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Atanasoff KE, Parsons AJ, Ophir SI, Lurain N, Kraus T, Moran T, Duty JA, Tortorella D. A broadly neutralizing human monoclonal antibody generated from transgenic mice immunized with HCMV particles limits virus infection and proliferation. J Virol 2024; 98:e0021324. [PMID: 38832789 PMCID: PMC11264687 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00213-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a β-herpesvirus that poses severe disease risk for immunocompromised patients who experience primary infection or reactivation. Development and optimization of safe and effective anti-HCMV therapeutics is of urgent necessity for the prevention and treatment of HCMV-associated diseases in diverse populations. The use of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to limit HCMV infection poses a promising therapeutic strategy, as anti-HCMV mAbs largely inhibit infection by targeting virion glycoprotein complexes. In contrast, the small-molecule compounds currently approved for patients (e.g., ganciclovir, letermovir, and maribavir) target later stages of the HCMV life cycle. Here, we present a broadly neutralizing human mAb, designated 1C10, elicited from a VelocImmune mouse immunized with infectious HCMV particles. Clone 1C10 neutralizes infection after virion binding to cells by targeting gH/gL envelope complexes and potently reduces infection of diverse HCMV strains in fibroblast, trophoblast, and epithelial cells. Antibody competition assays found that 1C10 recognizes a region of gH associated with broad neutralization and binds to soluble pentamer in the low nanomolar range. Importantly, 1C10 treatment significantly reduced virus proliferation in both fibroblast and epithelial cells. Further, the combination treatment of mAb 1C10 with ganciclovir reduced HCMV infection and proliferation in a synergistic manner. This work characterizes a neutralizing human mAb for potential use as a HCMV treatment, as well as a possible therapeutic strategy utilizing combination-based treatments targeting disparate steps of the viral life cycle. Collectively, the findings support an antibody-based therapy to effectively treat patients at risk for HCMV-associated diseases. IMPORTANCE Human cytomegalovirus is a herpesvirus that infects a large proportion of the population and can cause significant disease in diverse patient populations whose immune systems are suppressed or compromised. The development and optimization of safe anti-HCMV therapeutics, especially those that have viral targets and inhibition mechanisms different from current HCMV treatments, are of urgent necessity to better public health. Human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that prevent HCMV entry of cells were identified by immunizing transgenic mice and screened for broad and effective neutralization capability. Here, we describe one such mAb, which was found to target gH/gL envelope complexes and effectively limit HCMV infection and dissemination. Further, administration of the antibody in combination with the antiviral drug ganciclovir inhibited HCMV in a synergistic manner, highlighting this approach and the use of anti-HCMV mAbs more broadly, as a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of diverse patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina E. Atanasoff
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andrea J. Parsons
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sabrina I. Ophir
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nell Lurain
- Department of Immunology-Microbiology, Rush University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Thomas Kraus
- Center for Therapeutic Antibody Development, Drug Discovery Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Thomas Moran
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Center for Therapeutic Antibody Development, Drug Discovery Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - J. Andrew Duty
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Center for Therapeutic Antibody Development, Drug Discovery Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Domenico Tortorella
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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2
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Penner I, Dejung M, Freiwald A, Butter F, Chen JX, Plachter B. Proteome changes of fibroblasts and endothelial cells upon incubation with human cytomegalovirus subviral Dense Bodies. Sci Data 2023; 10:517. [PMID: 37542058 PMCID: PMC10403606 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-023-02418-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a pathogen of high medical relevance. Subviral Dense Bodies (DB) were developed as a vaccine candidate to ameliorate the severe consequences of HCMV infection. Development of such a candidate vaccine for human application requires detailed knowledge of its interaction with the host. A comprehensive mass spectrometry (MS)- based analysis was performed regarding the changes in the proteome of cell culture cells, exposed to DB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inessa Penner
- Institute for Virology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Mario Dejung
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Anja Freiwald
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Falk Butter
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jia-Xuan Chen
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Bodo Plachter
- Institute for Virology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.
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3
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Deng J, Wang Q, Zhang J, Ma Y, Qi Y, Liu Z, Li Y, Ruan Q, Huang Y. Identification and characterization of human cytomegalovirus-encoded circular RNAs. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:980974. [PMID: 36452301 PMCID: PMC9702070 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.980974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) exists extensively and plays essential roles in serving as microRNA (miRNA) or protein sponges and protein scaffolding in many organisms. However, the profiles and potential functions of the virus-encoded circRNA, including human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-encoded circular RNAs, remain unclear. In the present study, HCMV-encoded circRNAs profile in human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HELF) with lytic infection was investigated using RNA deep sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. In total, 629 HCMV-encoded circRNAs were identified with various expression patterns in our results. The full sequences and alternative splicings of circUS12, circUL55, and circUL89 were verified by reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) with divergent primers followed and Sanger sequencing. Transcription of circUL89 was validated by Northern blot. The HCMV-encoded circRNA-miRNA network analyses revealed the potential function of HCMV-encoded circRNAs during HCMV infection in HELFs. Collectively, HCMV infection deduced abundant HCMV-associated circRNAs during infection, and the HCMV-encoded circRNAs might play important roles in benefiting HCMV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingui Deng
- Department of Microorganism Laboratory, Shenyang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenyang, China
- Virology Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Virology Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Virology Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yanping Ma
- Virology Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ying Qi
- Virology Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhongyang Liu
- Virology Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yibo Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, China
| | - Qiang Ruan
- Virology Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yujing Huang
- Virology Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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4
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Parsons AJ, Ophir SI, Duty JA, Kraus TA, Stein KR, Moran TM, Tortorella D. Development of broadly neutralizing antibodies targeting the cytomegalovirus subdominant antigen gH. Commun Biol 2022; 5:387. [PMID: 35468974 PMCID: PMC9038728 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03294-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a β-herpesvirus that increases morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals including transplant recipients and newborns. New anti-HCMV therapies are an urgent medical need for diverse patient populations. HCMV infection of a broad range of host tissues is dependent on the gH/gL/gO trimer and gH/gL/UL28/UL130/UL131A pentamer complexes on the viral envelope. We sought to develop safe and effective therapeutics against HCMV by generating broadly-neutralizing, human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from VelocImmune® mice immunized with gH/gL cDNA. Following high-throughput binding and neutralization screening assays, 11 neutralizing antibodies were identified with unique CDR3 regions and a high-affinity (KD 1.4-65 nM) to the pentamer complex. The antibodies bound to distinct regions within Domains 1 and 2 of gH and effectively neutralized diverse clinical strains in physiologically relevant cell types including epithelial cells, trophoblasts, and monocytes. Importantly, combined adminstration of mAbs with ganciclovir, an FDA approved antiviral, greatly limited virus dissemination. Our work identifies several anti-gH/gL mAbs and sheds light on gH neutralizing epitopes that can guide future vaccine strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea J Parsons
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sabrina I Ophir
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - J Andrew Duty
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Center of Therapeutic Antibody Development, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Thomas A Kraus
- Center of Therapeutic Antibody Development, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Kathryn R Stein
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas M Moran
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Center of Therapeutic Antibody Development, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Domenico Tortorella
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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5
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Krstanović F, Britt WJ, Jonjić S, Brizić I. Cytomegalovirus Infection and Inflammation in Developing Brain. Viruses 2021; 13:1078. [PMID: 34200083 PMCID: PMC8227981 DOI: 10.3390/v13061078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a highly prevalent herpesvirus that can cause severe disease in immunocompromised individuals and immunologically immature fetuses and newborns. Most infected newborns are able to resolve the infection without developing sequelae. However, in severe cases, congenital HCMV infection can result in life-threatening pathologies and permanent damage of organ systems that possess a low regenerative capacity. Despite the severity of the problem, HCMV infection of the central nervous system (CNS) remains inadequately characterized to date. Cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) show strict species specificity, limiting the use of HCMV in experimental animals. Infection following intraperitoneal administration of mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) into newborn mice efficiently recapitulates many aspects of congenital HCMV infection in CNS. Upon entering the CNS, CMV targets all resident brain cells, consequently leading to the development of widespread histopathology and inflammation. Effector functions from both resident cells and infiltrating immune cells efficiently resolve acute MCMV infection in the CNS. However, host-mediated inflammatory factors can also mediate the development of immunopathologies during CMV infection of the brain. Here, we provide an overview of the cytomegalovirus infection in the brain, local immune response to infection, and mechanisms leading to CNS sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fran Krstanović
- Center for Proteomics and Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (F.K.); (S.J.)
| | - William J. Britt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - Stipan Jonjić
- Center for Proteomics and Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (F.K.); (S.J.)
| | - Ilija Brizić
- Center for Proteomics and Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (F.K.); (S.J.)
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6
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Perera MR, Wills MR, Sinclair JH. HCMV Antivirals and Strategies to Target the Latent Reservoir. Viruses 2021; 13:817. [PMID: 34062863 PMCID: PMC8147263 DOI: 10.3390/v13050817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous human herpesvirus. In healthy people, primary infection is generally asymptomatic, and the virus can go on to establish lifelong latency in cells of the myeloid lineage. However, HCMV often causes severe disease in the immunosuppressed: transplant recipients and people living with AIDS, and also in the immunonaive foetus. At present, there are several antiviral drugs licensed to control HCMV disease. However, these are all faced with problems of poor bioavailability, toxicity and rapidly emerging viral resistance. Furthermore, none of them are capable of fully clearing the virus from the host, as they do not target latent infection. Consequently, reactivation from latency is a significant source of disease, and there remains an unmet need for treatments that also target latent infection. This review briefly summarises the most common HCMV antivirals used in clinic at present and discusses current research into targeting the latent HCMV reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John H. Sinclair
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK; (M.R.P.); (M.R.W.)
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7
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Shibamura M, Yoshikawa T, Yamada S, Inagaki T, Nguyen PHA, Fujii H, Harada S, Fukushi S, Oka A, Mizuguchi M, Saijo M. Association of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) neutralizing antibodies with antibodies to the HCMV glycoprotein complexes. Virol J 2020; 17:120. [PMID: 32746933 PMCID: PMC7397426 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-020-01390-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) causes asymptomatic infections, but also causes congenital infections when women were infected with HCMV during pregnancy, and life-threatening diseases in immunocompromised patients. To better understand the mechanism of the neutralization activity against HCMV, the association of HCMV NT antibody titers was assessed with the antibody titers against each glycoprotein complex (gc) of HCMV. Methods Sera collected from 78 healthy adult volunteers were used. HCMV Merlin strain and HCMV clinical isolate strain 1612 were used in the NT assay with the plaque reduction assay, in which both the MRC-5 fibroblasts cells and the RPE-1 epithelial cells were used. Glycoprotein complex of gB, gH/gL complexes (gH/gL/gO and gH/gL/UL128–131A [PC]) and gM/gN were selected as target glycoproteins. 293FT cells expressed with gB, gM/gN, gH/gL/gO, or PC, were prepared and used for the measurement of the antibody titers against each gc in an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIFA). The correlation between the IIFA titers to each gc and the HCMV-NT titers was evaluated. Results There were no significant correlations between gB-specific IIFA titers and the HCMV-NT titers in epithelial cells or between gM/gN complex-specific IIFA titers and the HCMV-NT titers. On the other hand, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between the IIFA titers to gH/gL complexes and HCMV-NT titers. Conclusions The data suggest that the gH/gL complexes might be the major target to induce NT activity against HCMV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miho Shibamura
- Department of Virology 1, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8640, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoki Yoshikawa
- Department of Virology 1, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8640, Japan
| | - Souichi Yamada
- Department of Virology 1, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8640, Japan
| | - Takuya Inagaki
- Department of Virology 1, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8640, Japan.,Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, Waseda University, 2-2 Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Phu Hoang Anh Nguyen
- Department of Virology 1, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8640, Japan.,Department of Developmental Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hikaru Fujii
- Department of Virology 1, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8640, Japan.,The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Imabari, Ehime, Japan
| | - Shizuko Harada
- Department of Virology 1, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8640, Japan
| | - Shuetsu Fukushi
- Department of Virology 1, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8640, Japan
| | - Akira Oka
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masashi Mizuguchi
- Department of Developmental Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Saijo
- Department of Virology 1, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8640, Japan. .,Department of Developmental Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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8
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Styles JN, Converse RR, Griffin SM, Wade TJ, Klein E, Nylander-French LA, Stewart JR, Sams E, Hudgens E, Egorov AI. Human Cytomegalovirus Infections Are Associated With Elevated Biomarkers of Vascular Injury. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:334. [PMID: 32733818 PMCID: PMC7363776 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infects ~50% of adults in the United States. HCMV infections may cause vascular inflammation leading to cardiovascular disease, but the existing evidence is inconsistent. Objective: We investigated demographic predictors of HCMV infection and explored associations between HCMV infection status, the intensity of anti-HCMV Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody response, and biomarkers of inflammation and endothelial function which are known predictors of cardiovascular disease. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 694 adults residing in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metropolitan area. Serum samples were tested for IgG antibody response to HCMV, and for biomarkers of vascular injury including soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1), C-reactive protein (CRP), and serum amyloid A (SAA). Associations between HCMV and biomarker levels were analyzed using two approaches with HCMV serostatus modeled as a binary variable and as an ordinal variable with five categories comprised of seronegative individuals and quartiles of anti-HCMV antibody responses in seropositive individuals. Results: HCMV seroprevalence in the study population was 56%. Increased body mass index, increased age, female gender, racial/ethnic minority status, and current smoking were significantly associated with HCMV seropositivity in a multivariate regression analysis. HCMV seropositivity was also associated with 9% (95% confidence interval 4–15%) and 20% (0.3–44%) increases in median levels of sICAM-1 and CRP, respectively, after adjusting for covariates. The association between HCMV seropositivity and median levels of sVCAM-1 and SAA were positive but not statistically significant. Significant positive associations were observed between the intensity of anti-HCMV IgG responses and levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 (p-values 0.0008 and 0.04 for linear trend, respectively). To our knowledge, this is the first epidemiological study to show a relationship between anti-HCMV IgG responses and vascular injury biomarkers sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 in the general population. Conclusion: HCMV infections are associated with vascular injury and inflammation biomarkers in adult residents of North Carolina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer N Styles
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States.,Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Reagan R Converse
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Shannon M Griffin
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Timothy J Wade
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Elizabeth Klein
- ORAU Student Services Contractor to US EPA, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Leena A Nylander-French
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Jill R Stewart
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Elizabeth Sams
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Edward Hudgens
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Andrey I Egorov
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
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9
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Lisowska-Mikołajków D, Mikołajków A, Reczuch J, Królak-Olejnik B. [Congenital Cytomegalovirus infection - still a relevant problem (based on own experience and literature)]. DEVELOPMENTAL PERIOD MEDICINE 2019; 22:49-57. [PMID: 29641421 PMCID: PMC8522922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 08/18/2024]
Abstract
As far as infectious factors are concerned, Cytomegalovirus is considered one of the most common causes of progressive hearing impairment and neurological disorders among children. The increasing number of CMV infections creates the necessity of quick diagnosis and treatment that may reduce the consequences or even completely resolve the condition. It is essential that the diagnostic team consists of not only neonatologists but also obstetricians/perinatologists. In many countries, including Poland, screening is not being carried out among pregnant women, which delays the diagnosis and the begining of antiviral treatment or might even indispose the therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agata Mikołajków
- Wydział Lekarski, Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Piastów Śląskich we Wrocławiu, WrocławiuPolska
| | - Jędrzej Reczuch
- Wydział Lekarski, Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Piastów Śląskich we Wrocławiu, WrocławiuPolska
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10
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Alston CI, Dix RD. SOCS and Herpesviruses, With Emphasis on Cytomegalovirus Retinitis. Front Immunol 2019; 10:732. [PMID: 31031749 PMCID: PMC6470272 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins provide selective negative feedback to prevent pathogeneses caused by overstimulation of the immune system. Of the eight known SOCS proteins, SOCS1 and SOCS3 are the best studied, and systemic deletion of either gene causes early lethality in mice. Many viruses, including herpesviruses such as herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus, can manipulate expression of these host proteins, with overstimulation of SOCS1 and/or SOCS3 putatively facilitating viral evasion of immune surveillance, and SOCS suppression generally exacerbating immunopathogenesis. This is particularly poignant within the eye, which contains a diverse assortment of specialized cell types working together in a tightly controlled microenvironment of immune privilege. When the immune privilege of the ocular compartment fails, inflammation causing severe immunopathogenesis and permanent, sight-threatening damage may occur, as in the case of AIDS-related human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) retinitis. Herein we review how SOCS1 and SOCS3 impact the virologic, immunologic, and/or pathologic outcomes of herpesvirus infection with particular emphasis on retinitis caused by HCMV or its mouse model experimental counterpart, murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV). The accumulated data suggests that SOCS1 and/or SOCS3 can differentially affect the severity of viral diseases in a highly cell-type-specific manner, reflecting the diversity and complexity of herpesvirus infection and the ocular compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine I Alston
- Department of Biology, Viral Immunology Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Richard D Dix
- Department of Biology, Viral Immunology Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
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11
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Lisowska-Mikołajków D, Mikołajków A, Reczuch J, Królak-Olejnik B. [Congenital Cytomegalovirus infection - still a relevant problem (based on own experience and literature)]. DEVELOPMENTAL PERIOD MEDICINE 2018. [PMID: 29641421 PMCID: PMC8522922 DOI: 10.34763/devperiodmed.20182201.4957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
As far as infectious factors are concerned, Cytomegalovirus is considered one of the most common causes of progressive hearing impairment and neurological disorders among children. The increasing number of CMV infections creates the necessity of quick diagnosis and treatment that may reduce the consequences or even completely resolve the condition. It is essential that the diagnostic team consists of not only neonatologists but also obstetricians/perinatologists. In many countries, including Poland, screening is not being carried out among pregnant women, which delays the diagnosis and the begining of antiviral treatment or might even indispose the therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Lisowska-Mikołajków
- Katedra i Klinika Neonatologii, Uniwersytet Medyczny we Wrocławiu, WrocławiuPolska,Dorota Lisowska-Mikołajków Klinika Neonatologii USK Wrocław ul. Borowska 231, 50-551 Wrocław tel. (71) 733-15-27
| | - Agata Mikołajków
- Wydział Lekarski, Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Piastów Śląskich we Wrocławiu, WrocławiuPolska
| | - Jędrzej Reczuch
- Wydział Lekarski, Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Piastów Śląskich we Wrocławiu, WrocławiuPolska
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12
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Abstract
Currently used vaccines have had major effects on eliminating common infections, largely by duplicating the immune responses induced by natural infections. Now vaccinology faces more complex problems, such as waning antibody, immunosenescence, evasion of immunity by the pathogen, deviation of immunity by the microbiome, induction of inhibitory responses, and complexity of the antigens required for protection. Fortunately, vaccine development is now incorporating knowledge from immunology, structural biology, systems biology and synthetic chemistry to meet these challenges. In addition, international organisations are developing new funding and licensing pathways for vaccines aimed at pathogens with epidemic potential that emerge from tropical areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta V Pinto
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Manish Sadarangani
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada.
| | - Stanley A Plotkin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.
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13
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Levis DM, Hillard CL, Price SM, Reed-Gross E, Bonilla E, Amin M, Stowell JD, Clark R, Johnson D, Mask K, Carpentieri C, Cannon MJ. Using theory-based messages to motivate U.S. pregnant women to prevent cytomegalovirus infection: results from formative research. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2017; 17:131. [PMID: 29237429 PMCID: PMC5729419 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-017-0482-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An estimated 1 in 150 infants is born each year with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV); nearly 1 in 750 suffers permanent disabilities. Congenital CMV is the result of a pregnant woman becoming infected with CMV. Educating pregnant women about CMV is currently the best approach to prevention. Limited research is available on how to effectively communicate with women about CMV. We conducted formative research on fear appeals theory-based messages about CMV and prevention with U.S. women. Fear appeal theories suggest that message recipients will take action if they feel fear. METHODS First, we conducted in-depth interviews (N = 32) with women who had young children who tested positive for CMV. Second, we conducted eight focus groups (N = 70) in two phases and two cities (Phase 2: Atlanta, GA; Phase 3: San Diego, CA) with pregnant women and non-pregnant women who had young children. Few participants knew about CMV before the focus groups. Participants reviewed and gave feedback on messages created around fear appeals theory-based communication concepts. The following concepts were tested in one or more of the three phases of research: CMV is severe, CMV is common, CMV is preventable, CMV preventive strategies are similar to other behavior changes women make during pregnancy, CMV preventive strategies can be incorporated in moderation to reduce exposure, and CMV is severe but preventable. RESULTS Participants recommended communicating that CMV is common by using prevalence ratios (e.g., 1 in 150) or comparing CMV to other well-known disabilities. To convey the severity of CMV, participants preferred stories about CMV along with prevention strategies. Participants also welcomed prevention strategies when it included a message about risk reduction. In general, participants said messages were motivating, even if they felt that it could be difficult to make certain behavior changes. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this research can contribute to future efforts to educate pregnant women about CMV, especially regarding use of fear appeals-based messages. Pregnant women may face certain challenges to practicing prevention strategies but, overall, are motivated make changes to increase their chances of having a healthy baby.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise M Levis
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E-86, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA.
| | - Christina L Hillard
- Carter Consulting, Inc., 2310 Parklake Drive NE, Suite 535, Atlanta, GA, 30345, USA
| | - Simani M Price
- Westat, Inc., 1600 Research Blvd, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | | | - Erika Bonilla
- Westat, Inc., 1600 Research Blvd, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Minal Amin
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop G-18, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Jennifer D Stowell
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E-86, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Rebekah Clark
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E-86, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Delaney Johnson
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E-86, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Karen Mask
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E-86, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Cynthia Carpentieri
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E-86, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Michael J Cannon
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E-86, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
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14
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Xia L, Su R, An Z, Fu TM, Luo W. Human cytomegalovirus vaccine development: Immune responses to look into vaccine strategy. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2017; 14:292-303. [PMID: 29053403 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2017.1391433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) causes considerable morbidity and disability in high risk, immunocompromised populations including recipients of solid organ transplants, and fetuses whose immune systems are not yet mature. Vaccines aimed at ameliorating the severity of disease and preventing HCMV infection can be categorized into two main approaches of vaccine design, with one focusing on virus modification and the other on individual antigens. However, no candidates in either class have been successful in achieving durable and protective immunity. Recent studies on the natural immune response provide new insight into HCMV vaccine strategy. In particular, studies have demonstrated that the incorporation of a pentameric complex is necessary for a vaccine to generate the potent neutralizing antibodies often seen in seropositive individuals. This review summarizes recent findings in the development of HCMV vaccines and key considerations that should be taken into vaccine design based on improved understanding of natural HCMV immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Xia
- a State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, School of Life Science , Xiamen University , Xiamen , Fujian , China.,b Key Laboratory for Cancer T-Cell Theranostics and Clinical Translation (CTCTCT), Translational Medicine Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Science , Xiamen University , Xiamen , Fujian , China
| | - Ruopeng Su
- a State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, School of Life Science , Xiamen University , Xiamen , Fujian , China
| | - Zhiqiang An
- a State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, School of Life Science , Xiamen University , Xiamen , Fujian , China.,c Texas Therapeutics Institute, The Brown Foundation of Molecular Medicine , University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Tong-Ming Fu
- a State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, School of Life Science , Xiamen University , Xiamen , Fujian , China.,d Department of Vaccines Research, Merck Research Laboratories , Merck & Co., Inc. , Kenilworth , NJ , USA
| | - Wenxin Luo
- a State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, School of Life Science , Xiamen University , Xiamen , Fujian , China
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15
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Exploiting 2A peptides to elicit potent neutralizing antibodies by a multi-subunit herpesvirus glycoprotein complex. J Virol Methods 2017; 251:30-37. [PMID: 28989096 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neutralizing antibodies (NAb) interfering with glycoprotein complex-mediated virus entry into host cells are thought to contribute to the protection against herpesvirus infection. However, using herpesvirus glycoprotein complexes as vaccine antigens can be complicated by the necessity of expressing multiple subunits simultaneously to allow efficient complex assembly and formation of conformational NAb epitopes. By using a novel bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clone of the clinically deployable Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vector and exploiting ribosomal skipping mediated by 2A peptides, MVA vectors were generated that expressed self-processing subunits of the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) pentamer complex (PC) composed of gH, gL, UL128, UL130, and UL131A. These MVA vectors expressed 2A-linked HCMV PC subunits that were efficiently cleaved and transported to the cell surface as protein complexes forming conformational neutralizing epitopes. In addition, vaccination of mice by only two immunizations with these MVA vectors resulted in potent HCMV NAb responses that remained stable over a period of at least six months. This method of eliciting NAb by 2A-linked, self-processing HCMV PC subunits could contribute to develop a HCMV vaccine candidate and may serve as a template to facilitate the development of subunit vaccine strategies against other herpesviruses.
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16
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Tomić A, Varanasi PR, Golemac M, Malić S, Riese P, Borst EM, Mischak-Weissinger E, Guzmán CA, Krmpotić A, Jonjić S, Messerle M. Activation of Innate and Adaptive Immunity by a Recombinant Human Cytomegalovirus Strain Expressing an NKG2D Ligand. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1006015. [PMID: 27907183 PMCID: PMC5131914 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of an effective vaccine against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a need of utmost medical importance. Generally, it is believed that a live attenuated vaccine would best provide protective immunity against this tenacious pathogen. Here, we propose a strategy for an HCMV vaccine that aims at the simultaneous activation of innate and adaptive immune responses. An HCMV strain expressing the host ligand ULBP2 for the NKG2D receptor was found to be susceptible to control by natural killer (NK) cells, and preserved the ability to stimulate HCMV-specific T cells. Infection with the ULBP2-expressing HCMV strain caused diminished cell surface levels of MHC class I molecules. While expression of the NKG2D ligand increased the cytolytic activity of NK cells, NKG2D engagement in CD8+ T cells provided co-stimulation and compensated for lower MHC class I expression. Altogether, our data indicate that triggering of both arms of the immune system is a promising approach applicable to the generation of a live attenuated HCMV vaccine. Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in congenitally infected newborns and immunocompromised individuals, indicating an utmost need for a vaccine to protect these vulnerable groups. Recent experimental studies in animal models, including non-human primates, have shown that attenuated CMVs trigger a potent immune response and are attractive vaccine candidates. However, an effective CMV vaccine is still not available. Here, we demonstrate that rational engineering of a live attenuated human CMV vaccine candidate is feasible. We equipped a CMV strain with an immunostimulatory molecule that is a ligand for an activating receptor present on both Natural Killer cells and CD8+ T cells. Moreover, we deleted several immunoevasins involved in downregulation of MHC class I molecules and of a ligand for Natural Killer cells in order to elicit stronger immune responses. In vitro assays using human immune cells and a first assessment in a humanized mouse model in vivo suggest that the generated CMV strain is attenuated and has the ability to induce a virus-specific immune response. Our study proposes this novel approach for the development of a rationally engineered CMV vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Tomić
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Pavankumar R. Varanasi
- Clinics of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Mijo Golemac
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Suzana Malić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Peggy Riese
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Eva M. Borst
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Eva Mischak-Weissinger
- Clinics of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Carlos A. Guzmán
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Astrid Krmpotić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Stipan Jonjić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
- * E-mail: (MM); (SJ)
| | - Martin Messerle
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
- * E-mail: (MM); (SJ)
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17
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Topalis D, Gillemot S, Snoeck R, Andrei G. Distribution and effects of amino acid changes in drug-resistant α and β herpesviruses DNA polymerase. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:9530-9554. [PMID: 27694307 PMCID: PMC5175367 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Emergence of drug-resistance to all FDA-approved antiherpesvirus agents is an increasing concern in immunocompromised patients. Herpesvirus DNA polymerase (DNApol) is currently the target of nucleos(t)ide analogue-based therapy. Mutations in DNApol that confer resistance arose in immunocompromised patients infected with herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), and to lesser extent in herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), varicella zoster virus (VZV) and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6). In this review, we present distinct drug-resistant mutational profiles of herpesvirus DNApol. The impact of specific DNApol amino acid changes on drug-resistance is discussed. The pattern of genetic variability related to drug-resistance differs among the herpesviruses. Two mutational profiles appeared: one favoring amino acid changes in the Palm and Finger domains of DNApol (in α-herpesviruses HSV-1, HSV-2 and VZV), and another with mutations preferentially in the 3′-5′ exonuclease domain (in β-herpesvirus HCMV and HHV-6). The mutational profile was also related to the class of compound to which drug-resistance emerged.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Topalis
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - S Gillemot
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - R Snoeck
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - G Andrei
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
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18
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Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the major cause of congenital neurological defects in the United States and also causes significant morbidity and mortality for hematopoietic and solid organ transplant patients. Primary infection in immunocompetent individuals rarely causes disease but resolves as a life-long latent infection, characterized by sustained antibody and cellular responses. Despite considerable efforts over the last 40 years to develop live attenuated and subunit vaccines, none is close to receiving regulatory approval. However, there is evidence that antibodies can prevent primary infection and cytotoxic T cells can suppress secondary infection. Prior maternal infection decreases the risk a fetus will contract CMV, while adoptive transfer of virus-specific CD8+ T cells is highly protective against CMV disease in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. As a result, three polyclonal immunoglobulin preparations are approved for clinical use and one monoclonal antibody has reached phase III trials. Enhanced understanding of the viral life cycle from a biochemical perspective has revealed additional targets for neutralizing antibodies in the gH/gL/UL128-131 pentamer. Until an effective vaccine is licensed, passive immunotherapeutics may present an alternative to maintain viral loads and prevent CMV disease in susceptible populations. This review summarizes the progress and potential of immunotherapeutics to treat CMV infection.
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19
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Price SM, Bonilla E, Zador P, Levis DM, Kilgo CL, Cannon MJ. Educating women about congenital cytomegalovirus: assessment of health education materials through a web-based survey. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2014; 14:144. [PMID: 25433837 PMCID: PMC4260245 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-014-0144-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common congenital infection in the U.S. and can result in permanent disabilities, such as hearing and vision loss, intellectual disability, and psychomotor and language impairments. Women can adopt prevention behaviors in an attempt to reduce their exposure to CMV. Currently, few women are familiar with CMV. To increase awareness of CMV, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed draft health education materials. The purpose of this study was to pilot test two health education materials to gauge their appeal and to determine if they increase knowledge about CMV and motivate audiences to seek additional information on CMV and adopt CMV prevention behaviors. Methods African-American (n = 404) and Caucasian women (n = 405), who had a young child and were either pregnant or planning a pregnancy, were recruited to participate in a 15-minute web survey. Participants were randomly assigned to view one of two CMV health education materials, either a factsheet or video. Pre and post survey measures were used to assess changes in knowledge of CMV and motivation to adopt prevention behaviors. We also examined audience preferences regarding materials and motivation. Results CMV knowledge score increased significantly after presentation of either the video or factsheet (from 3.7 out of 10 to 9.1 out of 10, p <0.001). The average materials appeal score was high, with a mean of 3.6 on a four-point scale, indicating women responded very positively to both materials. Regression analyses indicated that appeal, message involvement (e.g., information seeking, discussing with others), post materials knowledge score, and viewing the video (vs. factsheet) were significantly positively associated with increased support for CMV prevention behaviors. Conclusions Overall, we found that the health education materials improved women’s knowledge of CMV and encouraged them to adopt prevention behaviors. Given the low awareness levels among women currently, these findings suggest that appropriate education materials have the potential to greatly increase knowledge of CMV. As women become more knowledgeable about CMV and transmission routes, we expect they will be more likely to adopt prevention behaviors, thereby reducing their risk of CMV infection. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12905-014-0144-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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20
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Stowell JD, Mask K, Amin M, Clark R, Levis D, Hendley W, Lanzieri TM, Dollard SC, Cannon MJ. Cross-sectional study of cytomegalovirus shedding and immunological markers among seropositive children and their mothers. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:568. [PMID: 25388365 PMCID: PMC4236433 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-014-0568-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the leading infectious cause of birth defects in the United States. To better understand factors that may influence CMV transmission risk, we compared viral and immunological factors in healthy children and their mothers. Methods We screened for CMV IgG antibodies in a convenience sample of 161 children aged 0-47 months from the Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan area, along with 32 mothers of children who screened CMV-seropositive. We assessed CMV shedding via PCR using saliva collected with oral swabs (children and mothers) and urine collected from diapers using filter paper inserts (children only). Results CMV IgG was present in 31% (50/161) of the children. Half (25/50) of seropositive children were shedding in at least one fluid. The proportion of seropositive children who shed in saliva was 100% (8/8) among the 4-12 month-olds, 64% (9/14) among 13-24 month-olds, and 40% (6/15) among 25-47 month-olds (P for trend = 0.003). Seropositive mothers had a lower proportion of saliva shedding (21% [6/29]) than children (P < 0.001). Among children who were shedding CMV, viral loads in saliva were significantly higher in younger children (P <0.001); on average, the saliva viral load of infants (i.e., <12 months) was approximately 300 times that of two year-olds (i.e., 24-35 months). Median CMV viral loads were similar in children's saliva and urine but were 10-50 times higher (P < 0.001) than the median viral load of the mothers' saliva. However, very high viral loads (> one million copies/mL) were only found in children's saliva (31% of those shedding); children's urine and mothers' saliva specimens all had fewer than 100,000 copies/mL. Low IgG avidity, a marker of primary infection, was associated with younger age (p = 0.03), higher viral loads in saliva (p = 0.02), and lower antibody titers (p = 0.005). Conclusions Young CMV seropositive children, especially those less than one year-old may present high-risk CMV exposures to pregnant women, especially via saliva, though further research is needed to see if this finding can be generalized across racial or other demographic strata. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-014-0568-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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21
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Hertel L. Human cytomegalovirus tropism for mucosal myeloid dendritic cells. Rev Med Virol 2014; 24:379-95. [PMID: 24888709 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.1797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Revised: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Human CMV infections are a serious source of morbidity and mortality for immunocompromised patients and for the developing fetus. Because of this, the development of new strategies to prevent CMV acquisition and transmission is a top priority. Myeloid dendritic cells (DC) residing in the oral and nasal mucosae are among the first immune cells to encounter CMV during entry and greatly contribute to virus dissemination, reactivation from latency, and horizontal spread. Albeit affected by the immunoevasive tactics of CMV, mucosal DC remain potent inducers of cellular and humoral immune responses against this virus. Their natural functions could thus be exploited to generate long-lasting protective immunity against CMV by vaccination via the oronasal mucosae. Although related, epithelial Langerhans-type DC and dermal monocyte-derived DC interact with CMV in dramatically different ways. Whereas immature monocyte-derived DC are fully permissive to infection, for instance, immature Langerhans-type DC are completely resistant. Understanding these differences is essential to design innovative vaccines and new antiviral compounds to protect these cells from CMV infection in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hertel
- Center for Immunobiology and Vaccine Development, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA, 94609, USA
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22
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Lanzieri TM, Bialek SR, Ortega-Sanchez IR, Gambhir M. Modeling the potential impact of vaccination on the epidemiology of congenital cytomegalovirus infection. Vaccine 2014; 32:3780-6. [PMID: 24837782 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Revised: 04/26/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the potential for vaccination to change cytomegalovirus (CMV) epidemiology is important for developing CMV vaccines and designing clinical trials. METHODS We constructed a deterministic, age-specific and time-dependent mathematical model of pathogen transmission, parameterized using CMV seroprevalence from the United States and Brazil, to predict the impact of vaccination on congenital CMV infection. FINDINGS Concurrent vaccination of young children and adolescents would result in the greatest reductions in congenital CMV infections in populations with moderate and high baseline maternal seroprevalence. Such a vaccination strategy, assuming 70% vaccine efficacy, 90% coverage and 5-year duration of protection, could ultimately prevent 30-50% of congenital CMV infections. At equilibrium, this strategy could result in a 30% reduction in congenital CMV infections due to primary maternal infection in the United States but a 3% increase in Brazil. The potential for an increase in congenital CMV infections due to primary maternal infections in Brazil was not predicted with use of a vaccine that confers protection for greater than 5 years. INTERPRETATION Modeling suggests that vaccination strategies that include young children will result in greater declines in congenital CMV infection than those restricted to adolescents or women of reproductive age. Our study highlights the critical need for better understanding of the relative contribution of type of maternal infection to congenital CMV infection and disease, the main focus of vaccine prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana M Lanzieri
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Stephanie R Bialek
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ismael R Ortega-Sanchez
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Manoj Gambhir
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA; MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Imperial College London, UK; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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23
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Cytomegalovirus in the neonate: immune correlates of infection and protection. Clin Dev Immunol 2013; 2013:501801. [PMID: 24023565 PMCID: PMC3760263 DOI: 10.1155/2013/501801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Fetal and neonatal infections caused by human cytomegalovirus (CMV) are important causes of morbidity and occasional mortality. Development of a vaccine against congenital CMV infection is a major public health priority. Vaccine design is currently focused on strategies that aim to elicit neutralizing antibody and T-cell responses, toward the goal of preventing primary or recurrent infection in women of child-bearing age. However, there has been relatively little attention given to understanding the mechanisms of immune protection against acquisition of CMV infection in the fetus and newborn and how this information might be exploited for vaccine design. There has similarly been an insufficient study of what deficits in the immune response to CMV, both for mother and fetus, may increase susceptibility to congenital infection and disease. Protection of the fetus against vertical transmission can likely be achieved by protection of the placenta, which has its own unique immunological milieu, further complicating the analysis of the correlates of protective immunity. In this review, the current state of knowledge about immune effectors of protection against CMV in the maternal, placental, and fetal compartments is reviewed. A better understanding of immune responses that prevent and/or predispose to infection will help in the development of novel vaccine strategies.
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Later passages of neural progenitor cells from neonatal brain are more permissive for human cytomegalovirus infection. J Virol 2013; 87:10968-79. [PMID: 23903847 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01120-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is the most frequent infectious cause of birth defects, primarily neurological disorders. Neural progenitor/stem cells (NPCs) are the major cell type in the subventricular zone and are susceptible to HCMV infection. In culture, the differentiation status of NPCs may change with passage, which in turn may alter susceptibility to virus infection. Previously, only early-passage (i.e., prior to passage 9) NPCs were studied and shown to be permissive to HCMV infection. In this study, NPC cultures derived at different gestational ages were evaluated after short (passages 3 to 6) and extended (passages 11 to 20) in vitro passages for biological and virological parameters (i.e., cell morphology, expression of NPC markers and HCMV receptors, viral entry efficiency, viral gene expression, virus-induced cytopathic effect, and release of infectious progeny). These parameters were not significantly influenced by the gestational age of the source tissues. However, extended-passage cultures showed evidence of initiation of differentiation, increased viral entry, and more efficient production of infectious progeny. These results confirm that NPCs are fully permissive for HCMV infection and that extended-passage NPCs initiate differentiation and are more permissive for HCMV infection. Later-passage NPCs being differentiated and more permissive for HCMV infection suggest that HCMV infection in fetal brain may cause more neural cell loss and give rise to severe neurological disabilities with advancing brain development.
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Dickinson JE. Congenital viral infections: available strategies to decrease their prevalence. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2013; 53:217-9. [PMID: 23731094 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.12100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Zhao J, Chen J, Liu T, Fang J, Wan J, Zhao J, Li W, Liu J, Zhao X, Chen S. Anti-viral effects of urosolic acid on guinea pig cytomegalovirus in vitro. JOURNAL OF HUAZHONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. MEDICAL SCIENCES = HUA ZHONG KE JI DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE YING DE WEN BAN = HUAZHONG KEJI DAXUE XUEBAO. YIXUE YINGDEWEN BAN 2012; 32:883-887. [PMID: 23271291 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-012-1052-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the anti-viral effect of ursolic acid on guinea pig cytomegalovirus (GPCMV) and explored the steps of viral replication targeted by ursolic acid. Cytopathic effect assay and MTT method were employed to determine the 50% cellular cytotoxicity (CC(50)), 50% effective concentration (EC(50)) and therapeutic index (TI) with GPCMV. To investigate the specific anti-viral effect of ursolic acid at different temperatures and time points, two other medicines, ganciclovir and Jinyebaidu (JYBD), serving as controls, were studied for comparison. Our results showed that the CC50 of ganciclovir, JYBD and ursolic acid were 333.8, 3015.6, 86.7 μg/mL, respectively; EC(50) of ganciclovir, JYBD and ursolic acid was 48.1, 325.5 and 6.8 μg/mL, respectively; TI of ganciclovir, JYBD and ursolic acid was 7, 9, 13, respectively. Similar with ganciclovir, ursolic acid could inhibit the viral synthesis, but did not affect the viral adsorption onto and penetration into cells. We are led to conclude that the anti-cytomegalovirus effect of ursolic acid is significantly stronger than ganciclovir or JYBD, and the cytotoxic effect of ursolic acid lies in its ability to inhibit viral synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, 056038, China
| | - Juanjuan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jianguo Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jin Wan
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jianhua Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xianzhe Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Suhua Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Lilja AE, Mason PW. The next generation recombinant human cytomegalovirus vaccine candidates—Beyond gB. Vaccine 2012; 30:6980-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.09.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2012] [Revised: 09/07/2012] [Accepted: 09/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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McSharry BP, Avdic S, Slobedman B. Human cytomegalovirus encoded homologs of cytokines, chemokines and their receptors: roles in immunomodulation. Viruses 2012. [PMID: 23202490 PMCID: PMC3509658 DOI: 10.3390/v4112448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), the largest human herpesvirus, infects a majority of the world’s population. Like all herpesviruses, following primary productive infection, HCMV establishes a life-long latent infection, from which it can reactivate years later to produce new, infectious virus. Despite the presence of a massive and sustained anti-HCMV immune response, productively infected individuals can shed virus for extended periods of time, and once latent infection is established, it is never cleared from the host. It has been proposed that HCMV must therefore encode functions which help to evade immune mediated clearance during productive virus replication and latency. Molecular mimicry is a strategy used by many viruses to subvert and regulate anti-viral immunity and HCMV has hijacked/developed a range of functions that imitate host encoded immunomodulatory proteins. This review will focus on the HCMV encoded homologs of cellular cytokines/chemokines and their receptors, with an emphasis on how these virus encoded homologs may facilitate viral evasion of immune clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P. McSharry
- Discipline of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Sydney, Australia; (B.P.McS); (S.A.); (B.S.)
- Centre for Virus Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - Selmir Avdic
- Discipline of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Sydney, Australia; (B.P.McS); (S.A.); (B.S.)
- Centre for Virus Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - Barry Slobedman
- Discipline of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Sydney, Australia; (B.P.McS); (S.A.); (B.S.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; ; Tel.: +1-61-93514334
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HLA-DR and HLA-DP restricted epitopes from human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B recognized by CD4+ T-cell clones from chronically infected individuals. J Clin Immunol 2012; 32:1305-16. [PMID: 22797815 PMCID: PMC3528953 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-012-9732-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2012] [Accepted: 06/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Helper CD4+ T cells presumably play a major role in controlling cytomegalovirus (CMV) by providing help to specific B and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, as well as through cytotoxicity-mediated mechanisms. Since CMV glycoprotein B (gB) is a major candidate for a subunit vaccine against CMV, we searched for gB-epitopes presented by human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-class II molecules. Methods Dendritic cells obtained from CMV-seropositive donors were loaded with a recombinant gB and co-cultured with autologous CD4+ T cells. Microcultures that specifically recognized gB were cloned by limiting dilution using autologous Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-immortalized B cells pulsed with gB as antigen-presenting cells. To pinpoint precisely the region encoding the natural epitope recognized by a given CD4+ clone, we assessed the recognition of recombinant Escherichia coli expressing gB-overlapping polypeptides after their processing by autologous EBV-B cells. Results We isolated several gB-specific CD4+ T-cell clones directed against peptides gB190-204, gB396-410, gB22-36 and gB598-617 presented by HLA-DR7, HLA-DP10 and HLA-DP2. While their precise role in controlling CMV infection remains to be established, gB-specific CD4+ T cells are likely to act by directly targeting infected HLA-class II cells in vivo, as suggested by their recognition of EBV-B cells infected by the Towne CMV strain. Conclusions The characterization of such gB-epitopes presented by HLA-class II should help to understand the contribution of CD4+ T-cell responses to CMV and may be of importance both in designing a vaccine against CMV infection and in immunomonitoring of subjects immunized with recombinant gB or with vectors encoding gB.
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Lundgren A, Kim S, Stadnisky MD, Brown MG. Rapid discrimination of MHC class I and killer cell lectin-like receptor allele variants by high-resolution melt analysis. Immunogenetics 2012; 64:633-40. [PMID: 22752191 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-012-0630-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Ly49G and H-2 class I D(k) molecules are critical to natural killer cell-mediated viral control. To examine their contributions in greater depth, we established NK gene complex (NKC)/Ly49 congenic strains and a novel genetic model defined by MHC class I D(k) disparity in congenic and transgenic mouse strains. Generation and maintenance of Ly49 and H-2 class I select strains require efficient and reproducible genotyping assays for highly polygenic and polymorphic sequences. Thus, we coupled gene- and allele-specific PCR with high-resolution melt (HRM) analysis to discriminate Ly49g and H-2 class I D and K alleles in select strains and in the F(2) and backcross hybrid offspring of different genetic crosses. We show that HRM typing for these critical immune response genes is fast, accurate, and dependable. We further demonstrate that H-2 class I D HRM typing is competent to detect and quantify transgene copy numbers in different mice with distinct genetic backgrounds. Our findings substantiate the utility and practicality of HRM genotyping for highly related genes and alleles, even those belonging to clustered multigene families. Based on these findings, we envision that HRM is capable to interrogate and quantify gene- and allele-specific variations due to differential regulation of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Lundgren
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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Abstract
Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is an important cause of hearing impairment, mental retardation, and cerebral palsy. Principal sources of infection during pregnancy are young children and intimate contacts. Prevention of maternal and congenital CMV infection depends on counseling women regarding the sources of infection and hygienic measures that might prevent infection. There is currently insufficient evidence to support use of antiviral treatment or passive immunization for postexposure prophylaxis of pregnant women or as a maternal treatment aimed at preventing fetal infection. Vaccines for CMV are under development but it will be a number of years before one is licensed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Johnson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia School of Medicine, Norfolk, VA
| | - Brenna Anderson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Infants Hospital/Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Robert F. Pass
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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Zhao P, Ma DX, Yu S, Xue FZ, Zhu WW, Shao N, Zhang JR, Ji CY. The development of Chinese specific human cytomegalovirus polyepitope recombinant vaccine. Antiviral Res 2011; 93:260-269. [PMID: 22197248 PMCID: PMC7114286 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2011.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Revised: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 12/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is a major cause of morbidity in the recipients of organ transplants and in the congenitally infected infants. HCMV vaccine has emerged as an effective approach to prevent HCMV infection particularly for the development of multiple viral antigens vaccination and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-restricted polyepitope technology. As the Chinese population makes up more than one fifth of the population worldwide, it is important to develop HCMV vaccines more specific for the Chinese population by targeting Chinese-restricted HLA alleles and antigens. In the present study, we designed a novel chimeric polyepitope vaccine based on the replication-deficient adenovirus Ad5F35, which encodes 83 HCMV T cell epitopes from 15 different HCMV antigens, restricted to 14 HLA I and 7 HLA II alleles that cover 92% of the Chinese population. Our results show that the recombinant adenovirus vaccine Ad5F35-CTL·Th can be efficiently transfected and expressed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with little cytopathic activity. Ad5F35-CTL·Th can also be endogenously processed and presented by PBMCs. Ad5F35-CTL·Th-stimulated HCMV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) showed strong cytolytic activity against HCMV polyepitope-sensitized target cells. The CTL activity was accompanied by high levels of IFN-γ production after Ad5F35-CTL·Th stimulation. The specificity and vigorous response to the recombinant adenovirus vaccine in vitro makes it a potential candidate to be used for transplantation recipients or congenitally infected infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, PR China; Department of Pediatrics, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250021, PR China
| | - Dao-Xin Ma
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, PR China.
| | - Shuang Yu
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, PR China
| | - Fu-Zhong Xue
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, PR China
| | - Wei-Wei Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250013, PR China
| | - Na Shao
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, PR China
| | - Jing-Ru Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, PR China
| | - Chun-Yan Ji
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, PR China.
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Reiser M, Wieland A, Plachter B, Mertens T, Greiner J, Schirmbeck R. The Immunodominant CD8 T Cell Response to the Human Cytomegalovirus Tegument Phosphoprotein pp65495–503Epitope Critically Depends on CD4 T Cell Help in Vaccinated HLA-A*0201 Transgenic Mice. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 187:2172-80. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1002512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (CMV), one of the eight herpesviruses that commonly infect humans, is best known for its propensity to cause disease in immunocompromised patients, especially transplant recipients, patients with advanced AIDS, and congenitally infected newborns. Advances in molecular virology coupled with improvements in diagnostic methods and treatment options have vastly improved our understanding of and ability to manage CMV, but many uncertainties remain, including the mechanisms of persistence and pathogenesis and its hypothesized roles in a variety of human illnesses. Here we review recent advances that are reshaping our view and approach to this fascinating virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Boeckh
- Division of Vaccine and Infectious Disease and
Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Adam P. Geballe
- Division of Vaccine and Infectious Disease and
Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Slavuljica I, Busche A, Babić M, Mitrović M, Gašparović I, Cekinović D, Markova Car E, Pernjak Pugel E, Ciković A, Lisnić VJ, Britt WJ, Koszinowski U, Messerle M, Krmpotić A, Jonjić S. Recombinant mouse cytomegalovirus expressing a ligand for the NKG2D receptor is attenuated and has improved vaccine properties. J Clin Invest 2010; 120:4532-45. [PMID: 21099111 DOI: 10.1172/jci43961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2010] [Accepted: 09/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human CMV (HCMV) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in both congenitally infected and immunocompromised individuals. Development of an effective HCMV vaccine would help protect these vulnerable groups. NK group 2, member D (NKG2D) is a potent activating receptor expressed by cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Its importance in HCMV immune surveillance is indicated by the elaborative evasion mechanisms evolved by the virus to avoid NKG2D. In order to study this signaling pathway, we engineered a recombinant mouse CMV expressing the high-affinity NKG2D ligand RAE-1γ (RAE-1γMCMV). Expression of RAE-1γ by MCMV resulted in profound virus attenuation in vivo and lower latent viral DNA loads. RAE-1γMCMV infection was efficiently controlled by immunodeficient hosts, including mice lacking type I interferon receptors or immunosuppressed by sublethal γ-irradiation. Features of MCMV infection in neonates were also diminished. Despite tight innate immune control, RAE-1γMCMV infection elicited strong and long-lasting protective immunity. Maternal RAE-1γMCMV immunization protected neonatal mice from MCMV disease via placental transfer of antiviral Abs. Despite strong selective pressure, the RAE-1γ transgene did not exhibit sequence variation following infection. Together, our results indicate that use of a recombinant virus encoding the ligand for an activating NK cell receptor could be a powerful approach to developing a safe and immunogenic HCMV vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Slavuljica
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
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Schleiss MR. Can we build it better? Using BAC genetics to engineer more effective cytomegalovirus vaccines. J Clin Invest 2010; 120:4192-7. [PMID: 21099107 DOI: 10.1172/jci45250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The magnitude and durability of immunity to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) following natural infection is compromised by the presence of immune modulation genes that appear to promote evasion of host clearance mechanisms. Since immunity to HCMV offers limited protection, rational design of effective vaccines has been challenging. In this issue of the JCI, Slavuljica and colleagues employ techniques to genetically modify the highly related mouse CMV (MCMV), in the process generating a virus that was rapidly cleared by NK cells. The virus functioned as a safe and highly effective vaccine. Demonstration of the ability to engineer a safe and highly effective live virus vaccine in a relevant rodent model of CMV infection may open the door to clinical trials of safer and more immunogenic HCMV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R Schleiss
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Center for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Translational Research, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
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Human cytomegalovirus early protein pUL21a promotes efficient viral DNA synthesis and the late accumulation of immediate-early transcripts. J Virol 2010; 85:663-74. [PMID: 21047969 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01599-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously reported that a newly annotated gene of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), UL21a, encodes an early viral protein termed pUL21a. Most notably, the virions of a UL21a deletion virus had markedly reduced infectivity, indicating that UL21a is required to establish an efficient productive infection. In this study, we infected fibroblasts with equal numbers of DNA-containing viral particles and identified where in the viral life cycle pUL21a acted. The UL21a deletion virus entered cells and initiated viral gene expression efficiently; however, it synthesized viral DNA poorly and accumulated several immediate-early (IE) transcripts at reduced levels at late times of infection. The defect in viral DNA synthesis preceded that in gene expression, and inhibition of viral DNA synthesis reduced the late accumulation of IE transcripts in both wild-type and mutant virus-infected cells to equivalent levels. This suggests that reduced viral DNA synthesis is the cause of reduced IE gene expression in the absence of UL21a. The growth of UL21a deletion virus was similar to that of recombinant HCMV in which pUL21a expression was abrogated by stop codon mutations, and the defect was rescued in pUL21a-expressing fibroblasts. pUL21a expression in trans was sufficient to restore viral DNA synthesis and gene expression of mutant virus produced from normal fibroblasts, whereas mutant virus produced from complementing cells still exhibited the defect in normal fibroblasts. Thus, pUL21a does not promote the functionality of HCMV virions; rather, its de novo synthesis facilitates viral DNA synthesis, which is necessary for the late accumulation of IE transcripts and establishment of a productive infection.
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Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is ubiquitous in all populations, and is the most commonly recognized cause of congenital viral infection in developed countries. On the basis of the economic costs saved and the improvement in quality of life that could potentially be conferred by a successful vaccine for prevention of congenital HCMV infection, the Institute of Medicine has identified HCMV vaccine development as a major public health priority. An effective vaccine could potentially also be beneficial in preventing or ameliorating HCMV disease in immunocompromised individuals. Although there are no licensed HCMV vaccines currently available, enormous progress has been made in the last decade, as evidenced by the recently reported results of a Phase II trial of a glycoprotein B vaccine for the prevention of HCMV infection in seronegative women of childbearing age. HCMV vaccines currently in clinical trials include: glycoprotein B subunit vaccines; alphavirus replicon particle vaccines; DNA vaccines; and live-attenuated vaccines. A variety of vaccine strategies are also being examined in preclinical systems and animal models of infection. These include: recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus vaccines; recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara; replication-deficient adenovirus-vectored vaccines; and recombinant live-attenuated virus vaccines generated by mutagenesis of cloned rodent CMV genomes maintained as bacterial artificial chromosomes in Escherichia coli. In this article, we provide an overview of the current state of clinical trials and preclinical development of vaccines against HCMV, with an emphasis on studies that have been conducted in the past 5 years. We also summarize a number of recent advances in the study of the biology of HCMV, particularly with respect to epithelial and endothelial cell entry of the virus, which have implications for future vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heungsup Sung
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Department of Pediatrics, Center for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Translational Research, 2001 6th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Mark R Schleiss
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Department of Pediatrics, Center for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Translational Research, 2001 6th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Optimized recombinant dense bodies of human cytomegalovirus efficiently prime virus specific lymphocytes and neutralizing antibodies without the addition of adjuvant. Vaccine 2010; 28:6191-8. [PMID: 20655401 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2010] [Revised: 06/25/2010] [Accepted: 07/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Control of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection correlates with the reconstitution of antiviral T lymphocytes in haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. A vaccine to foster this reconstitution and to ameliorate the severe consequences of HCMV reactivation is yet unavailable. This work focused on providing a rationale for the amendment of the yields and the antigenic composition of a vaccine, based on subviral dense bodies (DB) of HCMV. Modified DB were generated that contained the HLA-A2 presented IE1 model peptide TMYGGISLL, integrated at different positions in the major DB protein pp65. Insertion at position W175 of pp65 allowed efficient formation of recDB in the cytoplasm of infected cells and resulted in considerable yields of these particles. Even in the absence of adjuvant, these particles proved to be highly immunogenic with respect to CD8 and CD4 T cell and neutralizing antibody responses.
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Schleiss MR, McVoy MA. Guinea Pig Cytomegalovirus (GPCMV): A Model for the Study of the Prevention and Treatment of Maternal-Fetal Transmission. Future Virol 2010; 5:207-217. [PMID: 23308078 DOI: 10.2217/fvl.10.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A major public health challenge today is the problem of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) transmission. Maternal-fetal CMV infections are common, occurring in 0.5-2% of pregnancies, and these infections often lead to long-term injury of the newborn infant. In spite of the well-recognized burden that these infections place on society, there are as yet no clearly established interventions available to prevent transmission of CMV. In order to study potential interventions, such as vaccines or antiviral therapies, an animal model of congenital CMV transmission is required. The best small animal model of CMV transmission is the guinea pig cytomegalovirus (GPCMV) model. This article summarizes the GPCMV model, putting it into the larger context of how studies in this system have relevance to human health. An emphasis is placed on how the vertical transmission of GPCMV recapitulates the pathogenesis of congenital CMV in infants, making this a uniquely well-suited model for the study of potential CMV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R Schleiss
- Center for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Translational Research, University of Minnesota Medical School, 2001 6 Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455,
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Isolation of human monoclonal antibodies that potently neutralize human cytomegalovirus infection by targeting different epitopes on the gH/gL/UL128-131A complex. J Virol 2009; 84:1005-13. [PMID: 19889756 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01809-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 278] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widely circulating pathogen that causes severe disease in immunocompromised patients and infected fetuses. By immortalizing memory B cells from HCMV-immune donors, we isolated a panel of human monoclonal antibodies that neutralized at extremely low concentrations (90% inhibitory concentration [IC(90)] values ranging from 5 to 200 pM) HCMV infection of endothelial, epithelial, and myeloid cells. With the single exception of an antibody that bound to a conserved epitope in the UL128 gene product, all other antibodies bound to conformational epitopes that required expression of two or more proteins of the gH/gL/UL128-131A complex. Antibodies against gB, gH, or gM/gN were also isolated and, albeit less potent, were able to neutralize infection of both endothelial-epithelial cells and fibroblasts. This study describes unusually potent neutralizing antibodies against HCMV that might be used for passive immunotherapy and identifies, through the use of such antibodies, novel antigenic targets in HCMV for the design of immunogens capable of eliciting previously unknown neutralizing antibody responses.
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Schleiss MR. VCL-CB01, an injectable bivalent plasmid DNA vaccine for potential protection against CMV disease and infection. CURRENT OPINION IN MOLECULAR THERAPEUTICS 2009; 11:572-578. [PMID: 19806506 PMCID: PMC3539801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Vaccines for the prevention of human CMV (hCMV) infection and disease are a major public health priority. Immunization with DNA vaccines encoding key proteins involved in the immune response to hCMV has emerged as a major focus of hcmv vaccine research. Validation of the protective effect of DNA vaccination in animal models has provided support for clinical trials. VCL-CB01, under development by Vical Inc for the prevention of hCMV infection and disease, is a poloxamer-formulated, bivalent DNA vaccine that contains plasmids encoding hCMV tegument phosphoprotein 65 and the major hCMV surface glycoprotein B. In a phase I trial in healthy adults, VCL-CB01 was well tolerated. In interim results from a phase II trial in hCMV-seropositive hematopoietic cell transplant recipients, VCL-CB01 increased T-cell responses compared with placebo. The final results from the phase II trial will be of value for developing strategies to prevent hCMV disease in hCMV-seropositive transplant recipients, and may lead to other trials of VCL-CB01 or related vaccines for the prevention of congenital hCMV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R Schleiss
- University of Minnesota, Center for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Translational Research, Department of Pediatrics, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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Simanek AM, Dowd JB, Aiello AE. Persistent pathogens linking socioeconomic position and cardiovascular disease in the US. Int J Epidemiol 2009; 38:775-87. [PMID: 19109247 PMCID: PMC2689394 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyn273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies have documented a strong inverse association between cardiovascular disease and socioeconomic position (SEP). Several infections are associated with both cardiovascular disease and SEP; hence infection may form an important link between SEP and cardiovascular disease. This study examines whether seropositivity to cytomegalovirus (CMV), to herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1), and/or to both pathogens mediates the relationship between SEP and cardiovascular disease history in a nationally representative sample of the United States. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of subjects > or =45 years of age, who were tested for seropositivity to CMV, HSV-1 or both pathogens and assessed for cardiovascular disease history in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III. Cardiovascular disease history was defined as history of stroke, heart attack and/or congestive heart failure and SEP as education level. RESULTS SEP was associated with CMV, HSV-1 and seropositivity to both pathogens. CMV seropositivity was associated with cardiovascular disease history even after adjusting for confounders as well as SEP. The odds of reporting a history of cardiovascular disease for those with less than a high school education compared with those with more than a high school education decreased by 7.7% after adjusting for CMV (Sobel mediation test for CMV, P = 0.0006). In contrast, neither seropositivity to HSV-1 nor to both pathogens was associated with cardiovascular disease history after adjusting for SEP. CONCLUSIONS Persistent pathogens such as CMV infection may explain a portion of the relationship between SEP and cardiovascular disease in the United States. Further studies examining additional pathogens and sociobiological mechanisms are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Simanek
- Center for Social Epidemiology & Population Health School of Public Health-University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
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Schleiss MR, McGregor A, Choi KY, Date SV, Cui X, McVoy MA. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the guinea pig cytomegalovirus (GPCMV) genome. Virol J 2008; 5:139. [PMID: 19014498 PMCID: PMC2614972 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-5-139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2008] [Accepted: 11/12/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In this report we describe the genomic sequence of guinea pig cytomegalovirus (GPCMV) assembled from a tissue culture-derived bacterial artificial chromosome clone, plasmid clones of viral restriction fragments, and direct PCR sequencing of viral DNA. The GPCMV genome is 232,678 bp, excluding the terminal repeats, and has a GC content of 55%. A total of 105 open reading frames (ORFs) of > 100 amino acids with sequence and/or positional homology to other CMV ORFs were annotated. Positional and sequence homologs of human cytomegalovirus open reading frames UL23 through UL122 were identified. Homology with other cytomegaloviruses was most prominent in the central ~60% of the genome, with divergence of sequence and lack of conserved homologs at the respective genomic termini. Of interest, the GPCMV genome was found in many cases to bear stronger phylogenetic similarity to primate CMVs than to rodent CMVs. The sequence of GPCMV should facilitate vaccine and pathogenesis studies in this model of congenital CMV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R Schleiss
- Center for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Translational Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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