1
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Chou S, Watanabe J. Phenotypes of cytomegalovirus genetic variants encountered in a letermovir clinical trial illustrate the importance of genotyping validation. Antiviral Res 2024; 228:105935. [PMID: 38880196 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Emergence of drug resistance is rare after use of letermovir (LMV) as prophylaxis for post-transplant cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. In a recent study involving renal transplant recipients, no known LMV resistance mutations were detected in those receiving LMV prophylaxis. However, uncharacterized viral amino acid substitutions were detected in LMV recipients by deep sequencing in viral subpopulations of 5%-7%, at codons previously associated with drug resistance: UL56 S229Y (n = 1), UL56 M329I (n = 9) and UL89 D344Y (n = 5). Phenotypic analysis of these mutations in a cloned laboratory CMV strain showed that S229Y conferred a 2-fold increase in LMV EC50, M329I conferred no LMV resistance, and D344Y knocked out viral viability that was restored after the nonviable clone was reverted to wild type D344. As in previous CMV antiviral trials, the detection of nonviable mutations, even in multiple study subjects, raises strong suspicion of genotyping artifacts and encourages the use of replicate testing for authentication of atypical mutation readouts. The non-viability of UL89 D344Y also confirms the biologically important locus of the D344E substitution that confers resistance to benzimidazole CMV terminase complex inhibitors, but does not feature prominently in LMV resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunwen Chou
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Justin Watanabe
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA
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2
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Grgic I, Gorenec L. Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) Genetic Diversity, Drug Resistance Testing and Prevalence of the Resistance Mutations: A Literature Review. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:49. [PMID: 38393138 PMCID: PMC10892457 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9020049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a pathogen with high prevalence in the general population that is responsible for high morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals and newborns, while remaining mainly asymptomatic in healthy individuals. The HCMV genome is 236,000 nucleotides long and encodes approximately 200 genes in more than 170 open reading frames, with the highest rate of genetic polymorphisms occurring in the envelope glycoproteins. HCMV infection is treated with antiviral drugs such as ganciclovir, valganciclovir, cidofovir, foscarnet, letermovir and maribavir targeting viral enzymes, DNA polymerase, kinase and the terminase complex. One of the obstacles to successful therapy is the emergence of drug resistance, which can be tested phenotypically or by genotyping using Sanger sequencing, which is a widely available but less sensitive method, or next-generation sequencing performed in samples with a lower viral load to detect minority variants, those representing approximately 1% of the population. The prevalence of drug resistance depends on the population tested, as well as the drug, and ranges from no mutations detected to up to almost 50%. A high prevalence of resistance emphasizes the importance of testing the patient whenever resistance is suspected, which requires the development of more sensitive and rapid tests while also highlighting the need for alternative therapeutic targets, strategies and the development of an effective vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Grgic
- Department of Molecular and Immunological Diagnostic, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases “Dr. Fran Mihaljevic”, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lana Gorenec
- Department of Molecular and Immunological Diagnostic, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases “Dr. Fran Mihaljevic”, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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3
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Yang D, Yao Y, Sun Y, Jiang E. Refractory cytomegalovirus infections in Chinese patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: a review of the literature. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1287456. [PMID: 38187387 PMCID: PMC10770847 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1287456] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
In the absence of prophylactic therapy, cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia is a common complication following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) and represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Approximately 25% of allo-HCT happen in China, where the development and refinement of the 'Beijing protocol' has enabled frequent and increasing use of haploidentical donors. However, refractory CMV infection (an increase by >1 log10 in blood or serum CMV DNA levels after at least 2 weeks of an appropriately dosed anti-CMV medication) is more common among patients with haploidentical donors than with other donor types and has no established standard of care. Here, we review the literature regarding refractory CMV infection following allo-HCT in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donglin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | | | - Yi Sun
- MRL Global Medical Affairs, Shanghai, China
| | - Erlie Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
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4
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Hume J, Lowry K, Whiley DM, Irwin AD, Bletchly C, Sweeney EL. Application of the ViroKey® SQ FLEX assay for detection of cytomegalovirus antiviral resistance. J Clin Virol 2023; 167:105556. [PMID: 37566984 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2023.105556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a viral infection which establishes lifelong latency, often reactivating and causing disease in immunosuppressed individuals, including haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. Treatment can be problematic due to antiviral resistance which substantially increases the risk of patient mortality. Diagnostic testing capabilities for CMV antiviral resistance in Australia and elsewhere have traditionally relied on gene-specific Sanger sequencing approaches, however, are now being superseded by next generation sequencing protocols. OBJECTIVE Provide a snapshot of local mutations and explore the feasibility of the ViroKeyࣨ® SQ FLEX Genotyping Assay (Vela Diagnostics Pty Ltd) by examining sequencing success. METHOD Performed sequencing on adult (n = 38) and paediatric (n = 81) plasma samples, over a large range of viral loads (above and below the assay recommended threshold of ≥1,000 International Units (IU)/mL; noting most of our paediatric samples have loads <1,000 IU/mL). RESULTS Eleven test runs (including three repeat runs; 14 to 15 samples per run) were conducted, and four runs were deemed valid. The overall individual sample success rate for the four evaluable test runs was 71.2% (42/59 samples); 80.4% (37/46) samples ≥1,000 IU/mL were valid. Ten clinically important antiviral resistance mutations were detected, the most common being A594V in the UL97 gene, found in 6 (5%) samples. CONCLUSIONS A range of technical issues were experienced, however with improvement this platform could be a useful addition to routine pathology workflows, providing timely antiviral resistance results for patients undergoing HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn Hume
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Pathology Queensland Central Laboratory, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kym Lowry
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Queensland Paediatric Infectious Diseases (QPID) Sakzewski Laboratory, Centre for Children's Health Research, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David M Whiley
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Pathology Queensland Central Laboratory, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Adam D Irwin
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Infection Management and Prevention Service, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Cheryl Bletchly
- Pathology Queensland Central Laboratory, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Emma L Sweeney
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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5
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Hume J, Sweeney EL, Lowry K, Fraser C, Clark JE, Whiley DM, Irwin AD. Cytomegalovirus in children undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a diagnostic and therapeutic approach to antiviral resistance. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1180392. [PMID: 37325366 PMCID: PMC10267881 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1180392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a ubiquitous virus which causes a mild illness in healthy individuals. In immunocompromised individuals, such as children receiving haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, CMV can reactivate, causing serious disease and increasing the risk of death. CMV can be effectively treated with antiviral drugs, but antiviral resistance is an increasingly common complication. Available therapies are associated with adverse effects such as bone marrow suppression and renal impairment, making the choice of appropriate treatment challenging. New agents are emerging and require evaluation in children to establish their role. This review will discuss established and emerging diagnostic tools and treatment options for CMV, including antiviral resistant CMV, in children undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn Hume
- The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Central Microbiology, Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Emma L. Sweeney
- The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kym Lowry
- The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Chris Fraser
- Blood and Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Queensland Children’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Julia E. Clark
- Infection Management and Prevention Service, Queensland Children’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David M. Whiley
- The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Central Microbiology, Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Adam D. Irwin
- The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Infection Management and Prevention Service, Queensland Children’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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6
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Perchetti GA, Biernacki MA, Xie H, Castor J, Joncas-Schronce L, Ueda Oshima M, Kim Y, Jerome KR, Sandmaier BM, Martin PJ, Boeckh M, Greninger AL, Zamora D. Cytomegalovirus breakthrough and resistance during letermovir prophylaxis. Bone Marrow Transplant 2023; 58:430-436. [PMID: 36693927 DOI: 10.1038/s41409-023-01920-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Letermovir is a relatively new antiviral for prophylaxis against cytomegalovirus (CMV) after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). CMV-seropositive HCT recipients who received letermovir prophylaxis from 2018 to 2020 at our center were evaluated for letermovir resistance and breakthrough CMV reactivation. Two-hundred twenty-six letermovir recipients were identified and 7/15 (47%) with CMV DNAemia ≥200 IU/mL were successfully genotyped for UL56 resistance. A single C325Y resistance mutation was identified in an umbilical cord blood recipient. Ninety-five (42%), 43 (19%), and 15 (7%) patients had breakthrough CMV at any level, ≥150 IU/mL, and ≥500 IU/mL, respectively. Risk factors for breakthrough CMV reactivation at each viral threshold were examined. Cumulative steroid exposure was the strongest risk factor for CMV at all evaluated viral thresholds. Graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis with post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (aHR 2.34, 95% CI 1.28-4.28, p = 0.001) or calcineurin inhibitors plus mycophenolate (aHR 2.24, 95% CI 1.30-3.86, p = 0.004) were also associated with an increased risk of CMV reactivation at any level. De novo letermovir resistance is rare and can be successfully treated using other antivirals. Letermovir effectively prevents clinically significant CMV, however, subclinical CMV reactivation occurs frequently at our center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett A Perchetti
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Melinda A Biernacki
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Hu Xie
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jared Castor
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Laurel Joncas-Schronce
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Masumi Ueda Oshima
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - YoungJun Kim
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Keith R Jerome
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Brenda M Sandmaier
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Paul J Martin
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael Boeckh
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alexander L Greninger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Danniel Zamora
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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7
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Belabbas T, Yamada T, Tsuchiya Y, Suetsugu K, Egashira N, Ieiri I. Development and Full Validation of a Bioanalytical Method for Quantifying Letermovir in Human Plasma Using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Mass Spectrometry. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2021; 69:646-651. [PMID: 34193713 DOI: 10.1248/cpb.c21-00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
With the aim of studying the pharmacokinetics of letermovir, which is a newly developed antiviral agent for human cytomegalovirus, a rapid and simple ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS) method was developed and validated for the quantification of letermovir in human plasma. Separation was performed in reverse phase mode using an ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column (130 Å, 1.7 µm, 2.1 × 50 mm) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min, 10 mM ammonium acetate-0.1% formic acid solution as mobile phase A, and acetonitrile as mobile phase B with a gradient elution. The method was validated over a linear range of 10-1000 ng/mL with a coefficient of determination (R2) >0.99 using weighted linear regression analysis. The intra- and inter-assay accuracy (nominal%) and precision (relative standard deviation%) were within ±15 and ≤15%, respectively. The specificity, recovery, matrix effect, stability, and dilution integrity of this method were also within acceptable limits. This method could be useful in studying the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, as well as performing the therapeutic drug monitoring of letermovir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tassadit Belabbas
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University
| | | | | | | | - Nobuaki Egashira
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University.,Department of Pharmacy, Kyushu University Hospital
| | - Ichiro Ieiri
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University.,Department of Pharmacy, Kyushu University Hospital
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8
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Jo H, Kwon DE, Han SH, Min SY, Hong YM, Lim BJ, Lee KH, Jo JH. De Novo Genotypic Heterogeneity in the UL56 Region in Cytomegalovirus-Infected Tissues: Implications for Primary Letermovir Resistance. J Infect Dis 2021; 221:1480-1487. [PMID: 31802131 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Letermovir, an inhibitor of unique long (UL)56-encoded cytomegalovirus (CMV)-terminase, shows prophylactic effects with low-grade adverse events in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Despite few case reports on acquired letermovir resistance, the frequency of de novo amino acid (A.A.) changes encoded by UL56 in CMV-infected tissues is unclear. METHODS We analyzed CMV UL56 sequences between the conserved region IV and variable region I in 175 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues obtained from 147 patients showing positive CMV immunochemical staining between November 2012 and October 2016. Nucleotides 552-1330 of the open reading frame of UL56 were amplified with 5 primers and sequenced by a dideoxy fluorescence-based cycle. RESULTS Six (3.4%) tissues from 4 (2.7%) patients harbored A.A. substitutions. There were no known potent resistant mutations. However, we found C325Y in 2 tissues from 1 patient, along with other mutations. Four novel A.A. changes, which have not been observed in previous in vitro experiments, were identified (T244I, S301T, G312V, and M434I). Most (9 of 11, 81.8%) of the A.A. changes occurred between the codons 301 and 325 present between the conserved regions V and VI. CONCLUSIONS The treatment difficulties associated with letermovir resistance in a clinical setting need to be verified before its widespread use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Horim Jo
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Da Eun Kwon
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Han
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo Yeon Min
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Mi Hong
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom Jin Lim
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung Hwa Lee
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hyeon Jo
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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9
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Bansal R, Gordillo CA, Abramova R, Assal A, Mapara MY, Pereira MR, Reshef R. Extended letermovir administration, beyond day 100, is effective for CMV prophylaxis in patients with graft versus host disease. Transpl Infect Dis 2020; 23:e13487. [PMID: 33034124 DOI: 10.1111/tid.13487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation is associated with significant morbidity and mortality after an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (AHCT), and graft versus host disease (GVHD) increases the risk of CMV reactivation. Letermovir is approved for CMV prophylaxis in CMV-seropositive patients, but has only been studied through day 100 post-transplantation in the registration trial. Its efficacy in preventing CMV in patients with GVHD requiring treatment beyond the day 100 milestone has not been studied. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed all patients who underwent an AHCT at a single center over a period of 24 months, and identified a cohort of 20 patients who received extended duration of letermovir (beyond 100 days) after the diagnosis of GVHD. The primary end point was the incidence of clinically significant CMV infection, defined as onset of CMV disease or initiation of preemptive therapy with alternative antiviral agents. RESULTS In this high-risk cohort, only one patient (5%) developed a clinically significant CMV infection, requiring preemptive therapy. No patients developed CMV organ disease. Three additional patients developed CMV viremia of ≥150 IU/mL while on letermovir and after the onset of GVHD, and none required additional treatment. Receipt of post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) and low CD4 count after the development of GVHD were associated with breakthrough CMV viremia while on extended duration letermovir. CONCLUSIONS Extended duration letermovir was efficacious in preventing clinically significant CMV infections in patients with GVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajat Bansal
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christian A Gordillo
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachel Abramova
- Department of Pharmacy, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amer Assal
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Markus Y Mapara
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marcus R Pereira
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ran Reshef
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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10
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Keil T, Liu D, Lloyd M, Coombs W, Moffat J, Visalli R. DNA Encapsidation and Capsid Assembly Are Underexploited Antiviral Targets for the Treatment of Herpesviruses. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1862. [PMID: 32903425 PMCID: PMC7434925 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although there are effective nucleoside analogs to treat HSV, VZV, and HCMV disease, herpesvirus infections continue to contribute to significant morbidity and mortality. Acyclovir is the drug of choice for HSV encephalopathy, yet there is an estimated 6-19% mortality rate with half of the survivors experiencing moderate to severe chronic neurological deficits. For VZV, current treatments are inadequate to prevent acute and persistent pain due to zoster. Treatment of HCMV with GCV requires close monitoring particularly in patients with impaired renal function and there are no approved treatments for congenital HCMV infections. New therapeutic options to control cytomegalovirus reactivation in bone marrow and stem cell transplant patients are needed to improve patient outcome. No successful chemotherapeutic options are available for EBV, HHV-6, 7, and 8. Drug resistance is a concern for HCMV, HSV, and VZV since approved drugs share common mechanisms of action. Targeting DNA encapsidation or capsid assembly provide additional options for the development of non-nucleoside, small molecule anti-herpesviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Keil
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA, United States
| | - Dongmei Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Megan Lloyd
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Wanda Coombs
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Jennifer Moffat
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Robert Visalli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA, United States
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11
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Shafat MS, Mehra V, Peggs KS, Roddie C. Cellular Therapeutic Approaches to Cytomegalovirus Infection Following Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1694. [PMID: 32849591 PMCID: PMC7411136 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is common following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and is a major cause of morbidity and increased mortality. Whilst pharmacotherapy can be effective in the prevention and treatment of CMV, these agents are often expensive, toxic and in some cases ineffective due to viral resistance mechanisms. Immunotherapeutic approaches are compelling and early clinical trials of adoptively transferred donor-derived virus-specific T (VST) cells against CMV have demonstrated efficacy. However, significant logistical challenges limit their broad application. Strategies to optimize VST manufacture and cell banking alongside scientific developments to enhance efficacy whilst minimizing toxicity are ongoing. This review will discuss the development of CMV-specific T-cell therapies, the challenges of widespread delivery of VSTs for CMV and explore how VST therapy can change outcomes in CMV infection following HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manar S Shafat
- Research Department of Haematology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vedika Mehra
- Research Department of Haematology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Karl S Peggs
- Research Department of Haematology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Haematology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Roddie
- Research Department of Haematology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Haematology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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12
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Shigle TL, Handy VW, Chemaly RF. Letermovir and its role in the prevention of cytomegalovirus infection in seropositive patients receiving an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant. Ther Adv Hematol 2020; 11:2040620720937150. [PMID: 32637057 PMCID: PMC7318821 DOI: 10.1177/2040620720937150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation is one of the most common infections affecting allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients. Although available anti-CMV therapies have been evaluated for the prevention of CMV reactivation, their toxicity profile makes them unfavorable for use as primary prophylaxis; thus, they are routinely reserved for the treatment of CMV viremia or CMV end-organ disease. Pre-emptive CMV monitoring strategies have been widely accepted, and although they have been helpful in early detection, they have not affected the overall morbidity and mortality associated with CMV. Letermovir is a novel agent that was approved for primary prophylaxis in CMV-seropositive adult allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients. This review focuses on letermovir’s novel mechanism; clinical trials supporting its United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and subsequent follow-up analyses; clinical considerations, with an emphasis on pharmacology; and lessons learned from solid organ transplant recipients, as well as potential future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terri Lynn Shigle
- Division of Pharmacy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Victoria Wehr Handy
- Division of Pharmacy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Roy F Chemaly
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control, and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030-4000, USA
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Ligat G, Muller C, Alain S, Hantz S. [The terminase complex, a relevant target for the treatment of HCMV infection]. Med Sci (Paris) 2020; 36:367-375. [PMID: 32356713 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2020063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an important ubiquitous opportunistic pathogen that belongs to the betaherpesviridae. Primary HCMV infection is generally asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals. In contrast, HCMV infection causes serious disease in immunocompromised patients and is the leading cause of congenital viral infection. Although they are effective, the use of conventional molecules is limited by the emergence of resistance and by their toxicity. New antivirals targeting other replication steps and inducing fewer adverse effects are therefore needed. During HCMV replication, DNA packaging is performed by the terminase complex, which cleaves DNA to package the virus genome into the capsid. With no counterpart in mammalian cells, these terminase proteins are ideal targets for highly specific antivirals. A new terminase inhibitor, letermovir, recently proved effective against HCMV in phase III clinical trials. However, its mechanism of action is unclear and it has no significant activity against other herpesvirus or non-human CMV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëtan Ligat
- Univ. Limoges, Inserm, CHU Limoges, RESINFIT, U1092, 87000 Limoges, France - CHU Limoges, Laboratoire de bactériologie-virologie-hygiène, Centre national de référence des Herpèsvirus (NRCHV), 87000 Limoges, France - Adresse actuelle : Inserm U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Université de Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Clotilde Muller
- Univ. Limoges, Inserm, CHU Limoges, RESINFIT, U1092, 87000 Limoges, France - CHU Limoges, Laboratoire de bactériologie-virologie-hygiène, Centre national de référence des Herpèsvirus (NRCHV), 87000 Limoges, France
| | - Sophie Alain
- Univ. Limoges, Inserm, CHU Limoges, RESINFIT, U1092, 87000 Limoges, France - CHU Limoges, Laboratoire de bactériologie-virologie-hygiène, Centre national de référence des Herpèsvirus (NRCHV), 87000 Limoges, France
| | - Sébastien Hantz
- Univ. Limoges, Inserm, CHU Limoges, RESINFIT, U1092, 87000 Limoges, France - CHU Limoges, Laboratoire de bactériologie-virologie-hygiène, Centre national de référence des Herpèsvirus (NRCHV), 87000 Limoges, France
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Advances in the genotypic diagnosis of cytomegalovirus antiviral drug resistance. Antiviral Res 2020; 176:104711. [PMID: 31940472 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) drug resistance mutation maps are updated with recent information for polymerase inhibitors, the terminase inhibitor letermovir and the UL97 kinase inhibitor maribavir. Newly mapped mutations and their phenotypes provide more detail on cross-resistance properties and suggest the need to expand the CMV gene regions covered in diagnostic testing. Next-generation deep sequencing technology offers a more sensitive, higher resolution view of emerging antiviral resistance and is recommended for use in clinical trials. Issues of standardization and diagnostic utility in comparison with traditional Sanger sequencing remain unresolved. Quality control is important for the accurate and reproducible detection of mutant viral populations in clinical specimens.
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