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Kang T, Moore EC, Kopania EEK, King CD, Schilling B, Campisi J, Good JM, Brem RB. A natural variation-based screen in mouse cells reveals USF2 as a regulator of the DNA damage response and cellular senescence. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2023; 13:jkad091. [PMID: 37097016 PMCID: PMC10320765 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkad091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Cellular senescence is a program of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis resistance, and cytokine release induced by stress exposure in metazoan cells. Landmark studies in laboratory mice have characterized a number of master senescence regulators, including p16INK4a, p21, NF-κB, p53, and C/EBPβ. To discover other molecular players in senescence, we developed a screening approach to harness the evolutionary divergence between mouse species. We found that primary cells from the Mediterranean mouse Mus spretus, when treated with DNA damage to induce senescence, produced less cytokine and had less-active lysosomes than cells from laboratory Mus musculus. We used allele-specific expression profiling to catalog senescence-dependent cis-regulatory variation between the species at thousands of genes. We then tested for correlation between these expression changes and interspecies sequence variants in the binding sites of transcription factors. Among the emergent candidate senescence regulators, we chose a little-studied cell cycle factor, upstream stimulatory factor 2 (USF2), for molecular validation. In acute irradiation experiments, cells lacking USF2 had compromised DNA damage repair and response. Longer-term senescent cultures without USF2 mounted an exaggerated senescence regulatory program-shutting down cell cycle and DNA repair pathways, and turning up cytokine expression, more avidly than wild-type. We interpret these findings under a model of pro-repair, anti-senescence regulatory function by USF2. Our study affords new insights into the mechanisms by which cells commit to senescence, and serves as a validated proof of concept for natural variation-based regulator screens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taekyu Kang
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA 94945, USA
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Emily C Moore
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - Emily E K Kopania
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | | | | | - Judith Campisi
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA 94945, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Good
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - Rachel B Brem
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA 94945, USA
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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2
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Nam H, Kim B, Gautam A, Kim YY, Park ES, Lee JS, Kwon HJ, Seong JK, Suh JG. Elucidating the characteristics of Mx1 and resistance to influenza A virus subtype H1N1 in the newly developed KWM/Hym mice. Lab Anim Res 2022; 38:28. [PMID: 36076303 PMCID: PMC9454180 DOI: 10.1186/s42826-022-00138-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Inbred mice have several advantages, including genetic similarity to humans, a well-established gene manipulation system, and strong tolerance to inbreeding. However, inbred mice derived from a limited genetic pool have a small genetic diversity. Thus, the development of new inbred strains from wild mice is needed to overcome this limitation. Hence, in this study, we used a new strain of inbred mice called KWM/Hym. We sequenced the Mx1 gene to elucidate the genetic diversities of KWM/Hym mice and observed the biological alterations of the Mx1 protein upon influenza A infection. Results The Mx1 gene in KWM/Hym mice had 2, 4, and 38 nucleotide substitutions compared to those in the Mx1 gene in A2G, CAST/EiJ, and Mus spretus mice, respectively. Moreover, the Mx1 protein in KWM/Hym mice had 2 and 25 amino acid substitutions compared to those in the Mx1 protein in CAST/EiJ and M. spretus mice, respectively. To elucidate the function of the Mx1 protein, we inoculated the influenza A virus (A/WSN/1933) in KWM/Hym mice. Nine days after infection, all infected KWM/Hym mice survived without any weight loss. Four days after infection, the lungs of the infected KWM/Hym mice showed mild alveolitis and loss of bronchiolar epithelium; however, the pulmonary viral titers of the infected KWM/Hym mice were significantly lower than that in the infected BALB/c mice (2.17 × plaque-forming units mL−1). Conclusions Our results demonstrate that the KWM/Hym mice are resistant to influenza A virus infection. Further, these mice can be used as a model organism to understand the mechanism of influenza A virus susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajin Nam
- Department of Medical Genetics, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, Korea
| | - Boyoung Kim
- Department of Medical Genetics, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, Korea
| | - Avishekh Gautam
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, Korea
| | - Yoo Yeon Kim
- Department of Medical Genetics, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, Korea
| | - Eun Sun Park
- Department of Medical Genetics, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, Korea
| | - Jong Sun Lee
- Department of Medical Genetics, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, Korea
| | - Hyung-Joo Kwon
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, Korea.,Center for Medical Science, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, Korea
| | - Je Kyung Seong
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology and Genomics, College of Veterinary Medicine, and Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Jun Gyo Suh
- Department of Medical Genetics, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, Korea. .,Center for Medical Science, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, Korea.
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Nguyen TQ, Rollon R, Choi YK. Animal Models for Influenza Research: Strengths and Weaknesses. Viruses 2021; 13:1011. [PMID: 34071367 PMCID: PMC8228315 DOI: 10.3390/v13061011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza remains one of the most significant public health threats due to its ability to cause high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although understanding of influenza viruses has greatly increased in recent years, shortcomings remain. Additionally, the continuous mutation of influenza viruses through genetic reassortment and selection of variants that escape host immune responses can render current influenza vaccines ineffective at controlling seasonal epidemics and potential pandemics. Thus, there is a knowledge gap in the understanding of influenza viruses and a corresponding need to develop novel universal vaccines and therapeutic treatments. Investigation of viral pathogenesis, transmission mechanisms, and efficacy of influenza vaccine candidates requires animal models that can recapitulate the disease. Furthermore, the choice of animal model for each research question is crucial in order for researchers to acquire a better knowledge of influenza viruses. Herein, we reviewed the advantages and limitations of each animal model-including mice, ferrets, guinea pigs, swine, felines, canines, and non-human primates-for elucidating influenza viral pathogenesis and transmission and for evaluating therapeutic agents and vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi-Quyen Nguyen
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (T.-Q.N.); (R.R.)
| | - Rare Rollon
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (T.-Q.N.); (R.R.)
| | - Young-Ki Choi
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (T.-Q.N.); (R.R.)
- Zoonotic Infectious Diseases Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
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4
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Haller O, Kochs G. Mx genes: host determinants controlling influenza virus infection and trans-species transmission. Hum Genet 2019; 139:695-705. [PMID: 31773252 PMCID: PMC7087808 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-019-02092-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The human MxA protein, encoded by the interferon-inducible MX1 gene, is an intracellular influenza A virus (IAV) restriction factor. It can protect transgenic mice from severe IAV-induced disease, indicating a key role of human MxA for host survival and suggesting that natural variations in MX1 may account for inter-individual differences in disease severity among humans. MxA also provides a robust barrier against zoonotic transmissions of avian and swine IAV strains. Therefore, zoonotic IAV must acquire MxA escape mutations to achieve sustained human-to-human transmission. Here, we discuss recent progress in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otto Haller
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. .,Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Georg Kochs
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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5
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Mouse Models Reveal Role of T-Cytotoxic and T-Reg Cells in Immune Response to Influenza: Implications for Vaccine Design. Viruses 2019; 11:v11010052. [PMID: 30641955 PMCID: PMC6356589 DOI: 10.3390/v11010052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunopathologic examination of the lungs of mouse models of experimental influenza virus infection provides new insights into the immune response in this disease. First, there is rapidly developing perivascular and peribronchial infiltration of the lung with T-cells. This is followed by invasion of T-cells into the bronchiolar epithelium, and separation of epithelial cells from each other and from the basement membrane leading to defoliation of the bronchial epithelium. The intraepithelial reaction may involve either CD8 or CD4 T-cytotoxic cells and is analogous to a viral exanthema of the skin, such as measles and smallpox, which occur when the immune response against these infections is activated and the infected cells are attacked by T-cytotoxic cells. Then there is formation of B-cell follicles adjacent to bronchi, i.e., induced bronchial associated lymphoid tissue (iBALT). iBALT reacts like the cortex of a lymph node and is a site for a local immune response not only to the original viral infection, but also related viral infections (heterologous immunity). Proliferation of Type II pneumocytes and/or terminal bronchial epithelial cells may extend into the adjacent lung leading to large zones filled with tumor-like epithelial cells. The effective killing of influenza virus infected epithelial cells by T-cytotoxic cells and induction of iBALT suggests that adding the induction of these components might greatly increase the efficacy of influenza vaccination.
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6
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McGee CE, Sample CJ, Kilburg-Basnyat B, Gabor KA, Fessler MB, Gowdy KM. Influenza-Mediated Lung Infection Models. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1960:191-205. [PMID: 30798533 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9167-9_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory rodent influenza infection models have been and continue to be a critical tool for understanding virus-host interactions during infection. The incidence of seasonal influenza infections coupled with the need for novel therapeutics and universal vaccines highlights the need to uncover novel mechanisms of pathogenesis and protection. Mouse models are extremely useful for the evaluation of influenza vaccines and provide an invaluable tool to probe the immune response. This chapter describes the technique of intranasal inoculation of male C57BL/6J mice with an H1N1 strain of influenza (A/Puerto Rico/8/1934) and methods for assessing the optimum dose for infection, viral titers in lung tissue, and severity of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles E McGee
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Brita Kilburg-Basnyat
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Kristin A Gabor
- Immunity, Inflammation, and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Michael B Fessler
- Immunity, Inflammation, and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Kymberly M Gowdy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA.
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7
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Wilk E, Pandey AK, Leist SR, Hatesuer B, Preusse M, Pommerenke C, Wang J, Schughart K. RNAseq expression analysis of resistant and susceptible mice after influenza A virus infection identifies novel genes associated with virus replication and important for host resistance to infection. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:655. [PMID: 26329040 PMCID: PMC4557482 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1867-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The host response to influenza A infections is strongly influenced by host genetic factors. Animal models of genetically diverse mouse strains are well suited to identify host genes involved in severe pathology, viral replication and immune responses. Here, we have utilized a dual RNAseq approach that allowed us to investigate both viral and host gene expression in the same individual mouse after H1N1 infection. Results We performed a detailed expression analysis to identify (i) correlations between changes in expression of host and virus genes, (ii) host genes involved in viral replication, and (iii) genes showing differential expression between two mouse strains that strongly differ in resistance to influenza infections. These genes may be key players involved in regulating the differences in pathogenesis and host defense mechanisms after influenza A infections. Expression levels of influenza segments correlated well with the viral load and may thus be used as surrogates for conventional viral load measurements. Furthermore, we investigated the functional role of two genes, Reg3g and Irf7, in knock-out mice and found that deletion of the Irf7 gene renders the host highly susceptible to H1N1 infection. Conclusions Using RNAseq analysis we identified novel genes important for viral replication or the host defense. This study adds further important knowledge to host-pathogen-interactions and suggests additional candidates that are crucial for host susceptibility or survival during influenza A infections. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1867-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Wilk
- Department of Infection Genetics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Ashutosh K Pandey
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, Center for Integrative and Translational Genomics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 855 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Sarah Rebecca Leist
- Department of Infection Genetics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Bastian Hatesuer
- Department of Infection Genetics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Matthias Preusse
- Institute for Experimental Infection Research, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Molecular Bacteriology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Claudia Pommerenke
- Leibniz-Institut DSMZ-Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH, Inhoffenstr. 7B, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Junxi Wang
- Bioinformatics and Statistics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Klaus Schughart
- Department of Infection Genetics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany. .,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, USA.
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8
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Functional Comparison of Mx1 from Two Different Mouse Species Reveals the Involvement of Loop L4 in the Antiviral Activity against Influenza A Viruses. J Virol 2015; 89:10879-90. [PMID: 26292322 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01744-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The interferon-induced Mx1 gene is an important part of the mammalian defense against influenza viruses. Mus musculus Mx1 inhibits influenza A virus replication and transcription by suppressing the polymerase activity of viral ribonucleoproteins (vRNPs). Here, we compared the anti-influenza virus activity of Mx1 from Mus musculus A2G with that of its ortholog from Mus spretus. We found that the antiviral activity of M. spretus Mx1 was less potent than that of M. musculus Mx1. Comparison of the M. musculus Mx1 sequence with the M. spretus Mx1 sequence revealed 25 amino acid differences, over half of which were present in the GTPase domain and 2 of which were present in loop L4. However, the in vitro GTPase activity of Mx1 from the two mouse species was similar. Replacement of one of the residues in loop L4 in M. spretus Mx1 by the corresponding residue of A2G Mx1 increased its antiviral activity. We also show that deletion of loop L4 prevented the binding of Mx1 to influenza A virus nucleoprotein and, hence, abolished the antiviral activity of mouse Mx1. These results indicate that loop L4 of mouse Mx1 is a determinant of antiviral activity. Our findings suggest that Mx proteins from different mammals use a common mechanism to inhibit influenza A viruses. IMPORTANCE Mx proteins are evolutionarily conserved in vertebrates and inhibit a wide range of viruses. Still, the exact details of their antiviral mechanisms remain largely unknown. Functional comparison of the Mx genes from two species that diverged relatively recently in evolution can provide novel insights into these mechanisms. We show that both Mus musculus A2G Mx1 and Mus spretus Mx1 target the influenza virus nucleoprotein. We also found that loop L4 in mouse Mx1 is crucial for its antiviral activity, as was recently reported for primate MxA. This indicates that human and mouse Mx proteins, which have diverged by 75 million years of evolution, recognize and inhibit influenza A viruses by a common mechanism.
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9
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Protection from Severe Influenza Virus Infections in Mice Carrying the Mx1 Influenza Virus Resistance Gene Strongly Depends on Genetic Background. J Virol 2015. [PMID: 26202236 PMCID: PMC4577889 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01305-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza virus infections represent a serious threat to human health. Both extrinsic and intrinsic factors determine the severity of influenza. The MX dynamin-like GTPase 1 (Mx1) gene has been shown to confer strong resistance to influenza A virus infections in mice. Most laboratory mouse strains, including C57BL/6J, carry nonsense or deletion mutations in Mx1 and thus a nonfunctional allele, whereas wild-derived mouse strains carry a wild-type Mx1 allele. Congenic C57BL/6J (B6-Mx1r/r) mice expressing a wild-type allele from the A2G mouse strain are highly resistant to influenza A virus infections, to both mono- and polybasic subtypes. Furthermore, in genetic mapping studies, Mx1 was identified as the major locus of resistance to influenza virus infections. Here, we investigated whether the Mx1 protective function is influenced by the genetic background. For this, we generated a congenic mouse strain carrying the A2G wild-type Mx1 resistance allele on a DBA/2J background (D2-Mx1r/r). Most remarkably, congenic D2-Mx1r/r mice expressing a functional Mx1 wild-type allele are still highly susceptible to H1N1 virus. However, pretreatment of D2-Mx1r/r mice with alpha interferon protected them from lethal infections. Our results showed, for the first time, that the presence of an Mx1 wild-type allele from A2G as such does not fully protect mice from lethal influenza A virus infections. These observations are also highly relevant for susceptibility to influenza virus infections in humans.
IMPORTANCE Influenza A virus represents a major health threat to humans. Seasonal influenza epidemics cause high economic loss, morbidity, and deaths each year. Genetic factors of the host strongly influence susceptibility and resistance to virus infections. The Mx1 (MX dynamin-like GTPase 1) gene has been described as a major resistance gene in mice and humans. Most inbred laboratory mouse strains are deficient in Mx1, but congenic B6-Mx1r/r mice that carry the wild-type Mx1 gene from the A2G mouse strain are highly resistant. Here, we show that, very unexpectedly, congenic D2-Mx1r/r mice carrying the wild-type Mx1 gene from the A2G strain are not fully protected against lethal influenza virus infections. These observations demonstrate that the genetic background is very important for the protective function of the Mx1 resistance gene. Our results are also highly relevant for understanding genetic susceptibility to influenza virus infections in humans.
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Moon HJ, Lee JS, Choi YK, Park JY, Talactac MR, Chowdhury MY, Poo H, Sung MH, Lee JH, Jung JU, Kim CJ. Induction of type I interferon by high-molecular poly-γ-glutamate protects B6.A2G-Mx1 mice against influenza A virus. Antiviral Res 2012; 94:98-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2012.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2011] [Revised: 02/17/2012] [Accepted: 02/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Immunogenetic factors associated with severe respiratory illness caused by zoonotic H1N1 and H5N1 influenza viruses. Clin Dev Immunol 2011; 2012:797180. [PMID: 22110538 PMCID: PMC3216312 DOI: 10.1155/2012/797180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2011] [Accepted: 09/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Following the 2009 H1N1 pandemic and ongoing sporadic avian-to-human transmission of H5N1 viruses, an emphasis has been placed on better understanding the determinants and pathogenesis of severe influenza infections. Much of the current literature has focused on viral genetics and its impact on host immunity as well as novel risk factors for severe infection (particularly within the H1N1 pandemic). An understanding of the host genetic determinants of susceptibility and severe respiratory illness, however, is currently lacking. By better defining the role of genetic variability in influenza infection and identifying key polymorphisms that impair the host immune response or correlate with protection, we will be able to better identify at-risk populations and new targets for therapeutic interventions and vaccines. This paper will summarize known immunogenetic factors associated with susceptibility or severity of both pH1N1 and H5N1 infections and will also identify genetic pathways and polymorphisms of high relevance for future study.
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12
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Host genetic variation affects resistance to infection with a highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza A virus in mice. J Virol 2009; 83:10417-26. [PMID: 19706712 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00514-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the prevalence of H5N1 influenza viruses in global avian populations, comparatively few cases have been diagnosed in humans. Although viral factors almost certainly play a role in limiting human infection and disease, host genetics most likely contribute substantially. To model host factors in the context of influenza virus infection, we determined the lethal dose of a highly pathogenic H5N1 virus (A/Hong Kong/213/03) in C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice and identified genetic elements associated with survival after infection. The lethal dose in these hosts varied by 4 logs and was associated with differences in replication kinetics and increased production of proinflammatory cytokines CCL2 and tumor necrosis factor alpha in susceptible DBA/2J mice. Gene mapping with recombinant inbred BXD strains revealed five loci or Qivr (quantitative trait loci for influenza virus resistance) located on chromosomes 2, 7, 11, 15, and 17 associated with resistance to H5N1 virus. In conjunction with gene expression profiling, we identified a number of candidate susceptibility genes. One of the validated genes, the hemolytic complement gene, affected virus titer 7 days after infection. We conclude that H5N1 influenza virus-induced pathology is affected by a complex and multigenic host component.
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Garigliany MM, Cloquette K, Leroy M, Decreux A, Goris N, De Clercq K, Desmecht D. Modulating mouse innate immunity to RNA viruses by expressing the Bos taurus Mx system. Transgenic Res 2009; 18:719-32. [PMID: 19387858 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-009-9268-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2009] [Accepted: 04/02/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Mx proteins are interferon-induced members of the dynamin superfamily of large guanosine triphosphatases. These proteins have attracted much attention because some display antiviral activity against pathogenic RNA viruses, such as members of the orthomyxoviridae, bunyaviridae, and rhabdoviridae families. Among the diverse mammalian Mx proteins examined so far, we have recently demonstrated in vitro that the Bos taurus isoform 1 (boMx1) is endowed with exceptional anti-rabies-virus activity. This finding has prompted us to seek an appropriate in vivo model for confirming and evaluating gene therapy strategies. Using a BAC transgene, we have generated transgenic mouse lines expressing the antiviral boMx1 protein and boMx2 proteins under the control of their natural promoter and short- and long-range regulatory elements. Expressed boMx1 and boMx2 are correctly assembled, as deduced from mRNA sequencing and western blotting. Poly-I/C-subordinated expression of boMx1 was detected in various organs by immunohistochemistry, and transgenic lines were readily classified as high- or low-expression lines on the basis of tissue boMx1 concentrations measured by ELISA. Poly-I/C-induced Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells, bovine turbinate cells, and cultured cells from high-expression line of transgenic mice were found to contain about the same concentration of boMx1, suggesting that this protein is produced at near-physiological levels. Furthermore, insertion of the bovine Mx system rendered transgenic mice resistant to vesicular-stomatitis-virus-associated morbidity and mortality, and embryonic fibroblasts derived from high-expression transgenic mice were far less permissive to the virus. These results demonstrate that the Bos taurus Mx system is a powerful anti-VSV agent in vivo and suggest that the transgenic mouse lines generated here constitute a good model for studying in vivo the various antiviral functions-known and yet to be discovered-exerted by bovine Mx proteins, with priority emphasis on the antirabic function of boMx1.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-M Garigliany
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
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14
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Dejager L, Libert C, Montagutelli X. Thirty years of Mus spretus: a promising future. Trends Genet 2009; 25:234-41. [PMID: 19361882 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2009.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2008] [Revised: 03/25/2009] [Accepted: 03/25/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Extensive genetic polymorphisms in Mus spretus have ensured its widespread use in many areas of genetics. With the recent increase in the number of single nucleotide polymorphisms available for laboratory mouse strains, M. spretus is becoming less appealing, in particular for genetic mapping. Although M. spretus mice are aggressive and poor breeders, they have a bright future because they provide phenotypes unobserved in laboratory strains, and tools are available for modifying their genome and dissecting the genetic architecture of complex traits. Furthermore, they provide information on fundamental genetic questions, such as the details of evolution of genomes and speciation. Here, we examine the use of M. spretus from these perspectives. The impending completion of the M. spretus genome sequence will synergize these advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien Dejager
- Department for Molecular Biomedical Research, VIB, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium
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Srivastava B, Błażejewska P, Heßmann M, Bruder D, Geffers R, Mauel S, Gruber AD, Schughart K. Host genetic background strongly influences the response to influenza a virus infections. PLoS One 2009; 4:e4857. [PMID: 19293935 PMCID: PMC2654507 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2008] [Accepted: 01/14/2009] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The genetic make-up of the host has a major influence on its response to combat pathogens. For influenza A virus, several single gene mutations have been described which contribute to survival, the immune response and clearance of the pathogen by the host organism. Here, we have studied the influence of the genetic background to influenza A H1N1 (PR8) and H7N7 (SC35M) viruses. The seven inbred laboratory strains of mice analyzed exhibited different weight loss kinetics and survival rates after infection with PR8. Two strains in particular, DBA/2J and A/J, showed very high susceptibility to viral infections compared to all other strains. The LD50 to the influenza virus PR8 in DBA/2J mice was more than 1000-fold lower than in C57BL/6J mice. High susceptibility in DBA/2J mice was also observed after infection with influenza strain SC35M. In addition, infected DBA/2J mice showed a higher viral load in their lungs, elevated expression of cytokines and chemokines, and a more severe and extended lung pathology compared to infected C57BL/6J mice. These findings indicate a major contribution of the genetic background of the host to influenza A virus infections. The overall response in highly susceptible DBA/2J mice resembled the pathology described for infections with the highly virulent influenza H1N1-1918 and newly emerged H5N1 viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barkha Srivastava
- Department of Experimental Mouse Genetics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research & University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Paulina Błażejewska
- Department of Experimental Mouse Genetics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research & University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Manuela Heßmann
- Department of Experimental Mouse Genetics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research & University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Dunja Bruder
- Research Group Immunoregulation, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Robert Geffers
- Gene Expression Analysis, Department of Cell Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Susanne Mauel
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Achim D. Gruber
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus Schughart
- Department of Experimental Mouse Genetics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research & University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Braunschweig, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Trammell RA, Toth LA. Genetic susceptibility and resistance to influenza infection and disease in humans and mice. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2008; 8:515-29. [PMID: 18598231 DOI: 10.1586/14737159.8.4.515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Although genetic risk factors for influenza infection have not yet been defined in people, differences in genetic background and related variation in the response to infection, as well as viral virulence, are all likely to influence both the likelihood of infection and disease severity. However, apart from characterization of viral binding sites in avian and mammalian hosts, relatively little investigation has focused on host genetic determinants of susceptibility or resistance to infection, or the severity of the associated disease in humans or other species. Similarly, the role of genetic background in the generation of an efficacious immune response to either infection or vaccination has not been extensively evaluated. However, genetic influences on susceptibility and resistance to numerous infectious agents and on the resultant host inflammatory and immune responses are well established in both humans and other animals. Mouse-adapted strains of human influenza viruses and the use of inbred strains of laboratory mice have supported extensive characterization of the pathogenesis and immunology of influenza virus infections. Like individual humans, inbred strains of mice vary in their reactions to influenza infection, particularly with regard to the inflammatory response and disease severity, supporting the potential use of these mice as a valuable surrogate for human genetic variation. Relying heavily on what we have learned from mice, this overview summarizes existing animal, human and epidemiologic data suggestive of host genetic influences on influenza infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita A Trammell
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62794-9616, USA.
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