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Ahmadi Ghezeldasht S, Mosavat A, Rezaee SA. Novel insights into human T-lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1) pathogenesis-host interactions in the manifestation of HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis. Rev Med Virol 2024; 34:e2567. [PMID: 38937135 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2567] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Human T-lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1) was the first discovered human oncogenic retrovirus, the etiological agent of two serious diseases have been identified as adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma malignancy and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), a debilitating chronic neuro-myelopathy. Despite more than 40 years of molecular, histopathological and immunological studies on HTLV-1-associated diseases, the virulence and pathogenicity of this virus are yet to be clarified. The reason why the majority of HTLV-1-infected individuals (∼95%) remain asymptomatic carriers is still unclear. The deterioration of the immune system towards oncogenicity and autoimmunity makes HTLV-1 a natural probe for the study of malignancy and neuro-inflammatory diseases. Additionally, its slow worldwide spreading has prompted public health authorities and researchers, as urged by the WHO, to focus on eradicating HTLV-1. In contrast, neither an effective therapy nor a protective vaccine has been introduced. This comprehensive review focused on the most relevant studies of the neuro-inflammatory propensity of HTLV-1-induced HAM/TSP. Such an emphasis on the virus-host interactions in the HAM/TSP pathogenesis will be critically discussed epigenetically. The findings may shed light on future research venues in designing and developing proper HTLV-1 therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Ahmadi Ghezeldasht
- Blood Borne Infections Research Center, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Razavi Khorasan, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Arman Mosavat
- Blood Borne Infections Research Center, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Razavi Khorasan, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Abdolrahim Rezaee
- Inflammation and Inflammatory Diseases Division, Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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2
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O’Brien BCV, Thao S, Weber L, Danielson HL, Boldt AD, Hueffer K, Weltzin MM. The human alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is a host target for the rabies virus glycoprotein. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1394713. [PMID: 38836054 PMCID: PMC11148329 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1394713] [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: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The rabies virus enters the nervous system by interacting with several molecular targets on host cells to modify behavior and trigger receptor-mediated endocytosis of the virion by poorly understood mechanisms. The rabies virus glycoprotein (RVG) interacts with the muscle acetylcholine receptor and the neuronal α4β2 subtype of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) family by the putative neurotoxin-like motif. Given that the neurotoxin-like motif is highly homologous to the α7 nAChR subtype selective snake toxin α-bungarotoxin (αBTX), other nAChR subtypes are likely involved. The purpose of this study is to determine the activity of the RVG neurotoxin-like motif on nAChR subtypes that are expressed in brain regions involved in rabid animal behavior. nAChRs were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, and two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology was used to collect concentration-response data to measure the functional effects. The RVG peptide preferentially and completely inhibits α7 nAChR ACh-induced currents by a competitive antagonist mechanism. Tested heteromeric nAChRs are also inhibited, but to a lesser extent than the α7 subtype. Residues of the RVG peptide with high sequence homology to αBTX and other neurotoxins were substituted with alanine. Altered RVG neurotoxin-like peptides showed that residues phenylalanine 192, arginine 196, and arginine 199 are important determinants of RVG peptide apparent potency on α7 nAChRs, while serine 195 is not. The evaluation of the rabies ectodomain reaffirmed the observations made with the RVG peptide, illustrating a significant inhibitory impact on α7 nAChR with potency in the nanomolar range. In a mammalian cell culture model of neurons, we confirm that the RVG peptide binds preferentially to cells expressing the α7 nAChR. Defining the activity of the RVG peptide on nAChRs expands our understanding of basic mechanisms in host-pathogen interactions that result in neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany C. V. O’Brien
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Shelly Thao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Lahra Weber
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Helen L. Danielson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Agatha D. Boldt
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Karsten Hueffer
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Maegan M. Weltzin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
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3
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Zhang J, Askenase P, Jaenisch R, Crumpacker CS. Approaches to pandemic prevention - the chromatin vaccine. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1324084. [PMID: 38143744 PMCID: PMC10739501 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1324084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing effective vaccines against viral infections have significant impacts on development, prosperity and well-being of human populations. Thus, successful vaccines such as smallpox and polio vaccines, have promoted global societal well-being. In contrast, ineffective vaccines may fuel arguments that retard scientific progress. We aim to stimulate a multilevel discussion on how to develop effective vaccines against recent and future pandemics by focusing on acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), coronavirus disease (COVID) and other viral infections. We appeal to harnessing recent achievements in this field specifically towards a cure for current pandemics and prevention of the next pandemics. Among these, we propose to apply the HIV DNA in chromatin format - an end product of aborted HIV integration in episomal forms, i.e., the chromatin vaccines (cVacc), to elicit the epigenetic silencing and memory that prevent viral replication and infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jielin Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Philip Askenase
- Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Rudolf Jaenisch
- Department of Biology, Whitehead Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Clyde S. Crumpacker
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Zhang N, Zuo Y, Jiang L, Peng Y, Huang X, Zuo L. Epstein-Barr Virus and Neurological Diseases. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:816098. [PMID: 35083281 PMCID: PMC8784775 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.816098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), also known as human herpesvirus 4, is a double-stranded DNA virus that is ubiquitous in 90–95% of the population as a gamma herpesvirus. It exists in two main states, latent infection and lytic replication, each encoding viral proteins with different functions. Human B-lymphocytes and epithelial cells are EBV-susceptible host cells. EBV latently infects B cells and nasopharyngeal epithelial cells throughout life in most immunologically active individuals. EBV-infected cells, free viruses, their gene products, and abnormally elevated EBV titers are observed in the cerebrospinal fluid. Studies have shown that EBV can infect neurons directly or indirectly via infected B-lymphocytes, induce neuroinflammation and demyelination, promote the proliferation, degeneration, and necrosis of glial cells, promote proliferative disorders of B- and T-lymphocytes, and contribute to the occurrence and development of nervous system diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, acute cerebellar ataxia, meningitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and brain tumors. However, the specific underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. In this paper, we review the mechanisms underlying the role of EBV in the development of central nervous system diseases, which could bebeneficial in providing new research ideas and potential clinical therapeutic targets for neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience Research, Hengyang Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration and Cognitive Impairment, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Hunan Dongkou People’s Hospital, Shaoyang, China
| | - Yuxin Zuo
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience Research, Hengyang Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration and Cognitive Impairment, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Liping Jiang
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience Research, Hengyang Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration and Cognitive Impairment, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yu Peng
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience Research, Hengyang Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration and Cognitive Impairment, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xu Huang
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience Research, Hengyang Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration and Cognitive Impairment, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Lielian Zuo
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience Research, Hengyang Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration and Cognitive Impairment, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- *Correspondence: Lielian Zuo,
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5
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Noli M, Meloni G, Manca P, Cossu D, Palermo M, Sechi LA. HERV-W and Mycobacteriumavium subspecies paratuberculosis Are at Play in Pediatric Patients at Onset of Type 1 Diabetes. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091135. [PMID: 34578167 PMCID: PMC8471288 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiology of T1D remains unknown, although a variety of etiological agents have been proposed as potential candidates to trigger autoimmunity in susceptible individuals. Emerging evidence has indicated that endogenous human retrovirus (HERV) may play a role in the disease etiopathogenesis; although several epigenetic mechanisms keep most HERVs silenced, environmental stimuli such as infections may contribute to the transcriptional reactivation of HERV-Wand thus promote pathological conditions. Previous studies have indicated that also Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) could be a potential risk factor for T1D, particularly in the Sardinian population. In the present study, the humoral response against HERV-W envelope and MAP-derived peptides was analyzed to investigate their potential role in T1D etiopathogenesis, in a Sardinian population at T1D onset (n = 26), T1D (45) and an age-matched healthy population (n = 45). For the first time, a high serum-prevalence of anti-Map and anti-HERV-W Abs was observed in pediatric patients at onset of T1D compared to T1D patients and healthy controls. Our results support the hypothesis that external infections and internal reactivations are involved in the etiology of T1D, and that HERV-W activation may be induced by infectious agents such as MAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Noli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università degli Studi di Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.N.); (D.C.)
| | - Gianfranco Meloni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Mediche, Chirurgiche e Sperimentali, Università degli Studi di Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Pietro Manca
- Servizio Centro Trasfusionale, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Davide Cossu
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università degli Studi di Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.N.); (D.C.)
| | - Mario Palermo
- Servizio di Endocrinologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Leonardo A. Sechi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università degli Studi di Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.N.); (D.C.)
- Struttura Complessa di Microbiologia e Virologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
- Mediterranean Center for Disease Control, Università degli Studi di Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Rolfes L, Pawlitzki M, Pfeuffer S, Huntemann N, Wiendl H, Ruck T, Meuth SG. Failed, Interrupted, or Inconclusive Trials on Immunomodulatory Treatment Strategies in Multiple Sclerosis: Update 2015-2020. BioDrugs 2021; 34:587-610. [PMID: 32785877 PMCID: PMC7519896 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-020-00435-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In the past decades, multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment has experienced vast changes resulting from major advances in disease-modifying therapies (DMT). Looking at the overall number of studies, investigations with therapeutic advantages and encouraging results are exceeded by studies of promising compounds that failed due to either negative or inconclusive results or have been interrupted for other reasons. Importantly, these failed clinical trials are informative experiments that can help us to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying MS. In several trials, concepts taken from experimental models were not translatable to humans, although they did not lack a well-considered pathophysiological rationale. The lessons learned from these discrepancies may benefit future studies and reduce the risks for patients. This review summarizes trials on MS since 2015 that have either failed or have been interrupted for various reasons. We identify potential causes of failure or inconclusiveness, looking at the path from basic animal experiments to clinical trials, and discuss the implications for our current view on MS pathogenesis, clinical practice, and future study designs. We focus on anti-inflammatory treatment strategies, without including studies on already approved and effective DMT. Clinical trials addressing neuroprotective and alternative treatment strategies are presented in a separate article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leoni Rolfes
- Department of Neurology With Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149, Münster, Germany.
| | - Marc Pawlitzki
- Department of Neurology With Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Steffen Pfeuffer
- Department of Neurology With Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Niklas Huntemann
- Department of Neurology With Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology With Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Tobias Ruck
- Department of Neurology With Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Sven G Meuth
- Department of Neurology With Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149, Münster, Germany
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Kristensen MK, Christensen T. Regulation of the expression of human endogenous retroviruses: elements in fetal development and a possible role in the development of cancer and neurological diseases. APMIS 2021; 129:241-253. [PMID: 33683784 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are remnants of ancient retroviral germline infections. Most HERV sequences are silenced in somatic cells, but interest is emerging on the involvement of HERV derived transcripts and proteins in human physiology and disease. A HERV-W encoded protein, syncytin-1, has been co-opted into fetal physiology, where it plays a role in trophoblast formation. Altered HERV transcription and expression of HERV derived proteins are associated with various cancer types and neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The implication of HERVs as potential mediators of both health and disease suggests important roles of regulatory mechanisms and alterations of these in physiological and pathological processes. The regulation of HERV sequences is mediated by a wide variety of mechanisms, and the focus of this review is on selected aspects of these, including epigenetic mechanisms such as CpG methylation and histone modifications of the HP1-H3K9me axis, viral transactivation events, and regulatory perspectives of transient stimuli in the microenvironment. Increasing knowledge of the regulation of HERV sequences will not only contribute to the understanding of complex pathogeneses, but also may pinpoint potential targets for better diagnosis and treatment in complex diseases as MS.
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Gröger V, Wieland L, Naumann M, Meinecke AC, Meinhardt B, Rossner S, Ihling C, Emmer A, Staege MS, Cynis H. Formation of HERV-K and HERV-Fc1 Envelope Family Members is Suppressed on Transcriptional and Translational Level. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21217855. [PMID: 33113941 PMCID: PMC7660216 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21217855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human genome comprises 8% sequences of retroviral origin, so-called human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs). Most of these proviral sequences are defective, but some possess open reading frames. They can lead to the formation of viral transcripts, when activated by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. HERVs are thought to play a pathological role in inflammatory diseases and cancer. Since the consequences of activated proviral sequences in the human body are largely unexplored, selected envelope proteins of human endogenous retroviruses associated with inflammatory diseases, namely HERV-K18, HERV-K113, and HERV-Fc1, were investigated in the present study. A formation of glycosylated envelope proteins was demonstrated in different mammalian cell lines. Nevertheless, protein maturation seemed to be incomplete as no transport to the plasma membrane was observed. Instead, the proteins remained in the ER where they induced the expression of genes involved in unfolded protein response, such as HSPA5 and sXBP1. Furthermore, low expression levels of native envelope proteins were increased by codon optimization. Cell-free expression systems showed that both the transcriptional and translational level is affected. By generating different codon-optimized variants of HERV-K113 envelope, the influence of single rare t-RNA pools in certain cell lines was demonstrated. The mRNA secondary structure also appears to play an important role in the translation of the tested viral envelope proteins. In summary, the formation of certain HERV proteins is basically possible. However, their complete maturation and thus full biologic activity seems to depend on additional factors that might be disease-specific and await elucidation in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Gröger
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Weinbergweg 22, 06120 Halle, Germany; (V.G.); (M.N.); (A.-C.M.)
| | - Lisa Wieland
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06097 Halle, Germany; (L.W.); (B.M.); (A.E.)
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06097 Halle, Germany
| | - Marcel Naumann
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Weinbergweg 22, 06120 Halle, Germany; (V.G.); (M.N.); (A.-C.M.)
| | - Ann-Christin Meinecke
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Weinbergweg 22, 06120 Halle, Germany; (V.G.); (M.N.); (A.-C.M.)
| | - Beate Meinhardt
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06097 Halle, Germany; (L.W.); (B.M.); (A.E.)
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06097 Halle, Germany
| | - Steffen Rossner
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, Leipzig University, Liebigstraße 19, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Christian Ihling
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Bioanalytics, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany;
| | - Alexander Emmer
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06097 Halle, Germany; (L.W.); (B.M.); (A.E.)
| | - Martin S. Staege
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06097 Halle, Germany
- Correspondence: (M.S.S.); (H.C.); Tel.: +49-345-5577280 (M.S.S.); +49-345-13142835 (H.C.); Fax: +49-345-5577275 (M.S.S.); +49-345-13142801 (H.C.)
| | - Holger Cynis
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Weinbergweg 22, 06120 Halle, Germany; (V.G.); (M.N.); (A.-C.M.)
- Correspondence: (M.S.S.); (H.C.); Tel.: +49-345-5577280 (M.S.S.); +49-345-13142835 (H.C.); Fax: +49-345-5577275 (M.S.S.); +49-345-13142801 (H.C.)
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Talotta R, Atzeni F, Laska MJ. The contribution of HERV-E clone 4-1 and other HERV-E members to the pathogenesis of rheumatic autoimmune diseases. APMIS 2020; 128:367-377. [PMID: 32202683 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV)-E consist of a family of more than 1300 elements, stably integrated in the human genome. Some of them are full-length proviruses able to synthesize the viral proteins gag, pol and env. The reactivation of HERV-E elements has been associated to placentation, cancer and autoimmunity. In this narrative review, we aimed to report the status of the art concerning the involvement of HERV-E in rheumatic autoimmune diseases. Following a research on PubMed database, a total of 87 articles were selected. The highest amount of evidence derives from studies on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), whereas a few to no data are available on other immune-mediated diseases. In SLE, the hyper-expression of HERV-E clone 4-1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells or differentiated lymphocytes has been associated with disease activity and autoantibody production. It is likely that HERV-E take part to the pathogenesis of rheumatic autoimmune diseases but additional research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Talotta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera "Gaetano Martino", Messina, Italy
| | - Fabiola Atzeni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera "Gaetano Martino", Messina, Italy
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Talotta R, Sarzi-Puttini P, Laska MJ, Atzeni F. Retrotransposons shuttling genetic and epigenetic information from the nuclear to the mitochondrial compartment: Do they play a pathogenetic role in scleroderma? Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2019; 49:42-58. [PMID: 31677967 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2019.10.001] [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: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous retroelements are a class of ancient defective viral insertions contained in the genome of host cells, where they account for up to 40% of all DNA. Centuries of co-existence in host genome have led to the development of immunotolerance to endogenous retroelements, most of which are defective and unable to replicate or transcribe functional proteins. However, given their capacity to move across the nuclear and mitochondrial genome and recombine, they could mix phenotypes and give rise to infections that may trigger innate and adaptive immune responses by sensing receptors capable of recognising foreign nucleic acids and proteins. It has recently been suggested that they play a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases on the grounds of their partial reactivation or the epigenetic control of host gene transcription. A number of studies have confirmed their contribution to the development of rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus, but there is still a lack of data concerning systemic sclerosis (SSc). Their role in the pathogenesis of SSc can be hypothesised on the basis of mitochondrial and nuclear chromatinic damage, and hyper-activation of the immune pathway involved in antiviral defense. SSc is characterised by genetic and immunological evidence of a viral infection but, as no viral agent has yet been isolated from SSc patients, the hypothesis that partial reactivation of endogenous retroviruses may trigger the disease cannot be excluded and deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Talotta
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Gaetano Martino, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98100 Messina, Italy.
| | - Piercarlo Sarzi-Puttini
- Rheumatology Unit, University Hospital ASST-Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Via G.B Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy.
| | | | - Fabiola Atzeni
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Gaetano Martino, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98100 Messina, Italy.
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Expression of HERV Genes as Possible Biomarker and Target in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20153706. [PMID: 31362360 PMCID: PMC6696274 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are genetic parasites, in-between genetics and environment. Few HERVs retain some coding capability. Sometimes, the host has the advantage of some HERV genes; conversely, HERVs may contribute to pathogenesis. The expression of HERVs depends on several factors, and is regulated epigenetically by stimuli such as inflammation, viral and microbial infections, etc. Increased expression of HERVs occurs in physiological and pathological conditions, in one or more body sites. Several diseases have been attributed to one or more HERVs, particularly neurological diseases. The key problem is to differentiate the expression of a HERV as cause or effect of a disease. To be used as a biomarker, a correlation between the expression of a certain HERV and the disease onset and/or behavior must be found. The greater challenge is to establish a pathogenic role. The criteria defining causal connections between HERVs and diseases include the development of animal models, and disease modulation in humans, by anti-HERV therapeutic antibody. So far, statistically significant correlations between HERVs and diseases have been achieved for HERV-W and multiple sclerosis; disease reproduction in transgenic animals was achieved for HERV-W and multiple sclerosis, and for HERV-K and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Clinical trials for both diseases are in progress.
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12
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Anti-HERV-W Env antibodies are correlated with seroreactivity against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in children and youths at T1D risk. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6282. [PMID: 31000760 PMCID: PMC6472397 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42788-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence points at the role that human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) may play through the activation of genes integrated across the human genome. Although a variety of genetic/epigenetic mechanisms maintain most HERVs silenced, independent environmental stimuli including infections may transactivate endogenous elements favoring pathogenic conditions. Several studies associated exposures to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) with increased anti-MAP seroreactivity in T1D patients. Here, we assessed humoral responses against HERV envelope antigens (HERV-KEnv and HERV-WEnv) and four MAP-derived peptides with human homologs in distinct populations: Sardinian children at T1D risk (rT1D) (n = 14), rT1D from mainland Italy (n = 54) and Polish youths with T1D (n = 74) or obesity unrelated to autoimmunity (OB) (n = 26). Unlike Sardinian rT1D, youths displayed increased anti-HERV-WEnv Abs prevalence compared to age-matched OB or healthy controls (24.32 vs. 11.54%, p = 0.02 for Polish T1D/OB and 31.48 vs. 11.90%, p = 0.0025 for Italian rT1D). Anti-HERV-KEnv responses showed variable trends across groups. A strong correlation between Abs levels against HERV-WEnv and homologous peptides was mirrored by time-related Abs patterns. Elevated values registered for HERV-WEnv overlaped with or preceded the detection of T1D diagnostic autoantibodies. These results support the hypothesis of MAP infection leading to HERV-W antigen expression and enhancing the production of autoantibodies in T1D.
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Zhang Z, Liu Q, Di R, Hu W, Wang X, He X, Ma L, Chu M. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in BMP2 and BMP7 and the association with litter size in Small Tail Han sheep. Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 204:183-192. [PMID: 30962038 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although it has been investigated for many years, the physiological processes regulating prolificacy in sheep remains unclear because of regulation by many genes. To better understand the effects of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) comprising g.48462350C>T in BMP2, g.58171856C>G and g.58171886A>C in BMP7, a population genetic analysis was conducted using data obtained from genotyping in 768 sheep from six breeds (three polytocous and three monotocous). The results indicate that all the sheep breeds were considered to conform to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P > 0.05). The associations of these three SNPs with litter size in 384 Small Tail Han sheep were analyzed, therefore, and found to be correlated with fecundity as assessed by mean litter size (P < 0.05). Bioinformatic analysis indicated there was a transmembrane domain change that occurred after a mutation in BMP2 at g.48462350C>T, and changes involving transcription factors such as USF1, USF2 and INMS1 in the BMP7 promoter region might be involved in greater sheep prolificacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuangbiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Qiuyue Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Ran Di
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Wenping Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Xiangyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Xiaoyun He
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Lin Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Mingxing Chu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China.
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Gold J, Marta M, Meier UC, Christensen T, Miller D, Altmann D, Holden D, Bianchi L, Adiutori R, MacManus D, Yousry T, Schmierer K, Turner B, Giovannoni G. A phase II baseline versus treatment study to determine the efficacy of raltegravir (Isentress) in preventing progression of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis as determined by gadolinium-enhanced MRI: The INSPIRE study. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2018; 24:123-128. [PMID: 29990894 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the aetiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) remains elusive, it is clear that Epstein Barr virus (EBV) and possibly other viruses play a role in the pathogenesis of MS. Laboratory evidence suggests that human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) could also have a role, but no interventional therapy has determined what will happen if HERVs are suppressed. Recent epidemiological evidence indicates patients with HIV infection have a significantly lower risk of developing MS and that HIV antiretroviral therapies may be coincidentally inhibiting HERVs, or other retroelements, that could be implicated in MS. OBJECTIVES To systematically investigate the effects of an HIV integrase strand inhibitor, raltegravir, on the number of gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced MRI lesions in people with active relapsing MS. METHODS This is a Phase 2a clinical trial where twenty participants were enrolled in a 3 month baseline phase followed by 3 months of treatment with raltegravir 400 mg twice a day. Patients had monthly Gd-enhanced MRI, saliva collection to test for EBV shedding, blood sampling for safety monitoring, virology (including HERVs), measurement of immunological and inflammatory markers; and physical, neurological and quality-of-life assessments. RESULTS All patients completed the six months trial period.The primary outcome measure of MS disease activity was the number of Gd-enhancing lesions observed, and raltegravir had no significant effect on the rate of development of Gd-enhancing lesions during the treatment phase compared with the baseline phase. Additionally, there was no change in secondary outcomes of either disability or quality-of-life measures that could reasonably be attributed to the intervention. There was a significant positive between HERV-W/MSRV (multiple sclerosis related virus) Gag Flix (Fluorescence index) B cells and the number of Gd-enhanced lesions at any visit (p = 0.029), which was independent of any potential influence of the trial drug administration. Regarding EBV shedding, there was no significant correlation between the amount of EBV shedding and the number of lesions. No change was detected in inflammatory markers (IL-8, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF, IL-12p70 and HCRP), which were all within normal limits both before and after the intervention. Serum CD163 expression was also unchanged by raltegravir. CONCLUSIONS Raltegravir did not have any impact on MS disease activity. This could be due to the choice of antiretroviral agent used in this study, the need for a combination of agents, as used in treating HIV infection, the short treatment period or dosing regimen, or the lack of a role of HERV expression in MS once the disease is established. Borderline significance for the association between EBV shedding and the total number of lesions, probably driven by new lesion development, may indicate EBV shedding as a marker of inflammatory disease activity. In conclusion, interesting correlations between HERV-W markers, EBV shedding and new MRI lesions, independent from treatment effects, were found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Gold
- Neuroscience and Trauma, Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, United Kingdom; The Albion Centre, The University of Sydney School of Medicine, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Monica Marta
- Neuroscience and Trauma, Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, United Kingdom
| | - Ute C Meier
- Neuroscience and Trauma, Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, United Kingdom
| | | | - David Miller
- Institute of Neurology, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Altmann
- Medical Statistics Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Holden
- Neuroscience and Trauma, Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, United Kingdom
| | - Lucia Bianchi
- Neuroscience and Trauma, Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, United Kingdom
| | - Rocco Adiutori
- Neuroscience and Trauma, Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, United Kingdom
| | - David MacManus
- Institute of Neurology, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Tarek Yousry
- Institute of Neurology, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Klaus Schmierer
- Neuroscience and Trauma, Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Turner
- Neuroscience and Trauma, Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, United Kingdom
| | - Gavin Giovannoni
- Neuroscience and Trauma, Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, United Kingdom
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ALSUntangled 45: Antiretrovirals. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2018; 19:630-634. [PMID: 29693424 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2018.1465248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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16
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Gröger V, Cynis H. Human Endogenous Retroviruses and Their Putative Role in the Development of Autoimmune Disorders Such as Multiple Sclerosis. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:265. [PMID: 29515547 PMCID: PMC5826199 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are remnants of retroviral germ line infections of human ancestors and make up ~8% of the human genome. Under physiological conditions, these elements are frequently inactive or non-functional due to deactivating mutations and epigenetic control. However, they can be reactivated under certain pathological conditions and produce viral transcripts and proteins. Several disorders, like multiple sclerosis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are associated with increased HERV expression. Although their detailed contribution to individual diseases has yet to be elucidated, an increasing number of studies in vitro and in vivo suggest HERVs as potent modulators of the immune system. They are able to affect the transcription of other immune-related genes, interact with pattern recognition receptors, and influence the positive and negative selection of developing thymocytes. Interestingly, HERV envelope proteins can both stimulate and suppress immune responses based on different mechanisms. In the light of HERV proteins becoming an emerging drug target for autoimmune-related disorders and cancer, we will provide an overview on recent findings of the complex interactions between HERVs and the human immune system with a focus on autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Holger Cynis
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Halle, Germany
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Gjelstrup MC, Stilund M, Petersen T, Møller HJ, Petersen EL, Christensen T. Subsets of activated monocytes and markers of inflammation in incipient and progressed multiple sclerosis. Immunol Cell Biol 2017; 96:160-174. [PMID: 29363161 PMCID: PMC5836924 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.1025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune mediated, inflammatory and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Substantial evidence points toward monocytes and macrophages playing prominent roles early in disease, mediating both pro- and anti-inflammatory responses. Monocytes are subdivided into three subsets depending on the expression of CD14 and CD16, representing different stages of inflammatory activation. To investigate their involvement in MS, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 40 patients with incipient or progressed MS and 20 healthy controls were characterized ex vivo. In MS samples, we demonstrate a highly significant increase in nonclassical monocytes (CD14+CD16++), with a concomitant significant reduction in classical monocytes (CD14++CD16-) compared with healthy controls. Also, a significant reduction in the surface expression of CD40, CD163, and CD192 was found, attributable to the upregulation of the nonclassical monocytes. In addition, significantly increased levels of human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) envelope (Env) epitopes, encoded by both HERV-H/F and HERV-W, were specifically found on nonclassical monocytes from patients with MS; emphasizing their involvement in MS disease. In parallel, serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were analyzed for soluble biomarkers of inflammation and neurodegeneration. For sCD163 versus CD163, no significant correlations were found, whereas highly significant correlations between levels of soluble neopterine and the intermediate monocyte (CD14++CD16+) population was found, as were correlations between levels of soluble osteopontin and the HERV Env expression on nonclassical monocytes. The results from this study emphasize the relevance of further focus on monocyte subsets, particularly the nonclassical monocytes in monitoring of inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikkel Carstensen Gjelstrup
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Bartholin Building, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 4, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Morten Stilund
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Bartholin Building, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 4, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.,Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Thor Petersen
- Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Holger Jon Møller
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul Jensens Boulevard 99, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Eva Lykke Petersen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Bartholin Building, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 4, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Tove Christensen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Bartholin Building, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 4, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
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