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Jhelum H, Bender M, Reichart B, Mokelke M, Radan J, Neumann E, Krabben L, Abicht JM, Kaufer B, Längin M, Denner J. Evidence for Microchimerism in Baboon Recipients of Pig Hearts. Viruses 2023; 15:1618. [PMID: 37515304 PMCID: PMC10385208 DOI: 10.3390/v15071618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Xenotransplantation, like allotransplantation, is usually associated with microchimerism, i.e., the presence of cells from the donor in the recipient. Microchimerism was reported in first xenotransplantation trials in humans, as well as in most preclinical trials in nonhuman primates (for review, see Denner, Viruses 2023, 15, 190). When using pigs as xenotransplantation donors, their cells contain porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) in their genome. This makes it difficult to discriminate between microchimerism and PERV infection of the recipient. Here, we demonstrate the appropriate virological methods to be used for the identification of microchimerism, first by screening for porcine cellular genes, and then how to detect infection of the host. Using porcine short interspersed nuclear sequences (SINEs), which have hundreds of thousands of copies in the pig genome, significantly increased the sensitivity of the screening for pig cells. Second, absence of PERV RNA demonstrated an absence of viral genomic RNA or expression as mRNA. Lastly, absence of antibodies against PERV proteins conclusively demonstrated an absence of a PERV infection. When applying these methods for analyzing baboons after pig heart transplantation, microchimerism could be demonstrated and infection excluded in all animals. These methods can be used in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hina Jhelum
- Institut of Virology, Free University Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Bender
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Bruno Reichart
- Transregional Collaborative Research Center 127, Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Maren Mokelke
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Radan
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Neumann
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Ludwig Krabben
- Institut of Virology, Free University Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan-Michael Abicht
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Benedikt Kaufer
- Institut of Virology, Free University Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Längin
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Joachim Denner
- Institut of Virology, Free University Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
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Halecker S, Metzger J, Strube C, Krabben L, Kaufer B, Denner J. Virological and Parasitological Characterization of Mini-LEWE Minipigs Using Improved Screening Methods and an Overview of Data on Various Minipig Breeds. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9122617. [PMID: 34946218 PMCID: PMC8706741 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Minipigs play an important role in biomedical research and have also been used as donor animals in xenotransplantation. To serve as a donor in xenotransplantation, the animals must be free of potential zoonotic viruses, bacteria and parasites. Porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) are integrated in the genome of all pigs and cannot be eliminated as most of the other pig viruses can. PERV-A and PERV-B infect human cells in cell culture and are integrated in all pigs, whereas PERV-C infects only pig cells and it is found in many, but not all pigs. Minipigs are known for a high prevalence of recombinant PERV-A/C viruses able to infect human cells (Denner and Schuurman, Viruses, 2021;13:1869). Here, Mini-LEWE minipigs are screened for the first time for pig viruses including PERV. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 10 animals were screened using PCR-based methods (PCR, RT-PCR, and real-time PCR). In comparison with our previous screening assays, numerous improvements were introduced, e.g., the usage of gene blocks as a PCR standard and foreign RNA to control reverse transcription in RT-PCR. Using these improved detection methods, Mini-LEWE pigs were found to be negative for porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV), porcine lymphotropic herpesviruses (PLHV-1, -2 and -3), porcine circoviruses (PCV1, 2, 3 and 4), porcine parvovirus (PPV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV). All animals carried PERV-A, PERV-B and PERV-C in their genome. PERV-A/C was not found. In contrast to all other minipig breeds (Göttingen minipigs, Aachen minipigs, Yucatan micropig, Massachusetts General Hospital miniature pigs), Mini-LEWE minipigs have less viruses and no PERV-A/C. Parasitological screening showed that none of the Mini-LEWE minipigs harbored ecto- and gastrointestinal parasites, but at least one animal tested positive for anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Halecker
- Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (S.H.); (L.K.); (B.K.)
| | - Julia Metzger
- Research Group Veterinary Functional Genomics, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany;
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Ludwig Krabben
- Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (S.H.); (L.K.); (B.K.)
| | - Benedikt Kaufer
- Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (S.H.); (L.K.); (B.K.)
| | - Joachim Denner
- Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (S.H.); (L.K.); (B.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-30-8386-3059
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Denner J, Längin M, Reichart B, Krüger L, Fiebig U, Mokelke M, Radan J, Mayr T, Milusev A, Luther F, Sorvillo N, Rieben R, Brenner P, Walz C, Wolf E, Roshani B, Stahl-Hennig C, Abicht JM. Impact of porcine cytomegalovirus on long-term orthotopic cardiac xenotransplant survival. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17531. [PMID: 33067513 PMCID: PMC7568528 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73150-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Xenotransplantation using pig organs has achieved survival times up to 195 days in pig orthotopic heart transplantation into baboons. Here we demonstrate that in addition to an improved immunosuppressive regimen, non-ischaemic preservation with continuous perfusion and control of post-transplantation growth of the transplant, prevention of transmission of the porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV) plays an important role in achieving long survival times. For the first time we demonstrate that PCMV transmission in orthotopic pig heart xenotransplantation was associated with a reduced survival time of the transplant and increased levels of IL-6 and TNFα were found in the transplanted baboon. Furthermore, high levels of tPA-PAI-1 complexes were found, suggesting a complete loss of the pro-fibrinolytic properties of the endothelial cells. These data show that PCMV has an important impact on transplant survival and call for elimination of PCMV from donor pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthias Längin
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Bruno Reichart
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Maren Mokelke
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Radan
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Tanja Mayr
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Anastasia Milusev
- Department of Biomedical Research (DMBR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Luther
- Department of Biomedical Research (DMBR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicoletta Sorvillo
- Department of Biomedical Research (DMBR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Robert Rieben
- Department of Biomedical Research (DMBR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Brenner
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital, Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Walz
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Berit Roshani
- Unit of Infection Models, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Jan-Michael Abicht
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Krüger L, Längin M, Reichart B, Fiebig U, Kristiansen Y, Prinz C, Kessler B, Egerer S, Wolf E, Abicht JM, Denner J. Transmission of Porcine Circovirus 3 (PCV3) by Xenotransplantation of Pig Hearts into Baboons. Viruses 2019; 11:E650. [PMID: 31315245 PMCID: PMC6669873 DOI: 10.3390/v11070650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3) is a newly described member of the virus family Circoviridae. PCV3 is highly distributed among pigs and wild boars worldwide. A sudden introduction of PCV3 was recently observed in a herd of triple genetically modified pigs generated for xenotransplantation. These animals were used as donor pigs for orthotopic heart transplantation into baboons. In four cases, PCV3-positive hearts were transplanted, and transmission of PCV3 to the recipient was observed. PCV3 was found in all organs of the recipient baboons and a higher virus load was found in animals with a longer survival time of the transplant, indicating replication of the virus. This is the first report showing trans-species transmission of PCV3 to baboons by transplantation of a heart from a PCV3-positive donor pig. Sequence analysis showed that PCV3a and PCV3b were present in the infected pigs and were transmitted. Experiments to infect human 293 cells with PCV3 failed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luise Krüger
- Robert Koch Institute, HIV and other retroviruses, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Längin
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Bruno Reichart
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Uwe Fiebig
- Robert Koch Institute, HIV and other retroviruses, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Carolin Prinz
- Robert Koch Institute, HIV and other retroviruses, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Barbara Kessler
- Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Stefanie Egerer
- Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Jan-Michael Abicht
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Joachim Denner
- Robert Koch Institute, Robert Koch Fellow, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
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Achleitner M, Kleefisch M, Hennig A, Peschke K, Polikarpova A, Oertel R, Gabriel B, Schulze L, Lindeman D, Gerbaulet A, Fiebig U, Lee-Kirsch MA, Roers A, Behrendt R. Lack of Trex1 Causes Systemic Autoimmunity despite the Presence of Antiretroviral Drugs. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 199:2261-2269. [PMID: 28835460 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1700714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Biallelic mutations of three prime repair exonuclease 1 (TREX1) cause the lupus-like disease Aicardi-Goutières syndrome in which accumulation of a yet unknown endogenous DNA substrate of TREX1 triggers a cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-dependent type I IFN response and systemic autoimmunity. Products of reverse transcription originating from endogenous retroelements have been suggested to be a major substrate for TREX1, and reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs) were proposed as a therapeutic option in autoimmunity ensuing from defects of TREX1. In this study, we treated Trex1-/- mice with RTIs. The serum RTI levels reached were sufficient to block retrotransposition of endogenous retroelements. However, the treatment did not reduce the spontaneous type I IFN response and did not ameliorate lethal inflammation. Furthermore, long interspersed nuclear elements 1 retrotransposition was not enhanced in the absence of Trex1. Our data do not support the concept of retroelement-derived cDNA as key triggers of systemic autoimmunity in Trex1-deficient humans and mice and motivate the continuing search for the pathogenic IFN-inducing Trex1 substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Achleitner
- Institute for Immunology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Kleefisch
- Institute for Immunology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Alexander Hennig
- Institute for Immunology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Katrin Peschke
- Institute for Immunology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Anastasia Polikarpova
- Institute for Immunology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Reinhard Oertel
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Benjamin Gabriel
- Division for HIV and Other Retroviruses, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Livia Schulze
- Institute for Immunology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Dirk Lindeman
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; and
| | - Alexander Gerbaulet
- Institute for Immunology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Uwe Fiebig
- Division for HIV and Other Retroviruses, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Min Ae Lee-Kirsch
- Molecular Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Axel Roers
- Institute for Immunology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Rayk Behrendt
- Institute for Immunology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany;
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Fiebig U, Dieckhoff B, Wurzbacher C, Möller A, Kurth R, Denner J. Induction of neutralizing antibodies specific for the envelope proteins of the koala retrovirus by immunization with recombinant proteins or with DNA. Virol J 2015; 12:68. [PMID: 25925265 PMCID: PMC4429407 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-015-0296-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The koala retrovirus (KoRV) is the result of a transspecies transmission of a gammaretrovirus with fatal consequences for the new host. Like many retroviruses, KoRV induces lymphoma, leukemia and an immunodeficiency that is associated with opportunistic infections in the virus-infected animals. We recently reported the induction of neutralizing antibodies by immunization with the recombinant ectodomain of the transmembrane envelope protein p15E of KoRV. Since the neutralization titers of the p15E-specific sera were only moderate, we investigated the use of the surface envelope protein gp70 to induce neutralizing antibodies. FINDINGS We immunized rats and goats with the recombinant gp70 protein of the KoRV, an unglycosylated protein of 52kD (rgp70/p52) or with the corresponding DNA. In parallel we immunized with recombinant rp15E or with a combination of rp15E and rgp70/p52. In all cases binding and neutralizing antibodies were induced. The gp70-specific sera had titers of neutralizing antibodies that were 15-fold higher than the p15E-specific sera. Combining rp15E and rgp70/p52 did not significantly increase neutralizing titers compared to rgp70/p52 alone. High titers of neutralizing antibodies specific for gp70 were also induced by immunization with DNA. Since KoRV and PERV are closely related, we investigated cross-neutralization of the antisera. The antisera against p15E and gp70 of PERV and KoRV inhibited infection by both viruses. CONCLUSION The envelope proteins of the KoRV may therefore form the basis of an effective preventive vaccine to protect uninfected koalas from infection and possibly an immunotherapeutic treatment for those already infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Fiebig
- Robert Koch-Institute, Nordufer 20, D-13353, Berlin, Germany.
| | | | | | | | - Reinhard Kurth
- Robert Koch-Institute, Nordufer 20, D-13353, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Joachim Denner
- Robert Koch-Institute, Nordufer 20, D-13353, Berlin, Germany.
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Fiebig U, Keller M, Möller A, Timms P, Denner J. Lack of antiviral antibody response in koalas infected with koala retroviruses (KoRV). Virus Res 2015; 198:30-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2015.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Revised: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Strasz N, Morozov VA, Kreutzberger J, Keller M, Eschricht M, Denner J. Immunization with hybrid proteins containing the membrane proximal external region of HIV-1. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2014; 30:498-508. [PMID: 24392780 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2013.0191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The transmembrane envelope (TM) protein gp41 of HIV-1 is an attractive target when designing a vaccine to induce neutralizing antibodies. A few broadly neutralizing antibodies (2F5, 4E10, and 10E8) that target conserved epitopes in the membrane proximal external region (MPER) of gp41 have been isolated from infected individuals. However, attempts to induce such antibodies by immunizations with gp41 and Env derivatives containing the MPER were successful only to some extent. In contrast, immunizations with the ectodomain of the TM protein p15E of different gamma retroviruses resulted in the induction of neutralizing antibodies. These sera recognized epitopes located in the MPER and in the fusion peptide proximal region (FPPR) of p15E. Based on these results, both regions of p15E were substituted with the corresponding sequences derived from gp41 of HIV-1. Thus, four different hybrid antigens were produced. One of the inserted sequences contained the epitopes of 2F5 and 4E10 in the MPER; the other corresponded to the FPPR. Vaccination of rats, guinea pigs, and a goat induced binding antibodies directed against the FPPR of gp41 and the 2F5 epitope (ELDKWA) located in the MPER. Despite the exact recognition of the 2F5 epitope, no or very weak neutralization of HIV-1NL4-3 by the immune sera was demonstrated. Nonetheless, using the strategy of hybrid proteins, antibodies targeting the desired epitope were successfully induced.
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Blochmann R, Curths C, Coulibaly C, Cichutek K, Kurth R, Norley S, Bannert N, Fiebig U. A novel small animal model to study the replication of simian foamy virus in vivo. Virology 2014; 448:65-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2013.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Revised: 06/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/29/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Behrendt R, Fiebig U, Kurth R, Denner J. Induction of Antibodies Binding to the Membrane Proximal External Region of gp36 of HIV-2. Intervirology 2012; 55:252-6. [DOI: 10.1159/000324483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2010] [Accepted: 01/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Broad and potent neutralizing antibody responses elicited in natural HIV-2 infection. J Virol 2011; 86:947-60. [PMID: 22031948 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.06155-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Compared with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), little is known about the susceptibility of HIV-2 to antibody neutralization. We characterized the potency and breadth of neutralizing antibody (NAb) responses in 64 subjects chronically infected with HIV-2 against three primary HIV-2 strains: HIV-2(7312A), HIV-2(ST), and HIV-2(UC1). Surprisingly, we observed in a single-cycle JC53bl-13/TZM-bl virus entry assay median reciprocal 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) NAb titers of 1.7 × 10(5), 2.8 × 10(4), and 3.3 × 10(4), respectively. A subset of 5 patient plasma samples tested against a larger panel of 17 HIV-2 strains where the extracellular gp160 domain was substituted into the HIV-2(7312A) proviral backbone showed potent neutralization of all but 4 viruses. The specificity of antibody neutralization was confirmed using IgG purified from patient plasma, HIV-2 Envs cloned by single-genome amplification, viruses grown in human CD4(+) T cells and tested for neutralization sensitivity on human CD4(+) T target cells, and, as negative controls, env-minus viruses pseudotyped with HIV-1, vesicular stomatitis virus, or murine leukemia virus Env glycoproteins. Human monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for HIV-2 V3 (6.10F), V4 (1.7A), CD4 binding site (CD4bs; 6.10B), CD4 induced (CD4i; 1.4H), and membrane-proximal external region (MPER; 4E10) epitopes potently neutralized the majority of 32 HIV-2 strains bearing Envs from 13 subjects. Patient antibodies competed with V3, V4, and CD4bs MAbs for binding to monomeric HIV-2 gp120 at titers that correlated significantly with NAb titers. HIV-2 MPER antibodies did not contribute to neutralization breadth or potency. These findings indicate that HIV-2 Env is highly immunogenic in natural infection, that high-titer broadly neutralizing antibodies are commonly elicited, and that unlike HIV-1, native HIV-2 Env trimers expose multiple broadly cross-reactive epitopes readily accessible to NAbs.
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12
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Generation of neutralising antibodies against porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs). Virology 2011; 411:78-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2010.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2010] [Revised: 09/20/2010] [Accepted: 12/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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13
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Hohn O, Strohschein K, Brandt AU, Seeher S, Klein S, Kurth R, Paul F, Meisel C, Scheibenbogen C, Bannert N. No evidence for XMRV in German CFS and MS patients with fatigue despite the ability of the virus to infect human blood cells in vitro. PLoS One 2010; 5:e15632. [PMID: 21203514 PMCID: PMC3008728 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2010] [Accepted: 11/18/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV), a novel human retrovirus originally identified in prostate cancer tissues, has recently been associated with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a disabling disease of unknown etiology affecting millions of people worldwide. However, several subsequent studies failed to detect the virus in patients suffering from these illnesses or in healthy subjects. Here we report the results of efforts to detect antibody responses and viral sequences in samples from a cohort of German CFS and relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with fatigue symptoms. Methodology Blood samples were taken from a cohort of 39 patients fulfilling the Fukuda/CDC criteria (CFS), from 112 patients with an established MS diagnosis and from 40 healthy donors. Fatigue severity in MS patients was assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Validated Gag- and Env-ELISA assays were used to screen sera for XMRV antibodies. PHA-activated PBMC were cultured for seven days in the presence of IL-2 and DNA isolated from these cultures as well as from co-cultures of PBMC and highly permissive LNCaP cells was analyzed by nested PCR for the presence of the XMRV gag gene. In addition, PBMC cultures were exposed to 22Rv1-derived XMRV to assess infectivity and virus production. Conclusion None of the screened sera from CFS and MS patients or healthy blood donors tested positive for XMRV specific antibodies and all PBMC (and PBMC plus LNCaP) cultures remained negative for XMRV sequences by nested PCR. These results argue against an association between XMRV infection and CFS and MS in Germany. However, we could confirm that PBMC cultures from healthy donors and from CFS patients can be experimentally infected by XMRV, resulting in the release of low levels of transmittable virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Hohn
- Centre for Biological Security 4, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
- Centre for Retrovirology, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristin Strohschein
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander U. Brandt
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center (NCRC), Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sandra Seeher
- Centre for Biological Security 4, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sandra Klein
- Centre for Biological Security 4, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Friedemann Paul
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center (NCRC), Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Meisel
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Norbert Bannert
- Centre for Biological Security 4, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
- Centre for Retrovirology, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Hohn O, Krause H, Barbarotto P, Niederstadt L, Beimforde N, Denner J, Miller K, Kurth R, Bannert N. Lack of evidence for xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus(XMRV) in German prostate cancer patients. Retrovirology 2009; 6:92. [PMID: 19835577 PMCID: PMC2770519 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-6-92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2009] [Accepted: 10/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A novel gammaretrovirus named xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) has been recently identified and found to have a prevalence of 40% in prostate tumor samples from American patients carrying a homozygous R462Q mutation in the RNaseL gene. This mutation impairs the function of the innate antiviral type I interferon pathway and is a known susceptibility factor for prostate cancer. Here, we attempt to measure the prevalence of XMRV in prostate cancer cases in Germany and determine whether an analogous association with the R462Q polymorphism exists. Results 589 prostate tumor samples were genotyped by real-time PCR with regard to the RNaseL mutation. DNA and RNA samples from these patients were screened for the presence of XMRV-specific gag sequences using a highly sensitive nested PCR and RT-PCR approach. Furthermore, 146 sera samples from prostate tumor patients were tested for XMRV Gag and Env antibodies using a newly developed ELISA assay. In agreement with earlier data, 12.9% (76 samples) were shown to be of the QQ genotype. However, XMRV specific sequences were detected at neither the DNA nor the RNA level. Consistent with this result, none of the sera analyzed from prostate cancer patients contained XMRV-specific antibodies. Conclusion Our results indicate a much lower prevalence (or even complete absence) of XMRV in prostate tumor patients in Germany. One possible reason for this could be a geographically restricted incidence of XMRV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Hohn
- Robert Koch-Institute, Centre for Biological Safety 4, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
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