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Meier K, Olejnik J, Hume AJ, Mühlberger E. A Comparative Assessment of the Pathogenic Potential of Newly Discovered Henipaviruses. Pathogens 2024; 13:587. [PMID: 39057814 PMCID: PMC11280395 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13070587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies have led to the discovery of a plethora of previously unknown viruses in animal samples. Some of these newly detected viruses are closely related to human pathogens. A prime example are the henipaviruses. Both Nipah (NiV) and Hendra virus (HeV) cause severe disease in humans. Henipaviruses are of zoonotic origin, and animal hosts, including intermediate hosts, play a critical role in viral transmission to humans. The natural reservoir hosts of NiV and HeV seem to be restricted to a few fruit bat species of the Pteropus genus in distinct geographic areas. However, the recent discovery of novel henipa- and henipa-like viruses suggests that these viruses are far more widespread than was originally thought. To date, these new viruses have been found in a wide range of animal hosts, including bats, shrews, and rodents in Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America. Since these viruses are closely related to human pathogens, it is important to learn whether they pose a threat to human health. In this article, we summarize what is known about the newly discovered henipaviruses, highlight differences to NiV and HeV, and discuss their pathogenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Meier
- Department of Virology, Immunology and Microbiology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (K.M.); (J.O.); (A.J.H.)
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA 02218, USA
| | - Judith Olejnik
- Department of Virology, Immunology and Microbiology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (K.M.); (J.O.); (A.J.H.)
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA 02218, USA
| | - Adam J. Hume
- Department of Virology, Immunology and Microbiology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (K.M.); (J.O.); (A.J.H.)
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA 02218, USA
| | - Elke Mühlberger
- Department of Virology, Immunology and Microbiology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (K.M.); (J.O.); (A.J.H.)
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA 02218, USA
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Kiriwan D, Choowongkomon K. In silico structural elucidation of the rabies RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) toward the identification of potential rabies virus inhibitors. J Mol Model 2021; 27:183. [PMID: 34031746 PMCID: PMC8143072 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-021-04798-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The rabies virus (RABV) is a non-segmented, negative single-stranded RNA virus which causes acute infection of the central nervous system in humans. Once symptoms appear, the result is nearly always death, and to date, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is the only treatment applicable only immediately after an exposure. Previous studies have identified viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) as a potential drug target due to its significant role in viral replication and transcription. Herein we generated an energy-minimized homology model of RABIES-RdRp and used it for virtual screening against 2045 NCI Diversity Set III library. The best five ligand-RdRp complexes were picked for further energy minimization via molecular dynamics (MDs) where the complex with ligand Z01690699 shows a minimum score characterized with stable hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with the catalytic site residues. Our study identified an important ligand for development of remedial approach for treatment of rabies infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duangnapa Kiriwan
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetic Engineering, Graduate School, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kiattawee Choowongkomon
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand. .,Center for Advanced Studies in Nanotechnology for Chemical, Food and Agricultural Industries, KU Institute for Advanced Studies, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Fearns R, Plemper RK. Polymerases of paramyxoviruses and pneumoviruses. Virus Res 2017; 234:87-102. [PMID: 28104450 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2017.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The paramyxo- and pneumoviruses are members of the order Mononegavirales, a group of viruses with non-segmented, negative strand RNA genomes. The polymerases of these viruses are multi-functional complexes, capable of transcribing subgenomic capped and polyadenylated mRNAs and replicating the genome. Although there is no native structure available for any complete paramyxo- or pneumovirus polymerase, functional and structural studies of a fragment of a pneumovirus polymerase protein and mutation analyses and resistance profiling of small-molecule inhibitors have generated a wealth of mechanistic information. This review integrates these data with the structure of a related polymerase, identifying similarities, differences, gaps in knowledge, and avenues for antiviral drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Fearns
- Department of Microbiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, United States.
| | - Richard K Plemper
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States
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Koehler A, Kolesnikova L, Becker S. An active site mutation increases the polymerase activity of the guinea pig-lethal Marburg virus. J Gen Virol 2016; 97:2494-2500. [PMID: 27450090 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.000564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Marburg virus (MARV) causes severe, often fatal, disease in humans and transient illness in rodents. Sequential passaging of MARV in guinea pigs resulted in selection of a lethal virus containing 4 aa changes. A D184N mutation in VP40 (VP40D184N), which leads to a species-specific gain of viral fitness, and three mutations in the active site of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase L, which were investigated in the present study for functional significance in human and guinea pig cells. The transcription/replication activity of L mutants was strongly enhanced by a substitution at position 741 (S741C), and inhibited by other substitutions (D758A and A759D) in both species. The polymerase activity of L carrying the S741C substitution was eightfold higher in guinea pig cells than in human cells upon co-expression with VP40D184N, suggesting that the additive effect of the two mutations provides MARV a replicative advantage in the new host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Koehler
- Institut für Virologie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Larissa Kolesnikova
- Institut für Virologie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Becker
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Institut für Virologie, Philipps-Universität, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, 35043 Marburg, Germany.,Institut für Virologie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, 35043 Marburg, Germany
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Sasaki M, Setiyono A, Handharyani E, Rahmadani I, Taha S, Adiani S, Subangkit M, Sawa H, Nakamura I, Kimura T. Molecular detection of a novel paramyxovirus in fruit bats from Indonesia. Virol J 2012; 9:240. [PMID: 23082748 PMCID: PMC3499202 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-9-240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 10/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fruit bats are known to harbor zoonotic paramyxoviruses including Nipah, Hendra, and Menangle viruses. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of paramyxovirus RNA in fruit bats from Indonesia. Methods RNA samples were obtained from the spleens of 110 fruit bats collected from four locations in Indonesia. All samples were screened by semi-nested broad spectrum reverse transcription PCR targeting the paramyxovirus polymerase (L) genes. Results Semi-nested reverse transcription PCR detected five previously unidentified paramyxoviruses from six fruit bats. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these virus sequences were related to henipavirus or rubulavirus. Conclusions This study indicates the presence of novel paramyxoviruses among fruit bat populations in Indonesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michihito Sasaki
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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Rockx B, Winegar R, Freiberg AN. Recent progress in henipavirus research: molecular biology, genetic diversity, animal models. Antiviral Res 2012; 95:135-49. [PMID: 22643730 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2012.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2011] [Revised: 05/08/2012] [Accepted: 05/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Nipah and Hendra virus are members of a newly identified genus of emerging paramyxoviruses, the henipaviruses. Both viruses have the ability to cause severe pulmonary infection and severe acute encephalitis. Following their discovery in the 1990s, outbreaks caused by these zoonotic paramyxoviruses have been associated with high public health and especially economic threat potential. Currently, only geographic groupings in Asia and Australia have been described for the henipaviruses. However, while few viral isolates are available and more detailed characterization is necessary, there has been recent evidence that divergent henipaviruses might be present on the African continent. This review endeavours to capture recent advances in the field of henipavirus research, with a focus on genome structure and replication mechanisms, reservoir hosts, genetic diversity, pathogenesis and animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry Rockx
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, United States.
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Abstract
Nipah (NiV) and Hendra (HeV) viruses comprise the genus Henipavirus and are highly pathogenic paramyxoviruses, which cause fatal encephalitis and respiratory disease in humans. Since their respective initial outbreaks in 1998 and 1994, they have continued to cause sporadic outbreaks resulting in fatal disease. Due to their designation as Biosafety Level 4 pathogens, the level of containment required to work with live henipaviruses is available only to select laboratories around the world. This chapter provides an overview of the molecular virology of NiV and HeV including comparisons to other, well-characterized paramyxoviruses. This chapter also describes the sequence diversity present among the henipaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Rota
- MS-C-22, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
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Ksiazek TG, Rota PA, Rollin PE. A review of Nipah and Hendra viruses with an historical aside. Virus Res 2011; 162:173-83. [PMID: 21963678 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2011.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2011] [Revised: 09/17/2011] [Accepted: 09/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of Hendra and Nipah viruses in the 1990s has been followed by the further emergence of these viruses in the tropical Old World. The history and current knowledge of the disease, the viruses and their epidemiology is reviewed in this article. A historical aside summarizes the role that Dr. Brian W.J. Mahy played at critical junctures in the early stories of these viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas G Ksiazek
- Galveston National Laboratory, Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-0610, USA.
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Omi-Furutani M, Yoneda M, Fujita K, Ikeda F, Kai C. Novel phosphoprotein-interacting region in Nipah virus nucleocapsid protein and its involvement in viral replication. J Virol 2010; 84:9793-9. [PMID: 20668089 PMCID: PMC2937756 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00339-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2010] [Accepted: 07/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction of Nipah virus (NiV) nucleocapsid (N) protein with phosphoprotein (P) during nucleocapsid assembly is the essential process in the viral life cycle, since only the encapsidated RNA genome can be used for replication. To identify the region responsible for N-P interaction, we utilized fluorescent protein tags to visualize NiV N and P proteins in live cells and analyzed their cellular localization. N protein fused to monomeric enhanced cyan fluorescence protein (N-ECFP) exhibited a dotted pattern in transfected cells, while P protein fused to monomeric red fluorescent protein (P-mRFP) showed diffuse distribution. When the two proteins were coexpressed, P-mRFP colocalized with N-ECFP dots. N-ECFP mutants with serial amino acid deletions were generated to search for the region(s) responsible for this N-P colocalization. We found that, in addition to the 467- to 496-amino-acid (aa) region reported previously, aa 135 to 146 were responsible for the N-P colocalization. The residues crucial for N-P interaction were further investigated by introducing alanine substitutions into the untagged N protein. Alanine scanning in the region of aa 135 to 146 has revealed that there are distinct regions essential for the interaction of N-P and the function of N. This is the first study to visualize Nipah viral proteins in live cells and to assess the essential domain of N protein for the interaction with P protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mio Omi-Furutani
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Misako Yoneda
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kentaro Fujita
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fusako Ikeda
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chieko Kai
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Inhibition of Henipavirus infection by RNA interference. Antiviral Res 2008; 80:324-31. [PMID: 18687361 PMCID: PMC7125758 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2008.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2008] [Revised: 07/08/2008] [Accepted: 07/09/2008] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Nipah virus (NiV) and Hendra virus (HeV) are recently emerged zoonotic paramyxoviruses exclusively grouped within a new genus, Henipavirus. These viruses cause fatal disease in a wide range of species, including humans. Both NiV and HeV have continued to re-emerge sporadically in Bangladesh and Australia, respectively. There are currently no therapeutics or vaccines available to treat Henipavirus infection and both are classified as BSL4 pathogens. RNA interference (RNAi) is a process by which double-stranded RNA directs sequence-specific degradation of messenger RNA in animal and plant cells. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) mediate RNAi by inhibiting gene expression of homologous mRNA and our preliminary studies suggest RNAi may be a useful approach to developing novel therapies for these highly lethal pathogens. Eight NiV siRNA molecules (four L and four N gene specific), two HeV N gene specific, and two non-specific control siRNA molecules were designed and tested for their ability to inhibit a henipavirus minigenome replication system (which does not require the use of live virus) in addition to live virus infections in vitro. In the minigenome assay three out of the four siRNAs that targeted the L gene of NiV effectively inhibited replication. In contrast, only NiV N gene siRNAs were effective in reducing live NiV replication, suggesting inhibition of early, abundantly expressed gene transcripts may be more effective than later, less abundant transcripts. Additionally, some of the siRNAs effective against NiV infection were only partially effective inhibitors of HeV infection. An inverse correlation between the number of nucleotide mismatches and the efficacy of siRNA inhibition was observed. The demonstration that RNAi effectively inhibits henipavirus replication in vitro, is a novel approach and may provide an effective therapy for these highly lethal, zoonotic pathogens.
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Halpin K, Mungall BA. Recent progress in henipavirus research. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2007; 30:287-307. [PMID: 17629946 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2007.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2006] [Accepted: 05/30/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Following the discovery of two new paramyxoviruses in the 1990s, much effort has been placed on rapidly finding the reservoir hosts, characterising the genomes, identifying the viral receptors and formulating potential vaccines and therapeutic options for these viruses, Hendra and Nipah viruses caused zoonotic disease on a scale not seen before with other paramyxoviruses. Nipah virus particularly caused high morbidity and mortality in humans and high morbidity in pig populations in the first outbreak in Malaysia. Both viruses continue to pose a threat with sporadic outbreaks continuing into the 21st century. Experimental and surveillance studies identified that pteropus bats are the reservoir hosts. Research continues in an attempt to understand events that precipitated spillover of these viruses. Discovered on the cusp of the molecular technology revolution, much progress has been made in understanding these new viruses. This review endeavours to capture the depth and breadth of these recent advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Halpin
- CSIRO, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Private Bag 24, Geelong, Vic. 3220, Australia.
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Magoffin DE, Mackenzie JS, Wang LF. Genetic analysis of J-virus and Beilong virus using minireplicons. Virology 2007; 364:103-11. [PMID: 17397895 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2007.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2006] [Revised: 01/02/2007] [Accepted: 01/31/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
J-virus (JPV), isolated from wild mice in Australia, and Beilong virus (BeiPV), originally isolated from human mesangial cells in China and subsequently detected in rat mesangial cells, represent a new group of paramyxoviruses which have exceptionally large genomes (>19 kb) and contain more than six transcriptional units. In this study, minireplicons were employed to assess the taxonomic status of JPV and BeiPV. Our results demonstrated that, whilst the genome replication machineries of JPV and BeiPV can be interchanged, they were not functional when exchanged with that of Nipah virus. These studies indicate that JPV and BeiPV are closely related to each other and support the classification of these two viruses into a separate genus. In addition, the minireplicons were also used to demonstrate that these large-genome viruses also comply with the 'rule of six' and that over-expression of the C protein has a detrimental effect on minigenome replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle E Magoffin
- CSIRO Livestock Industries, CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory, PO Bag 24, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
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