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Jiang H, Li J, Jian Y, Yang T, Zhang J, Li J. Expression, purification, and crystal structure of mpox virus A41 protein. Protein Expr Purif 2024; 219:106480. [PMID: 38588871 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2024.106480] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Mpox is a zoonotic disease that was once endemic in Africa countries caused by mpox virus. However, cases recently have been confirmed in many non-endemic countries outside of Africa. The rapidly increasing number of confirmed mpox cases poses a threat to the international community. In-depth studies of key viral factors are urgently needed, which will inform the design of multiple antiviral agents. Mpox virus A41L gene encodes a secreted protein, A41, that is nonessential for viral replication, but could affect the host response to infection via interacting with chemokines. Here, mpox virus A41 protein was expressed in Sf9 cells, and purified by affinity chromatography followed by gel filtration. Surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy showed that purified A41 binds a certain human chemokine CXCL8 with the equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) being 1.22 × 10-6 M. The crystal structure of mpox virus A41 protein was solved at 1.92 Å. Structural analysis and comparison revealed that mpox virus A41 protein adopts a characteristic β-sheet topology, showing minor differences with that of vaccinia virus. These preliminary structural and functional studies of A41 protein from mpox virus will help us better understand its role in chemokine subversion, and contributing to the knowledge to viral chemokine binding proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haihai Jiang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
| | - Juncheng Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Yuxin Jian
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Tingting Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
| | - Jian Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
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Izadi M, Mirzaei F, Bagherzadeh MA, Ghiabi S, Khalifeh A. Discovering conserved epitopes of Monkeypox: Novel immunoinformatic and machine learning approaches. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24972. [PMID: 38318007 PMCID: PMC10839993 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24972] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The Monkeypox virus, an Orthopoxvirus with zoonotic origins, has been responsible for a growing number of human infections reminiscent of smallpox since May 2022, as reported by the World Health Organization. As of now, there are no established medical treatments for managing Monkeypox infections. In this study, we used machine learning to select conserved epitopes. Proteins were determined using Reverse Vaccinology and Gene Ontology subcellular localization, and their epitopes were predicted. NextClade was used to calculate the number of mutations in each amino acid position using 2433 Monkeypox sequences. The Unsupervised Nearest Neighbor machine learning algorithm and ideal matrix [0 0] were used to calculate the conservancy score of epitopes. Six proteins were determined for epitope prediction. Finally, 47 MHC-I epitopes, 5 MHC-II epitopes, and 10 Linear B cell epitopes were discovered. Our method can select epitopes for vaccine design to prevent viruses with accelerated evolution and high mutation rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Izadi
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mirzaei
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Shamim Ghiabi
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Khalifeh
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad of University, Shiraz, Iran
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Jhancy M. Poxvirus Vaccines: Past, Present, and Future. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1451:273-287. [PMID: 38801584 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-57165-7_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Smallpox was a significant cause of mortality for over three thousand years, amounting to 10% of deaths yearly. Edward Jenner discovered smallpox vaccination in 1796, which rapidly became a smallpox infection preventive practice throughout the world and eradicated smallpox infection by 1980. After smallpox eradication, monkeypox vaccines have been used primarily in research and in outbreaks in Africa, where the disease is endemic. In the present, the vaccines are being used for people who work with animals or in high-risk areas, as well as for healthcare workers treating patients with monkeypox. Among all orthopoxviruses (OPXV), monkeypox viral (MPXV) infection occurs mainly in cynomolgus monkeys, natural reservoirs, and occasionally causes severe multi-organ infection in humans, who were the incidental hosts. The first case of the present epidemic of MXPV was identified on May 7, 2022, and rapidly increased the number of cases. In this regard, the WHO declared the outbreak, an international public health emergency on July 23, 2022. The first monkeypox vaccine was developed in the 1960s by the US Army and was based on the vaccinia virus, which is also used in smallpox vaccines. In recent years, newer monkeypox vaccines have been developed based on other viruses such as Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA). These newer vaccines are safer and can provide longer-lasting immunity with fewer side effects. For the future, there is ongoing research to improve the current vaccines and to develop new ones. One notable advance has been the development of a recombinant vaccine that uses a genetically modified vaccinia virus to express monkeypox antigens. This vaccine has shown promising results in pre-clinical trials and is currently undergoing further testing in clinical trials. Another recent development has been the use of a DNA vaccine, which delivers genetic material encoding monkeypox antigens directly into cells. This type of vaccine has shown effectiveness in animal studies and is also undergoing clinical testing in humans. Overall, these recent advances in monkeypox vaccine development hold promise for protecting individuals against this potentially serious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malay Jhancy
- RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.
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Lucena-Neto FD, Falcão LFM, Vieira-Junior AS, Moraes ECS, David JPF, Silva CC, Sousa JR, Duarte MIS, Vasconcelos PFC, Quaresma JAS. Monkeypox Virus Immune Evasion and Eye Manifestation: Beyond Eyelid Implications. Viruses 2023; 15:2301. [PMID: 38140542 PMCID: PMC10747317 DOI: 10.3390/v15122301] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Monkeypox virus (MPXV), belonging to the Poxviridae family and Orthopoxvirus genus, is closely related to the smallpox virus. Initial prodromal symptoms typically include headache, fever, and lymphadenopathy. This review aims to detail various ocular manifestations and immune evasion associated with the monkeypox viral infection and its complications, making it appropriate as a narrative review. Common external ocular manifestations of MPXV typically involve a generalized pustular rash, keratitis, discharges, and dried secretions related to conjunctival pustules, photophobia, and lacrimation. Orthopoxviruses can evade host immune responses by secreting proteins that antagonize the functions of host IFNγ, CC and CXC chemokines, IL-1β, and the complement system. One of the most important transcription factors downstream of pattern recognition receptors binding is IRF3, which controls the expression of the crucial antiviral molecules IFNα and IFNβ. We strongly recommend that ophthalmologists include MPXV as part of their differential diagnosis when they encounter similar cases presenting with ophthalmic manifestations such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, or corneal lesions. Furthermore, because non-vaccinated individuals are more likely to exhibit these symptoms, it is recommended that healthcare administrators prioritize smallpox vaccination for at-risk groups, including very young children, pregnant women, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals, especially those in close contact with MPXV cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco D. Lucena-Neto
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, State University of Pará, Belém 66087-670, PA, Brazil; (F.D.L.-N.); (L.F.M.F.); (A.S.V.-J.); (C.C.S.); (J.R.S.); (P.F.C.V.)
| | - Luiz F. M. Falcão
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, State University of Pará, Belém 66087-670, PA, Brazil; (F.D.L.-N.); (L.F.M.F.); (A.S.V.-J.); (C.C.S.); (J.R.S.); (P.F.C.V.)
| | - Adolfo S. Vieira-Junior
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, State University of Pará, Belém 66087-670, PA, Brazil; (F.D.L.-N.); (L.F.M.F.); (A.S.V.-J.); (C.C.S.); (J.R.S.); (P.F.C.V.)
| | - Evelly C. S. Moraes
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (E.C.S.M.); (J.P.F.D.)
| | - Joacy P. F. David
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (E.C.S.M.); (J.P.F.D.)
| | - Camilla C. Silva
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, State University of Pará, Belém 66087-670, PA, Brazil; (F.D.L.-N.); (L.F.M.F.); (A.S.V.-J.); (C.C.S.); (J.R.S.); (P.F.C.V.)
| | - Jorge R. Sousa
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, State University of Pará, Belém 66087-670, PA, Brazil; (F.D.L.-N.); (L.F.M.F.); (A.S.V.-J.); (C.C.S.); (J.R.S.); (P.F.C.V.)
| | - Maria I. S. Duarte
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, São Paulo University, São Paulo 01246-904, SP, Brazil;
| | - Pedro F. C. Vasconcelos
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, State University of Pará, Belém 66087-670, PA, Brazil; (F.D.L.-N.); (L.F.M.F.); (A.S.V.-J.); (C.C.S.); (J.R.S.); (P.F.C.V.)
| | - Juarez A. S. Quaresma
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, State University of Pará, Belém 66087-670, PA, Brazil; (F.D.L.-N.); (L.F.M.F.); (A.S.V.-J.); (C.C.S.); (J.R.S.); (P.F.C.V.)
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; (E.C.S.M.); (J.P.F.D.)
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, São Paulo University, São Paulo 01246-904, SP, Brazil;
- Virology Section, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua 67030-000, PA, Brazil
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Zhu J, Yu J, Qin H, Chen X, Wu C, Hong X, Zhang Y, Zhang Z. Exploring the key genomic variation in monkeypox virus during the 2022 outbreak. BMC Genom Data 2023; 24:67. [PMID: 37968621 PMCID: PMC10652487 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-023-01171-0] [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: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2022, a global outbreak of monkeypox occurred with a significant shift in its epidemiological characteristics. The monkeypox virus (MPXV) belongs to the B.1 lineage, and its genomic variations that were linked to the outbreak were investigated in this study. Previous studies have suggested that viral genomic variation plays a crucial role in the pathogenicity and transmissibility of viruses. Therefore, understanding the genomic variation of MPXV is crucial for controlling future outbreaks. METHODS This study employed bioinformatics and phylogenetic approaches to evaluate the key genomic variation in the B.1 lineage of MPXV. A total of 979 MPXV strains were screened, and 212 representative strains were analyzed to identify specific substitutions in the viral genome. Reference sequences were constructed for each of the 10 lineages based on the most common nucleotide at each site. A total of 49 substitutions were identified, with 23 non-synonymous substitutions. Class I variants, which had significant effects on protein conformation likely to affect viral characteristics, were classified among the non-synonymous substitutions. RESULTS The phylogenetic analysis revealed 10 relatively monophyletic branches. The study identified 49 substitutions specific to the B.1 lineage, with 23 non-synonymous substitutions that were classified into Class I, II, and III variants. The Class I variants were likely responsible for the observed changes in the characteristics of circulating MPXV in 2022. These key mutations, particularly Class I variants, played a crucial role in the pathogenicity and transmissibility of MPXV. CONCLUSION This study provides an understanding of the genomic variation of MPXV in the B.1 lineage linked to the recent outbreak of monkeypox. The identification of key mutations, particularly Class I variants, sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed changes in the characteristics of circulating MPXV. Further studies can focus on functional domains affected by these mutations, enabling the development of effective control strategies against future monkeypox outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhu
- Institute of Clinical Virology, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Furong Road 678, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Jian Yu
- Institute of Clinical Virology, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Furong Road 678, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Hao Qin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei, China
| | - Xinlei Chen
- Institute of Clinical Virology, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Furong Road 678, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Chuanchang Wu
- Institute of Clinical Virology, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Furong Road 678, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaodan Hong
- Institute of Clinical Virology, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Furong Road 678, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Yafei Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Virology, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Furong Road 678, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Zhenhua Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Virology, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Furong Road 678, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China.
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6
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Saghazadeh A, Rezaei N. Insights on Mpox virus infection immunopathogenesis. Rev Med Virol 2023; 33:e2426. [PMID: 36738134 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
An immunocompromised status has been associated with more odds of being infected with Mpox virus (MPXV) and progressing to severe disease. This aligns with the importance of immune competence for MPXV control and clearance. We and others have previously reviewed parallels between MPXV and other viruses belonging to the Poxviridae in affecting the immune system. This article reviews studies providing direct evidence of the MPXV-immune interactions. The wide-ranging effects of MPXV on the immune system, from stimulation to modulation to memory, are broadly categorised, followed by a detailing of these effects on the immune cells and molecules, including natural killer cells, macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes, cytokines, interferons, chemokines, and complement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amene Saghazadeh
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Expert Group (SRMEG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
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Hatmal MM, Al-Hatamleh MAI, Olaimat AN, Ahmad S, Hasan H, Ahmad Suhaimi NA, Albakri KA, Abedalbaset A, Kadir R, Mohamud R. Comprehensive Literature Review of Monkeypox. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:2600-2631. [PMID: 36263798 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2132882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The current outbreak of monkeypox (MPX) infection has emerged as a global matter of concern in the last few months. MPX is a zoonosis caused by the MPX virus (MPXV), which is one of the Orthopoxvirus species. Thus, it is similar to smallpox caused by the variola virus, and smallpox vaccines and drugs have been shown to be protective against MPX. Although MPX is not a new disease and is rarely fatal, the current multi-country MPX outbreak is unusual because it is occurring in countries that are not endemic for MPXV. In this work, we reviewed the extensive literature available on MPXV to summarize the available data on the major biological, clinical and epidemiological aspects of the virus and the important scientific findings. This review may be helpful in raising awareness of MPXV transmission, symptoms and signs, prevention and protective measures. It may also be of interest as a basis for performance of studies to further understand MPXV, with the goal of combating the current outbreak and boosting healthcare services and hygiene practices.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02977715..Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03745131..Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00728689..Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02080767..
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Affiliation(s)
- Ma'mon M Hatmal
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Mohammad A I Al-Hatamleh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Amin N Olaimat
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Suhana Ahmad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Hanan Hasan
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | | | | | | | - Ramlah Kadir
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Rohimah Mohamud
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
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Ejaz H, Junaid K, Younas S, Abdalla AE, Bukhari SNA, Abosalif KOA, Ahmad N, Ahmed Z, Hamza MA, Anwar N. Emergence and dissemination of monkeypox, an intimidating global public health problem. J Infect Public Health 2022; 15:1156-1165. [PMID: 36174285 PMCID: PMC9534090 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2022.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The monkeypox virus (MPXV) is the cause of a zoonotic infection similar to smallpox. Although it is endemic to Africa, it has recently begun to circulate in other parts of the world. In July 2022, the World Health Organization declared monkeypox an international public health emergency. This review aims to provide an overview of this neglected zoonotic pathogen. MPXV circulates as two distinct clades, the Central African and West African, with case fatality rates of 10.6% and 3.6%, respectively. The risk of infection is greater for those who work with animals or infected individuals. The virus' entry into the human body provokes both natural and acquired immunity. Although natural killer cells, CD4 + T cells, and CD8 + T cells play an essential role in eradicating MPXV, there is still a gap in the understanding of the host immune response to the virus. Currently, there are no specific therapeutic guidelines for treating monkeypox; however, some antiviral drugs such as tecovirimat and cidofovir may help to abate the severity of the disease. The use of nonpharmaceutical interventions and immunization can reduce the risk of infection. Increased surveillance and identification of monkeypox cases are crucial to understand the constantly shifting epidemiology of this resurging and intimidating disease. The present review provides a detailed perspective on the emergence and circulation of MPXV in human populations, infection risks, human immune response, disease diagnosis and prevention strategies, and future implications, and highlights the importance of the research community engaging more with this disease for an effective global response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Ejaz
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Al Jouf 72388, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Kashaf Junaid
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, E1 4NS London, United Kingdom
| | - Sonia Younas
- HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Abualgasim E Abdalla
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Al Jouf 72388, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Nasir Abbas Bukhari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al Jouf 72388, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid O A Abosalif
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Al Jouf 72388, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naveed Ahmad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al Jouf 72388, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zeeshan Ahmed
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, GC University, Lahore 5400, Pakistan
| | - Manhal Ahmed Hamza
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Omdurman Islamic University, Omdurman 14415, Sudan
| | - Naeem Anwar
- Allied Health Department, College of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Bahrain, 32038, Kingdom of Bahrain
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9
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Yaron JR, Zhang L, Guo Q, Burgin M, Schutz LN, Awo E, Wise L, Krause KL, Ildefonso CJ, Kwiecien JM, Juby M, Rahman MM, Chen H, Moyer RW, Alcami A, McFadden G, Lucas AR. Deriving Immune Modulating Drugs from Viruses-A New Class of Biologics. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E972. [PMID: 32244484 PMCID: PMC7230489 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9040972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses are widely used as a platform for the production of therapeutics. Vaccines containing live, dead and components of viruses, gene therapy vectors and oncolytic viruses are key examples of clinically-approved therapeutic uses for viruses. Despite this, the use of virus-derived proteins as natural sources for immune modulators remains in the early stages of development. Viruses have evolved complex, highly effective approaches for immune evasion. Originally developed for protection against host immune responses, viral immune-modulating proteins are extraordinarily potent, often functioning at picomolar concentrations. These complex viral intracellular parasites have "performed the R&D", developing highly effective immune evasive strategies over millions of years. These proteins provide a new and natural source for immune-modulating therapeutics, similar in many ways to penicillin being developed from mold or streptokinase from bacteria. Virus-derived serine proteinase inhibitors (serpins), chemokine modulating proteins, complement control, inflammasome inhibition, growth factors (e.g., viral vascular endothelial growth factor) and cytokine mimics (e.g., viral interleukin 10) and/or inhibitors (e.g., tumor necrosis factor) have now been identified that target central immunological response pathways. We review here current development of virus-derived immune-modulating biologics with efficacy demonstrated in pre-clinical or clinical studies, focusing on pox and herpesviruses-derived immune-modulating therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan R. Yaron
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.R.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.G.); (M.B.); (L.N.S.); (E.A.); (M.J.)
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (G.M.)
| | - Liqiang Zhang
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.R.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.G.); (M.B.); (L.N.S.); (E.A.); (M.J.)
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (G.M.)
| | - Qiuyun Guo
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.R.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.G.); (M.B.); (L.N.S.); (E.A.); (M.J.)
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Michelle Burgin
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.R.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.G.); (M.B.); (L.N.S.); (E.A.); (M.J.)
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (G.M.)
| | - Lauren N. Schutz
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.R.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.G.); (M.B.); (L.N.S.); (E.A.); (M.J.)
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (G.M.)
| | - Enkidia Awo
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.R.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.G.); (M.B.); (L.N.S.); (E.A.); (M.J.)
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (G.M.)
| | - Lyn Wise
- University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (L.W.); (K.L.K.)
| | - Kurt L. Krause
- University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (L.W.); (K.L.K.)
| | | | - Jacek M. Kwiecien
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S4L8, Canada
| | - Michael Juby
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.R.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.G.); (M.B.); (L.N.S.); (E.A.); (M.J.)
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (G.M.)
| | - Masmudur M. Rahman
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (G.M.)
| | - Hao Chen
- The Department of Tumor Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China;
| | - Richard W. Moyer
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Antonio Alcami
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Grant McFadden
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (G.M.)
| | - Alexandra R. Lucas
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.R.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.G.); (M.B.); (L.N.S.); (E.A.); (M.J.)
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (G.M.)
- St Joseph Hospital, Dignity Health, Creighton University, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
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10
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The Virology of Taterapox Virus In Vitro. Viruses 2018; 10:v10090463. [PMID: 30158437 PMCID: PMC6163509 DOI: 10.3390/v10090463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Taterapox virus (TATV) is phylogenetically the closest related virus to variola—the etiological agent of smallpox. Despite the similarity, few studies have evaluated the virus. In vivo, TATV can infect several animals but produces an inapparent infection in wild-type mice; however, TATV does cause morbidity and mortality in some immunocompromised strains. We employed in vitro techniques to compare TATV to ectromelia (ECTV) and vaccinia (VACV) viruses. Both ECTV and TATV replicate efficiently in primate cell lines but TATV replicates poorly in murine cells lines. Furthermore, TATV induces cytopathic effects, but to a lesser extent than ECTV, and changes cytoskeletal networks differently than both ECTV and VACV. Bioinformatic studies revealed differences in several immunomodulator open reading frames that could contribute to the reduced virulence of TATV, which were supported by in vitro cytokine assays.
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11
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Nelson CA, Epperson ML, Singh S, Elliott JI, Fremont DH. Structural Conservation and Functional Diversity of the Poxvirus Immune Evasion (PIE) Domain Superfamily. Viruses 2015; 7:4878-98. [PMID: 26343707 PMCID: PMC4584292 DOI: 10.3390/v7092848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2015] [Revised: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Poxviruses encode a broad array of proteins that serve to undermine host immune defenses. Structural analysis of four of these seemingly unrelated proteins revealed the recurrent use of a conserved beta-sandwich fold that has not been observed in any eukaryotic or prokaryotic protein. Herein we propose to call this unique structural scaffolding the PIE (Poxvirus Immune Evasion) domain. PIE domain containing proteins are abundant in chordopoxvirinae, with our analysis identifying 20 likely PIE subfamilies among 33 representative genomes spanning 7 genera. For example, cowpox strain Brighton Red appears to encode 10 different PIEs: vCCI, A41, C8, M2, T4 (CPVX203), and the SECRET proteins CrmB, CrmD, SCP-1, SCP-2, and SCP-3. Characterized PIE proteins all appear to be nonessential for virus replication, and all contain signal peptides for targeting to the secretory pathway. The PIE subfamilies differ primarily in the number, size, and location of structural embellishments to the beta-sandwich core that confer unique functional specificities. Reported ligands include chemokines, GM-CSF, IL-2, MHC class I, and glycosaminoglycans. We expect that the list of ligands and receptors engaged by the PIE domain will grow as we come to better understand how this versatile structural architecture can be tailored to manipulate host responses to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Nelson
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Megan L Epperson
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Sukrit Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Jabari I Elliott
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Daved H Fremont
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
- Department of Molecular Microbiology,Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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12
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Abstract
Cytomegaloviruses manipulate the host chemokine/receptor axis by altering cellular chemokine expression and by encoding multiple chemokines and chemokine receptors. Similar to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), rat cytomegalovirus (RCMV) encodes multiple CC chemokine-analogous proteins, including r129 (HCMV UL128 homologue) and r131 (HCMV UL130 and MCMV m129/130 homologues). Although these proteins play a role in CMV entry, their function as chemotactic cytokines remains unknown. In the current study, we examined the role of the RCMV chemokine r129 in promoting cellular migration and in accelerating transplant vascular sclerosis (TVS) in our rat heart transplant model. We determined that r129 protein is released into culture supernatants of infected cells and is expressed with late viral gene kinetics during RCMV infection and highly expressed in heart and salivary glands during in vivo rat infections. Using the recombinant r129 protein, we demonstrated that r129 induces migration of lymphocytes isolated from rat peripheral blood, spleen, and bone marrow and from a rat macrophage cell line. Using antibody-mediated cell sorting of rat splenocytes, we demonstrated that r129 induces migration of naïve/central memory CD4(+) T cells. Through ligand-binding assays, we determined that r129 binds rat CC chemokine receptors CCR3, CCR4, CCR5, and CCR7. In addition, mutational analyses identified functional domains of r129 resulting in recombinant proteins that fail to induce migration (r129-ΔNT and -C31A) or alter the chemotactic ability of the chemokine (r129-F43A). Two of the mutant proteins (r129-C31A and -ΔNT) also act as dominant negatives by inhibiting migration induced by wild-type r129. Furthermore, infection of rat heart transplant recipients with RCMV containing the r129-ΔNT mutation prevented CMV-induced acceleration of TVS. Together our findings indicate that RCMV r129 is highly chemotactic, which has important implications during RCMV infection and reactivation and acceleration of TVS.
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13
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Scalley-Kim ML, Hess BW, Kelly RL, Krostag ARF, Lustig KH, Marken JS, Ovendale PJ, Posey AR, Smolak PJ, Taylor JDL, Wood CL, Bienvenue DL, Probst P, Salmon RA, Allison DS, Foy TM, Raport CJ. A novel highly potent therapeutic antibody neutralizes multiple human chemokines and mimics viral immune modulation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43332. [PMID: 22912856 PMCID: PMC3422223 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 07/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemokines play a key role in leukocyte recruitment during inflammation and are implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of autoimmune diseases. As such, inhibiting chemokine signaling has been of keen interest for the development of therapeutic agents. This endeavor, however, has been hampered due to complexities in the chemokine system. Many chemokines have been shown to signal through multiple receptors and, conversely, most chemokine receptors bind to more than one chemokine. One approach to overcoming this complexity is to develop a single therapeutic agent that binds and inactivates multiple chemokines, similar to an immune evasion strategy utilized by a number of viruses. Here, we describe the development and characterization of a novel therapeutic antibody that targets a subset of human CC chemokines, specifically CCL3, CCL4, and CCL5, involved in chronic inflammatory diseases. Using a sequential immunization approach, followed by humanization and phage display affinity maturation, a therapeutic antibody was developed that displays high binding affinity towards the three targeted chemokines. In vitro, this antibody potently inhibits chemotaxis and chemokine-mediated signaling through CCR1 and CCR5, primary chemokine receptors for the targeted chemokines. Furthermore, we have demonstrated in vivo efficacy of the antibody in a SCID-hu mouse model of skin leukocyte migration, thus confirming its potential as a novel therapeutic chemokine antagonist. We anticipate that this antibody will have broad therapeutic utility in the treatment of a number of autoimmune diseases due to its ability to simultaneously neutralize multiple chemokines implicated in disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L. Scalley-Kim
- Department of Protein Engineering, VLST Corporation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Bruce W. Hess
- Department of Immunology and Preclinical Pharmacology, VLST Corporation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Ryan L. Kelly
- Department of Protein Sciences, VLST Corporation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Anne-Rachel F. Krostag
- Department of Protein Engineering, VLST Corporation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Kurt H. Lustig
- Department of Immunology and Preclinical Pharmacology, VLST Corporation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - John S. Marken
- Department of Protein Engineering, VLST Corporation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Pamela J. Ovendale
- Department of Immunology and Preclinical Pharmacology, VLST Corporation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Aaron R. Posey
- Department of Immunology and Preclinical Pharmacology, VLST Corporation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Pamela J. Smolak
- Department of Protein Engineering, VLST Corporation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Janelle D. L. Taylor
- Department of Protein Engineering, VLST Corporation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - C. L. Wood
- Department of Protein Engineering, VLST Corporation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - David L. Bienvenue
- Department of Protein Sciences, VLST Corporation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Peter Probst
- Department of Immunology and Preclinical Pharmacology, VLST Corporation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Ruth A. Salmon
- Department of Immunology and Preclinical Pharmacology, VLST Corporation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Daniel S. Allison
- Department of Protein Engineering, VLST Corporation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Teresa M. Foy
- Department of Immunology and Preclinical Pharmacology, VLST Corporation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Carol J. Raport
- Department of Immunology and Preclinical Pharmacology, VLST Corporation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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14
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Reynolds MG, Damon IK. Outbreaks of human monkeypox after cessation of smallpox vaccination. Trends Microbiol 2012; 20:80-7. [PMID: 22239910 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2011.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2011] [Revised: 12/02/2011] [Accepted: 12/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The recent observation of a surge in human monkeypox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) prompts the question of whether cessation of smallpox vaccination is driving the phenomenon, and if so, why is re-emergence not universal throughout the historic geographic range of the virus? Research addressing the virus's mechanisms for immune evasion and induction, as well as that directed at elucidating the genes involved in pathogenesis in different viral lineages (West African vs Congo Basin), provide insights to help explain why emergence appears to be geographically limited. Novel vaccines offer one solution to curtail the spread of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary G Reynolds
- Division of High-consequence Pathogens and Pathology, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Mailstop G-43, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
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15
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Alcami A, Lira SA. Modulation of chemokine activity by viruses. Curr Opin Immunol 2010; 22:482-7. [PMID: 20598516 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2010.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2010] [Accepted: 06/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Viruses encode a variety of mechanisms to evade host immune pathways. Large DNA viruses (herpesviruses and poxviruses) encode proteins that mimic chemokines and chemokine receptors. Also, some viruses encode secreted proteins that bind chemokines and have structure unrelated to host proteins. Recent research in this area has led to the identification of new viral proteins that modulate the chemokine system, has provided information on the molecular mechanisms leading to interference of chemokine signaling, and has shed light into the function of these proteins in the context of infection. The therapeutic value of these viral proteins to inhibit immune responses that cause pathology has been explored further. Finally, a new family of chemokine binding proteins identified in ticks expands this strategy of immune modulation beyond the virus world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Alcami
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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16
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Systems integration of biodefense omics data for analysis of pathogen-host interactions and identification of potential targets. PLoS One 2009; 4:e7162. [PMID: 19779614 PMCID: PMC2745575 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0007162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2009] [Accepted: 08/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The NIAID (National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases) Biodefense Proteomics program aims to identify targets for potential vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics for agents of concern in bioterrorism, including bacterial, parasitic, and viral pathogens. The program includes seven Proteomics Research Centers, generating diverse types of pathogen-host data, including mass spectrometry, microarray transcriptional profiles, protein interactions, protein structures and biological reagents. The Biodefense Resource Center (www.proteomicsresource.org) has developed a bioinformatics framework, employing a protein-centric approach to integrate and support mining and analysis of the large and heterogeneous data. Underlying this approach is a data warehouse with comprehensive protein + gene identifier and name mappings and annotations extracted from over 100 molecular databases. Value-added annotations are provided for key proteins from experimental findings using controlled vocabulary. The availability of pathogen and host omics data in an integrated framework allows global analysis of the data and comparisons across different experiments and organisms, as illustrated in several case studies presented here. (1) The identification of a hypothetical protein with differential gene and protein expressions in two host systems (mouse macrophage and human HeLa cells) infected by different bacterial (Bacillus anthracis and Salmonella typhimurium) and viral (orthopox) pathogens suggesting that this protein can be prioritized for additional analysis and functional characterization. (2) The analysis of a vaccinia-human protein interaction network supplemented with protein accumulation levels led to the identification of human Keratin, type II cytoskeletal 4 protein as a potential therapeutic target. (3) Comparison of complete genomes from pathogenic variants coupled with experimental information on complete proteomes allowed the identification and prioritization of ten potential diagnostic targets from Bacillus anthracis. The integrative analysis across data sets from multiple centers can reveal potential functional significance and hidden relationships between pathogen and host proteins, thereby providing a systems approach to basic understanding of pathogenicity and target identification.
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