ukrainian population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Zenovii Yu Tkachuk
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Vladimir I. Kashuba
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Mykhailo A. Tukalo
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
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Selvavinayagam ST, Karishma SJ, Hemashree K, Yong YK, Suvaithenamudhan S, Rajeshkumar M, Aswathy B, Kalaivani V, Priyanka J, Kumaresan A, Kannan M, Gopalan N, Chandramathi S, Vignesh R, Murugesan A, Anshad AR, Ganesh B, Joseph N, Babu H, Govindaraj S, Larsson M, Kandasamy SL, Palani S, Singh K, Byrareddy SN, Velu V, Shankar EM, Raju S. Clinical characteristics and novel mutations of omicron subvariant XBB in Tamil Nadu, India - a cohort study. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. SOUTHEAST ASIA 2023; 19:100272. [PMID: 38076717 PMCID: PMC10709680 DOI: 10.1016/j.lansea.2023.100272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the continued vaccination efforts, there had been a surge in breakthrough infections, and the emergence of the B.1.1.529 omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 in India. There is a paucity of information globally on the role of newer XBB variants in community transmission. Here, we investigated the mutational patterns among hospitalised patients infected with the XBB omicron sub-variant, and checked if there was any association between the rise in the number of COVID-19 cases and the observed novel mutations in Tamil Nadu, India. METHODS Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs, collected from symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 patients were subjected to real-time PCR followed by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to rule out the ambiguity of mutations in viruses isolated from the patients (n = 98). Using the phylogenetic association, the mutational patterns were used to corroborate clinico-demographic characteristics and disease severity among the patients. FINDINGS Overall, we identified 43 mutations in the S gene across 98 sequences, of which two were novel mutations (A27S and T747I) that have not been reported previously with XBB sub-variants in the available literature. Additionally, the XBB sequences from our cohort had more mutations than omicron B.1.1.529. The phylogenetic analysis comprising six major branches clearly showed convergent evolution of XBB. Our data suggests that age, and underlying conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease) or secondary complications confers increased susceptibility to infection rather than vaccination status or prior exposure. Many vaccinated individuals showed evidence of a breakthrough infection, with XBB.3 being the predominant variant identified in the study population. INTERPRETATION Our study indicates that the XBB variant is highly evasive from available vaccines and may be more transmissible, and potentially could emerge as the 'next' predominant variant, which likely could overwhelm the existing variants of SARS-CoV-2 omicron variants. FUNDING National Health Mission (India), SIDASARC, VINNMER (Sweden), ORIP/NIH (USA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivaprakasam T. Selvavinayagam
- State Public Health Laboratory, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, DMS Campus, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 006, India
| | - Sree J. Karishma
- Infection and Inflammation, Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur 610 005, India
| | - Kannan Hemashree
- State Public Health Laboratory, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, DMS Campus, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 006, India
| | - Yean K. Yong
- Laboratory Centre, Xiamen University Malaysia, Sepang, Selangor 43 900, Malaysia
| | - Suvaiyarasan Suvaithenamudhan
- Infection and Inflammation, Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur 610 005, India
- Department of Bioinformatics, Bishop Heber College, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620 017, India
| | - Manivannan Rajeshkumar
- State Public Health Laboratory, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, DMS Campus, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 006, India
| | - Bijulal Aswathy
- Infection and Inflammation, Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur 610 005, India
| | - Vasudevan Kalaivani
- State Public Health Laboratory, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, DMS Campus, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 006, India
| | - Jayapal Priyanka
- State Public Health Laboratory, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, DMS Campus, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 006, India
| | - Anandhazhvar Kumaresan
- State Public Health Laboratory, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, DMS Campus, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 006, India
| | - Meganathan Kannan
- Blood and Vascular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur 610 005, India
| | - Natarajan Gopalan
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur 610 005, India
| | - Samudi Chandramathi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Malaya, Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Ramachandran Vignesh
- Faculty of Medicine, Preclinical Department, Royal College of Medicine Perak, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Perak 30450, Malaysia
| | - Amudhan Murugesan
- Department of Microbiology, The Government Theni Medical College and Hospital, Theni, India
| | - Abdul R. Anshad
- Infection and Inflammation, Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur 610 005, India
| | - Balasubramanian Ganesh
- National Institute of Epidemiology, Indian Council of Medical Research, Ayappakkam, Chennai 600 077, India
| | - Narcisse Joseph
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hemalatha Babu
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory Vaccine Center, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Sakthivel Govindaraj
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory Vaccine Center, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Marie Larsson
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Sweden
| | - Shree L. Kandasamy
- Bond Life Sciences Center, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Sampath Palani
- State Public Health Laboratory, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, DMS Campus, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 006, India
| | - Kamalendra Singh
- Bond Life Sciences Center, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Siddappa N. Byrareddy
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68131, USA
| | - Vijayakumar Velu
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory Vaccine Center, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Esaki M. Shankar
- Infection and Inflammation, Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur 610 005, India
| | - Sivadoss Raju
- State Public Health Laboratory, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, DMS Campus, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 006, India
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Matveeva M, Lefebvre M, Chahinian H, Yahi N, Fantini J. Host Membranes as Drivers of Virus Evolution. Viruses 2023; 15:1854. [PMID: 37766261 PMCID: PMC10535233 DOI: 10.3390/v15091854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms controlling the adaptation of viruses to host cells are generally poorly documented. An essential issue to resolve is whether host membranes, and especially lipid rafts, which are usually considered passive gateways for many enveloped viruses, also encode informational guidelines that could determine virus evolution. Due to their enrichment in gangliosides which confer an electronegative surface potential, lipid rafts impose a first control level favoring the selection of viruses with enhanced cationic areas, as illustrated by SARS-CoV-2 variants. Ganglioside clusters attract viral particles in a dynamic electrostatic funnel, the more cationic viruses of a viral population winning the race. However, electrostatic forces account for only a small part of the energy of raft-virus interaction, which depends mainly on the ability of viruses to form a network of hydrogen bonds with raft gangliosides. This fine tuning of virus-ganglioside interactions, which is essential to stabilize the virus on the host membrane, generates a second level of selection pressure driven by a typical induced-fit mechanism. Gangliosides play an active role in this process, wrapping around the virus spikes through a dynamic quicksand-like mechanism. Viruses are thus in an endless race for access to lipid rafts, and they are bound to evolve perpetually, combining speed (electrostatic potential) and precision (fine tuning of amino acids) under the selective pressure of the immune system. Deciphering the host membrane guidelines controlling virus evolution mechanisms may open new avenues for the design of innovative antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jacques Fantini
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Aix-Marseille, INSERM UMR_S 1072, 13015 Marseille, France; (M.M.); (M.L.); (H.C.); (N.Y.)
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Fang L, Xu J, Zhao Y, Fan J, Shen J, Liu W, Cao G. The effects of amino acid substitution of spike protein and genomic recombination on the evolution of SARS-CoV-2. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1228128. [PMID: 37560529 PMCID: PMC10409611 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1228128] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Over three years' pandemic of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), multiple variants and novel subvariants have emerged successively, outcompeted earlier variants and become predominant. The sequential emergence of variants reflects the evolutionary process of mutation-selection-adaption of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Amino acid substitution/insertion/deletion in the spike protein causes altered viral antigenicity, transmissibility, and pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2. Early in the pandemic, D614G mutation conferred virus with advantages over previous variants and increased transmissibility, and it also laid a conservative background for subsequent substantial mutations. The role of genomic recombination in the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 raised increasing concern with the occurrence of novel recombinants such as Deltacron, XBB.1.5, XBB.1.9.1, and XBB.1.16 in the late phase of pandemic. Co-circulation of different variants and co-infection in immunocompromised patients accelerate the emergence of recombinants. Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 genomic variations, particularly spike protein mutation and recombination, is essential to identify ongoing changes in the viral genome and antigenic epitopes and thus leads to the development of new vaccine strategies and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letian Fang
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Shanghai, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Department of Foreign Languages, International Exchange Center for Military Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Shanghai, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyan Fan
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Shanghai, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaying Shen
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenbin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Shanghai, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangwen Cao
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Shanghai, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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7
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Devaux CA, Fantini J. ACE2 receptor polymorphism in humans and animals increases the risk of the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants during repeated intra- and inter-species host-switching of the virus. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1199561. [PMID: 37520374 PMCID: PMC10373931 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1199561] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Like other coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 has ability to spread through human-to-human transmission and to circulate from humans to animals and from animals to humans. A high frequency of SARS-CoV-2 mutations has been observed in the viruses isolated from both humans and animals, suggesting a genetic fitness under positive selection in both ecological niches. The most documented positive selection force driving SARS-CoV-2 mutations is the host-specific immune response. However, after electrostatic interactions with lipid rafts, the first contact between the virus and host proteins is the viral spike-cellular receptor binding. Therefore, it is likely that the first level of selection pressure impacting viral fitness relates to the virus's affinity for its receptor, the angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Although sufficiently conserved in a huge number of species to support binding of the viral spike with enough affinity to initiate fusion, ACE2 is highly polymorphic both among species and within a species. Here, we provide evidence suggesting that when the viral spike-ACE2 receptor interaction is not optimal, due to host-switching, mutations can be selected to improve the affinity of the spike for the ACE2 expressed by the new host. Notably, SARS-CoV-2 is mutation-prone in the spike receptor binding domain (RBD), allowing a better fit for ACE2 orthologs in animals. It is possibly that this may also be true for rare human alleles of ACE2 when the virus is spreading to billions of people. In this study, we present evidence that human subjects expressing the rare E329G allele of ACE2 with higher allele frequencies in European populations exhibit a improved affinity for the SARS-CoV-2 spike N501Y variant of the virus. This may suggest that this viral N501Y variant emerged in the human population after SARS-CoV-2 had infected a human carrying the rare E329G allele of ACE2. In addition, this viral evolution could impact viral replication as well as the ability of the adaptive humoral response to control infection with RBD-specific neutralizing antibodies. In a shifting landscape, this ACE2-driven genetic drift of SARS-CoV-2 which we have named the 'boomerang effect', could complicate the challenge of preventing COVID with a SARS-CoV-2 spike-derived vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian A. Devaux
- Laboratory Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), Aix-Marseille Université, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU–Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS-SNC5039), Marseille, France
| | - Jacques Fantini
- INSERM UMR_S1072, Marseille, France, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
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8
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Kuzmina A, Korovin D, Cohen Lass I, Atari N, Ottolenghi A, Hu P, Mandelboim M, Rosental B, Rosenberg E, Diaz-Griffero F, Taube R. Changes within the P681 residue of spike dictate cell fusion and syncytia formation of Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 with no effects on neutralization or infectivity. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16750. [PMID: 37292300 PMCID: PMC10238279 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16750] [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: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid spread and dominance of the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 lineages have posed severe health challenges worldwide. While extensive research on the role of the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) in promoting viral infectivity and vaccine sensitivity has been well documented, the functional significance of the 681PRRAR/SV687 polybasic motif of the viral spike is less clear. In this work, we monitored the infectivity levels and neutralization potential of the wild-type human coronavirus 2019 (hCoV-19), Delta, and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses against sera samples drawn four months post administration of a third dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. Our findings show that in comparison to hCoV-19 and Delta SARS-CoV-2, Omicron lineages BA.1 and BA.2 exhibit enhanced infectivity and a sharp decline in their sensitivity to vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies. Interestingly, P681 mutations within the viral spike do not play a role in the neutralization potential or infectivity of SARS Cov-2 pseudoviruses carrying mutations in this position. The P681 residue however, dictates the ability of the spike protein to promote fusion and syncytia formation between infected cells. While spike from hCoV-19 (P681) and Omicron (H681) promote only modest cell fusion and formation of syncytia between cells that express the spike-protein, Delta spike (R681) displays enhanced fusogenic activity and promotes syncytia formation. Additional analysis shows that a single P681R mutation within the hCoV-19 spike, or H681R within the Omicron spike, restores fusion potential to similar levels observed for the Delta R681 spike. Conversely, R681P point mutation within the spike of Delta pseudovirus abolishes efficient fusion and syncytia formation. Our investigation also demonstrates that spike proteins from hCoV-19 and Delta SARS-CoV-2 are efficiently incorporated into viral particles relative to the spike of Omicron lineages. We conclude that the third dose of the Pfizer-BNT162b2 provides appreciable protection against the newly emerged Omicron sub-lineages. However, the neutralization sensitivity of these new variants is diminished relative to that of the hCoV-19 or Delta SARS-CoV-2. We further show that the P681 residue within spike dictates cell fusion and syncytia formation with no effects on the infectivity of the specific viral variant and on its sensitivity to vaccine-mediated neutralization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alona Kuzmina
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology Immunology and Genetics Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
| | - Dina Korovin
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology Immunology and Genetics Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
| | - Ido Cohen Lass
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology Immunology and Genetics Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
| | - Nofar Atari
- Central Virology Laboratory, Public Health Services, Ministry of Health and Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Aner Ottolenghi
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology Immunology and Genetics Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
| | - Pan Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Michal Mandelboim
- Central Virology Laboratory, Public Health Services, Ministry of Health and Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Benyamin Rosental
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology Immunology and Genetics Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
| | | | - Felipe Diaz-Griffero
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Ran Taube
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology Immunology and Genetics Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
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Sullivan MV, Allabush F, Flynn H, Balansethupathy B, Reed JA, Barnes ET, Robson C, O'Hara P, Milburn LJ, Bunka D, Tolley A, Mendes PM, Tucker JHR, Turner NW. Highly Selective Aptamer-Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Hybrids for Recognition of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Variants. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2023; 7:2200215. [PMID: 37287590 PMCID: PMC10242533 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202200215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Virus recognition has been driven to the forefront of molecular recognition research due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Development of highly sensitive recognition elements, both natural and synthetic is critical to facing such a global issue. However, as viruses mutate, it is possible for their recognition to wane through changes in the target substrate, which can lead to detection avoidance and increased false negatives. Likewise, the ability to detect specific variants is of great interest for clinical analysis of all viruses. Here, a hybrid aptamer-molecularly imprinted polymer (aptaMIP), that maintains selective recognition for the spike protein template across various mutations, while improving performance over individual aptamer or MIP components (which themselves demonstrate excellent performance). The aptaMIP exhibits an equilibrium dissociation constant of 1.61 nM toward its template which matches or exceeds published examples of imprinting of the spike protein. The work here demonstrates that "fixing" the aptamer within a polymeric scaffold increases its capability to selectivity recognize its original target and points toward a methodology that will allow variant selective molecular recognition with exceptional affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark V. Sullivan
- Leicester School of PharmacyDe Montfort UniversityThe GatewayLeicesterLE1 9BHUK
| | - Francia Allabush
- School of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of BirminghamEdgbastonBirminghamB15 2TTUK
- School of ChemistryUniversity of BirminghamEdgbastonBirminghamB15 2TTUK
| | - Harriet Flynn
- The Aptamer GroupWindmill HouseInnovation WayHeslingtonYork, YO10 5BRUK
| | | | - Joseph A. Reed
- The Aptamer GroupWindmill HouseInnovation WayHeslingtonYork, YO10 5BRUK
| | - Edward T. Barnes
- The Aptamer GroupWindmill HouseInnovation WayHeslingtonYork, YO10 5BRUK
| | - Callum Robson
- The Aptamer GroupWindmill HouseInnovation WayHeslingtonYork, YO10 5BRUK
| | - Phoebe O'Hara
- The Aptamer GroupWindmill HouseInnovation WayHeslingtonYork, YO10 5BRUK
| | - Laura J. Milburn
- The Aptamer GroupWindmill HouseInnovation WayHeslingtonYork, YO10 5BRUK
| | - David Bunka
- The Aptamer GroupWindmill HouseInnovation WayHeslingtonYork, YO10 5BRUK
| | - Arron Tolley
- The Aptamer GroupWindmill HouseInnovation WayHeslingtonYork, YO10 5BRUK
| | - Paula M. Mendes
- School of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of BirminghamEdgbastonBirminghamB15 2TTUK
| | | | - Nicholas W. Turner
- Leicester School of PharmacyDe Montfort UniversityThe GatewayLeicesterLE1 9BHUK
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10
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Beijnen EMS, Odumade OA, Haren SDV. Molecular Determinants of the Early Life Immune Response to COVID-19 Infection and Immunization. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030509. [PMID: 36992093 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical manifestations from primary COVID infection in children are generally less severe as compared to adults, and severe pediatric cases occur predominantly in children with underlying medical conditions. However, despite the lower incidence of disease severity, the burden of COVID-19 in children is not negligible. Throughout the course of the pandemic, the case incidence in children has substantially increased, with estimated cumulative rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 symptomatic illness in children comparable to those in adults. Vaccination is a key approach to enhance immunogenicity and protection against SARS-CoV-2. Although the immune system of children is functionally distinct from that of other age groups, vaccine development specific for the pediatric population has mostly been limited to dose-titration of formulations that were developed primarily for adults. In this review, we summarize the literature pertaining to age-specific differences in COVID-19 pathogenesis and clinical manifestation. In addition, we review molecular distinctions in how the early life immune system responds to infection and vaccination. Finally, we discuss recent advances in development of pediatric COVID-19 vaccines and provide future directions for basic and translational research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth M S Beijnen
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Oludare A Odumade
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medicine Critical Care, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Simon D van Haren
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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11
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Chinta S, Rodriguez-Guerra M, Shaban M, Pandey N, Jaquez-Duran M, Vittorio TJ. COVID-19 therapy and vaccination: a clinical narrative review. Drugs Context 2023; 12:2022-7-2. [PMID: 36793450 PMCID: PMC9914077 DOI: 10.7573/dic.2022-7-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is the most globally impacting health issue our world has faced over the last century. As of January 7, 2022, around 300 million cases have been reported worldwide, with over 5 million deaths. The SARS-CoV-2 infection causes a hyperactive host immune response leading to an excessive inflammatory reaction with the release of many cytokines - cytokine storm - commonly noticed in acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis and fulminant multiorgan failure. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the scientific medical community has worked on therapeutic procedures that interfere with the exaggerated immune response. Thromboembolic complications are widespread in patients who are critically ill with COVID-19. Anticoagulant therapy was initially considered a cornerstone in hospitalized patients and even in the early post-discharge period; however, later trials have aborted the clinical benefits except for suspicion of or confirmed thrombosis. Immunomodulatory therapies are still crucial in moderate to severe COVID-19. Immunomodulator therapies include various medications from steroids to hydroxychloroquine, tocilizumab and Anakinra. Anti-inflammatory agents, vitamin supplements and antimicrobial therapy had initial encouraging evidence, but there are limited data to review. Convalescent plasma, immunoglobulins, eculizumab, neutralizing IgG1 monoclonal antibodies and remdesivir have positively impacted inpatient mortality and hospital length of stay. Eventually, wide population vaccination was proven to be the best tool to overcome the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and help humanity return to regular life. Many vaccines and various strategies have been used since December 2020. This review discusses how the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has progressed and surged, and summarizes the safety and efficacy of the most used therapies and vaccines in the light of recent evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Chinta
- Department of Medicine, BronxCare Hospital Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Miguel Rodriguez-Guerra
- Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Mohammed Shaban
- Department of Medicine, BronxCare Hospital Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Neelanjana Pandey
- Department of Medicine, BronxCare Hospital Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Maria Jaquez-Duran
- Department of Medicine, BronxCare Hospital Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Timothy J Vittorio
- Division of Cardiology, BronxCare Hospital Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, Bronx, NY, USA
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12
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Singh P, Sharma K, Shaw D, Bhargava A, Negi SS. Mutational characterization of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 lineages circulating in Chhattisgarh, a central state of India. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 9:1082846. [PMID: 36755883 PMCID: PMC9899822 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1082846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The emergence of the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant from various states of India in early 2022 has caused fear of its rapid spread. The lack of such reports from Chhattisgarh (CG), a central state in India, has prompted us to identify the Omicron circulating lineages and their mutational dynamics. Materials and methods Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of SARS-CoV-2 was performed in 108 SARS-CoV-2 positive combined samples of nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs obtained from an equal number of patients. Results All 108 SARS-CoV-2 sequences belonged to Omicron of clade 21L (84%), 22B (11%), and 22D (5%). BA.2 and its sub-lineages were predominantly found in 93.5% of patients, BA.5.2 and its sub-lineage BA.5.2.1 in 4.6% of patients, and B.1.1.529 in 2% of patients. Various BA.2 sub-lineages identified were BA.2 (38%), BA.2.38 (32%), BA.2.75 (9.25%), BA.2.56, BA.2.76, and BA.5.2.1 (5% each), BA.2.74 (4.6%), BA.5.2.1 (3.7%), BA.2.43 and B.1.1.529 (1.8% each), and BA.5.2 (0.9%). Maximum mutations were noticed in the spike (46), followed by the nucleocapsid (5), membrane (3), and envelope (2) genes. Mutations detected in the spike gene of different Omicron variants were BA.1.1.529 (32), BA.2 (44), BA.2.38 (37), BA.2.43 (38), BA.2.56 (30), BA.2.74 (31), BA.2.75 (37), BA.2.76 (32), BA.5.2, and BA.5.2.1 (38 similar mutations). The spike gene showed the signature mutations of T19I and V213G in the N-terminal domain (NTD), S373P, S375F, T376A, and D405N in receptor-binding domain (RBD), D614G, H655Y, N679K, and P681H at the furin cleavage site, N764K and D796K in fusion peptide, and Q954H and N969K in heptapeptide repeat sequence (HR)1. Notably, BA.2.43 exhibited a novel mutation of E1202Q in the C terminal. Other sites included ORF1a harboring 13 mutations followed by ORF1b (6), ORF3a (2), and ORF6 and ORF8 (1 mutation each). Conclusion BA.2 followed by BA.2.38 was the predominant Omicron lineage circulating in Chhattisgarh. BA.2.75 could supersede other Omicron due to its mutational consortium advantage. The periodical genomic monitoring of Omicron variants is thus required for real-time assessment of circulating strains and their mutational-induced severity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sanjay Singh Negi
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
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13
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Yusharyahya SN, Japranata VV, Jonlean R, Legiawati L, Astriningrum R. Cutaneous manifestations in elderly patients with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 and the disease outcomes: A systematic review. J Dermatol 2023; 50:679-691. [PMID: 36680396 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.16722] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous manifestations in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients may possess prognostic value for identifying potentially severe cases. This systematic review investigated whether dermatological features are associated with COVID-19 outcomes in elderly patients. Literature retrieval was conducted on May 11, 2022, from databases, hand-searching, and tracing citations. Following selection against eligibility criteria, the remaining records were evaluated utilizing the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Study Quality Assessment Tool or Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The pooled individual data were subsequently analyzed using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test to calculate the odds ratio (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) for the severity and mortality of each skin lesion type. We incorporated 70 articles, including 180 and 117 entries, with information regarding disease severity and mortality. Further analysis revealed that vascular type was the skin lesion most frequently noticed in confirmed COVID-19 elderly patients (46.2%) and was associated with an increased risk of developing advanced disease (OR 7.32, 95% CI 3.39-15.81) and the ensuing termination (OR 5.73, 95% CI 2.46-13.36). The converse phenomenon was observed in maculopapular type (severity OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.14-0.52; mortality OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.03-0.36). In conclusion, skin manifestations may predict COVID-19 severity and mortality in the senior group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannaz Nadia Yusharyahya
- Division of Geriatric Dermatology, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia-dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | | | - Lili Legiawati
- Division of Geriatric Dermatology, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia-dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Rinadewi Astriningrum
- Division of Geriatric Dermatology, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia-dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
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14
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Fantini J, Azzaz F, Chahinian H, Yahi N. Electrostatic Surface Potential as a Key Parameter in Virus Transmission and Evolution: How to Manage Future Virus Pandemics in the Post-COVID-19 Era. Viruses 2023; 15:284. [PMID: 36851498 PMCID: PMC9964723 DOI: 10.3390/v15020284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus-cell interactions involve fundamental parameters that need to be considered in strategies implemented to control viral outbreaks. Among these, the surface electrostatic potential can give valuable information to deal with new epidemics. In this article, we describe the role of this key parameter in the hemagglutination of red blood cells and in the co-evolution of synaptic receptors and neurotransmitters. We then establish the functional link between lipid rafts and the electrostatic potential of viruses, with special emphasis on gangliosides, which are sialic-acid-containing, electronegatively charged plasma membrane components. We describe the common features of ganglioside binding domains, which include a wide variety of structures with little sequence homology but that possess key amino acids controlling ganglioside recognition. We analyze the role of the electrostatic potential in the transmission and intra-individual evolution of HIV-1 infections, including gatekeeper and co-receptor switch mechanisms. We show how to organize the epidemic surveillance of influenza viruses by focusing on mutations affecting the hemagglutinin surface potential. We demonstrate that the electrostatic surface potential, by modulating spike-ganglioside interactions, controls the hemagglutination properties of coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2) as well as the structural dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 evolution. We relate the broad-spectrum antiviral activity of repositioned molecules to their ability to disrupt virus-raft interactions, challenging the old concept that an antibiotic or anti-parasitic cannot also be an antiviral. We propose a new concept based on the analysis of the electrostatic surface potential to develop, in real time, therapeutic and vaccine strategies adapted to each new viral epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Fantini
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Aix-Marseille, INSERM UMR_S 1072, 13015 Marseille, France
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15
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Fantini J, Chahinian H, Yahi N. Convergent Evolution Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 and HIV Surface Envelope Glycoproteins Driven by Host Cell Surface Receptors and Lipid Rafts: Lessons for the Future. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:1923. [PMID: 36768244 PMCID: PMC9915253 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Although very different, in terms of their genomic organization, their enzymatic proteins, and their structural proteins, HIV and SARS-CoV-2 have an extraordinary evolutionary potential in common. Faced with various selection pressures that may be generated by treatments or immune responses, these RNA viruses demonstrate very high adaptive capacities, which result in the continuous emergence of variants and quasi-species. In this retrospective analysis of viral proteins, ensuring the adhesion of these viruses to the plasma membrane of host cells, we highlight many common points that suggest the convergent mechanisms of evolution. HIV and SARS-CoV-2 first recognize a lipid raft microdomain that acts as a landing strip for viral particles on the host cell surface. In the case of mucosal cells, which are the primary targets of both viruses, these microdomains are enriched in anionic glycolipids (gangliosides) forming a global electronegative field. Both viruses use lipid rafts to surf on the cell surface in search of a protein receptor able to trigger the fusion process. This implies that viral envelope proteins are both geometrically and electrically compatible to the biomolecules they select to invade host cells. In the present study, we identify the surface electrostatic potential as a critical parameter controlling the convergent evolution dynamics of HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 surface envelope proteins, and we discuss the impact of this parameter on the phenotypic properties of both viruses. The virological data accumulated since the emergence of HIV in the early 1980s should help us to face present and future virus pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nouara Yahi
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix Marseille University, 13015 Marseille, France
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16
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Zhou Y, Zhi H, Teng Y. The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron lineages, immune escape, and vaccine effectivity. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28138. [PMID: 36097349 PMCID: PMC9538491 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
As of November 2021, several SARS-CoV-2 variants appeared and became dominant epidemic strains in many countries, including five variants of concern (VOCs) Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron defined by the World Health Organization during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of August 2022, Omicron is classified into five main lineages, BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, BA.4, BA.5 and some sublineages (BA.1.1, BA.2.12.1, BA.2.11, BA.2.75, BA.4.6) (https://www.gisaid.org/). Compared to the previous VOCs (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta), all the Omicron lineages have the most highly mutations in the spike protein, and with 50 mutations accumulated throughout the genome. Early data indicated that Omicron BA.2 sublineage had higher infectivity and more immune escape than the early wild-type (WT) strain, the previous VOCs, and BA.1. Recently, global surveillance data suggest a higher transmissibility of BA.4/BA.5 than BA.1, BA.1.1 and BA.2, and BA.4/BA.5 is becoming dominant strain in many countries globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongbing Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hangzhou Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Hangzhou Dermatology Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huilin Zhi
- Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Hangzhou Dermatology Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong Teng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hangzhou Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Hangzhou Dermatology Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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17
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Dhama K, Nainu F, Frediansyah A, Yatoo MI, Mohapatra RK, Chakraborty S, Zhou H, Islam MR, Mamada SS, Kusuma HI, Rabaan AA, Alhumaid S, Mutair AA, Iqhrammullah M, Al-Tawfiq JA, Mohaini MA, Alsalman AJ, Tuli HS, Chakraborty C, Harapan H. Global emerging Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2: Impacts, challenges and strategies. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:4-14. [PMID: 36446204 PMCID: PMC9675435 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2022.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 99.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Newly emerging variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are continuously posing high global public health concerns and panic resulting in waves of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Depending on the extent of genomic variations, mutations and adaptation, few of the variants gain the ability to spread quickly across many countries, acquire higher virulency and ability to cause severe disease, morbidity and mortality. These variants have been implicated in lessening the efficacy of the current COVID-19 vaccines and immunotherapies resulting in break-through viral infections in vaccinated individuals and recovered patients. Altogether, these could hinder the protective herd immunity to be achieved through the ongoing progressive COVID-19 vaccination. Currently, the only variant of interest of SARS-CoV-2 is Omicron that was first identified in South Africa. In this review, we present the overview on the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants with a special focus on the Omicron variant, its lineages and hybrid variants. We discuss the hypotheses of the origin, genetic change and underlying molecular mechanism behind higher transmissibility and immune escape of Omicron variant. Major concerns related to Omicron including the efficacy of the current available immunotherapeutics and vaccines, transmissibility, disease severity, and mortality are discussed. In the last part, challenges and strategies to counter Omicron variant, its lineages and hybrid variants amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Firzan Nainu
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
| | - Andri Frediansyah
- Research Division for Natural Product Technology (BPTBA), National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta 55861, Indonesia
| | - Mohd Iqbal Yatoo
- Division of Veterinary Clinical Complex, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry Shuhama, Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190006, India
| | - Ranjan K Mohapatra
- Department of Chemistry, Government College of Engineering, Keonjhar 758002, Odisha, India
| | - Sandip Chakraborty
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, R.K. Nagar, West Tripura, Tripura, India
| | - Hao Zhou
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; Department of Microbiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York 10016, USA
| | - Md Rabiul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific, 74/A Green Road, Farmgate, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Sukamto S Mamada
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
| | - Hendrix Indra Kusuma
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Aceh 23111, Indonesia; Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia; Biology Education Department, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, Universitas Islam Negeri Ar-Raniry, Jl. Syeikh Abdur Rauf, Kopelma Darussalaml, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
| | - Ali A Rabaan
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia; College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; Department of Public Health and Nutrition, The University of Haripur, Haripur 22610, Pakistan
| | - Saad Alhumaid
- Administration of Pharmaceutical Care, Al-Ahsa Health Cluster, Ministry of Health, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abbas Al Mutair
- Research Center, Almoosa Specialist Hospital, Al-Ahsa 36342, Saudi Arabia; College of Nursing, Prince Nora University, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia; School of Nursing, Wollongong University, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; Nursing Department, Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences, Dhahran 33048, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Iqhrammullah
- Graduate School of Mathematics and Applied Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
| | - Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq
- Specialty Internal Medicine and Quality Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mohammed Al Mohaini
- Basic Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulkhaliq J Alsalman
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha 91911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hardeep Singh Tuli
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana, Ambala 133207, Haryana, India
| | - Chiranjib Chakraborty
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University, Barasat-Barrackpore Road, Kolkata, West Bengal 700126, India
| | - Harapan Harapan
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Aceh 23111, Indonesia; Tropical Diseases Centre, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Aceh 23111, Indonesia; Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Aceh 23111, Indonesia.
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Pascarella S, Ciccozzi M, Benvenuto D, Borsetti A, Cauda R, Cassone A. Peculiar Variations of the Electrostatic Potential of Spike Protein N-terminal Domain Associated with the Emergence of Successive SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Lineages. J Infect 2023; 86:66-117. [PMID: 35908615 PMCID: PMC9334862 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2022.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Pascarella
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Medical Statistic and Molecular Epidemiology Unit, University of Biomedical Campus, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Benvenuto
- Medical Statistic and Molecular Epidemiology Unit, University of Biomedical Campus, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Borsetti
- National HIV/AIDS Research Center (CNAIDS); Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Cauda
- Department of Healthcare Surveillance and Bioethics, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
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19
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SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Induces Hemagglutination: Implications for COVID-19 Morbidities and Therapeutics and for Vaccine Adverse Effects. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415480. [PMID: 36555121 PMCID: PMC9779393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental findings for SARS-CoV-2 related to the glycan biochemistry of coronaviruses indicate that attachments from spike protein to glycoconjugates on the surfaces of red blood cells (RBCs), other blood cells and endothelial cells are key to the infectivity and morbidity of COVID-19. To provide further insight into these glycan attachments and their potential clinical relevance, the classic hemagglutination (HA) assay was applied using spike protein from the Wuhan, Alpha, Delta and Omicron B.1.1.529 lineages of SARS-CoV-2 mixed with human RBCs. The electrostatic potential of the central region of spike protein from these four lineages was studied through molecular modeling simulations. Inhibition of spike protein-induced HA was tested using the macrocyclic lactone ivermectin (IVM), which is indicated to bind strongly to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein glycan sites. The results of these experiments were, first, that spike protein from these four lineages of SARS-CoV-2 induced HA. Omicron induced HA at a significantly lower threshold concentration of spike protein than the three prior lineages and was much more electropositive on its central spike protein region. IVM blocked HA when added to RBCs prior to spike protein and reversed HA when added afterward. These results validate and extend prior findings on the role of glycan bindings of viral spike protein in COVID-19. They furthermore suggest therapeutic options using competitive glycan-binding agents such as IVM and may help elucidate rare serious adverse effects (AEs) associated with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, which use spike protein as the generated antigen.
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20
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Venugopala KN. Progress Update on the Epidemiology of COVID-19 Variants and the Assessment Status of Developed Vaccines. J Pharmacol Pharmacother 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/0976500x221138393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread rapidly and diffused to more than 180 countries at varying severities. This pandemic has accounted for increased mortality and morbidity in developed as well as developing nations. The WHO has announced that there is a persistent need for the evaluation of the COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) against major outcomes, which include severe diseases, symptomatic COVID-19, and mortalities related to COVID-19. Therefore, mass vaccination programs using vaccines of high effectiveness are among the strategies that have been used by governments worldwide to impede the COVID-19 pandemic transmission. In this regard, massive efforts were made by governments, scientists, biomedical researchers, and healthcare professionals leading to the successful development of various vaccines to bring this pandemic under control. This editorial aims to shed light on the epidemiological status of COVID-19 variants, namely, Delta, Omicron, and Deltacron variants as well as discuss the effectiveness of the currently available COVID-19 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharigatta N. Venugopala
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
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21
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Frutos R, Yahi N, Gavotte L, Fantini J, Devaux CA. Role of spike compensatory mutations in the interspecies transmission of SARS-CoV-2. One Health 2022; 15:100429. [PMID: 36060458 PMCID: PMC9420691 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2022.100429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19 in humans, can efficiently infect a large number of animal species. Like any virus, and particularly RNA viruses, SARS-CoV-2 undergoes mutations during its life cycle some of which bring a selective advantage, leading to the selection of a given lineage. Minks are very susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and owing to their presence in mass rearing, they make a good model for studying the relative importance of mutations in viral adaptation to host species. Variants, such as the mink-selected SARS-CoV-2 Y453F and D614G or H69del/V70del, Y453F, I692V and M1229I were identified in humans after spreading through densely caged minks. However, not all mink-specific mutations are conserved when the virus infects human populations back. Many questions remain regarding the interspecies evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and the dynamics of transmission leading to the emergence of new variant strains. We compared the human and mink ACE2 receptor structures and their interactions with SARS-CVoV-2 variants. In minks, ACE2 presents a Y34 amino acid instead of the H34 amino acid found in the human ACE2. H34 is essential for the interaction with the Y453 residue of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. The Y453F mink mutation abolishes this conflict. A series of 18 mutations not involved in the direct ACE2 interaction was observed in addition to the Y453F and D614G in 16 different SARS-CoV-2 strains following bidirectional infections between humans and minks. These mutations were not random and were distributed into five different functional groups having an effect on the kinetics of ACE2-RD interaction. The interspecies transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from humans to minks and back to humans, generated specific mutations in each species which improved the affinity for the ACE2 receptor either by direct mutation of the core 453 residue or by associated compensatory mutations.
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22
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Petrof O, Fajgenblat M, Neyens T, Molenberghs G, Faes C. The doubling effect of COVID-19 cases on key health indicators. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275523. [PMID: 36417418 PMCID: PMC9683546 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers advised policy makers to make informed decisions towards the adoption of mitigating interventions. Key easy-to-interpret metrics applied over time can measure the public health impact of epidemic outbreaks. We propose a novel method which quantifies the effect of hospitalizations or mortality when the number of COVID-19 cases doubles. Two analyses are used, a country-by-country analysis and a multi-country approach which considers all countries simultaneously. The new measure is applied to several European countries, where the presence of different variants, vaccination rates and intervention measures taken over time leads to a different risk. Based on our results, the vaccination campaign has a clear effect for all countries analyzed, reducing the risk over time. However, the constant emergence of new variants combined with distinct intervention measures impacts differently the risk per country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oana Petrof
- I-Biostat, DSI, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Maxime Fajgenblat
- Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas Neyens
- I-Biostat, DSI, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Leuven Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics Centre (L-BioStat), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Geert Molenberghs
- I-Biostat, DSI, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- I-BioStat, KU Leuven University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christel Faes
- I-Biostat, DSI, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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23
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Fantini J, Chahinian H, Yahi N. A Vaccine Strategy Based on the Identification of an Annular Ganglioside Binding Motif in Monkeypox Virus Protein E8L. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112531. [PMID: 36423140 PMCID: PMC9693861 DOI: 10.3390/v14112531] [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: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent outbreak of Monkeypox virus requires the development of a vaccine specifically directed against this virus as quickly as possible. We propose here a new strategy based on a two-step analysis combining (i) the search for binding domains of viral proteins to gangliosides present in lipid rafts of host cells, and (ii) B epitope predictions. Based on previous studies of HIV and SARS-CoV-2 proteins, we show that the Monkeypox virus cell surface-binding protein E8L possesses a ganglioside-binding motif consisting of several subsites forming a ring structure. The binding of the E8L protein to a cluster of gangliosides GM1 mimicking a lipid raft domain is driven by both shape and electrostatic surface potential complementarities. An induced-fit mechanism unmasks selected amino acid side chains of the motif without significantly affecting the secondary structure of the protein. The ganglioside-binding motif overlaps three potential linear B epitopes that are well exposed on the unbound E8L surface that faces the host cell membrane. This situation is ideal for generating neutralizing antibodies. We thus suggest using these three sequences derived from the E8L protein as immunogens in a vaccine formulation (recombinant protein, synthetic peptides or genetically based) specific for Monkeypox virus. This lipid raft/ganglioside-based strategy could be used for developing therapeutic and vaccine responses to future virus outbreaks, in parallel to existing solutions.
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24
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Zaman K, Shete AM, Mishra SK, Kumar A, Reddy MM, Sahay RR, Yadav S, Majumdar T, Pandey AK, Dwivedi GR, Deval H, Singh R, Behera SP, Kumar N, Patil S, Kumar A, Dudhmal M, Joshi Y, Shukla A, Gawande P, Kavathekar A, Kumar N, Kumar V, Kumar K, Singh RS, Kumar M, Tiwari S, Verma A, Yadav PD, Kant R. Omicron BA.2 lineage predominance in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive cases during the third wave in North India. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:955930. [PMID: 36405589 PMCID: PMC9666497 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.955930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recent studies on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reveal that Omicron variant BA.1 and sub-lineages have revived the concern over resistance to antiviral drugs and vaccine-induced immunity. The present study aims to analyze the clinical profile and genome characterization of the SARS-CoV-2 variant in eastern Uttar Pradesh (UP), North India. Methods Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was conducted for 146 SARS-CoV-2 samples obtained from individuals who tested coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) positive between the period of 1 January 2022 and 24 February 2022, from three districts of eastern UP. The details regarding clinical and hospitalized status were captured through telephonic interviews after obtaining verbal informed consent. A maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree was created for evolutionary analysis using MEGA7. Results The mean age of study participants was 33.9 ± 13.1 years, with 73.5% accounting for male patients. Of the 98 cases contacted by telephone, 30 (30.6%) had a travel history (domestic/international), 16 (16.3%) reported having been infected with COVID-19 in past, 79 (80.6%) had symptoms, and seven had at least one comorbidity. Most of the sequences belonged to the Omicron variant, with BA.1 (6.2%), BA.1.1 (2.7%), BA.1.1.1 (0.7%), BA.1.1.7 (5.5%), BA.1.17.2 (0.7%), BA.1.18 (0.7%), BA.2 (30.8%), BA.2.10 (50.7%), BA.2.12 (0.7%), and B.1.617.2 (1.3%) lineages. BA.1 and BA.1.1 strains possess signature spike mutations S:A67V, S:T95I, S:R346K, S:S371L, S:G446S, S:G496S, S:T547K, S:N856K, and S:L981F, and BA.2 contains S:V213G, S:T376A, and S:D405N. Notably, ins214EPE (S1- N-Terminal domain) mutation was found in a significant number of Omicron BA.1 and sub-lineages. The overall Omicron BA.2 lineage was observed in 79.5% of women and 83.2% of men. Conclusion The current study showed a predominance of the Omicron BA.2 variant outcompeting the BA.1 over a period in eastern UP. Most of the cases had a breakthrough infection following the recommended two doses of vaccine with four in five cases being symptomatic. There is a need to further explore the immune evasion properties of the Omicron variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamran Zaman
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur, India
| | - Anita M Shete
- Maximum Containment Facility, Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology Pune (ICMR-NIV Pune), Pune, India
| | - Shailendra Kumar Mishra
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur, India
| | - Abhinendra Kumar
- Maximum Containment Facility, Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology Pune (ICMR-NIV Pune), Pune, India
| | - Mahendra M Reddy
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur, India
| | - Rima R Sahay
- Maximum Containment Facility, Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology Pune (ICMR-NIV Pune), Pune, India
| | - Shailendra Yadav
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur, India
| | - Triparna Majumdar
- Maximum Containment Facility, Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology Pune (ICMR-NIV Pune), Pune, India
| | - Ashok K Pandey
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur, India
| | - Gaurav Raj Dwivedi
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur, India
| | - Hirawati Deval
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur, India
| | - Rajeev Singh
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur, India
| | - Sthita Pragnya Behera
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur, India
| | - Niraj Kumar
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur, India
| | - Savita Patil
- Maximum Containment Facility, Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology Pune (ICMR-NIV Pune), Pune, India
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur, India
| | - Manisha Dudhmal
- Maximum Containment Facility, Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology Pune (ICMR-NIV Pune), Pune, India
| | - Yash Joshi
- Maximum Containment Facility, Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology Pune (ICMR-NIV Pune), Pune, India
| | - Aishwarya Shukla
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur, India
| | - Pranita Gawande
- Maximum Containment Facility, Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology Pune (ICMR-NIV Pune), Pune, India
| | - Asif Kavathekar
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur, India
| | - Nalin Kumar
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur, India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur, India
| | - Kamlesh Kumar
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur, India
| | - Ravi Shankar Singh
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur, India
| | - Shashikant Tiwari
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur, India
| | - Ajay Verma
- Maximum Containment Facility, Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology Pune (ICMR-NIV Pune), Pune, India
| | - Pragya D Yadav
- Maximum Containment Facility, Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology Pune (ICMR-NIV Pune), Pune, India
| | - Rajni Kant
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur, India
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25
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Bauer G, Struck F, Staschik E, Maile J, Wochinz‐Richter K, Motz M, Soutschek E. Differential avidity determination of IgG directed towards the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 wild-type and its variants in one assay: Rational tool for the assessment of protective immunity. J Med Virol 2022; 94:5294-5303. [PMID: 35851961 PMCID: PMC9349558 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28006] [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: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The avidity (binding strength) of IgG directed towards the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of spike protein has been recognized as a central marker in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) serology. It seems to be linked to increased infection-neutralization potential and therefore might indicate protective immunity. Using a prototype line assay based on the established recomLine SARS-CoV-2 assay, supplemented with RBD of the delta and the omicron variant, differential avidity determination of IgG directed towards RBD of wild-type (WT) SARS-CoV-2 and distinct variants was possible within one assay. Our data confirm that natural SARS-CoV-2 infection or one vaccination step lead to low avidity IgG, whereas further vaccination steps gradually increase avidity to high values. High avidity is not reached by infection alone. After infection with WT SARS-CoV-2 or vaccination based on mRNA WT, the avidity of cross-reacting IgG directed towards RBD of the delta variant only showed marginal differences compared to IgG directed towards RBD WT. In contrast, the avidity of IgG cross-reacting with RBD of the omicron variant was always much lower than for IgG RBD WT, except after the third vaccination step. Therefore, parallel avidity testing of RBD WT and omicron seems to be mandatory for a significant assessment of protective immunity towards SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Bauer
- Institute of Virology, Medical CenterUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany,Faculty of MedicineUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
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26
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Farheen S, Araf Y, Tang YD, Zheng C. The Deltacron conundrum: Its origin and potential health risks. J Med Virol 2022; 94:5096-5102. [PMID: 35815524 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), since its outbreak in December 2019, has been capable of continuing the pandemic by mutating itself into different variants. Mass vaccinations, antibiotic treatment therapy, herd immunity, and preventive measures have reduced the disease's severity from the emerging variants. However, the virus is undergoing recombination among the current two variants: Delta and Omicron, resulting in a new variant, informally known as "Deltacron," which was controversial as it might be a product of lab contamination between Omicron and Delta samples. However, the proclamation was proved wrong, and the experts are putting more effort into better understanding the variant's epidemiological characteristics to control potential outbreaks. This review has discussed the potential mutations in the novel variant and prospective risk factors and therapeutic options in the context of this new variant. This study could be used as a guide for implementing appropriate controls in a sudden outbreak of this new variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saria Farheen
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China.,State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China.,School of Environment and Life Sciences, Independent University Bangladesh, Bashundhara, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Yusha Araf
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh.,Department of Biotechnology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Yan-Dong Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Chunfu Zheng
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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27
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Deminco F, Vaz SN, Santana DS, Pedroso C, Tadeu J, Stoecker A, Vieira SM, Netto E, Brites C. A Simplified Sanger Sequencing Method for Detection of Relevant SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:2609. [PMID: 36359452 PMCID: PMC9689870 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12112609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular surveillance of the new coronavirus through new genomic sequencing technologies revealed the circulation of important variants of SARS-CoV-2. Sanger sequencing has been useful in identifying important variants of SARS-CoV-2 without the need for whole-genome sequencing. A sequencing protocol was constructed to cover a region of 1000 base pairs, from a 1120 bp product generated after a two-step RT-PCR assay in samples positive for SARS-CoV-2. Consensus sequence construction and mutation identification were performed. Of all 103 samples sequenced, 69 contained relevant variants represented by 20 BA.1, 13 delta, 22 gamma, and 14 zeta, identified between June 2020 and February 2022. All sequences found were aligned with representative sequences of the variants. Using the Sanger sequencing methodology, we were able to develop a more accessible protocol to assist viral surveillance with a more accessible platform.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Carlos Brites
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Infectologia, Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA)/EBSERH, Salvador 40170-110, Bahia, Brazil
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28
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Adiguzel Y, Shoenfeld Y. Shared 6mer Peptides of Human and Omicron (21K and 21L) at SARS-CoV-2 Mutation Sites. Antibodies (Basel) 2022; 11:68. [PMID: 36412834 PMCID: PMC9680445 DOI: 10.3390/antib11040068] [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: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the short sequences involving Omicron 21K and Omicron 21L variants to reveal any possible molecular mimicry-associated autoimmunity risks and changes in those. We first identified common 6mers of the viral and human protein sequences present for both the mutant (Omicron) and nonmutant (SARS-CoV-2) versions of the same viral sequence and then predicted the binding affinities of those sequences to the HLA supertype representatives. We evaluated change in the potential autoimmunity risk, through comparative assessment of the nonmutant and mutant viral sequences and their similar human peptides with common 6mers and affinities to the same HLA allele. This change is the lost and the new, or de novo, autoimmunity risk, associated with the mutations in the Omicron 21K and Omicron 21L variants. Accordingly, e.g., the affinity of virus-similar sequences of the Ig heavy chain junction regions shifted from the HLA-B*15:01 to the HLA-A*01:01 allele at the mutant sequences. Additionally, peptides of different human proteins sharing 6mers with SARS-CoV-2 proteins at the mutation sites of interest and with affinities to the HLA-B*07:02 allele, such as the respective SARS-CoV-2 sequences, were lost. Among all, any possible molecular mimicry-associated novel risk appeared to be prominent in HLA-A*24:02 and HLA-B*27:05 serotypes upon infection with Omicron 21L. Associated disease, pathway, and tissue expression data supported possible new risks for the HLA-B*27:05 and HLA-A*01:01 serotypes, while the risks for the HLA-B*07:02 serotypes could have been lost or diminished, and those for the HLA-A*03:01 serotypes could have been retained, for the individuals infected with Omicron variants under study. These are likely to affect the complications related to cross-reactions influencing the relevant HLA serotypes upon infection with Omicron 21K and Omicron 21L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yekbun Adiguzel
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Atilim University, Ankara 06830, Turkey
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat-Gan 52621, Israel
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29
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Morris CP, Eldesouki RE, Fall A, Gaston DC, Norton JM, Gallagher ND, Luo CH, Abdullah O, Klein EY, Mostafa HH. SARS-CoV-2 reinfections during the Delta and Omicron waves. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e162007. [PMID: 36048527 PMCID: PMC9714778 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.162007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDIncreased SARS-CoV-2 reinfection rates have been reported recently, with some locations basing reinfection on a second positive PCR test at least 90 days after initial infection. In this study, we used Johns Hopkins SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance data to evaluate the frequency of sequencing-validated, confirmed, and inferred reinfections between March 2020 and July 2022.METHODSPatients who had 2 or more positive SARS-CoV-2 tests in our system, with samples sequenced as a part of our surveillance efforts, were identified as the cohort for our study. SARS-CoV-2 genomes of patients' initial and later samples were compared.RESULTSA total of 755 patients (920 samples) had a positive test at least 90 days after the initial test, with a median time between tests of 377 days. Sequencing was attempted on 231 samples and was successful in 127. Rates of successful sequencing spiked during the Omicron surge; there was a higher median number of days from initial infection in these cases compared with those with failed sequences. A total of 122 (98%) patients showed evidence of reinfection; 45 of these patients had sequence-validated reinfection and 77 had inferred reinfections (later sequencing showed a clade that was not circulating when the patient was initially infected). Of the 45 patients with sequence-validated reinfections, 43 (96%) had reinfections that were caused by the Omicron variant, 41 (91%) were symptomatic, 32 (71%) were vaccinated prior to the second infection, 6 (13%) were immunosuppressed, and only 2 (4%) were hospitalized.CONCLUSIONSequence-validated reinfections increased with the Omicron surge but were generally associated with mild infections.FUNDINGFunding was provided by the Johns Hopkins Center of Excellence in Influenza Research and Surveillance (HHSN272201400007C), CDC (75D30121C11061), Johns Hopkins University President's Fund Research Response, Johns Hopkins Department of Pathology, and the Maryland Department of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Paul Morris
- Department of Pathology, Division of Medical Microbiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Raghda E. Eldesouki
- Department of Pathology, Division of Medical Microbiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Genetics Unit, Histology Department, School of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Amary Fall
- Department of Pathology, Division of Medical Microbiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David C. Gaston
- Department of Pathology, Division of Medical Microbiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Julie M. Norton
- Department of Pathology, Division of Medical Microbiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicholas D. Gallagher
- Department of Pathology, Division of Medical Microbiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Chun Huai Luo
- Department of Pathology, Division of Medical Microbiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Omar Abdullah
- Department of Pathology, Division of Medical Microbiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Eili Y. Klein
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Heba H. Mostafa
- Department of Pathology, Division of Medical Microbiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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A comparative study of spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and its variant Omicron (B.1.1.529) on some immune characteristics. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17058. [PMID: 36224298 PMCID: PMC9554390 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21690-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of Omicron variant raises great concerns because of its rapid transmissibility and its numerous mutations in spike protein (S-protein). S-protein can act as a pathogen-associated molecular pattern and complement activator as well as antigen. We compared some immune characteristics of trimer S-proteins for wild type (WT-S) and B.1.1.529 Omicron (Omicron-S) to investigate whether the mutations have affected its pathogenicity and antigenic shift. The results indicated that WT-S and Omicron-S directly activated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and induced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages, but the actions of Omicron-S were weaker. These inflammatory reactions could be abrogated by a Toll-like receptor 4 antagonist TAK-242. Two S-proteins failed to induce the production of antiviral molecular interferon-β. In contrast to pro-inflammatory effects, the ability of two S-proteins to activate complement was comparable. We also compared the binding ability of two S-proteins to a high-titer anti-WT-receptor-binding domain antibody. The data showed that WT-S strongly bound to this antibody, while Omicron-S was completely off-target. Collectively, the mutations of Omicron have a great impact on the pro-inflammatory ability and epitopes of S-protein, but little effect on its ability to activate complement. Addressing these issues can be helpful for more adequate understanding of the pathogenicity of Omicron and the vaccine breakthrough infection.
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The Comparison of Mutational Progression in SARS-CoV-2: A Short Updated Overview. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jmp3040018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world population adversely, posing a threat to human health. In the past few years, various strains of SARS-CoV-2, each with different mutations in its structure, have impacted human health in negative ways. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mutations influence the virulence, antibody evasion, and Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) affinity of the virus. These mutations are essential to understanding how a new strain of SARS-CoV-2 has changed and its possible effects on the human body. This review provides an insight into the spike mutations of SARS-CoV-2 variants. As the current scientific data offer a scattered outlook on the various type of mutations, we aimed to categorize the mutations of Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1), Delta (B.1.612.2), and Omicron (B.1.1.529) systematically according to their location in the subunit 1 (S1) and subunit 2 (S2) domains and summarized their consequences as a result. We also compared the miscellany of mutations that have emerged in all four variants to date. The comparison shows that mutations such as D614G and N501Y have emerged in all four variants of concern and that all four variants have multiple mutations within the N-terminal domain (NTD), as in the case of the Delta variant. Other mutations are scattered in the receptor binding domain (RBD) and subdomain 2 (SD2) of the S1 domain. Mutations in RBD or NTD are often associated with antibody evasion. Few mutations lie in the S2 domain in the Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants. However, in the Omicron variant many mutations occupy the S2 domain, hinting towards a much more evasive virus.
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Kumar S, Karuppanan K, Subramaniam G. Omicron (BA.1) and sub-variants (BA.1.1, BA.2, and BA.3) of SARS-CoV-2 spike infectivity and pathogenicity: A comparative sequence and structural-based computational assessment. J Med Virol 2022; 94:4780-4791. [PMID: 35680610 PMCID: PMC9347785 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The Omicron variant of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has now spread throughout the world. We used computational tools to assess the spike infectivity, transmission, and pathogenicity of Omicron (BA.1) and sub-variants (BA.1.1, BA.2, and BA.3) in this study. BA.1 has 39 mutations, BA.1.1 has 40 mutations, BA.2 has 31 mutations, and BA.3 has 34 mutations, with 21 shared mutations between all. We observed 11 common mutations in Omicron's receptor-binding domain (RBD) and sub-variants. In pathogenicity analysis, the Y505H, N786K, T95I, N211I, N856K, and V213R mutations in omicron and sub-variants are predicted to be deleterious. Due to the major effect of the mutations characterizing in the RBD, we found that Omicron and sub-variants had a higher positive electrostatic surface potential. This could increase interaction between RBD and negative electrostatic surface potential human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2). Omicron and sub-variants had a higher affinity for hACE2 and the potential for increased transmission when compared to the wild-type (WT). Negative electrostatic potential of N-terminal domain (NTD) of the spike protein value indicates that the Omicron variant binds receptors less efficiently than the WT. Given that at least one receptor is highly expressed in lung and bronchial cells, the electrostatic potential of NTD negative value could be one of the factors contributing to why the Omicron variant is thought to be less harmful to the lower respiratory tract. Among Omicron sub-lineages, BA.2 and BA.3 have a higher transmission potential than BA.1 and BA.1.1. We predicted that mutated residues in BA.1.1 (K478), BA.2 (R400, R490, and R495), and BA.3 (R397 and H499) formation of new salt bridges and hydrogen bonds. Omicron and sub-variant mutations at Receptor-binding Motif (RBM) residues such as Q493R, N501Y, Q498, T478K, and Y505H all contribute significantly to binding affinity with human ACE2. Interactions with Omicron variant mutations at residues 493, 496, 498, and 501 seem to restore ACE2 binding effectiveness lost due to other mutations like K417N.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Kumar
- Department of Diagnostic & Allied Health Science, Faculty of Health and Life SciencesManagement and Science UniversityShah AlamSelangorMalaysia
| | - Kalimuthu Karuppanan
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Wellcome Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
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Colson P, Lavagna C, Delerce J, Groshenry G, Yahi N, Fantini J, La Scola B, Althaus T. First Detection of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5/22B in Monaco. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1952. [PMID: 36296228 PMCID: PMC9607325 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10101952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The Omicron BA.5/22B variant has been designated as a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organization. We describe, here, the first evidence in Monaco of infection with an Omicron BA.5/22B variant, probably imported from the Republic of Seychelles, harboring a rare combination of non-BA.5/22B signature amino acid changes. SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies were measured with a surrogate virus neutralization test. SARS-CoV-2 genotype screening was performed on nasopharyngeal samples with a multiplex qPCR assay. The SARS-CoV-2 genome was obtained by next-generation sequencing with the Illumina COVID-seq protocol, then assembly using bioinformatics pipelines and software was performed. The BA.5/22B spike protein structure was obtained by molecular modeling. Two spouses were SARS-CoV-2-diagnosed the day they returned from a one-week trip in the Republic of Seychelles. SARS-CoV-2 qPCR screening for variant-specific mutations identified an Omicron variant BA.1/21K, BA.4/22A, or BA.5/22B. A SARS-Co-2 BA.5/22B variant genome was recovered from one of the spouses. Aside from BA.5/22B-defining amino acid substitutions, four other amino acid changes were encoded including Q556K in ORF1a, K2557R in ORF1b, and A67V and A829T in spike; only 13 genomes in sequence databases harbored these four mutations concurrently. Structural analysis of this BA.5/22B variant predicted that A829T in spike may result in a compaction that may affect conformational plasticity. Overall, our findings warrant performing genome-based genotypic surveillance to survey accurately the emergence and circulation of SARS-CoV-2 variants worldwide and point out that their first occurrence in a country is often through international travel despite implemented countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Colson
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille University, Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), 27 boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), 264 rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Christian Lavagna
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000 Monaco, Monaco
| | - Jérémy Delerce
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
| | | | - Nouara Yahi
- INSERM UMR S 1072, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Jacques Fantini
- INSERM UMR S 1072, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Bernard La Scola
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille University, Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), 27 boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), 264 rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Thomas Althaus
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000 Monaco, Monaco
- Direction de l’Action Sanitaire, 48 Boulevard d’Italie, 98000 Monaco, Monaco
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Serum microRNAs targeting ACE2 and RAB14 genes distinguish asymptomatic from critical COVID-19 patients. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 29:76-87. [PMID: 35721225 PMCID: PMC9188110 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite the extraordinary advances achieved to beat COVID-19 disease, many questions remain unsolved, including the mechanisms of action of SARS-CoV-2 and which factors determine why individuals respond so differently to the viral infection. Herein, we performed an in silico analysis to identify host microRNA targeting ACE2, TMPRSS2, and/or RAB14, all genes known to participate in viral entry and replication. Next, the levels of six microRNA candidates previously linked to viral and respiratory-related pathologies were measured in the serum of COVID-19-negative controls (n = 16), IgG-positive COVID-19 asymptomatic individuals (n = 16), and critical COVID-19 patients (n = 17). Four of the peripheral microRNAs analyzed (hsa-miR-32-5p, hsa-miR-98-3p, hsa-miR-423-3p, and hsa-miR-1246) were upregulated in COVID-19 critical patients compared with COVID-19-negative controls. Moreover, hsa-miR-32-5p and hsa-miR-1246 levels were also altered in critical versus asymptomatic individuals. Furthermore, these microRNA target genes were related to viral infection, inflammatory response, and coagulation-related processes. In conclusion, SARS-CoV-2 promotes the alteration of microRNAs targeting the expression of key proteins for viral entry and replication, and these changes are associated with disease severity. The microRNAs identified could be taken as potential biomarkers of COVID-19 progression as well as candidates for future therapeutic approaches against this disease.
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Colson P, Fournier P, Delerce J, Million M, Bedotto M, Houhamdi L, Yahi N, Bayette J, Levasseur A, Fantini J, Raoult D, La Scola B. Culture and identification of a "Deltamicron" SARS-CoV-2 in a three cases cluster in southern France. J Med Virol 2022; 94:3739-3749. [PMID: 35467028 PMCID: PMC9088576 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants have successively, or concomitantly spread worldwide since the summer of 2020. A few co-infections with different variants were reported and genetic recombinations, common among coronaviruses, were reported or suspected based on co-detection of signature mutations of different variants in a given genome. Here we report three infections in southern France with a Delta 21J_AY.4-Omicron 21K/BA.1 "Deltamicron" recombinant. The hybrid genome harbors signature mutations of the two lineages, supported by a mean sequencing depth of 1163-1421 reads and a mean nucleotide diversity of 0.1%-0.6%. It is composed of the near full-length spike gene (from codons 156-179) of an Omicron 21K/BA.1 variant in a Delta 21J/AY.4 lineage backbone. Importantly, we cultured an isolate of this recombinant and sequenced its genome. It was observed by scanning electron microscopy. As it is misidentified with current variant screening quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), we designed and implemented for routine diagnosis a specific duplex qPCR. Finally, structural analysis of the recombinant spike suggested its hybrid content could optimize viral binding to the host cell membrane. These findings prompt further studies of the virological, epidemiological, and clinical features of this recombinant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Colson
- IHU Méditerranée InfectionMarseilleFrance
- Aix‐Marseille Univ., Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI)MarseilleFrance
- Assistance Publique‐Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP‐HM)MarseilleFrance
| | - Pierre‐Edouard Fournier
- IHU Méditerranée InfectionMarseilleFrance
- Aix‐Marseille Univ., Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI)MarseilleFrance
- Aix‐Marseille Univ., Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)Vecteurs—Infections Tropicales et Méditerranéennes (VITROME)MarseilleFrance
| | | | - Matthieu Million
- IHU Méditerranée InfectionMarseilleFrance
- Aix‐Marseille Univ., Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI)MarseilleFrance
- Assistance Publique‐Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP‐HM)MarseilleFrance
| | | | | | - Nouara Yahi
- Aix‐Marseille Université, INSERM UMR S 1072MarseilleFrance
| | | | - Anthony Levasseur
- IHU Méditerranée InfectionMarseilleFrance
- Aix‐Marseille Univ., Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI)MarseilleFrance
| | | | - Didier Raoult
- IHU Méditerranée InfectionMarseilleFrance
- Aix‐Marseille Univ., Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI)MarseilleFrance
| | - Bernard La Scola
- IHU Méditerranée InfectionMarseilleFrance
- Aix‐Marseille Univ., Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI)MarseilleFrance
- Assistance Publique‐Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP‐HM)MarseilleFrance
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De Marco C, Veneziano C, Massacci A, Pallocca M, Marascio N, Quirino A, Barreca GS, Giancotti A, Gallo L, Lamberti AG, Quaresima B, Santamaria G, Biamonte F, Scicchitano S, Trecarichi EM, Russo A, Torella D, Quattrone A, Torti C, Matera G, De Filippo C, Costanzo FS, Viglietto G. Dynamics of Viral Infection and Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 Variants in the Calabria Area of Southern Italy. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:934993. [PMID: 35966675 PMCID: PMC9366435 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.934993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we report on the results of SARS-CoV-2 surveillance performed in an area of Southern Italy for 12 months (from March 2021 to February 2022). To this study, we have sequenced RNA from 609 isolates. We have identified circulating VOCs by Sanger sequencing of the S gene and defined their genotypes by whole-genome NGS sequencing of 157 representative isolates. Our results indicated that B.1 and Alpha were the only circulating lineages in Calabria in March 2021; while Alpha remained the most common variant between April 2021 and May 2021 (90 and 73%, respectively), we observed a concomitant decrease in B.1 cases and appearance of Gamma cases (6 and 21%, respectively); C.36.3 and Delta appeared in June 2021 (6 and 3%, respectively); Delta became dominant in July 2021 while Alpha continued to reduce (46 and 48%, respectively). In August 2021, Delta became the only circulating variant until the end of December 2021. As of January 2022, Omicron emerged and took over Delta (72 and 28%, respectively). No patient carrying Beta, Iota, Mu, or Eta variants was identified in this survey. Among the genomes identified in this study, some were distributed all over Europe (B1_S477N, Alpha_L5F, Delta_T95, Delta_G181V, and Delta_A222V), some were distributed in the majority of Italian regions (B1_S477N, B1_Q675H, Delta_T95I and Delta_A222V), and some were present mainly in Calabria (B1_S477N_T29I, B1_S477N_T29I_E484Q, Alpha_A67S, Alpha_A701S, and Alpha_T724I). Prediction analysis of the effects of mutations on the immune response (i.e., binding to class I MHC and/or recognition of T cells) indicated that T29I in B.1 variant; A701S in Alpha variant; and T19R in Delta variant were predicted to impair binding to class I MHC whereas the mutations A67S identified in Alpha; E484K identified in Gamma; and E156G and ΔF157/R158 identified in Delta were predicted to impair recognition by T cells. In conclusion, we report on the results of SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in Regione Calabria in the period between March 2021 and February 2022, identified variants that were enriched mainly in Calabria, and predicted the effects of identified mutations on host immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela De Marco
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center of Services, Molecular Genomics and Pathology, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
- Carmela De Marco
| | - Claudia Veneziano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center of Services, Molecular Genomics and Pathology, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alice Massacci
- UOSD Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Clinical Trial Center, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Pallocca
- UOSD Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Clinical Trial Center, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Nadia Marascio
- Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Angela Quirino
- Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
- “Mater Domini” University Hospital, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | | | - Luigia Gallo
- “Mater Domini” University Hospital, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Quaresima
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center of Services, Molecular Genomics and Pathology, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Gianluca Santamaria
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Flavia Biamonte
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center of Services, Molecular Genomics and Pathology, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefania Scicchitano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Enrico Maria Trecarichi
- “Mater Domini” University Hospital, Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alessandro Russo
- “Mater Domini” University Hospital, Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Daniele Torella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
- “Mater Domini” University Hospital, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Aldo Quattrone
- Neuroscience Research Center, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Carlo Torti
- “Mater Domini” University Hospital, Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovanni Matera
- Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
- “Mater Domini” University Hospital, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Saverio Costanzo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center of Services, Molecular Genomics and Pathology, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
- “Mater Domini” University Hospital, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Viglietto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
- “Mater Domini” University Hospital, Catanzaro, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giuseppe Viglietto
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AbdelMassih A, Sedky A, Shalaby A, Shalaby AF, Yasser A, Mohyeldin A, Amin B, Saleheen B, Osman D, Samuel E, Abdelfatah E, Albustami E, ElGhamry F, Khaled H, Amr H, Gaber H, Makhlouf I, Abdeldayem J, El-Beialy JW, Milad K, El Sharkawi L, Abosenna L, Safi MG, AbdelKareem M, Gaber M, Elkady M, Ihab M, AbdelRaouf N, Khaled R, Shalata R, Mahgoub R, Jamal S, El Hawary SED, ElRashidy S, El Shorbagy S, Gerges T, Kassem Y, Magdy Y, Omar Y, Shokry Y, Kamel A, Hozaien R, El-Husseiny N, El Shershaby M. From HIV to COVID-19, Molecular mechanisms of pathogens' trade-off and persistence in the community, potential targets for new drug development. BULLETIN OF THE NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE 2022; 46:194. [PMID: 35818410 PMCID: PMC9258762 DOI: 10.1186/s42269-022-00879-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND On the staggering emergence of the Omicron variant, numerous questions arose about the evolution of virulence and transmissibility in microbes. MAIN BODY OF THE ABSTRACT The trade-off hypothesis has long speculated the exchange of virulence for the sake of superior transmissibility in a wide array of pathogens. While this certainly applies to the case of the Omicron variant, along with influenza virus, various reports have been allocated for an array of pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), malaria, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and tuberculosis (TB). The latter abide to another form of trade-off, the invasion-persistence trade-off. In this study, we aim to explore the molecular mechanisms and mutations of different obligate intracellular pathogens that attenuated their more morbid characters, virulence in acute infections and invasion in chronic infections. SHORT CONCLUSION Recognizing the mutations that attenuate the most morbid characters of pathogens such as virulence or persistence can help in tailoring new therapies for such pathogens. Targeting macrophage tropism of HIV by carbohydrate-binding agents, or targeting the TMPRSS2 receptors to prevent pulmonary infiltrates of COVID-19 is an example of how important is to recognize such genetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine AbdelMassih
- Pediatric Department, Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University Children Hospital, Cairo University, Kasr Al Ainy Street, Cairo, 12411 Egypt
| | - Abrar Sedky
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Shalaby
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - AlAmira-Fawzia Shalaby
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alia Yasser
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aya Mohyeldin
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Basma Amin
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Basma Saleheen
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dina Osman
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Elaria Samuel
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Emmy Abdelfatah
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eveen Albustami
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Farida ElGhamry
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Habiba Khaled
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hana Amr
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hanya Gaber
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ismail Makhlouf
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Janna Abdeldayem
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Karim Milad
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Laila El Sharkawi
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Lina Abosenna
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Madonna G. Safi
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mariam AbdelKareem
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa Gaber
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mirna Elkady
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Ihab
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nora AbdelRaouf
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rawan Khaled
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reem Shalata
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rudayna Mahgoub
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sarah Jamal
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Seif El-Din El Hawary
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Shady ElRashidy
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sherouk El Shorbagy
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Tony Gerges
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yara Kassem
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yasmeen Magdy
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yasmin Omar
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yasmine Shokry
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aya Kamel
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rafeef Hozaien
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nadine El-Husseiny
- Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Pixagon Graphic Design Agency, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Meryam El Shershaby
- Internship Research Program (Research Accessibility Team), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Colson P, Delerce J, Beye M, Levasseur A, Boschi C, Houhamdi L, Tissot‐Dupont H, Yahi N, Million M, La Scola B, Fantini J, Raoult D, Fournier P. First cases of infection with the 21L/BA.2 Omicron variant in Marseille, France. J Med Virol 2022; 94:3421-3430. [PMID: 35243660 PMCID: PMC9088623 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 21K/BA.1, 21L/BA.2, and BA.3 Omicron variants have recently emerged worldwide. To date, the 21L/BA.2 Omicron variant has remained very minority globally but became predominant in Denmark instead of the 21K/BA.1 variant. Here, we describe the first cases diagnosed with this variant in south-eastern France. We identified 13 cases using variant-specific qPCR and next-generation sequencing between 28/11/2021 and 31/01/2022, the first two cases being diagnosed in travelers returning from Tanzania. Overall, viral genomes displayed a mean (±standard deviation) number of 65.9 ± 2.5 (range, 61-69) nucleotide substitutions and 31.0 ± 8.3 (27-50) nucleotide deletions, resulting in 49.6 ± 2.2 (45-52) amino acid substitutions (including 28 in the spike protein) and 12.4 ± 1.1 (12-15) amino acid deletions. Phylogeny showed the distribution in three different clusters of these genomes, which were most closely related to genomes from England and South Africa, from Singapore and Nepal, or from France and Denmark. Structural predictions highlighted a significant enlargement and flattening of the surface of the 21L/BA.2 N-terminal domain of the spike protein compared to that of the 21K/BA.1 Omicron variant, which may facilitate initial viral interactions with lipid rafts. Close surveillance is needed at global, country, and center scales to monitor the incidence and clinical outcome of the 21L/BA.2 Omicron variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Colson
- IHU Méditerranée InfectionMarseilleFrance
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and InfectionsAix‐Marseille UniversitéMarseilleFrance
- Assistance Publique‐Hôpitaux de MarseilleMarseilleFrance
| | | | | | - Anthony Levasseur
- IHU Méditerranée InfectionMarseilleFrance
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and InfectionsAix‐Marseille UniversitéMarseilleFrance
| | - Céline Boschi
- IHU Méditerranée InfectionMarseilleFrance
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and InfectionsAix‐Marseille UniversitéMarseilleFrance
- Assistance Publique‐Hôpitaux de MarseilleMarseilleFrance
| | - Linda Houhamdi
- IHU Méditerranée InfectionMarseilleFrance
- Assistance Publique‐Hôpitaux de MarseilleMarseilleFrance
| | - Hervé Tissot‐Dupont
- IHU Méditerranée InfectionMarseilleFrance
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and InfectionsAix‐Marseille UniversitéMarseilleFrance
- Assistance Publique‐Hôpitaux de MarseilleMarseilleFrance
| | - Nouara Yahi
- Aix‐Marseille Université, INSERM UMR S 1072MarseilleFrance
| | - Matthieu Million
- IHU Méditerranée InfectionMarseilleFrance
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and InfectionsAix‐Marseille UniversitéMarseilleFrance
- Assistance Publique‐Hôpitaux de MarseilleMarseilleFrance
| | - Bernard La Scola
- IHU Méditerranée InfectionMarseilleFrance
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and InfectionsAix‐Marseille UniversitéMarseilleFrance
- Assistance Publique‐Hôpitaux de MarseilleMarseilleFrance
| | | | - Didier Raoult
- IHU Méditerranée InfectionMarseilleFrance
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and InfectionsAix‐Marseille UniversitéMarseilleFrance
| | - Pierre‐Edouard Fournier
- IHU Méditerranée InfectionMarseilleFrance
- Assistance Publique‐Hôpitaux de MarseilleMarseilleFrance
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Vecteurs–Infections Tropicales et MéditerranéennesAix‐Marseille UniversitéMarseilleFrance
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Guérin P, Yahi N, Azzaz F, Chahinian H, Sabatier JM, Fantini J. Structural Dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein: A 2-Year Retrospective Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Variants (from Alpha to Omicron) Reveals an Early Divergence between Conserved and Variable Epitopes. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27123851. [PMID: 35744971 PMCID: PMC9230616 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We analyzed the epitope evolution of the spike protein in 1,860,489 SARS-CoV-2 genomes. The structural dynamics of these epitopes was determined by molecular modeling approaches. The D614G mutation, selected in the first months of the pandemic, is still present in currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains. This mutation facilitates the conformational change leading to the demasking of the ACE2 binding domain. D614G also abrogated the binding of facilitating antibodies to a linear epitope common to SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. The main neutralizing epitope of the N-terminal domain (NTD) of the spike protein showed extensive structural variability in SARS-CoV-2 variants, especially Delta and Omicron. This epitope is located on the flat surface of the NTD, a large electropositive area which binds to electronegatively charged lipid rafts of host cells. A facilitating epitope located on the lower part of the NTD appeared to be highly conserved among most SARS-CoV-2 variants, which may represent a risk of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). Overall, this retrospective analysis revealed an early divergence between conserved (facilitating) and variable (neutralizing) epitopes of the spike protein. These data aid in the designing of new antiviral strategies that could help to control COVID-19 infection by mimicking neutralizing antibodies or by blocking facilitating antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nouara Yahi
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix-Marseille University, CEDEX, 13015 Marseille, France; (N.Y.); (F.A.); (H.C.)
| | - Fodil Azzaz
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix-Marseille University, CEDEX, 13015 Marseille, France; (N.Y.); (F.A.); (H.C.)
| | - Henri Chahinian
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix-Marseille University, CEDEX, 13015 Marseille, France; (N.Y.); (F.A.); (H.C.)
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- Inst Neurophysiopathol, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INP, CEDEX, 13005 Marseille, France;
| | - Jacques Fantini
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix-Marseille University, CEDEX, 13015 Marseille, France; (N.Y.); (F.A.); (H.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Khandia R, Singhal S, Alqahtani T, Kamal MA, El-Shall NA, Nainu F, Desingu PA, Dhama K. Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant, salient features, high global health concerns and strategies to counter it amid ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 209:112816. [PMID: 35093310 PMCID: PMC8798788 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Since the appearance in the late of December 2019, SARS-CoV-2 is rapidly evolving and mutating continuously, giving rise to various variants with variable degrees of infectivity and lethality. The virus that initially appeared in China later mutated several times, wreaking havoc and claiming many lives worldwide amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. After Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants, the most recently emerged variant of concern (VOC) is the Omicron (B.1.1.529) that has evolved due to the accumulation of high numbers of mutations especially in the spike protein, raising concerns for its ability to evade from pre-existing immunity acquired through vaccination or natural infection as well as overpowering antibodies-based therapies. Several theories are on the surface to explain how the Omicron has gathered such a high number of mutations within less time. Few of them are higher mutation rates within a subgroup of population and then its introduction to a larger population, long term persistence and evolution of the virus in immune-compromised patients, and epizootic infection in animals from humans, where under different immune pressures the virus mutated and then got reintroduced to humans. Multifaceted approach including rapid diagnosis, genome analysis of emerging variants, ramping up of vaccination drives and receiving booster doses, efficacy testing of vaccines and immunotherapies against newly emerged variants, updating the available vaccines, designing of multivalent vaccines able to generate hybrid immunity, up-gradation of medical facilities and strict implementation of adequate prevention and control measures need to be given high priority to handle the on-going SARS-CoV-2 pandemic successfully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rekha Khandia
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, 462026, MP, India.
| | - Shailja Singhal
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, 462026, MP, India
| | - Taha Alqahtani
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, 62529, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Amjad Kamal
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Bangladesh; Enzymoics, 7 Peterlee place, Hebersham, NSW, 2770, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Australia
| | - Nahed A El-Shall
- Department of Poultry and Fish Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina, El-Beheira, 22758, Egypt
| | - Firzan Nainu
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, 90245, Indonesia
| | - Perumal Arumugam Desingu
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, 560012, India
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Maulud SQ, Hasan DA, Ali RK, Rashid RF, Saied AA, Dhawan M, Priyanka, Choudhary OP. Deltacron: Apprehending a new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Int J Surg 2022; 102:106654. [PMID: 35545169 PMCID: PMC9080049 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2022.106654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sazan Qadir Maulud
- Department of Biology, College of Education, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Iraq
| | | | - Rezhna Khdir Ali
- Department of Biology, College of Education, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Iraq
| | - Rzgar Farooq Rashid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Science, Knowledge University, Erbil, 44001, Iraq
| | - AbdulRahman A Saied
- National Food Safety Authority (NFSA), Aswan Branch, Aswan, 81511, Egypt; Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Aswan Office, Aswan, 81511, Egypt
| | - Manish Dhawan
- Department of Microbiology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 141004, Punjab, India; Trafford College, Altrincham, Manchester, WA14 5PQ, UK
| | - Priyanka
- 07, Type IV Quarter, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Central Agricultural University (I), Selesih, Aizawl, 796015, Mizoram, India
| | - Om Prakash Choudhary
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Central Agricultural University (I), Selesih, Aizawl, 796015, Mizoram, India.
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Increased Receptor Affinity and Reduced Recognition by Specific Antibodies Contribute to Immune Escape of SARS-CoV-2 Variant Omicron. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10050743. [PMID: 35632499 PMCID: PMC9147318 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10050743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In this report, we mechanistically reveal how the Variant of Concern (VOC) SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) escapes neutralizing antibody responses, by physio-chemical characterization of this variant in comparison to the wild-type Wuhan and the Delta variant (B.1.617.2). Convalescent sera, as well as sera obtained from participants who received two or three doses of mRNA vaccines (Moderna-mRNA-1273® or Pfizer-BNT162b2®), were used for comparison in this study. Our data demonstrate that both Delta, as well as Omicron variants, exhibit a higher affinity for the receptor ACE2, facilitating infection and causing antibody escape by receptor affinity (affinity escape), due to the reduced ability of antibodies to compete with RBD-receptor interaction and virus neutralization. In contrast, only Omicron but not the Delta variant escaped antibody recognition, most likely because only Omicron exhibits the mutation at E484A, a position associated with reduced recognition, resulting in further reduced neutralization (specificity escape). Nevertheless, the immunizations with RNA-based vaccines resulted in marked viral neutralization in vitro for all strains, compatible with the fact that Omicron is still largely susceptible to vaccination-induced antibodies, despite affinity- and specificity escape.
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Sharma V, Rai H, Gautam DNS, Prajapati PK, Sharma R. Emerging evidence on Omicron (B.1.1.529) SARS-CoV-2 variant. J Med Virol 2022; 94:1876-1885. [PMID: 35083761 PMCID: PMC9015596 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
COVID's Omicron variant has sparked a slew of concerns across the globe. This review aims to provide a brief overview of what we know about the Omicron variant right now. The new variant has been discovered in 149 countries across all six World Health Organization (WHO) regions since its discovery in South Africa on November 24, 2021 and became the dominant variant in the country in less than 3 weeks. The WHO has warned that the B.1.1.529 variant is spreading at an unprecedented rate, and has urged countries to prepare for the worst. Over the course of this time, researchers from Africa and around the world have uncovered a wealth of information about the virus's epidemiology and biological properties. Case numbers are increasing exponentially in hard-hit areas such as South Africa, United Kingdom, and USA (overtaking the delta variant), implying that the variant is highly transmissible. Initial research has provided some insights into the efficacy of vaccines against the Omicron variant and whether it produces major illness, however, much remains unknown, and additional work is needed to investigate what the initial reports represent in real-world situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vineet Sharma
- Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical SciencesBanaras Hindu UniversityVaranasiIndia
| | - Himanshu Rai
- DST‐Centre for Interdisciplinary Mathematical Sciences, Institute of ScienceBanaras Hindu UniversityVaranasiIndia
| | - Dev N. S. Gautam
- Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical SciencesBanaras Hindu UniversityVaranasiIndia
| | - Pradeep K. Prajapati
- Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya KalpanaAll India Institute of AyurvedaNew DelhiIndia
| | - Rohit Sharma
- Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical SciencesBanaras Hindu UniversityVaranasiIndia
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Strohl WR, Ku Z, An Z, Carroll SF, Keyt BA, Strohl LM. Passive Immunotherapy Against SARS-CoV-2: From Plasma-Based Therapy to Single Potent Antibodies in the Race to Stay Ahead of the Variants. BioDrugs 2022; 36:231-323. [PMID: 35476216 PMCID: PMC9043892 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-022-00529-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is now approaching 2 years old, with more than 440 million people infected and nearly six million dead worldwide, making it the most significant pandemic since the 1918 influenza pandemic. The severity and significance of SARS-CoV-2 was recognized immediately upon discovery, leading to innumerable companies and institutes designing and generating vaccines and therapeutic antibodies literally as soon as recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein sequence was available. Within months of the pandemic start, several antibodies had been generated, tested, and moved into clinical trials, including Eli Lilly's bamlanivimab and etesevimab, Regeneron's mixture of imdevimab and casirivimab, Vir's sotrovimab, Celltrion's regdanvimab, and Lilly's bebtelovimab. These antibodies all have now received at least Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) and some have received full approval in select countries. To date, more than three dozen antibodies or antibody combinations have been forwarded into clinical trials. These antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 all target the receptor-binding domain (RBD), with some blocking the ability of the RBD to bind human ACE2, while others bind core regions of the RBD to modulate spike stability or ability to fuse to host cell membranes. While these antibodies were being discovered and developed, new variants of SARS-CoV-2 have cropped up in real time, altering the antibody landscape on a moving basis. Over the past year, the search has widened to find antibodies capable of neutralizing the wide array of variants that have arisen, including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron. The recent rise and dominance of the Omicron family of variants, including the rather disparate BA.1 and BA.2 variants, demonstrate the need to continue to find new approaches to neutralize the rapidly evolving SARS-CoV-2 virus. This review highlights both convalescent plasma- and polyclonal antibody-based approaches as well as the top approximately 50 antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, their epitopes, their ability to bind to SARS-CoV-2 variants, and how they are delivered. New approaches to antibody constructs, including single domain antibodies, bispecific antibodies, IgA- and IgM-based antibodies, and modified ACE2-Fc fusion proteins, are also described. Finally, antibodies being developed for palliative care of COVID-19 disease, including the ramifications of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), are described.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhiqiang Ku
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX USA
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Delandre O, Gendrot M, Jardot P, Le Bideau M, Boxberger M, Boschi C, Fonta I, Mosnier J, Hutter S, Levasseur A, La Scola B, Pradines B. Antiviral Activity of Repurposing Ivermectin against a Panel of 30 Clinical SARS-CoV-2 Strains Belonging to 14 Variants. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:445. [PMID: 35455442 PMCID: PMC9024598 DOI: 10.3390/ph15040445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past two years, several variants of SARS-CoV-2 have emerged and spread all over the world. However, infectivity, clinical severity, re-infection, virulence, transmissibility, vaccine responses and escape, and epidemiological aspects have differed between SARS-CoV-2 variants. Currently, very few treatments are recommended against SARS-CoV-2. Identification of effective drugs among repurposing FDA-approved drugs is a rapid, efficient and low-cost strategy against SARS-CoV-2. One of those drugs is ivermectin. Ivermectin is an antihelminthic agent that previously showed in vitro effects against a SARS-CoV-2 isolate (Australia/VI01/2020 isolate) with an IC50 of around 2 µM. We evaluated the in vitro activity of ivermectin on Vero E6 cells infected with 30 clinically isolated SARS-CoV-2 strains belonging to 14 different variants, and particularly 17 strains belonging to six variants of concern (VOC) (variants related to Wuhan, alpha, beta, gamma, delta and omicron). The in vitro activity of ivermectin was compared to those of chloroquine and remdesivir. Unlike chloroquine (EC50 from 4.3 ± 2.5 to 29.3 ± 5.2 µM) or remdesivir (EC50 from 0.4 ± 0.3 to 25.2 ± 9.4 µM), ivermectin showed a relatively homogeneous in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2 regardless of the strains or variants (EC50 from 5.1 ± 0.5 to 6.7 ± 0.4 µM), except for one omicron strain (EC50 = 1.3 ± 0.5 µM). Ivermectin (No. EC50 = 219, mean EC50 = 5.7 ± 1.0 µM) was, overall, more potent in vitro than chloroquine (No. EC50 = 214, mean EC50 = 16.1 ± 9.0 µM) (p = 1.3 × 10-34) and remdesivir (No. EC50 = 201, mean EC50 = 11.9 ± 10.0 µM) (p = 1.6 × 10-13). These results should be interpreted with caution regarding the potential use of ivermectin in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients: it is difficult to translate in vitro study results into actual clinical treatment in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Océane Delandre
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 13005 Marseille, France; (O.D.); (M.G.); (I.F.); (J.M.)
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France;
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (P.J.); (M.L.B.); (M.B.); (C.B.); (A.L.); (B.L.S.)
| | - Mathieu Gendrot
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 13005 Marseille, France; (O.D.); (M.G.); (I.F.); (J.M.)
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France;
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (P.J.); (M.L.B.); (M.B.); (C.B.); (A.L.); (B.L.S.)
| | - Priscilla Jardot
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (P.J.); (M.L.B.); (M.B.); (C.B.); (A.L.); (B.L.S.)
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Marion Le Bideau
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (P.J.); (M.L.B.); (M.B.); (C.B.); (A.L.); (B.L.S.)
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Manon Boxberger
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (P.J.); (M.L.B.); (M.B.); (C.B.); (A.L.); (B.L.S.)
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Céline Boschi
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (P.J.); (M.L.B.); (M.B.); (C.B.); (A.L.); (B.L.S.)
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Isabelle Fonta
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 13005 Marseille, France; (O.D.); (M.G.); (I.F.); (J.M.)
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France;
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (P.J.); (M.L.B.); (M.B.); (C.B.); (A.L.); (B.L.S.)
- Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Joel Mosnier
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 13005 Marseille, France; (O.D.); (M.G.); (I.F.); (J.M.)
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France;
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (P.J.); (M.L.B.); (M.B.); (C.B.); (A.L.); (B.L.S.)
- Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Sébastien Hutter
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France;
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (P.J.); (M.L.B.); (M.B.); (C.B.); (A.L.); (B.L.S.)
| | - Anthony Levasseur
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (P.J.); (M.L.B.); (M.B.); (C.B.); (A.L.); (B.L.S.)
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Bernard La Scola
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (P.J.); (M.L.B.); (M.B.); (C.B.); (A.L.); (B.L.S.)
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Bruno Pradines
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 13005 Marseille, France; (O.D.); (M.G.); (I.F.); (J.M.)
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France;
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (P.J.); (M.L.B.); (M.B.); (C.B.); (A.L.); (B.L.S.)
- Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, 13005 Marseille, France
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46
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Taylor-Robinson SD, Morgan MY, Spearman CW, Suliman AAA, Corrah T, Oleribe OO, Taylor-Robinson AW. Why SARS-CoV-2 vaccination still matters in Africa. QJM 2022; 115:191-192. [PMID: 35080615 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcac014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S D Taylor-Robinson
- From the Department of Surgery and Cancer, St Mary's Hospital Campus, Imperial College London, South Wharf Road, London W2 1NY, United Kingdom
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Busitema University, P.O. Box 1460, Mbale, Uganda
| | - M Y Morgan
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Department of Medicine, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College London, Pond St, London NW3 2QG, United Kingdom
| | - C W Spearman
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, K Floor, K46 Room 51, Old Main Building, Groote Schuur Hospital, Anzio Rd, Observatory, Republic of South Africa 7925
| | - A A A Suliman
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, 112 Al Qasr Avenue, Khartoum, Sudan
- Department of Cardiology, Shab Teaching Hospital, Army Avenue, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - T Corrah
- The Africa Research Excellence Fund, MRC The Gambia @ LSHTM, Atlantic Boulevard, Serrekunda, The Gambia
| | - O O Oleribe
- Office of the Director General, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, 6 Edmund Crescent, Yaba 101245, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - A W Taylor-Robinson
- College of Health Sciences, Vin University, Đa Tốn, Gia Lâm District, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Center for Global Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, PA 19104, USA
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47
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Loke MF, Yadav I, Lim TK, van der Maarel JRC, Sham LT, Chow VT. SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein and Mouse Coronavirus Inhibit Biofilm Formation by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063291. [PMID: 35328711 PMCID: PMC8950232 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of co-infections or superinfections with bacterial pathogens in COVID-19 patients is associated with poor outcomes, including increased morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that SARS-CoV-2 and its components interact with the biofilms generated by commensal bacteria, which may contribute to co-infections. This study employed crystal violet staining and particle-tracking microrheology to characterize the formation of biofilms by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus that commonly cause secondary bacterial pneumonia. Microrheology analyses suggested that these biofilms were inhomogeneous soft solids, consistent with their dynamic characteristics. Biofilm formation by both bacteria was significantly inhibited by co-incubation with recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike S1 subunit and both S1 + S2 subunits, but not with S2 extracellular domain nor nucleocapsid protein. Addition of spike S1 and S2 antibodies to spike protein could partially restore bacterial biofilm production. Furthermore, biofilm formation in vitro was also compromised by live murine hepatitis virus, a related beta-coronavirus. Supporting data from LC-MS-based proteomics of spike-biofilm interactions revealed differential expression of proteins involved in quorum sensing and biofilm maturation, such as the AI-2E family transporter and LuxS, a key enzyme for AI-2 biosynthesis. Our findings suggest that these opportunistic pathogens may egress from biofilms to resume a more virulent planktonic lifestyle during coronavirus infections. The dispersion of pathogens from biofilms may culminate in potentially severe secondary infections with poor prognosis. Further detailed investigations are warranted to establish bacterial biofilms as risk factors for secondary pneumonia in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mun Fai Loke
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Program, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore; (M.F.L.); (L.-T.S.)
| | - Indresh Yadav
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542, Singapore; (I.Y.); (J.R.C.v.d.M.)
| | - Teck Kwang Lim
- Protein and Proteomics Centre, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore;
| | - Johan R. C. van der Maarel
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542, Singapore; (I.Y.); (J.R.C.v.d.M.)
| | - Lok-To Sham
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Program, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore; (M.F.L.); (L.-T.S.)
| | - Vincent T. Chow
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Program, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore; (M.F.L.); (L.-T.S.)
- Correspondence:
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48
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Tiecco G, Storti S, Degli Antoni M, Focà E, Castelli F, Quiros-Roldan E. Omicron Genetic and Clinical Peculiarities That May Overturn SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Literature Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:1987. [PMID: 35216104 PMCID: PMC8876558 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23041987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses a great threat to global public health. The original wild-type strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has genetically evolved, and several variants of concern (VOC) have emerged. On 26 November 2021, a new variant named Omicron (B.1.1.529) was designated as the fifth VOC, revealing that SARS-CoV-2 has the potential to go beyond the available therapies. The high number of mutations harboured on the spike protein make Omicron highly transmissible, less responsive to several of the currently used drugs, as well as potentially able to escape immune protection elicited by both vaccines and previous infection. We reviewed the latest publication and the most recent available literature on the Omicron variant, enlightening both reasons for concern and high hopes for new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Eugenia Quiros-Roldan
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia and University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (G.T.); (S.S.); (M.D.A.); (E.F.); (F.C.)
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49
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Conklin J, Arroyo J, Kumar R, Patibandla S. Two SARS-CoV-2 serology assays detect antibodies in the sera of individuals diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. Clin Biochem 2022; 103:35-36. [PMID: 35219651 PMCID: PMC8868008 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2022.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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50
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Castiglia P, Arghittu A. New Insight in Vaccination and Public Health: A Commentary from Special Issue Editors. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:183. [PMID: 35214641 PMCID: PMC8875389 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccination is a key component of primary health care and an indisputable human right [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Castiglia
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
- University Hospital of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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