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Singh P, Khatib MN, Ballal S, Kaur M, Nathiya D, Sharma S, Siva Prasad GV, Sinha A, Gaidhane AM, Mohapatra P, Varma A, Lakhanpal S, Shabil M, Bushi G, Sah S, Serhan HA. West Nile Virus in a Changing Climate: epidemiology, pathology, advances in diagnosis and treatment, vaccine designing and control strategies, emerging public health challenges - a comprehensive review. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024:2437244. [PMID: 39614679 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2437244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2024]
Abstract
West Nile Virus (WNV), first identified in Uganda in 1937, remains a significant global health threat, adapting across diverse ecosystems and expanding geographically, particularly into temperate regions of Europe and North America. This review provides a comprehensive exploration of the latest insights and challenges in WNV management, focusing on epidemiological trends, molecular advancements, and public health implications. Recent data highlight WNV's expansion, driven by climate changes such as milder winters and longer warm seasons that increase mosquito activity and enable the virus to overwinter within mosquito populations. This facilitates year-round transmission and challenges current control strategies. Molecularly, advancements in genomic and proteomic technologies have deepened our understanding of WNV's replication and pathogenesis, identifying new therapeutic targets and improving diagnostic methods. However, the absence of an approved human vaccine leaves management dependent on supportive care, particularly for severe neurological cases. Effective vector control remains crucial, with innovative strategies including genetically modified mosquitoes and novel insecticides being pivotal. Furthermore, environmental factors like climate change and urbanization are altering vector behaviors and WNV transmission dynamics, necessitating adaptive public health strategies to manage these evolving threats. The review underscores the need for ongoing research, vaccine and therapeutic development, and enhanced public health infrastructures to better respond to WNV challenges. It stresses the critical role of integrating scientific research, public health policy, and community engagement to effectively address the persistent threat of WNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parminder Singh
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India.
| | - Mahalaqua Nazli Khatib
- Division of Evidence Synthesis, Global Consortium of Public Health and Research, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education, Wardha, India.
| | - Suhas Ballal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Sciences, JAIN (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
| | - Mandeep Kaur
- Department of Allied Healthcare and Sciences, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, Rajasthan-303012, India.
| | - Deepak Nathiya
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Institute of Pharmacy, NIMS University, Jaipur, India.
| | - Shilpa Sharma
- Chandigarh Pharmacy College, Chandigarh Group of Colleges-Jhanjeri, Mohali - 140307, Punjab, India.
| | - G V Siva Prasad
- Department of Chemistry, Raghu Engineering College, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh-531162, India.
| | - Aashna Sinha
- Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Research and Innovation, Uttaranchal University, India.
| | - Abhay M Gaidhane
- Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, and Global Health Academy, School of Epidemiology and Public Health. Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education, Wardha, India.
| | - Priyanka Mohapatra
- Evidence for Policy and Learning, Global Center for Evidence Synthesis, Chandigarh, India.
| | - Amit Varma
- Department of General Medicine, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Clement Town, Dehradun, India.
| | - Sorabh Lakhanpal
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India.
| | - Muhammed Shabil
- University Center for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India.
- Medical Laboratories Techniques Department, AL-Mustaqbal University, 51001 Hillah, Babil, Iraq
| | - Ganesh Bushi
- Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology (Pharmacy Institute), Greater Noida, India.
| | - Sanjit Sah
- Department of Paediatrics, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411018, Maharashtra, India.
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411018, Maharashtra, India.
- SR Sanjeevani Hospital, Kalyanpur, Siraha 56517, Nepal.
| | - Hashem Abu Serhan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
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2
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Reagin KL, Lee RL, Williams LA, Cocciolone L, Funk KE. Compromised CD8+ T cell immunity in the aged brain increases severity of neurotropic coronavirus infection and postinfectious cognitive impairment. Aging Cell 2024:e14409. [PMID: 39550693 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14409] [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: 07/11/2024] [Revised: 10/04/2024] [Accepted: 10/23/2024] [Indexed: 11/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Advanced age increases the risk of severe disease from SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as incidence of long COVID and SARS-CoV-2 reinfection. We hypothesized that perturbations in the aged antiviral CD8+ T cell response predisposes elderly individuals to severe coronavirus infection, re-infection, and postinfectious cognitive sequelae. Using MHV-A59 as a murine model of respiratory coronavirus, we found that aging increased CNS infection and lethality to MHV infection. This was coupled with increased CD8+ T cells within the aged CNS but reduced antigen specificity. Aged animals also displayed a decreased proportion of CD103+ resident memory cells (TRM), which correlated with increased severity of secondary viral challenge. Using a reciprocal adoptive transfer paradigm, data show that not only were fewer aged CD8+ T cells retained within the adult brain post-infection, but also that adult CD8+ cells expressed lower levels of TRM marker CD103 when in the aged microenvironment. Furthermore, aged animals demonstrated spatial learning impairment following MHV infection, which worsened in both aged and adult animals following secondary viral challenge. Spatial learning impairment was accompanied by increased TUNEL positivity in hippocampal neurons, suggestive of neuronal apoptosis. Additionally, primary cell coculture showed that activated CD8+ T cells induced TUNEL positivity in neurons, independent of antigen-specificity. Altogether, these results show that non-antigen specific CD8+ T cells are recruited to the aged brain and cause broad neuronal death without establishing a TRM phenotype that confers lasting protection against a secondary infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie L Reagin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rae-Ling Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Luke A Williams
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Loren Cocciolone
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kristen E Funk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
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3
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Baldon L, de Mendonça S, Santos E, Marçal B, de Freitas AC, Rezende F, Moreira R, Sousa V, Comini S, Lima M, Ferreira F, de Almeida JP, Silva E, Amadou S, Rocha M, Leite T, Todjro Y, de Carvalho C, Santos V, Giovanetti M, Alcantara L, Moreira LA, Ferreira A. Suitable Mouse Model to Study Dynamics of West Nile Virus Infection in Culex quinquefasciatus Mosquitoes. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:201. [PMID: 39330890 PMCID: PMC11435581 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9090201] [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: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
West Nile Virus (WNV) poses a significant global public health threat as a mosquito-borne pathogen. While laboratory mouse models have historically played a crucial role in understanding virus biology, recent research has focused on utilizing immunocompromised models to study arboviruses like dengue and Zika viruses, particularly their interactions with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. However, there has been a shortage of suitable mouse models for investigating WNV and St. Louis encephalitis virus interactions with their primary vectors, Culex spp. mosquitoes. Here, we establish the AG129 mouse (IFN α/β/γ R-/-) as an effective vertebrate model for examining mosquito-WNV interactions. Following intraperitoneal injection, AG129 mice exhibited transient viremia lasting several days, peaking on the second or third day post-infection, which is sufficient to infect Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes during a blood meal. We also observed WNV replication in the midgut and dissemination to other tissues, including the fat body, in infected mosquitoes. Notably, infectious virions were present in the saliva of a viremic AG129 mouse 16 days post-exposure, indicating successful transmission capacity. These findings highlight the utility of AG129 mice for studying vector competence and WNV-mosquito interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívia Baldon
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Silvana de Mendonça
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Ellen Santos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 6627-Pampulha, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Bruno Marçal
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Amanda Cupertino de Freitas
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Rezende
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Moreira
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia do Adoecimento & Florestas NUPEB/ICEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35402-163, Brazil
| | - Viviane Sousa
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Sara Comini
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Mariana Lima
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Flávia Ferreira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 6627-Pampulha, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - João Paulo de Almeida
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 6627-Pampulha, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Emanuele Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 6627-Pampulha, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Siad Amadou
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 6627-Pampulha, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Marcele Rocha
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Thiago Leite
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 6627-Pampulha, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Yaovi Todjro
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 6627-Pampulha, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Camila de Carvalho
- Plataforma de Microscopia e Microanálises de Imagens, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Viviane Santos
- Plataforma de PCR em Tempo Real, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Marta Giovanetti
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
- Department of Sciences and Technologies for Sustainable Development and One Health, University of Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Luiz Alcantara
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Luciano A Moreira
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Alvaro Ferreira
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
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Creswell A, Connor CM, Ko R, Tu S, Karim S, Lui F. Acute Flaccid Myelitis Caused by West Nile Virus: A Case Report and Neuroimaging Correlate. Cureus 2024; 16:e70107. [PMID: 39449929 PMCID: PMC11501500 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.70107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 10/26/2024] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is the most common mosquito-borne illness in the United States. Most cases remain asymptomatic or may be associated with a mild febrile illness; however, it can invade the central nervous system and cause meningoencephalitis, or rarely, acute flaccid paralysis (AFP). Here, we describe a case of WNV-associated paralysis in a previously healthy male presenting with asymmetric weakness and absent deep tendon reflexes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine displayed a hyperintensity lesion restricted to the central gray matter, preferentially affecting the ventral horns, which is reflected by his clinical features. This case contributes to mounting evidence that WNV can cause selective injury to the ventral gray matter of the spinal cord and demonstrates that WNV should be considered a unique causative agent in patients presenting with AFP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Creswell
- Neurology, California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, USA
| | - Cortney M Connor
- Neurology, California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, USA
| | - Raymond Ko
- Neurology, California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, USA
| | - Sally Tu
- Neurology, California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, USA
| | | | - Forshing Lui
- Clinical Sciences, California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, USA
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5
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Liu YG, Peng HR, Ren RW, Zhao P, Zhao LJ. CD11b maintains West Nile virus replication through modulation of immune response in human neuroblastoma cells. Virol J 2024; 21:158. [PMID: 39004752 PMCID: PMC11247799 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02427-6] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND West Nile virus (WNV) is a rapidly spreading mosquito-borne virus accounted for neuroinvasive diseases. An insight into WNV-host factors interaction is necessary for development of therapeutic approaches against WNV infection. CD11b has key biological functions and been identified as a therapeutic target for several human diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine whether CD11b was implicated in WNV infection. METHODS SH-SY5Y cells with and without MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 or AKT inhibitor MK-2206 treatment were infected with WNV. CD11b mRNA levels were assessed by real-time PCR. WNV replication and expression of stress (ATF6 and CHOP), pro-inflammatory (TNF-α), and antiviral (IFN-α, IFN-β, and IFN-γ) factors were evaluated in WNV-infected SH-SY5Y cells with CD11b siRNA transfection. Cell viability was determined by MTS assay. RESULTS CD11b mRNA expression was remarkably up-regulated by WNV in a time-dependent manner. U0126 but not MK-2206 treatment reduced the CD11b induction by WNV. CD11b knockdown significantly decreased WNV replication and protected the infected cells. CD11b knockdown markedly increased TNF-α, IFN-α, IFN-β, and IFN-γ mRNA expression induced by WNV. ATF6 mRNA expression was reduced upon CD11b knockdown following WNV infection. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that CD11b is involved in maintaining WNV replication and modulating inflammatory as well as antiviral immune response, highlighting the potential of CD11b as a target for therapeutics for WNV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Gang Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Biodefense, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiang-Yin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Hao-Ran Peng
- Department of Microbiology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Biodefense, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiang-Yin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Rui-Wen Ren
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Southern Theater Command, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Department of Microbiology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Biodefense, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiang-Yin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Lan-Juan Zhao
- Department of Microbiology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Biodefense, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiang-Yin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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6
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Naveed A, Eertink LG, Wang D, Li F. Lessons Learned from West Nile Virus Infection:Vaccinations in Equines and Their Implications for One Health Approaches. Viruses 2024; 16:781. [PMID: 38793662 PMCID: PMC11125849 DOI: 10.3390/v16050781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Humans and equines are two dead-end hosts of the mosquito-borne West Nile virus (WNV) with similar susceptibility and pathogenesis. Since the introduction of WNV vaccines into equine populations of the United States of America (USA) in late 2002, there have been only sporadic cases of WNV infection in equines. These cases are generally attributed to unvaccinated and under-vaccinated equines. In contrast, due to the lack of a human WNV vaccine, WNV cases in humans have remained steadily high. An average of 115 deaths have been reported per year in the USA since the first reported case in 1999. Therefore, the characterization of protective immune responses to WNV and the identification of immune correlates of protection in vaccinated equines will provide new fundamental information about the successful development and evaluation of WNV vaccines in humans. This review discusses the comparative epidemiology, transmission, susceptibility to infection and disease, clinical manifestation and pathogenesis, and immune responses of WNV in humans and equines. Furthermore, prophylactic and therapeutic strategies that are currently available and under development are described. In addition, the successful vaccination of equines against WNV and the potential lessons for human vaccine development are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Feng Li
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (A.N.); (L.G.E.); (D.W.)
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Underwood EC, Vera IM, Allen D, Alvior J, O’Driscoll M, Silbert S, Kim K, Barr KL. Seroprevalence of West Nile Virus in Tampa Bay Florida Patients Admitted to Hospital during 2020-2021 for Respiratory Symptoms. Viruses 2024; 16:719. [PMID: 38793601 PMCID: PMC11125834 DOI: 10.3390/v16050719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is an arbovirus spread primarily by Culex mosquitoes, with humans being a dead-end host. WNV was introduced to Florida in 2001, with 467 confirmed cases since. It is estimated that 80 percent of cases are asymptomatic, with mild cases presenting as a non-specific flu-like illness. Currently, detection of WNV in humans occurs primarily in healthcare settings via RT-PCR or CSF IgM when patients present with severe manifestations of disease including fever, meningitis, encephalitis, or acute flaccid paralysis. Given the short window of detectable viremia and requirement for CSF sampling, most WNV infections never receive an official diagnosis. This study utilized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect WNV IgG antibodies in 250 patient serum and plasma samples collected at Tampa General Hospital during 2020 and 2021. Plaque reduction neutralization tests were used to confirm ELISA results. Out of the 250 patients included in this study, 18.8% of them were IgG positive, consistent with previous WNV exposure. There was no relationship between WNV exposure and age or sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma C. Underwood
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Disease Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (E.C.U.)
| | - Iset M. Vera
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Dylan Allen
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Joshua Alvior
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | | | | | - Kami Kim
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Disease Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (E.C.U.)
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, FL 33606, USA
| | - Kelli L. Barr
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Disease Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (E.C.U.)
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Rohrhofer J, Hauser L, Lettenmaier L, Lutz L, Koidl L, Gentile SA, Ret D, Stingl M, Untersmayr E. Immunological Patient Stratification in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. J Clin Med 2024; 13:275. [PMID: 38202282 PMCID: PMC10779792 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010275] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex disease characterized by profound fatigue, post-exertional malaise (PEM), and neurocognitive dysfunction. Immune dysregulation and gastrointestinal symptoms are commonly observed in ME/CFS patients. Despite affecting approximately 0.89% of the general population, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between immunological characteristics and intestinal barrier function in ME/CFS patients. ME/CFS patients were stratified into two groups based on their immune competence. After documentation of detailed medical records, serum and plasma samples were collected for the assessment of inflammatory immune mediators and biomarkers for intestinal barrier integrity by ELISA. We found reduced complement protein C4a levels in immunodeficient ME/CFS patients suggesting a subgroup-specific innate immune dysregulation. ME/CFS patients without immunodeficiencies exhibit a mucosal barrier leakage, as indicated by elevated levels of Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP). Stratifying ME/CFS patients based on immune competence enabled the distinction of two subgroups with different pathophysiological patterns. The study highlights the importance of emphasizing precise patient stratification in ME/CFS, particularly in the context of defining suitable treatment strategies. Given the substantial health and socioeconomic burden associated with ME/CFS, urgent attention and research efforts are needed to define causative treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Rohrhofer
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (J.R.); (L.K.); (S.A.G.); (D.R.)
| | - Lisa Hauser
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (J.R.); (L.K.); (S.A.G.); (D.R.)
| | - Lisa Lettenmaier
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (J.R.); (L.K.); (S.A.G.); (D.R.)
| | - Lena Lutz
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (J.R.); (L.K.); (S.A.G.); (D.R.)
| | - Larissa Koidl
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (J.R.); (L.K.); (S.A.G.); (D.R.)
| | - Salvatore Alessio Gentile
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (J.R.); (L.K.); (S.A.G.); (D.R.)
| | - Davide Ret
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (J.R.); (L.K.); (S.A.G.); (D.R.)
- Division of Macromolecular Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Eva Untersmayr
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (J.R.); (L.K.); (S.A.G.); (D.R.)
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Reagin KL, Lee RL, Cocciolone L, Funk KE. Antigen non-specific CD8 + T cells accelerate cognitive decline in aged mice following respiratory coronavirus infection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.02.573675. [PMID: 38260669 PMCID: PMC10802364 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.02.573675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Primarily a respiratory infection, numerous patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 present with neurologic symptoms, some continuing long after viral clearance as a persistent symptomatic phase termed "long COVID". Advanced age increases the risk of severe disease, as well as incidence of long COVID. We hypothesized that perturbations in the aged immune response predispose elderly individuals to severe coronavirus infection and post-infectious sequelae. Using a murine model of respiratory coronavirus, mouse hepatitis virus strain A59 (MHV-A59), we found that aging increased clinical illness and lethality to MHV infection, with aged animals harboring increased virus in the brain during acute infection. This was coupled with an unexpected increase in activated CD8+ T cells within the brains of aged animals but reduced antigen specificity of those CD8+ T cells. Aged animals demonstrated spatial learning impairment following MHV infection, which correlated with increased neuronal cell death and reduced neuronal regeneration in aged hippocampus. Using primary cell culture, we demonstrated that activated CD8+ T cells induce neuronal death, independent of antigen-specificity. Specifically, higher levels of CD8+ T cell-derived IFN-γ correlated with neuronal death. These results support the evidence that CD8+ T cells in the brain directly contribute to cognitive dysfunction following coronavirus infection in aged individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie L. Reagin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
| | - Rae-Ling Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
| | - Loren Cocciolone
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
| | - Kristen E. Funk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
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10
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Tripathi S, Sengar S, Shree B, Mohapatra S, Basu A, Sharma V. An RBM10 and NF-κB interacting host lncRNA promotes JEV replication and neuronal cell death. J Virol 2023; 97:e0118323. [PMID: 37991381 PMCID: PMC10734533 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01183-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Central nervous system infection by flaviviruses such as Japanese encephalitis virus, Dengue virus, and West Nile virus results in neuroinflammation and neuronal damage. However, little is known about the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in flavivirus-induced neuroinflammation and neuronal cell death. Here, we characterized the role of a flavivirus-induced lncRNA named JINR1 during the infection of neuronal cells. Depletion of JINR1 during virus infection reduces viral replication and cell death. An increase in GRP78 expression by JINR1 is responsible for promoting virus replication. Flavivirus infection induces the expression of a cellular protein RBM10, which interacts with JINR1. RBM10 and JINR1 promote the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-κB activity, which is detrimental to cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shraddha Tripathi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Telangana, India
| | - Suryansh Sengar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Telangana, India
| | - Bakhya Shree
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Telangana, India
| | | | - Anirban Basu
- National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Haryana, India
| | - Vivek Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Telangana, India
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11
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Balakrishnan B, Arul SS, Ravindran A, Venkataraman S. Brain Virome in Neurodegenerative Disorders: Insights from Transcriptomic Data Analysis. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:3979-3985. [PMID: 37812144 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) are chronic ailments of the central nervous system that gradually deteriorate the structures and functions of neurons. The etiologies of NDs include genetic factors, aging, infections, starvation, brain trauma, and spinal cord injury, among others. However, it is unclear whether viral infections impact the prognosis of NDs or contribute to their development. Hence, we investigated the prevalence of neurotropic viruses in brain samples by using transcriptomic data. A total of 1635 viral isolates with complete genomic information was used to investigate the incidence of 18 distinct viruses across 129 data sets from healthy and ND subjects. Our findings support the evidence pointing to the existence of a brain virome where certain viruses co-occur. We further hypothesize that distinct virome profiles are linked to different forms of NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aarti Ravindran
- Department of Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai 600025, India
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12
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Li Y, Li YJ, Zhu ZQ. To re-examine the intersection of microglial activation and neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases from the perspective of pyroptosis. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1284214. [PMID: 38020781 PMCID: PMC10665880 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1284214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and motor neuron disease, are diseases characterized by neuronal damage and dysfunction. NDs are considered to be a multifactorial disease with diverse etiologies (immune, inflammatory, aging, genetic, etc.) and complex pathophysiological processes. Previous studies have found that neuroinflammation and typical microglial activation are important mechanisms of NDs, leading to neurological dysfunction and disease progression. Pyroptosis is a new mode involved in this process. As a form of programmed cell death, pyroptosis is characterized by the expansion of cells until the cell membrane bursts, resulting in the release of cell contents that activates a strong inflammatory response that promotes NDs by accelerating neuronal dysfunction and abnormal microglial activation. In this case, abnormally activated microglia release various pro-inflammatory factors, leading to the occurrence of neuroinflammation and exacerbating both microglial and neuronal pyroptosis, thus forming a vicious cycle. The recognition of the association between pyroptosis and microglia activation, as well as neuroinflammation, is of significant importance in understanding the pathogenesis of NDs and providing new targets and strategies for their prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- College of Anesthesiology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Ying-Jie Li
- Department of General Surgery, Mianyang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Mianyang, China
| | - Zhao-Qiong Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
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13
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Mikhaiel JP, Mckenzie A, Saab L, Zubair AS. A Case of West Nile Encephalitis: Neuroimaging Findings and Clinico-Radiological Mismatch. Cureus 2023; 15:e49727. [PMID: 38161903 PMCID: PMC10757579 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
West Nile Virus, an arthropod-borne RNA virus, may result in severe neurological disease. West Nile neuroinvasive disease is characterized by meningitis, encephalitis, and possible acute flaccid paralysis. Classically, signal intensity abnormalities on T2-weighted magnetic resonance images are associated with poor outcomes. Herein, we present a case of previous West Nile encephalitis with diffuse leukoencephalopathy on imaging that demonstrates a favorable clinical outcome with limited neurologic sequelae. A 53-year-old male presented to the hospital with one month of headaches, dizziness, generalized weakness, and a seizure. His initial neurologic exam was notable for wide-based gait and imbalance. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain demonstrated diffuse bilateral white matter signal hyperintensities without contrast enhancement, suggestive of leukoencephalopathy. His lumbar puncture revealed lymphocytic pleocytosis and infectious studies demonstrated positive West Nile Virus immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum with negative immunoglobulin M (IgM) in both CSF and serum, suggestive of previous infection. A diagnosis of sequelae of West Nile neuroinvasive disease was made. He was started on anti-seizure medications without further seizures. At his subsequent nine-month follow-up visit, he remained asymptomatic without weakness, headaches, or confusion. Repeat MRI demonstrated interval improvement of white matter signal change. This case report highlights that West Nile neuroinvasive disease may present with profound white matter changes on MRI with limited clinical symptoms and long-term neurologic sequelae. Further research is needed to identify imaging correlation with symptom severity in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lea Saab
- Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
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14
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Chandwani MN, Kamte YS, Singh VR, Hemerson ME, Michaels AC, Leak RK, O'Donnell LA. The anti-viral immune response of the adult host robustly modulates neural stem cell activity in spatial, temporal, and sex-specific manners. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 114:61-77. [PMID: 37516388 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses induce a wide range of neurological sequelae through the dysfunction and death of infected cells and persistent inflammation in the brain. Neural stem cells (NSCs) are often disturbed during viral infections. Although some viruses directly infect and kill NSCs, the antiviral immune response may also indirectly affect NSCs. To better understand how NSCs are influenced by a productive immune response, where the virus is successfully resolved and the host survives, we used the CD46+ mouse model of neuron-restricted measles virus (MeV) infection. As NSCs are spared from direct infection in this model, they serve as bystanders to the antiviral immune response initiated by selective infection of mature neurons. MeV-infected mice showed distinct regional and temporal changes in NSCs in the primary neurogenic niches of the brain, the hippocampus and subventricular zone (SVZ). Hippocampal NSCs increased throughout the infection (7 and 60 days post-infection; dpi), while mature neurons transiently declined at 7 dpi and then rebounded to basal levels by 60 dpi. In the SVZ, NSC numbers were unchanged, but mature neurons declined even after the infection was controlled at 60 dpi. Further analyses demonstrated sex, temporal, and region-specific changes in NSC proliferation and neurogenesis throughout the infection. A relatively long-term increase in NSC proliferation and neurogenesis was observed in the hippocampus; however, neurogenesis was reduced in the SVZ. This decline in SVZ neurogenesis was associated with increased immature neurons in the olfactory bulb in female, but not male mice, suggesting potential migration of newly-made neurons out of the female SVZ. These sex differences in SVZ neurogenesis were accompanied by higher infiltration of B cells and greater expression of interferon-gamma and interleukin-6 in female mice. Learning, memory, and olfaction tests revealed no overt behavioral changes after the acute infection subsided. These results indicate that antiviral immunity modulates NSC activity in adult mice without inducing gross behavioral deficits among those tested, suggestive of mechanisms to restore neurons and maintain adaptive behavior, but also revealing the potential for robust NSC disruption in subclinical infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha N Chandwani
- Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yashika S Kamte
- Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Vivek R Singh
- Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Marlo E Hemerson
- Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alexa C Michaels
- Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rehana K Leak
- Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lauren A O'Donnell
- Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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15
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Steiner JP, Bachani M, Malik N, Li W, Tyagi R, Sampson K, Abrams RPM, Kousa Y, Solis J, Johnson TP, Nath A. Neurotoxic properties of the Zika virus envelope protein. Exp Neurol 2023; 367:114469. [PMID: 37327963 PMCID: PMC10527427 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114469] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is a serious global concern as it can lead to brain injury and many serious birth defects, collectively known as congenital Zika syndrome. Brain injury likely results from viral mediated toxicity in neural progenitor cells. Additionally, postnatal ZIKV infections have been linked to neurological complications, yet the mechanisms driving these manifestations are not well understood. Existing data suggest that the ZIKV envelope protein can persist in the central nervous system for extended periods of time, but it is unknown if this protein can independently contribute to neuronal toxicity. Here we find that the ZIKV envelope protein is neurotoxic, leading to overexpression of poly adenosine diphosphate -ribose polymerase 1, which can induce parthanatos. Together, these data suggest that neuronal toxicity resulting from the envelope protein may contribute to the pathogenesis of post-natal ZIKV-related neurologic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P Steiner
- Translational Neuroscience Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Muznabanu Bachani
- Translational Neuroscience Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Nasir Malik
- Translational Neuroscience Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Wenxue Li
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Richa Tyagi
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Kevon Sampson
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Rachel P M Abrams
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Youssef Kousa
- Division of Neurology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC 20010, USA; Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Jamie Solis
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Tory P Johnson
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Avindra Nath
- Translational Neuroscience Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America; Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America.
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16
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Benzarti E, Murray KO, Ronca SE. Interleukins, Chemokines, and Tumor Necrosis Factor Superfamily Ligands in the Pathogenesis of West Nile Virus Infection. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030806. [PMID: 36992514 PMCID: PMC10053297 DOI: 10.3390/v15030806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne pathogen that can lead to encephalitis and death in susceptible hosts. Cytokines play a critical role in inflammation and immunity in response to WNV infection. Murine models provide evidence that some cytokines offer protection against acute WNV infection and assist with viral clearance, while others play a multifaceted role WNV neuropathogenesis and immune-mediated tissue damage. This article aims to provide an up-to-date review of cytokine expression patterns in human and experimental animal models of WNV infections. Here, we outline the interleukins, chemokines, and tumor necrosis factor superfamily ligands associated with WNV infection and pathogenesis and describe the complex roles they play in mediating both protection and pathology of the central nervous system during or after virus clearance. By understanding of the role of these cytokines during WNV neuroinvasive infection, we can develop treatment options aimed at modulating these immune molecules in order to reduce neuroinflammation and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emna Benzarti
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- William T. Shearer Center for Human Immunobiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kristy O Murray
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- William T. Shearer Center for Human Immunobiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shannon E Ronca
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- William T. Shearer Center for Human Immunobiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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17
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How viral infections cause neuronal dysfunction: a focus on the role of microglia and astrocytes. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:259-274. [PMID: 36606670 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, a number of infectious viruses have emerged from wildlife or reemerged that pose a serious threat to global health and economies worldwide. Although many of these viruses have a specific target tissue, neurotropic viruses have evolved mechanisms to exploit weaknesses in immune defenses that eventually allow them to reach and infect cells of the central nervous system (CNS). Once in the CNS, these viruses can cause severe neuronal damage, sometimes with long-lasting, life-threatening consequences. Remarkably, the ability to enter the CNS and cause neuronal infection does not appear to determine whether a viral strain causes neurological complications. The cellular mechanisms underlying the neurological consequences of viral infection are not fully understood, but they involve neuroimmune interactions that have so far focused mainly on microglia. As the major immune cells in the brain, reactive microglia play a central role in neuroinflammation by responding directly or indirectly to viruses. Chronic reactivity of microglia leads to functions that are distinct from their beneficial roles under physiological conditions and may result in neuronal damage that contributes to the pathogenesis of various neurological diseases. However, there is increasing evidence that reactive astrocytes also play an important role in the response to viruses. In this review article, we summarize the recent contributions of microglia and astrocytes to the neurological impairments caused by viral infections. By expanding knowledge in this area, therapeutic approaches targeting immunological pathways may reduce the incidence of neurological and neurodegenerative disorders and increase the therapeutic window for neural protection.
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18
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Powassan Virus Induces Structural Changes in Human Neuronal Cells In Vitro and Murine Neurons In Vivo. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101218. [PMID: 36297275 PMCID: PMC9609669 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101218] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Powassan virus (POWV) is a tick-borne flavivirus (TBFV) that can cause severe encephalitis in humans with a case-fatality rate as high as 11%. Patients who survive severe encephalitic disease can develop long-term neurological sequelae that can be debilitating and life-long. In this study, we have sought to characterize a primary human fetal brain neural stem cell system (hNSC), which can be differentiated into neuron and astrocyte co-cultures, to serve as a translational in vitro system for infection with POWV and a comparative mosquito-borne flavivirus (MBFV), West Nile virus (WNV). We found that both viruses are able to infect both cell types in the co-culture and that WNV elicits a strong inflammatory response characterized by increased cytokines IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and IL-1β and activation of apoptosis pathways. POWV infection resulted in fewer cytokine responses, as well as less detectable apoptosis, while neurons infected with POWV exhibited structural aberrations forming in the dendrites. These anomalies are consistent with previous findings in which tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) infected murine primary neurons formed laminal membrane structures (LMS). Furthermore, these structural aberrations are also recapitulated in brain tissue from infected mice. Our findings indicate that POWV is capable of infecting human primary neurons and astrocytes without causing apparent widespread apoptosis, while forming punctate structures reminiscent with LMS in primary human neurons and in vivo.
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19
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Bui B, Byun J, Jacobs J, Liu AK. Multiple Sclerosis in a Patient With Prior West Nile Encephalitis. Cureus 2022; 14:e28935. [PMID: 36105902 PMCID: PMC9454377 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.28935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by an inflammatory demyelination of the central nervous system. The degenerative disease has been linked to numerous viral infections, geographical locations, and genetic predisposition. One link that has not been fully established is the relationship between West Nile virus infection and its role in the initiation of multiple sclerosis. This case study provides further evidence that the proinflammatory neurological processes induced by the West Nile virus may lead to systemic demyelination of neuronal axons, ultimately causing multiple sclerosis.
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20
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Bohmwald K, Andrade CA, Gálvez NMS, Mora VP, Muñoz JT, Kalergis AM. The Causes and Long-Term Consequences of Viral Encephalitis. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:755875. [PMID: 34916908 PMCID: PMC8668867 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.755875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Reports regarding brain inflammation, known as encephalitis, have shown an increasing frequency during the past years. Encephalitis is a relevant concern to public health due to its high morbidity and mortality. Infectious or autoimmune diseases are the most common cause of encephalitis. The clinical symptoms of this pathology can vary depending on the brain zone affected, with mild ones such as fever, headache, confusion, and stiff neck, or severe ones, such as seizures, weakness, hallucinations, and coma, among others. Encephalitis can affect individuals of all ages, but it is frequently observed in pediatric and elderly populations, and the most common causes are viral infections. Several viral agents have been described to induce encephalitis, such as arboviruses, rhabdoviruses, enteroviruses, herpesviruses, retroviruses, orthomyxoviruses, orthopneumovirus, and coronaviruses, among others. Once a neurotropic virus reaches the brain parenchyma, the resident cells such as neurons, astrocytes, and microglia, can be infected, promoting the secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules and the subsequent immune cell infiltration that leads to brain damage. After resolving the viral infection, the local immune response can remain active, contributing to long-term neuropsychiatric disorders, neurocognitive impairment, and degenerative diseases. In this article, we will discuss how viruses can reach the brain, the impact of viral encephalitis on brain function, and we will focus especially on the neurocognitive sequelae reported even after viral clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Bohmwald
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Catalina A Andrade
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nicolás M S Gálvez
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Valentina P Mora
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - José T Muñoz
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexis M Kalergis
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Endocrinología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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21
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Almeida GM, Souza JP, Mendes ND, Pontelli MC, Pinheiro NR, Nogueira GO, Cardoso RS, Paiva IM, Ferrari GD, Veras FP, Cunha FQ, Horta-Junior JAC, Alberici LC, Cunha TM, Podolsky-Gondim GG, Neder L, Arruda E, Sebollela A. Neural Infection by Oropouche Virus in Adult Human Brain Slices Induces an Inflammatory and Toxic Response. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:674576. [PMID: 34887719 PMCID: PMC8651276 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.674576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Oropouche virus (OROV) is an emerging arbovirus in South and Central Americas with high spreading potential. OROV infection has been associated with neurological complications and OROV genomic RNA has been detected in cerebrospinal fluid from patients, suggesting its neuroinvasive potential. Motivated by these findings, neurotropism and neuropathogenesis of OROV have been investigated in vivo in murine models, which do not fully recapitulate the complexity of the human brain. Here we have used slice cultures from adult human brains to investigate whether OROV is capable of infecting mature human neural cells in a context of preserved neural connections and brain cytoarchitecture. Our results demonstrate that human neural cells can be infected ex vivo by OROV and support the production of infectious viral particles. Moreover, OROV infection led to the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and diminished cell viability 48 h post-infection, indicating that OROV triggers an inflammatory response and tissue damage. Although OROV-positive neurons were observed, microglia were the most abundant central nervous system (CNS) cell type infected by OROV, suggesting that they play an important role in the response to CNS infection by OROV in the adult human brain. Importantly, we found no OROV-infected astrocytes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first direct demonstration of OROV infection in human brain cells. Combined with previous data from murine models and case reports of OROV genome detection in cerebrospinal fluid from patients, our data shed light on OROV neuropathogenesis and help raising awareness about acute and possibly chronic consequences of OROV infection in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glaucia M. Almeida
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Center for Virus Research, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Juliano P. Souza
- Center for Virus Research, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Niele D. Mendes
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Marjorie C. Pontelli
- Center for Virus Research, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Nathalia R. Pinheiro
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Giovanna O. Nogueira
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Ricardo S. Cardoso
- Center for Virus Research, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Isadora M. Paiva
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases (CRID), Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Gustavo D. Ferrari
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Flávio P. Veras
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases (CRID), Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Fernando Q. Cunha
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases (CRID), Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Jose A. C. Horta-Junior
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology (Anatomy), Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Luciane C. Alberici
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Thiago M. Cunha
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases (CRID), Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Guilherme G. Podolsky-Gondim
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Clinics Hospital, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Luciano Neder
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Eurico Arruda
- Center for Virus Research, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Adriano Sebollela
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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22
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Clark IA. Background to new treatments for COVID-19, including its chronicity, through altering elements of the cytokine storm. Rev Med Virol 2021; 31:1-13. [PMID: 33580566 PMCID: PMC7883210 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) biologicals, Dexamethasone and rIL-7 are of considerable interest in treating COVID-19 patients who are in danger of, or have become, seriously ill. Yet reducing sepsis mortality by lowering circulating levels of TNF lost favour when positive endpoints in earlier simplistic models could not be reproduced in well-conducted human trials. Newer information with anti-TNF biologicals has encouraged reintroducing this concept for treating COVID-19. Viral models have had encouraging outcomes, as have the effects of anti-TNF biologicals on community-acquired COVID-19 during their long-term use to treat chronic inflammatory states. The positive outcome of a large scale trial of dexamethasone, and its higher potency late in the disease, harmonises well with its capacity to enhance levels of IL-7Rα, the receptor for IL-7, a cytokine that enhances lymphocyte development and is increased during the cytokine storm. Lymphoid germinal centres required for antibody-based immunity can be harmed by TNF, and restored by reducing TNF. Thus the IL-7- enhancing activity of dexamethasone may explain its higher potency when lymphocytes are depleted later in the infection, while employing anti-TNF, for several reasons, is much more logical earlier in the infection. This implies dexamethasone could prove to be synergistic with rIL-7, currently being trialed as a COVID-19 therapeutic. The principles behind these COVID-19 therapies are consistent with the observed chronic hypoxia through reduced mitochondrial function, and also the increased severity of this disease in ApoE4-positive individuals. Many of the debilitating persistent aspects of this disease are predictably susceptible to treatment with perispinal etanercept, since they have cerebral origins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian A. Clark
- Research School of BiologyAustralian National UniversityCanberraAustralia
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23
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Hirschenberger M, Hunszinger V, Sparrer KMJ. Implications of Innate Immunity in Post-Acute Sequelae of Non-Persistent Viral Infections. Cells 2021; 10:2134. [PMID: 34440903 PMCID: PMC8391718 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-persistent viruses classically cause transient, acute infections triggering immune responses aimed at the elimination of the pathogen. Successful viruses evolved strategies to manipulate and evade these anti-viral defenses. Symptoms during the acute phase are often linked to dysregulated immune responses that disappear once the patient recovers. In some patients, however, symptoms persist or new symptoms emerge beyond the acute phase. Conditions resulting from previous transient infection are termed post-acute sequelae (PAS) and were reported for a wide range of non-persistent viruses such as rota-, influenza- or polioviruses. Here we provide an overview of non-persistent viral pathogens reported to be associated with diverse PAS, among them chronic fatigue, auto-immune disorders, or neurological complications and highlight known mechanistic details. Recently, the emergence of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or long COVID highlighted the impact of PAS. Notably, PAS of non-persistent infections often resemble symptoms of persistent viral infections, defined by chronic inflammation. Inflammation maintained after the acute phase may be a key driver of PAS of non-persistent viruses. Therefore, we explore current insights into aberrant activation of innate immune signaling pathways in the post-acute phase of non-persistent viruses. Finally, conclusions are drawn and future perspectives for treatment and prevention of PAS are discussed.
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24
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Abstract
The recent emergence of a new coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‑2, SARS-CoV-2) that is transmitted efficiently among humans and can result in serious disease and/or death has become a global threat to public health and economy. In this article, we describe some of the most important characteristics of this new virus (including gaps in our understanding) and provide a perspective of ongoing activities for developing virus-specific countermeasures, such as vaccines and antiviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz X Heinz
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Karin Stiasny
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria
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