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Censi ST, Mariani-Costantini R, Granzotto A, Tomassini V, Sensi SL. Endogenous retroviruses in multiple sclerosis: A network-based etiopathogenic model. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 99:102392. [PMID: 38925481 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The present perspective article proposes an etiopathological model for multiple sclerosis pathogenesis and progression associated with the activation of human endogenous retroviruses. We reviewed preclinical, clinical, epidemiological, and evolutionary evidence indicating how the complex, multi-level interplay of genetic traits and environmental factors contributes to multiple sclerosis. We propose that endogenous retroviruses transactivation acts as a critical node in disease development. We also discuss the rationale for combined anti-retroviral therapy in multiple sclerosis as a disease-modifying therapeutic strategy. Finally, we propose that the immuno-pathogenic process triggered by endogenous retrovirus activation can be extended to aging and aging-related neurodegeneration. In this regard, endogenous retroviruses can be envisioned to act as epigenetic noise, favoring the proliferation of disorganized cellular subpopulations and accelerating system-specific "aging". Since inflammation and aging are two sides of the same coin (plastic dis-adaptation to external stimuli with system-specific degree of freedom), the two conditions may be epiphenomenal products of increased epigenomic entropy. Inflammation accelerates organ-specific aging, disrupting communication throughout critical systems of the body and producing symptoms. Overlapping neurological symptoms and syndromes may emerge from the activity of shared molecular networks that respond to endogenous retroviruses' reactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano T Censi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy.
| | - Renato Mariani-Costantini
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Alberto Granzotto
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Valentina Tomassini
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Institute of Neurology, SS Annunziata Hospital, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano L Sensi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Institute of Neurology, SS Annunziata Hospital, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy.
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Gruchot J, Reiche L, Werner L, Herrero F, Schira-Heinen J, Meyer U, Küry P. Molecular dissection of HERV-W dependent microglial- and astroglial cell polarization. Microbes Infect 2024:105382. [PMID: 38944109 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2024.105382] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
The endogenous retrovirus type W (HERV-W) is a human-specific entity, which was initially discovered in multiple sclerosis (MS) patient derived cells. We initially found that the HERV-W envelope (ENV) protein negatively affects oligodendrogenesis and controls microglial cell polarization towards a myelinated axon associated and damaging phenotype. Such first functional assessments were conducted ex vivo, given the human-specific origin of HERV-W. Recent experimental evidence gathered on a novel transgenic mouse model, mimicking activation and expression of the HERV-W ENV protein, revealed that all glial cell types are impacted and that cellular fates, differentiation, and functions were changed. In order to identify HERV-W-specific signatures in glial cells, the current study analyzed the transcriptome of ENV protein stimulated microglial- and astroglial cells and compared the transcriptomic signatures to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated cells, owing to the fact that both ligands can activate toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4). Additionally, a comparison between published disease associated glial signatures and the transcriptome of HERV-W ENV stimulated glial cells was conducted. We, therefore, provide here for the first time a detailed molecular description of specific HERV-W ENV evoked effects on those glial cell populations that are involved in smoldering neuroinflammatory processes relevant for progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Gruchot
- Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Department of Neurology, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Laura Reiche
- Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Department of Neurology, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Luisa Werner
- Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Department of Neurology, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Felisa Herrero
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Vetsuisse, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jessica Schira-Heinen
- Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Department of Neurology, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Urs Meyer
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Vetsuisse, Zürich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zürich, University of Zürich and ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Küry
- Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Department of Neurology, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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Adler GL, Le K, Fu Y, Kim WS. Human Endogenous Retroviruses in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:745. [PMID: 38927681 PMCID: PMC11202925 DOI: 10.3390/genes15060745] [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: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are DNA transposable elements that have integrated into the human genome via an ancestral germline infection. The potential importance of HERVs is underscored by the fact that they comprise approximately 8% of the human genome. HERVs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, a group of CNS diseases characterized by a progressive loss of structure and function of neurons, resulting in cell death and multiple physiological dysfunctions. Much evidence indicates that HERVs are initiators or drivers of neurodegenerative processes in multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and clinical trials have been designed to target HERVs. In recent years, the role of HERVs has been explored in other major neurodegenerative diseases, including frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, with some interesting discoveries. This review summarizes and evaluates the past and current research on HERVs in neurodegenerative diseases. It discusses the potential role of HERVs in disease manifestation and neurodegeneration. It critically reviews antiretroviral strategies used in the therapeutic intervention of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle L. Adler
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Kelvin Le
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - YuHong Fu
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Woojin Scott Kim
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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Rangel SC, da Silva MD, Natrielli Filho DG, Santos SN, do Amaral JB, Victor JR, Silva KCN, Tuleta ID, França CN, Shio MT, Neves LM, Bachi ALL, da Silva Nali LH. HERV-W upregulation expression in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia: unraveling potential links to systemic immune/inflammation status. Retrovirology 2024; 21:7. [PMID: 38644495 PMCID: PMC11034070 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-024-00640-3] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SZ) are the two main mental disorders with unknown etiology that significantly impact individuals' quality of life. The potential pro-inflammatory role in their pathogenesis is postulated and Human Endogenous Retrovirus W (HERV-W) is an emerging candidate to modulate this pathogenic finding. HERVs, ancient retroviruses in the human genome, may play roles in inflammation and disease pathogenesis. Despite HERVs' involvement in autoimmune diseases, their influence on mental disorders remains underexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the level of HERV-W-env expression and the systemic inflammatory profile through the concentration of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and INF-γ cytokines in BD and SZ patients. RESULTS All participants showed HERV-W-env expression, but its expression was higher in mental disorder patients (p < 0.01) than in control. When separated, SZ individuals exhibited higher HERV-W expression than the control group (p < 0.01). Higher serum levels of TNF-α and IL-10 were found in BD (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.001, respectively) and SZ (p = 0.01) and p = 0.01, respectively) than in the control group, while SZ showed decreased levels IFN-γ and IL-2 as compared to controls (p = 0.05) and BD patients (p = 0.05), respectively. Higher TNF-α/IL-4 and TNF-α/IL-10 ratios, and lower IFN-γ/IL-10 were observed in BD and SZ patients than controls. Significant negative correlation between HERV-W-env expression and IL-10 (r=-0.47 p < 0.05), as well as positive correlations between HERV-W-env expression and TNF-α/IL-10 or IFN-γ/IL-10 ratios (r = 0.48 p < 0.05 and r = 0.46 p < 0.05, respectively) were found in BD patients. CONCLUSION These findings suggest not only a potential link between HERV-W-env expression both in BD and SZ, but also a possible involvement of systemic inflammatory status in BD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Coelho Rangel
- Post-graduation Program in Health Sciences, Santo Amaro University, Rua Isabel Schmitt, 540, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michelly Damasceno da Silva
- Post-graduation Program in Health Sciences, Santo Amaro University, Rua Isabel Schmitt, 540, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Décio Gilberto Natrielli Filho
- Hospital Escola Wladimir Arruda- Departamento de Psiquiatria- Santo Amaro University, Rua Prof. Enéas de Siqueira Neto, 340, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Samuel Nascimento Santos
- Post-graduation Program in Health Sciences, Santo Amaro University, Rua Isabel Schmitt, 540, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jonatas Bussador do Amaral
- Ent Research Lab, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Federal University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jefferson Russo Victor
- Post-graduation Program in Health Sciences, Santo Amaro University, Rua Isabel Schmitt, 540, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Izabela Dorota Tuleta
- Department of Medicine-Cardiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, EUA, USA
| | - Carolina Nunes França
- Post-graduation Program in Health Sciences, Santo Amaro University, Rua Isabel Schmitt, 540, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina Tiemi Shio
- Post-graduation Program in Health Sciences, Santo Amaro University, Rua Isabel Schmitt, 540, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas Melo Neves
- Post-graduation Program in Health Sciences, Santo Amaro University, Rua Isabel Schmitt, 540, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André Luis Lacerda Bachi
- Post-graduation Program in Health Sciences, Santo Amaro University, Rua Isabel Schmitt, 540, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz Henrique da Silva Nali
- Post-graduation Program in Health Sciences, Santo Amaro University, Rua Isabel Schmitt, 540, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Ruberto S, Cossu D, Sechi LA. Correlation between antibodies against the pathogenic pHERV-W envelope protein and the inflammatory phase of multiple sclerosis. Immunology 2024; 171:270-276. [PMID: 37985008 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13712] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of retroviral envelope proteins belonging to the Human Endogenous Retroviral family 'W' (HERV-W), specifically syncytin-1 and pathogenic HERV-W (pHERV-W), as potential risk factors in multiple sclerosis (MS) has been established. This study aimed to investigate the humoral response to syncytin-1 and pHERV-W-derived peptides in a group of relapsing remitting MS patients categorized as having acute or stable disease. Furthermore, an inhibition assay was conducted to assess the extent of cross-reactivity between the two epitopes. The findings revealed that MS patients in the acute phase exhibited a higher specific antibody response to the pHERV-W env epitope compared to syncytin-1. This suggests a potential pathogenic role for pHERV-W env during the inflammatory stages of central nervous system involvement, and these antibody responses could serve as useful biomarkers for monitoring the progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Ruberto
- Division of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Davide Cossu
- Division of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Leonardo A Sechi
- Division of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- SC Microbiologia e Virologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Sassari, Italy
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Semsari H, Babaei E, Ranjkesh M, Esmaili N, Mallet F, Karimi A. Association of Human Endogenous Retrovirus-W (HERV-W) Copies with Pemphigus Vulgaris. Curr Mol Med 2024; 24:683-688. [PMID: 37078354 DOI: 10.2174/1566524023666230418114152] [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: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pemphigus is classified as a group of chronic, recurrent, and potentially fatal bullous autoimmune diseases that leads to blisters and skin lesions resulting from IgG antibodies and the loss of cellular connections in the epidermis. Human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) sequences and their products (RNA, cytosolic DNA, and proteins) can modulate the immune system and contribute to autoimmunity. The extent to which, HERV-W env copies may be involved in the pathogenesis of pemphigus remains to be elucidated. AIM This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the relative levels of HERV-W env DNA copy numbers in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of pemphigus vulgaris patients and healthy controls. METHODS Thirty-one pemphigus patients and the corresponding age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the study. The relative levels of HERV-W env DNA copy numbers were then evaluated by qPCR using specific primers, in the PBMCs of the patients and controls. RESULTS Our results indicated that relative levels of HERV-W env DNA copy numbers in the patients were significantly higher than that in the controls (1.67±0.86 vs. 1.17±0.75; p = 0.02). There was also a significant difference between the HERV-W env copies of male and female patients (p = 0.001). Furthermore, there was no relationship between the HERV-W env copy number and disease onset (p = 0.19) . According to the obtained data, we could not find any relationship between the HERV-W env copy number and serum Dsg1(p=0.86) and Dsg3 (p=0.76) levels. CONCLUSION Our results indicated a positive link between the HERV-W env copies and pathogenesis of pemphigus. The association between clinical severity score and HERVW env copies in the PBMCs as a biomarker for pemphigus needs further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Semsari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Babaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Mohammadreza Ranjkesh
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Esmaili
- Autoimmune Bullous Diseases Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Razi Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - François Mallet
- Joint Research Unit Hospices Civils de Lyon-bioMérieux, Lyon Sud Hospital, Pierre-Bénite, France
- EA 7426 Pathophysiology of Injury-Induced Immunosuppression, Edouard Herriot Hospital, University of Lyon1- Hospices Civils de Lyon-bioMérieux, 5 Place d'Arsonval, Lyon Cedex 3, Lyon, France
| | - Abbas Karimi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Priščáková P, Svoboda M, Feketová Z, Hutník J, Repiská V, Gbelcová H, Gergely L. Syncytin-1, syncytin-2 and suppressyn in human health and disease. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023; 101:1527-1542. [PMID: 37855856 PMCID: PMC10697888 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-023-02385-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
In this review, we summarized the results of experimental and clinical studies about three human endogenous retroviruses and their products-syncytin-1, syncytin-2, and suppressyn in human physiology and pathophysiology. We summed up the described connection with various pathological processes and diseases, mainly with pregnancy-induced hypertensive diseases such as preeclampsia, oncogenesis, gestational trophoblastic disease, and multiple sclerosis. Supposed mechanisms of action and the potential of clinical applications are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Priščáková
- Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, Bratislava, 811 08, Slovak Republic
| | - Michal Svoboda
- Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, Bratislava, 811 08, Slovak Republic
| | - Zuzana Feketová
- Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, Bratislava, 811 08, Slovak Republic
| | - Juraj Hutník
- Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, Bratislava, 811 08, Slovak Republic
| | - Vanda Repiská
- Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, Bratislava, 811 08, Slovak Republic
| | - Helena Gbelcová
- Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, Bratislava, 811 08, Slovak Republic
| | - Lajos Gergely
- Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, Bratislava, 811 08, Slovak Republic.
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Balestrieri E, Corinaldesi E, Fabi M, Cipriani C, Giudice M, Conti A, Minutolo A, Petrone V, Fanelli M, Miele MT, Andreozzi L, Guida F, Filice E, Meli M, Grelli S, Rasi G, Toschi N, Torcetta F, Matteucci C, Lanari M, Sinibaldi-Vallebona P. Preliminary Evidence of the Differential Expression of Human Endogenous Retroviruses in Kawasaki Disease and SARS-CoV-2-Associated Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15086. [PMID: 37894766 PMCID: PMC10606856 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015086] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a postinfectious sequela of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), with some clinical features overlapping with Kawasaki disease (KD). Our research group and others have highlighted that the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 can trigger the activation of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), which in turn induces inflammatory and immune reactions, suggesting HERVs as contributing factors in COVID-19 immunopathology. With the aim to identify new factors involved in the processes underlying KD and MIS-C, we analysed the transcriptional levels of HERVs, HERV-related genes, and immune mediators in children during the acute and subacute phases compared with COVID-19 paediatric patients and healthy controls. The results showed higher levels of HERV-W, HERV-K, Syn-1, and ASCT-1/2 in KD, MIS-C, and COV patients, while higher levels of Syn-2 and MFSD2A were found only in MIS-C patients. Moreover, KD and MIS-C shared the dysregulation of several inflammatory and regulatory cytokines. Interestingly, in MIS-C patients, negative correlations have been found between HERV-W and IL-10 and between Syn-2 and IL-10, while positive correlations have been found between HERV-K and IL-10. In addition, HERV-W expression positively correlated with the C-reactive protein. This pilot study supports the role of HERVs in inflammatory diseases, suggesting their interplay with the immune system in this setting. The elevated expression of Syn-2 and MFSD2A seems to be a distinctive trait of MIS-C patients, allowing to distinguish them from KD ones. The understanding of pathological mechanisms can lead to the best available treatment for these two diseases, limiting complications and serious outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Balestrieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Elena Corinaldesi
- Pediatric Unit, Ramazzini Hospital, 41012 Carpi, Italy; (E.C.); (F.T.)
| | - Marianna Fabi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.A.); (F.G.); (E.F.); (M.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Chiara Cipriani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Martina Giudice
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Allegra Conti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (N.T.)
| | - Antonella Minutolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Vita Petrone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Marialaura Fanelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Martino Tony Miele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.A.); (F.G.); (E.F.); (M.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Fiorentina Guida
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.A.); (F.G.); (E.F.); (M.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Emanuele Filice
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.A.); (F.G.); (E.F.); (M.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Matteo Meli
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.A.); (F.G.); (E.F.); (M.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Sandro Grelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Guido Rasi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Nicola Toschi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (N.T.)
- Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | | | - Claudia Matteucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.A.); (F.G.); (E.F.); (M.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Paola Sinibaldi-Vallebona
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
- National Research Council, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Gruchot J, Lewen I, Dietrich M, Reiche L, Sindi M, Hecker C, Herrero F, Charvet B, Weber-Stadlbauer U, Hartung HP, Albrecht P, Perron H, Meyer U, Küry P. Transgenic expression of the HERV-W envelope protein leads to polarized glial cell populations and a neurodegenerative environment. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2308187120. [PMID: 37695891 PMCID: PMC10515160 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2308187120] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The human endogenous retrovirus type W (HERV-W) has been identified and repeatedly confirmed as human-specific pathogenic entity affecting many cell types in multiple sclerosis (MS). Our recent contributions revealed the encoded envelope (ENV) protein to disturb myelin repair by interfering with oligodendroglial precursor differentiation and by polarizing microglial cells toward an axon-damage phenotype. Indirect proof of ENV's antiregenerative and degenerative activities has been gathered recently in clinical trials using a neutralizing anti-ENV therapeutic antibody. Yet direct proof of its mode of action can only be presented here based on transgenic ENV expression in mice. Upon demyelination, we observed myelin repair deficits, neurotoxic microglia and astroglia, and increased axon degeneration. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis activity progressed faster in mutant mice equally accompanied by activated glial cells. This study therefore provides direct evidence on HERV-W ENV's contribution to the overall negative impact of this activated viral entity in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Gruchot
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Isabel Lewen
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Michael Dietrich
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Laura Reiche
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mustafa Sindi
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christina Hecker
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Felisa Herrero
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich-Vetsuisse, CH-8057Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Ulrike Weber-Stadlbauer
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich-Vetsuisse, CH-8057Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zürich and ETH Zürich, CH-8057Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Hans-Peter Hartung
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
- Brain and Mind Center, University of Sydney, NSW 2050Sydney, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Palacky University Olomouc, 77146Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Philipp Albrecht
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Urs Meyer
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich-Vetsuisse, CH-8057Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zürich and ETH Zürich, CH-8057Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Küry
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University of Bern, CH-3010Bern, Switzerland
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10
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Tovo PA, Marozio L, Abbona G, Calvi C, Frezet F, Gambarino S, Dini M, Benedetto C, Galliano I, Bergallo M. Pregnancy Is Associated with Impaired Transcription of Human Endogenous Retroviruses and of TRIM28 and SETDB1, Particularly in Mothers Affected by Multiple Sclerosis. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030710. [PMID: 36992419 PMCID: PMC10051116 DOI: 10.3390/v15030710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence highlights the pathogenetic role of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in eliciting and maintaining multiple sclerosis (MS). Epigenetic mechanisms, such as those regulated by TRIM 28 and SETDB1, are implicated in HERV activation and in neuroinflammatory disorders, including MS. Pregnancy markedly improves the course of MS, but no study explored the expressions of HERVs and of TRIM28 and SETDB1 during gestation. Using a polymerase chain reaction real-time Taqman amplification assay, we assessed and compared the transcriptional levels of pol genes of HERV-H, HERV-K, HERV-W; of env genes of Syncytin (SYN)1, SYN2, and multiple sclerosis associated retrovirus (MSRV); and of TRIM28 and SETDB1 in peripheral blood and placenta from 20 mothers affected by MS; from 27 healthy mothers, in cord blood from their neonates; and in blood from healthy women of child-bearing age. The HERV mRNA levels were significantly lower in pregnant than in nonpregnant women. Expressions of all HERVs were downregulated in the chorion and in the decidua basalis of MS mothers compared to healthy mothers. The former also showed lower mRNA levels of HERV-K-pol and of SYN1, SYN2, and MSRV in peripheral blood. Significantly lower expressions of TRIM28 and SETDB1 also emerged in pregnant vs. nonpregnant women and in blood, chorion, and decidua of mothers with MS vs. healthy mothers. In contrast, HERV and TRIM28/SETDB1 expressions were comparable between their neonates. These results show that gestation is characterized by impaired expressions of HERVs and TRIM28/SETDB1, particularly in mothers with MS. Given the beneficial effects of pregnancy on MS and the wealth of data suggesting the putative contribution of HERVs and epigenetic processes in the pathogenesis of the disease, our findings may further support innovative therapeutic interventions to block HERV activation and to control aberrant epigenetic pathways in MS-affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pier-Angelo Tovo
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Correspondence: (P.-A.T.); (M.B.)
| | - Luca Marozio
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology 1, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Abbona
- Pathology Unit, Department Laboratory Medicine, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Cristina Calvi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Pediatric Laboratory, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Federica Frezet
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology 1, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Stefano Gambarino
- Pediatric Laboratory, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Maddalena Dini
- Pediatric Laboratory, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Benedetto
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology 1, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Ilaria Galliano
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Pediatric Laboratory, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Bergallo
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Pediatric Laboratory, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Correspondence: (P.-A.T.); (M.B.)
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11
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Diagnostic and prognostic value of the RUNXOR/RUNX1 axis in multiple sclerosis. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 178:106032. [PMID: 36754216 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The runt-related transcription factor-1 (RUNX1) gene with its lncRNA RUNXOR are recently becoming a research focus in various diseases, specifically immune-related diseases as they are implicated in multiple pathways. Interestingly, their role in multiple sclerosis (MS) remains unstudied. The present study explored the role of RUNXOR/RUNX1 in the development and progression of MS and investigated their possible mechanism of action. We measured the serum expression levels of lncRNA RUNXOR, as well as RUNX1, microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2), nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNAs in 30 healthy controls and 120 MS patients subdivided into 4 groups: 30 clinically isolated syndrome patients, 30 relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients in relapse, 30 RRMS patients in remission and 30 secondary progressive MS patients. Additionally, we measured the serum protein levels of RUNX1, MAP2, NGF, BDNF and interleukin-10 (IL-10). All measured RNA expression levels were markedly downregulated and, consequently, the protein levels of RUNX1, MAP2, NGF, BDNF and IL-10 were significantly decreased in MS patients compared to healthy controls. Moreover, the levels of the measured parameters varied significantly within the MS groups. According to receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curve and logistic regression analyses, lncRNA RUNXOR, RUNX1 mRNA and its protein levels were predictors of disease progression, in addition to RUNX1 mRNA exhibiting a diagnostic potential. Altogether, this study suggests the implication of the RUNXOR-RUNX1 axis in MS development, progression, and increased MS-related disability, and highlights the potential utility of the studied parameters as promising diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers for MS.
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Rangel SC, da Silva MD, da Silva AL, dos Santos JDMB, Neves LM, Pedrosa A, Rodrigues FM, Trettel CDS, Furtado GE, de Barros MP, Bachi ALL, Romano CM, Nali LHDS. Human endogenous retroviruses and the inflammatory response: A vicious circle associated with health and illness. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1057791. [PMID: 36518758 PMCID: PMC9744114 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1057791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) are derived from ancient exogenous retroviral infections that have infected our ancestors' germline cells, underwent endogenization process, and were passed throughout the generations by retrotransposition and hereditary transmission. HERVs comprise 8% of the human genome and are critical for several physiological activities. Yet, HERVs reactivation is involved in pathological process as cancer and autoimmune diseases. In this review, we summarize the multiple aspects of HERVs' role within the human genome, as well as virological and molecular aspects, and their fusogenic property. We also discuss possibilities of how the HERVs are possibly transactivated and participate in modulating the inflammatory response in health conditions. An update on their role in several autoimmune, inflammatory, and aging-related diseases is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Coelho Rangel
- UNISA Research Center, Universidade Santo Amaro, Post-Graduation in Health Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Amanda Lopes da Silva
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Lucas Melo Neves
- UNISA Research Center, Universidade Santo Amaro, Post-Graduation in Health Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Pedrosa
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, (3004-504), Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Caio dos Santos Trettel
- Interdisciplinary Program in Health Sciences, Institute of Physical Activity Sciences and Sports (ICAFE), Cruzeiro do Sul University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Eustáquio Furtado
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Applied Research Institute, Rua da Misericórdia, Lagar dos Cortiços – S. Martinho do Bispo, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marcelo Paes de Barros
- Interdisciplinary Program in Health Sciences, Institute of Physical Activity Sciences and Sports (ICAFE), Cruzeiro do Sul University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André Luis Lacerda Bachi
- UNISA Research Center, Universidade Santo Amaro, Post-Graduation in Health Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Malta Romano
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP (LIM52), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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13
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Enhanced Expression of Human Endogenous Retroviruses, TRIM28 and SETDB1 in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115964. [PMID: 35682642 PMCID: PMC9180946 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are relics of ancestral infections and represent 8% of the human genome. They are no longer infectious, but their activation has been associated with several disorders, including neuropsychiatric conditions. Enhanced expression of HERV-K and HERV-H envelope genes has been found in the blood of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients, but no information is available on syncytin 1 (SYN1), SYN2, and multiple sclerosis-associated retrovirus (MSRV), which are thought to be implicated in brain development and immune responses. HERV activation is regulated by TRIM28 and SETDB1, which are part of the epigenetic mechanisms that organize the chromatin architecture in response to external stimuli and are involved in neural cell differentiation and brain inflammation. We assessed, through a PCR realtime Taqman amplification assay, the transcription levels of pol genes of HERV-H, -K, and -W families, of env genes of SYN1, SYN2, and MSRV, as well as of TRIM28 and SETDB1 in the blood of 33 ASD children (28 males, median 3.8 years, 25–75% interquartile range 3.0–6.0 y) and healthy controls (HC). Significantly higher expressions of TRIM28 and SETDB1, as well as of all the HERV genes tested, except for HERV-W-pol, were found in ASD, as compared with HC. Positive correlations were observed between the mRNA levels of TRIM28 or SETDB1 and every HERV gene in ASD patients, but not in HC. Overexpression of TRIM28/SETDB1 and several HERVs in children with ASD and the positive correlations between their transcriptional levels suggest that these may be main players in pathogenetic mechanisms leading to ASD.
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14
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Chesnokova E, Beletskiy A, Kolosov P. The Role of Transposable Elements of the Human Genome in Neuronal Function and Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5847. [PMID: 35628657 PMCID: PMC9148063 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) have been extensively studied for decades. In recent years, the introduction of whole-genome and whole-transcriptome approaches, as well as single-cell resolution techniques, provided a breakthrough that uncovered TE involvement in host gene expression regulation underlying multiple normal and pathological processes. Of particular interest is increased TE activity in neuronal tissue, and specifically in the hippocampus, that was repeatedly demonstrated in multiple experiments. On the other hand, numerous neuropathologies are associated with TE dysregulation. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of literature about the role of TEs in neurons published over the last three decades. The first chapter of the present review describes known mechanisms of TE interaction with host genomes in general, with the focus on mammalian and human TEs; the second chapter provides examples of TE exaptation in normal neuronal tissue, including TE involvement in neuronal differentiation and plasticity; and the last chapter lists TE-related neuropathologies. We sought to provide specific molecular mechanisms of TE involvement in neuron-specific processes whenever possible; however, in many cases, only phenomenological reports were available. This underscores the importance of further studies in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Chesnokova
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology of Learning, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 117485 Moscow, Russia; (A.B.); (P.K.)
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15
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Tovo P, Monti G, Daprà V, Montanari P, Calvi C, Alliaudi C, Sardo A, Galliano I, Bergallo M. Enhanced expression of endogenous retroviruses and of TRIM28 and SETDB1 in children with food allergy. Clin Transl Allergy 2022; 12:e12124. [PMID: 35344298 PMCID: PMC8967271 DOI: 10.1002/clt2.12124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) represent 8% of our genome. They originate from ancestral infections and although no longer contagious they can regulate transcription of adjacent cellular genes, produce viral RNAs sensed as non‐self by pattern recognition receptors, and encode viral proteins, such as Syncytin (SYN) 1 and 2, that exhibit potent immunomodulatory properties. Based on this, HERVs have been studied and proposed as relevant cofactors in several chronic inflammatory and immune‐mediated diseases. HERV transcription is regulated by host TRIM28 and SET domain bifurcated histone lysine methyltransferase 1 (SETDB1), which in turn exert crucial regulatory functions on the host immune system. No studies explored the expression of HERVs, TRIM28, and SETDB1 in allergic patients. Methods We assessed, through a polymerase chain reaction real time Taqman amplification assay, the transcription levels of pol genes of HERV‐H, HERV‐K, HERV‐W, and of env genes of SYN1 and SYN2, as well as of TRIM28 and SETDB1 in whole blood from 32 children with IgE‐mediated food allergy, 19 with food protein‐induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES), and in healthy control children. Results The expression levels of pol genes of HERV‐H, ‐K, and ‐W were significantly enhanced in patients with IgE‐mediated FA or FPIES as compared to control subjects, while the mRNA concentrations of SYN1 and SYN2 were comparable in each group of children. Both TRIM28 and SETDB1 mRNA levels were significantly higher in allergic patients. Conclusions Given the influence of HERVs and of TRIM28 and SETDB1 on innate and adaptive immune responses, their transcriptional activation in children with food allergies suggest that they might play important roles in the development of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pier‐Angelo Tovo
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health University of Turin Turin Italy
| | - Giovanna Monti
- Pediatric Allergy Unit Regina Margherita Children's Hospital Turin Italy
| | - Valentina Daprà
- Pediatric Laboratory Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health University of Turin Turin Italy
| | - Paola Montanari
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health University of Turin Turin Italy
- Pediatric Laboratory Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health University of Turin Turin Italy
| | - Cristina Calvi
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health University of Turin Turin Italy
- Pediatric Laboratory Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health University of Turin Turin Italy
| | - Carla Alliaudi
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health University of Turin Turin Italy
- Pediatric Laboratory Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health University of Turin Turin Italy
| | - Allegra Sardo
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health University of Turin Turin Italy
| | - Ilaria Galliano
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health University of Turin Turin Italy
- Pediatric Laboratory Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health University of Turin Turin Italy
| | - Massimiliano Bergallo
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health University of Turin Turin Italy
- Pediatric Laboratory Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health University of Turin Turin Italy
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16
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Pérez-Pérez S, Domínguez-Mozo MI, García-Martínez MÁ, Ballester-González R, Nieto-Gañán I, Arroyo R, Alvarez-Lafuente R. Epstein-Barr Virus Load Correlates with Multiple Sclerosis-Associated Retrovirus Envelope Expression. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020387. [PMID: 35203596 PMCID: PMC8962350 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
pHERV-W ENV and syncytin-1, the envelope proteins of the human endogenous retrovirus W family (HERV-W), have been proposed as etiological factors for MS development. In addition, herpesviruses, such as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and the human herpesvirus 6A/B (HHV-6A/B), have been also strongly associated with the disease. This work aims to study the possible link between viral loads and antibody titers against EBV and HHV-6A/B and the pHERV-W ENV/syncytin-1 protein/gene expression. For this purpose, we conducted a 12-month longitudinal study involving 98 RRMS patients. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from each patient. Serum antibody titers against EBV and HHV-6A/B were determined by ELISA, while viral loads were analyzed using qPCR. HLA MS-related alleles were also genotyped. pHERV-W ENV/syncytin-1 protein and gene expression levels in immune cells were assessed by flow cytometry and qPCR, respectively. We found that the 12-month variation of the pHERV-W ENV gene expression levels positively correlated with the variation of the EBV viral load, especially in those patients with high baseline EBV loads. Therefore, these results could support previous studies pointing to the transactivation of pHERV-W ENV by EBV. However, further studies are needed to better understand this possible relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pérez-Pérez
- Environmental Factors in Degenerative Diseases Research Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IdISSC, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.P.-P.); (M.I.D.-M.); (M.Á.G.-M.)
| | - María Inmaculada Domínguez-Mozo
- Environmental Factors in Degenerative Diseases Research Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IdISSC, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.P.-P.); (M.I.D.-M.); (M.Á.G.-M.)
| | - María Ángel García-Martínez
- Environmental Factors in Degenerative Diseases Research Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IdISSC, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.P.-P.); (M.I.D.-M.); (M.Á.G.-M.)
| | - Rubén Ballester-González
- Immunology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain; (R.B.-G.); (I.N.-G.)
| | - Israel Nieto-Gañán
- Immunology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain; (R.B.-G.); (I.N.-G.)
| | - Rafael Arroyo
- Neurology Department, Hospital Universitario Quironsalud Madrid, 28223 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Roberto Alvarez-Lafuente
- Environmental Factors in Degenerative Diseases Research Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IdISSC, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.P.-P.); (M.I.D.-M.); (M.Á.G.-M.)
- Correspondence:
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17
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Latifi T, Zebardast A, Marashi SM. The role of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in Multiple Sclerosis and the plausible interplay between HERVs, Epstein-Barr virus infection, and vitamin D. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 57:103318. [PMID: 35158423 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.103318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the chronic inflammatory diseases with neurological disability in the central nervous system (CNS). Although the exact cause of MS is still largely unknown, both genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role in disease risk. Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) are endogenous viral elements of the human genome whose expression is associated with MS. HERVs are normally silenced or expressed at low levels, although their expression is higher in MS than in the healthy population. Several studies highlighted the plausible interaction between HERVs and other MS risk factors, including viral infection like Epstein-Barr viruses and vitamin D deficiency which may lead to high expression of HERVs in these patients. Understanding how HERVs act in this scenario can improve our understanding towards MS etiology and may lead to the development of antiretroviral therapies in these patients. Here in this review, we try to examine the different HERVs expression implicated in MS and their association with EBV infection and vitamin D status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayebeh Latifi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arghavan Zebardast
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sayed Mahdi Marashi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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18
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Buttler CA, Chuong EB. Emerging roles for endogenous retroviruses in immune epigenetic regulation. Immunol Rev 2022; 305:165-178. [PMID: 34816452 PMCID: PMC8766910 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been significant progress toward understanding the transcriptional networks underlying mammalian immune responses, fueled by advances in regulatory genomic technologies. Epigenomic studies profiling immune cells have generated detailed genome-wide maps of regulatory elements that will be key to deciphering the regulatory networks underlying cellular immune responses and autoimmune disorders. Unbiased analyses of these genomic maps have uncovered endogenous retroviruses as an unexpected ally in the regulation of human immune systems. Despite their parasitic origins, studies are finding an increasing number of examples of retroviral sequences having been co-opted for beneficial immune function and regulation by the host cell. Here, we review how endogenous retroviruses have given rise to numerous regulatory elements that shape the epigenetic landscape of host immune responses. We will discuss the implications of these elements on the function, dysfunction, and evolution of innate immunity.
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19
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Pérez-Pérez S, Domínguez-Mozo MI, García-Martínez MÁ, García-Frontini MC, Villarrubia N, Costa-Frossard L, Villar LM, Arroyo R, Álvarez-Lafuente R. Anti-Human Herpesvirus 6 A/B Antibodies Titers Correlate With Multiple Sclerosis-Associated Retrovirus Envelope Expression. Front Immunol 2021; 12:798003. [PMID: 34912348 PMCID: PMC8666430 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.798003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retrovirus W family envelope proteins (pHERV-W ENV/syncytin-1) have been repeatedly associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Here, we have focused on the study of pHERV-W ENV/syncytin-1 expression levels in MS patients (relapsing and progressive forms) and in healthy donors (HD) and on exploring their possible relationship with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human herpesvirus-6A/B (HHV-6A/B). We included blood samples from 101 MS patients and 37 HD to analyze antiviral antibody titers by ELISA and pHERV-W ENV/syncytin-1 expression levels by flow cytometry as well as by qPCR. Patients with relapsing MS forms showed significantly higher pHERV-W ENV/syncytin-1 protein and gene expression levels than HD. Progressive MS patients also showed significantly higher protein and gene expression levels than both HD and relapsing MS patients. Regarding antiviral antibodies titers, anti-HHV-6A/B IgM levels were positively correlated with pHERV-W ENV/syncytin-1 protein expression levels in patients with relapsing MS, while in the progressive forms patients this correlation was found with anti-HHVA/B IgG levels. Therefore, pHERV-W ENV could be involved in MS pathogenesis, playing a role in relapsing and progressive forms. Besides, anti-HHV-6A/B antibodies positively correlated with pHERV-W ENV expression. Further studies are needed to better understand this possible relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pérez-Pérez
- Environmental Factors in Degenerative Diseases Research Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - María I. Domínguez-Mozo
- Environmental Factors in Degenerative Diseases Research Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - M. Ángel García-Martínez
- Environmental Factors in Degenerative Diseases Research Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - M. Celeste García-Frontini
- Environmental Factors in Degenerative Diseases Research Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Noelia Villarrubia
- Immunology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Luisa M. Villar
- Immunology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Arroyo
- Neurology Department, Hospital Universitario Quironsalud Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Álvarez-Lafuente
- Environmental Factors in Degenerative Diseases Research Group, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
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20
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Nali LH, Olival GS, Montenegro H, da Silva IT, Dias-Neto E, Naya H, Spangenberg L, Penalva-de-Oliveira AC, Romano CM. Human endogenous retrovirus and multiple sclerosis: A review and transcriptome findings. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2021; 57:103383. [PMID: 34922254 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.103383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease with an unknown etiology. Both genetic and environmental factors are believed to trigger MS autoimmunity. Among the environmental factors, infectious agents have been extensively investigated, and the Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs), especially HERV-W, are believed to be associated with MS pathogenesis. HERVs are derived from ancestral infections and comprise around 8% of the human genome. Although most HERVs are silenced, retroviral genes may be expressed with virion formation. There is extensive evidence of the relationship between HERV-W and MS, including higher levels of HERV-W expression in MS patients, HERV-W protein detection in MS plaques, and the HERV-W env protein inducing an inflammatory response in in vitro and in vivo models. Here we discuss possible links of HERVs and the pathogenesis of MS and present new data regarding the diversity of HERVs expression in samples derived from MS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz H Nali
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, LIM-52 (LIMHC) Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 470, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; Post-graduation Program in Health Sciences, Santo Amaro University, Rua Prof. Enéas de Siqueira Neto, 340, São Paulo 04829-300, Brazil
| | - Guilherme S Olival
- Departamento de Neurologia Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, R. Dr. Cesário Mota Júnior, 112, São Paulo 01221-020 Brazil
| | | | - Israel T da Silva
- Laboratory of Medical Genomics, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo 01525-001, Brazil
| | - Emmanuel Dias-Neto
- Laboratory of Medical Genomics, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo 01525-001, Brazil; Laboratory of Neurosciences (LIM-27), Institute of Psychiatry, São Paulo Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hugo Naya
- Unidad de Bioinformática Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Mataojo 2020, CP11400 Montevideo, Uruguay; Departamento de Producción Animal y Pasturas, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de la República, Av. Gral. Eugenio Garzón 780, CP12900 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Lucia Spangenberg
- Unidad de Bioinformática Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Mataojo 2020, CP11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Augusto C Penalva-de-Oliveira
- Departamento de Neurologia Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, R. Dr. Cesário Mota Júnior, 112, São Paulo 01221-020 Brazil; Departamento de Neurologia, Instituto de Infectologia Emilio Ribas, Avenida Doutor Arnaldo, 165, São Paulo 01246-900, Brazil
| | - Camila M Romano
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, LIM-52 (LIMHC) Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 470, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP (LIM52), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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21
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Frey TR, Akinyemi IA, Burton EM, Bhaduri-McIntosh S, McIntosh MT. An Ancestral Retrovirus Envelope Protein Regulates Persistent Gammaherpesvirus Lifecycles. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:708404. [PMID: 34434177 PMCID: PMC8381357 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.708404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human gammaherpesviruses Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) persist as life-long infections alternating between latency and lytic replication. Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), via integration into the host genome, represent genetic remnants of ancient retroviral infections. Both show similar epigenetic silencing while dormant, but can reactivate in response to cell signaling cues or triggers that, for gammaherpesviruses, result in productive lytic replication. Given their co-existence with humans and shared epigenetic silencing, we asked if HERV expression might be linked to lytic activation of human gammaherpesviruses. We found ERVW-1 mRNA, encoding the functional HERV-W envelope protein Syncytin-1, along with other repeat class elements, to be elevated upon lytic activation of EBV. Knockdown/knockout of ERVW-1 reduced lytic activation of EBV and KSHV in response to various lytic cycle triggers. In this regard, reduced expression of immediate early proteins ZEBRA and RTA for EBV and KSHV, respectively, places Syncytin-1's influence on lytic activation mechanistically upstream of the latent-to-lytic switch. Conversely, overexpression of Syncytin-1 enhanced lytic activation of EBV and KSHV in response to lytic triggers, though this was not sufficient to induce lytic activation in the absence of such triggers. Syncytin-1 is expressed in replicating B cell blasts and lymphoma-derived B cell lines where it appears to contribute to cell cycle progression. Together, human gammaherpesviruses and B cells appear to have adapted a dependency on Syncytin-1 that facilitates the ability of EBV and KSHV to activate lytic replication from latency, while promoting viral persistence during latency by contributing to B cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany R. Frey
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Ibukun A. Akinyemi
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Eric M. Burton
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Sumita Bhaduri-McIntosh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Michael T. McIntosh
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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22
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Tovo PA, Garazzino S, Daprà V, Pruccoli G, Calvi C, Mignone F, Alliaudi C, Denina M, Scolfaro C, Zoppo M, Licciardi F, Ramenghi U, Galliano I, Bergallo M. COVID-19 in Children: Expressions of Type I/II/III Interferons, TRIM28, SETDB1, and Endogenous Retroviruses in Mild and Severe Cases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7481. [PMID: 34299101 PMCID: PMC8303145 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Children with the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have milder symptoms and a better prognosis than adult patients. Several investigations assessed type I, II, and III interferon (IFN) signatures in SARS-CoV-2 infected adults, however no data are available for pediatric patients. TRIM28 and SETDB1 regulate the transcription of multiple genes involved in the immune response as well as of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs). Exogenous viral infections can trigger the activation of HERVs, which in turn can induce inflammatory and immune reactions. Despite the potential cross-talks between SARS-CoV-2 infection and TRIM28, SETDB1, and HERVs, information on their expressions in COVID-19 patients is lacking. We assessed, through a PCR real time Taqman amplification assay, the transcription levels of six IFN-I stimulated genes, IFN-II and three of its sensitive genes, three IFN-lIIs, as well as of TRIM28, SETDB1, pol genes of HERV-H, -K, and -W families, and of env genes of Syncytin (SYN)1, SYN2, and multiple sclerosis-associated retrovirus (MRSV) in peripheral blood from COVID-19 children and in control uninfected subjects. Higher expression levels of IFN-I and IFN-II inducible genes were observed in 36 COVID-19 children with mild or moderate disease as compared to uninfected controls, whereas their concentrations decreased in 17 children with severe disease and in 11 with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). Similar findings were found for the expression of TRIM-28, SETDB1, and every HERV gene. Positive correlations emerged between the transcriptional levels of type I and II IFNs, TRIM28, SETDB1, and HERVs in COVID-19 patients. IFN-III expressions were comparable in each group of subjects. This preserved induction of IFN-λs could contribute to the better control of the infection in children as compared to adults, in whom IFN-III deficiency has been reported. The upregulation of IFN-I, IFN-II, TRIM28, SETDB1, and HERVs in children with mild symptoms, their declines in severe cases or with MIS-C, and the positive correlations of their transcription in SARS-CoV-2-infected children suggest that they may play important roles in conditioning the evolution of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pier-Angelo Tovo
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.P.); (C.C.); (C.A.); (M.D.); (F.L.); (U.R.); (I.G.)
| | - Silvia Garazzino
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy; (S.G.); (F.M.); (C.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Valentina Daprà
- Pediatric Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Giulia Pruccoli
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.P.); (C.C.); (C.A.); (M.D.); (F.L.); (U.R.); (I.G.)
| | - Cristina Calvi
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.P.); (C.C.); (C.A.); (M.D.); (F.L.); (U.R.); (I.G.)
- Pediatric Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Federica Mignone
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy; (S.G.); (F.M.); (C.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Carla Alliaudi
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.P.); (C.C.); (C.A.); (M.D.); (F.L.); (U.R.); (I.G.)
- Pediatric Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Marco Denina
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.P.); (C.C.); (C.A.); (M.D.); (F.L.); (U.R.); (I.G.)
| | - Carlo Scolfaro
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy; (S.G.); (F.M.); (C.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Marisa Zoppo
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy; (S.G.); (F.M.); (C.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Francesco Licciardi
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.P.); (C.C.); (C.A.); (M.D.); (F.L.); (U.R.); (I.G.)
| | - Ugo Ramenghi
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.P.); (C.C.); (C.A.); (M.D.); (F.L.); (U.R.); (I.G.)
| | - Ilaria Galliano
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.P.); (C.C.); (C.A.); (M.D.); (F.L.); (U.R.); (I.G.)
- Pediatric Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Massimiliano Bergallo
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.P.); (C.C.); (C.A.); (M.D.); (F.L.); (U.R.); (I.G.)
- Pediatric Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Sciences and Public Health, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
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23
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Macías-Redondo S, Strunk M, Cebollada-Solanas A, Ara JR, Martín J, Schoorlemmer J. Upregulation of selected HERVW loci in multiple sclerosis. Mob DNA 2021; 12:18. [PMID: 34187540 PMCID: PMC8243764 DOI: 10.1186/s13100-021-00243-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sofía Macías-Redondo
- Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud (IACS), c/Juan Bosco 13, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Mark Strunk
- Sequencing and Functional Genomics, Aragon Biomedical Research Center (CIBA), Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud (IACS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Alberto Cebollada-Solanas
- Aragon Biomedical Research Center (CIBA), Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud (IACS), Unidad de Biocomputación, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - José-Ramón Ara
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jesús Martín
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jon Schoorlemmer
- Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud (IACS), c/Juan Bosco 13, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain. .,ARAID Foundation, Avda. de Ranillas 1-D, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain. .,Placental pathophysiology and fetal programming research group del IISA, c/Juan Bosco 13, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain.
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24
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Human Endogenous Retroviruses as Biomedicine Markers. Virol Sin 2021; 36:852-858. [PMID: 33905075 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-021-00387-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) were formed via ancient integration of exogenous retroviruses into the human genome and are considered to be viral "fossils". The human genome is embedded with a considerable amount of HERVs, witnessing the long-term evolutionary history of the viruses and the host. Most HERVs have lost coding capability during selection but still function in terms of HERV-mediated regulation of host gene expression. In this review, we summarize the roles of HERV activation in response to viral infections and diseases, and emphasize the potential use of HERVs as biomedicine markers in the early diagnosis of diseases such as cancer, which provides a new perspective for the clinical application of HERVs.
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25
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Evolution of antibody titres against Epstein-Barr virus and human herpesvirus 6A/B and expression of multiple sclerosis-associated retrovirus in the serum of pregnant multiple sclerosis patients. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8441. [PMID: 33875702 PMCID: PMC8055650 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87941-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus 6A/B (HHV-6A/B) and multiple sclerosis (MS)-associated retrovirus (MSRV) have been described as possible MS triggers. We analysed antibody titres against EBV and HHV-6, and MSRV envelope (env) mRNA expression, in the serum of pregnant multiple sclerosis patients (P-MS) to study their possible link to the clinical activity of MS during pregnancy and postpartum and their possible role as relapse predictors. For that purpose, serum samples were collected from 71 pregnant women (50 pregnant MS and 21 pregnant healthy controls—P-HC) during pregnancy and postpartum. Relating to antibody titres, IgM antibody titres against HHV-6A/B were significantly higher in P-MS than in P-HC both in each pregnancy trimester and in the postpartum period. Moreover, IgM antibody titres against HHV-6A/B were higher in P-MS who suffered a relapse during the postpartum. Regarding MSRV env mRNA expression, the prevalence in the first trimester of pregnancy was significantly higher in P-MS who suffered relapses during pregnancy. Summing it up, high IgM antibody titres against HHV-6A/B and MSRV env mRNA expression during the first trimester of pregnancy could act as relapse predictors for the gestation/postpartum periods.
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26
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Elkjaer ML, Frisch T, Tonazzolli A, Röttger R, Reynolds R, Baumbach J, Illes Z. Unbiased examination of genome-wide human endogenous retrovirus transcripts in MS brain lesions. Mult Scler 2021; 27:1829-1837. [PMID: 33464158 DOI: 10.1177/1352458520987269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) expression in multiple sclerosis (MS) brain lesions may contribute to chronic inflammation, but expression of genome-wide HERVs in different MS lesions is unknown. OBJECTIVE We examined the HERV expression landscape in different MS lesions compared to control brains. METHODS Transcripts from 71 MS brain samples and 25 control WM were obtained by next-generation RNA sequencing and mapped against HERV transcripts across the human genome. Differential expression of mapped HERV-W and HERV-H reads between MS lesion types and controls was analysed. RESULTS Out of 6.38 billion high-quality paired end reads, 174 million reads (2.73%) mapped to HERV transcripts. There was no difference in HERVs expression level between MS and control brains, but HERV-W transcripts were significantly reduced in chronic active lesions. Of the four HERV-W transcripts exclusively present in MS, ERV3633503 located on chromosome 7q21.13 close to the MS genetic risk locus had the highest number of reads. In the HERV-H family, 75% of transcripts located to nearby 7q21-22 were overrepresented in MS, and ERV3643914 was expressed more than 16 times in MS compared to control brains. CONCLUSION Novel HERV-W and HERV-H transcripts located at chromosome 7 regions were uniquely expressed in MS lesions, indicating their potential role in brain lesion evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria L Elkjaer
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark/Neurology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark/Neurobiology Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Tobias Frisch
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Arianna Tonazzolli
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark/Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Richard Röttger
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Richard Reynolds
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jan Baumbach
- TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Zsolt Illes
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark/Neurology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark/Neurobiology Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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27
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The Relationship of the Mechanisms of the Pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis and the Expression of Endogenous Retroviruses. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9120464. [PMID: 33322628 PMCID: PMC7764762 DOI: 10.3390/biology9120464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Multiple sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system, develops at an early age and often leads to a disability. The etiological cause of the disease has not been fully elucidated, and as a result, no effective treatment is available. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the relationship between the expression of human endogenous retroviruses and the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. The epigenetic mechanisms of transcriptional regulation, the role of transcription factors, cytokines, and exogenous viruses are also addressed in this review. The elucidation of the mechanisms of an increase in endogenous retrovirus expression in multiple sclerosis could help to develop therapeutic strategies and novel methods for early diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Abstract Two human endogenous retroviruses of the HERV-W family can act as cofactors triggering multiple sclerosis (MS): MS-associated retrovirus (MSRV) and ERVWE1. Endogenous retroviral elements are believed to have integrated in our ancestors’ DNA millions of years ago. Their involvement in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including neurodegenerative pathologies, has been demonstrated. Numerous studies have shown a correlation between the deterioration of patients’ health and increased expression of endogenous retroviruses. The exact causes and mechanisms of endogenous retroviruses activation remains unknown, which hampers development of therapeutics. In this review, we will summarize the main characteristics of human endogenous W retroviruses and describe the putative mechanisms of activation, including epigenetic mechanisms, humoral factors as well as the role of the exogenous viral infections.
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28
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Tarlinton R, Wang B, Morandi E, Gran B, Khaiboullin T, Martynova E, Rizvanov A, Khaiboullina S. Differential Expression of HERV-W in Peripheral Blood in Multiple Sclerosis and Healthy Patients in Two Different Ethnic Groups. Front Pharmacol 2020; 10:1645. [PMID: 32076404 PMCID: PMC7002920 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of the Human endogenous retrovirus W (HERV-W) group of inherited retroviruses has been consistently linked with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). However most of the studies on this link have focused on European genetic groups with a very high risk of MS and it is not clear that this relationship holds for all ethnic groups. This study examined via qPCR the RNA expression in peripheral blood of HERV-W (the multiple sclerosis associated retrovirus variant MSRV) of MS patients and healthy controls from two ethnic groups with very different risk rates of MS. Population one was derived from the UK with a Northern European genetic background and an MS risk rate of 108/100,000, population two was derived from the republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation, with a mixed Russian (Eastern European) and Tartar (Turkic or Volga/Urals) population with an MS risk rate of 21-31/100,000. The Russian population displayed a significantly higher basal level of expression of MSRV in both healthy and MS individuals when compared to the British control population with a trend in the Russian population towards higher expression levels in MS patients than healthy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Tarlinton
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Belinda Wang
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Elena Morandi
- Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Université de Toulouse, UPS, INSERM, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Bruno Gran
- Clinical Neurology Research Group, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham School of Medicine, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Timur Khaiboullin
- Republican Research and Clinical Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Kazan, Russia
| | - Ekatarina Martynova
- Insitute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Albert Rizvanov
- Insitute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Svetlana Khaiboullina
- Insitute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
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29
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Ryan F. Viral Symbiosis in the Origins and Evolution of Life with a Particular Focus on the Placental Mammals. Results Probl Cell Differ 2020; 69:3-24. [PMID: 33263867 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-51849-3_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Advances in understanding over the last decade or so highlight the need for a reappraisal of the role of viruses in relation to the origins and evolution of cellular life, as well as in the homeostasis of the biosphere on which all of life depends. The relevant advances have, in particular, revealed an important contribution of viruses to the evolution of the placental mammals, while also contributing key roles to mammalian embryogenesis, genomic evolution, and physiology. Part of this reappraisal will include the origins of viruses, a redefinition of their quintessential nature, and a suggestion as to how we might view viruses in relation to the tree of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Ryan
- The Academic Unit of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
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30
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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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Gruchot J, Kremer D, Küry P. Neural Cell Responses Upon Exposure to Human Endogenous Retroviruses. Front Genet 2019; 10:655. [PMID: 31354794 PMCID: PMC6637040 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are ancient retroviral elements, which invaded the human germ line several million years ago. Subsequent retrotransposition events amplified these sequences, resulting in approximately 8% of the human genome being composed of HERV sequences today. These genetic elements, normally dormant within human genomes, can be (re)-activated by environmental factors such as infections with other viruses, leading to the expression of viral proteins and, in some instances, even to viral particle production. Several studies have shown that the expression of these retroviral elements correlates with the onset and progression of neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Further studies provided evidence on additional roles for HERVs in schizophrenia (SCZ). Since these diseases are still not well understood, HERVs might constitute a new category of pathogenic components that could significantly change our understanding of these pathologies. Moreover, knowledge about their mode of action might also help to develop novel and more powerful approaches for the treatment of these complex diseases. Therefore, the main scope of this review is a description of the current knowledge on the involvement of HERV-W and HERV-K in neurological disease specifically focusing on the effects they exert on neural cells of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Gruchot
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - David Kremer
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Patrick Küry
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Diebold M, Derfuss T. The monoclonal antibody GNbAC1: targeting human endogenous retroviruses in multiple sclerosis. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2019; 12:1756286419833574. [PMID: 30873219 PMCID: PMC6407165 DOI: 10.1177/1756286419833574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). Despite improvements of immunomodulatory therapies in relapsing–remitting MS, the pathomechanisms of progressive disease are poorly understood and therapeutically addressed to date. A pathophysiological role for proteins encoded by human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) has been proposed. GNbAC1 is a monoclonal antibody directed against the envelope protein of a HERV with postulated involvement in MS. Methods: This review addresses the treatment concept of GNbAC1, the design, preclinical and clinical development of the antibody, as published by November 2018. All four in-human trials (of which two addressed MS) are discussed. Conclusion: The treatment concept of GNbAC1 is appealing but remains controversial due to conflicting results regarding the hypothesized underlying pathomechanism. Anticipated immunomodulatory effects were not observed in clinical or pharmacodynamic analyses of the currently available data. However, a magnetic resonance imaging sign compatible with the remyelinating potential of GNbAC1 encouraged further development of this antibody in progressive MS. No relevant issues with tolerability or safety have been described to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Diebold
- Neurological Policlinic and Clinic, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Derfuss
- Neurological Policlinic and Clinic, University Hospital and University of Basel, Petersgraben 4, Basel, 4031, Switzerland
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Morandi E, Tanasescu R, Tarlinton RE, Constantin-Teodosiu D, Gran B. Do Antiretroviral Drugs Protect From Multiple Sclerosis by Inhibiting Expression of MS-Associated Retrovirus? Front Immunol 2019; 9:3092. [PMID: 30740110 PMCID: PMC6357932 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.03092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) has been associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The MS-related retrovirus (MSRV/HERV-W) has the potential to activate inflammatory immunity, which could promote both susceptibility and progression toward MS. A connection between HERVs and MS is also supported by the observation that people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may have a lower risk of developing MS than the HIV non-infected, healthy population. This may be due to suppression of HERV expression by antiretroviral therapies (ART) used to treat HIV infection. In this pilot study, we compared RNA expression of the envelope gene of MSRV/HERV-W, as well as Toll-like receptors (TLR) 2 and 4, in a small cohort of HIV+ patients with MS patients and healthy controls (HC). An increased expression of MSRV/HERV-Wenv and TLR2 RNA was detected in blood of MS patients compared with HIV patients and HC, while TLR4 was increased in both MS and HIV patients. There was, however, no difference in MSRV/HERV-Wenv, TLR2 and TLR4 expression between ART-treated and -untreated HIV patients. The viral protein Env was expressed mainly by B cells and monocytes, but not by T cells and EBV infection could induce the expression of MSRV/HERV-Wenv in Lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs). LCLs were therefore used as an in vitro system to test the efficacy of ART in inhibiting the expression of MSRV/HERV-Wenv. Efavirenz (a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor) alone or different combined drugs could reduce MSRV/HERV-Wenv expression in vitro. Further, experiments are needed to clarify the potential role of ART in protection from MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Morandi
- Clinical Neurology Research Group, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham School of Medicine, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, UPS, INSERM, CNRS Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Radu Tanasescu
- Clinical Neurology Research Group, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham School of Medicine, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Department of Neurology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, Colentina Hospital, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Rachael E Tarlinton
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Bruno Gran
- Clinical Neurology Research Group, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham School of Medicine, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Department of Neurology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Charvet B, Reynaud JM, Gourru-Lesimple G, Perron H, Marche PN, Horvat B. Induction of Proinflammatory Multiple Sclerosis-Associated Retrovirus Envelope Protein by Human Herpesvirus-6A and CD46 Receptor Engagement. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2803. [PMID: 30574140 PMCID: PMC6291489 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aberrant expression of human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) elements of the HERV-W family has been associated with different diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). In particular, the expression of the envelope protein (Env) from the multiple sclerosis-associated retrovirus (MSRV), a member of HERV-W family and known for its potent proinflammatory activity, is repeatedly detected in the brain lesions and blood of MS patients. Furthermore, human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infection has long been suspected to play a role in the pathogenesis of MS and neuroinflammation. We show here that both HHV-6A and stimulation of its receptor, transmembrane glycoprotein CD46, induce the expression of MSRV-Env. The engagement of extracellular domains SCR3 and SCR4 of CD46-Cyt1 isoform was required for MSRV-env transactivation, limiting thus the MSRV-Env induction to the CD46 ligands binding these domains, including C3b component of complement, specific monoclonal antibodies, and both infectious and UV-inactivated HHV-6A, but neither HHV-6B nor measles virus vaccine strain. Induction of MSRV-Env required CD46 Cyt-1 singling and was abolished by the inhibitors of protein kinase C. Finally, both membrane-expressed and secreted MSRV-Env trigger TLR4 signaling, displaying thus a proinflammatory potential, characteristic for this viral protein. These data expand the specter of HHV-6A effects in the modulation of the immune response and support the hypothesis that cross-talks between exogenous and endogenous viruses may contribute to inflammatory diseases and participate in neuroinflammation. Furthermore, they reveal a new function of CD46, known as an inhibitor of complement activation and receptor for several pathogens, in transactivation of HERV env genes, which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Charvet
- International Centre for Infectiology Research, INSERM U1111, CNRS UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, University of Lyon, Lyon, France.,GeNeuro Innovation, Lyon, France
| | - Josephine M Reynaud
- International Centre for Infectiology Research, INSERM U1111, CNRS UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Geraldine Gourru-Lesimple
- International Centre for Infectiology Research, INSERM U1111, CNRS UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | - Patrice N Marche
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble-Alpes, IAPC, La Tronche, France
| | - Branka Horvat
- International Centre for Infectiology Research, INSERM U1111, CNRS UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
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Disruption by SaCas9 Endonuclease of HERV-K env, a Retroviral Gene with Oncogenic and Neuropathogenic Potential, Inhibits Molecules Involved in Cancer and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Viruses 2018; 10:v10080412. [PMID: 30087231 PMCID: PMC6115762 DOI: 10.3390/v10080412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)-K, human mouse mammary tumor virus like-2 (HML-2) subgroup of HERVs is activated in several tumors and has been related to prostate cancer progression and motor neuron diseases. The cellular splicing factor 2/alternative splicing factor (SF2/ASF) is a positive regulator of gene expression, coded by a potent proto-oncogene, amplified, and abnormally expressed in tumors. TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) is a DNA/RNA-binding protein, negative regulator of alternative splicing, known for causing neurodegeneration, and with complex roles in oncogenesis. We used the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 technology, with the Cas9 system from Staphylococcus aureus (SaCas9), to disrupt the HERV-K(HML-2)env gene, and evaluated the effects on cultured cells. The tool was tested on human prostate cancer LNCaP cells, whose HERV-Kenv transcription profile is known. It caused HERV-K(HML-2)env disruption (the first reported of a HERV gene), as evaluated by DNA sequencing, and inhibition of env transcripts and proteins. The HERV-K(HML-2)env disruption was found to interfere with important regulators of cell expression and proliferation, involved in manaling, RNA-binding, and alternative splicing, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), SF2/ASF, and TDP-43. These novel findings suggest that HERV-K is not an innocent bystander, they reinforce its links to oncogenesis and motor neuron diseases, and they open potential innovative therapeutic options.
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Morris G, Maes M, Murdjeva M, Puri BK. Do Human Endogenous Retroviruses Contribute to Multiple Sclerosis, and if So, How? Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:2590-2605. [PMID: 30047100 PMCID: PMC6459794 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1255-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The gammaretroviral human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) families MRSV/HERV-W and HERV-H (including the closely related HERV-Fc1) are associated with an increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS). Complete HERV sequences betray their endogenous retroviral origin, with open reading frames in gag, pro, pol and env being flanked by two long terminal repeats containing promoter and enhancer sequences with the capacity to regulate HERV transactivation and the activity of host genes in spite of endogenous epigenetic repression mechanisms. HERV virions, RNA, cDNA, Gag and Env, and antibodies to HERV transcriptional products, have variously been found in the blood and/or brain and/or cerebrospinal fluid of MS patients, with the HERV expression level being associated with disease status. Furthermore, some HERV-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), such as rs662139 T/C in a 3-kb region of Xq22.3 containing a HERV-W env locus, and rs391745, upstream of the HERV-Fc1 locus on the X chromosome, are associated with MS susceptibility, while a negative association has been reported with SNPs in the tripartite motif-containing (TRIM) protein-encoding genes TRIM5 and TRIM22. Factors affecting HERV transcription include immune activation and inflammation, since HERV promoter regions possess binding sites for related transcription factors; oxidative stress, with oxidation of guanine to 8-oxoguanine and conversion of cytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine preventing binding of methyl groups transferred by DNA methyltransferases; oxidative stress also inhibits the activity of deacetylases, thereby favouring the acetylation of histone lysine residues favouring gene expression; interferon beta; natalizumab treatment; impaired epigenetic regulation; and the sex of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerwyn Morris
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Maes
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Marianna Murdjeva
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Basant K Puri
- Department of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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Up-to-date knowledge about the association between multiple sclerosis and the reactivation of human endogenous retrovirus infections. J Neurol 2018; 265:1733-1739. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-018-8783-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Abstract
Two human endogenous retroviruses of the HERV-W family are proposed as multiple sclerosis (MS) co-factors: MS-associated retrovirus (MSRV) and ERVWE1, whose env proteins showed several potentially neuropathogenic features, in vitro and in animal models. Phase II clinical trials against HERV-Wenv are ongoing. HERV-W/MSRV was repeatedly found in MS patients, in striking parallel with MS stages, active/remission phases, and therapy outcome. The HERV-Wenv protein is highly expressed in active MS plaques. Early MSRV presence in spinal fluids predicted worst MS progression 10 years in advance. Effective anti-MS therapies strongly reduced MSRV/Syncytin-1/HERV-W expression. The Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) activates HERV-W/MSRV in vitro and in vivo, in patients with infectious mononucleosis and controls with high anti-EBNA1-IgG titers. Thus, the two main EBV/MS links (infectious mononucleosis and high anti-EBNA1-IgG titers) are paralleled by activation of HERV-W/MSRV. It is hypothesized that EBV may act as initial trigger of future MS, years later, by activating MSRV, which would act as direct neuropathogenic effector, before and during MS.
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Human leukemia antigen-A*0201-restricted epitopes of human endogenous retrovirus W family envelope (HERV-W env) induce strong cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses. Virol Sin 2017; 32:280-289. [PMID: 28840564 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-017-3984-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retrovirus W family (HERV-W) envelope (env) has been reported to be related to several human diseases, including autoimmune disorders, and it could activate innate immunity. However, there are no reports investigating whether human leukemia antigen (HLA)-A*0201+ restriction is involved in the immune response caused by HERV-W env in neuropsychiatric diseases. In the present study, HERV-W env-derived epitopes presented by HLA-A*0201 are described with the potential for use in adoptive immunotherapy. Five peptides displaying HLA-A*0201-binding motifs were predicted using SYFEPITHI and BIMAS, and synthesized. A CCK-8 assay showed peptides W, Q and T promoted lymphocyte proliferation. Stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from HLA-A*0201+ donors with each of these peptides induced peptide-specific CD8+ T cells. High numbers of IFN-γ-secreting T cells were also detectable after several weekly stimulations with W, Q and T. Besides lysis of HERV-W env-loaded target cells, specific apoptosis was also observed. These data demonstrate that human T cells can be sensitized toward HERV-W env peptides (W, Q and T) and, moreover, pose a high killing potential toward HERV-W env-expressing U251 cells. In conclusion, peptides W Q and T, which are HERV-W env antigenic epitopes, have both antigenicity and immunogenicity, and can cause strong T cell immune responses. Our data strengthen the view that HERV-W env should be considered as an autoantigen that can induce autoimmunity in neuropsychiatric diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and schizophrenia. These data might provide an experimental foundation for a HERV-W env peptide vaccine and new insight into the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Bhetariya PJ, Kriesel JD, Fischer KF. Analysis of Human Endogenous Retrovirus Expression in Multiple Sclerosis Plaques. JOURNAL OF EMERGING DISEASES AND VIROLOGY 2017; 3:10.16966/2473-1846.133. [PMID: 28868516 PMCID: PMC5580941 DOI: 10.16966/2473-1846.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been suggested that Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. The objective of this study was to broadly evaluate the expression of HERV core (GAG) and envelope (ENV) genes in diseased brain white matter samples from MS patients compared to normal controls. METHODS Twenty-eight HERV GAG and 88 ENV gene sequences were retrieved, classified by phylogeny, and grouped into clades. Consensus qPCR primers were designed for each clade, and quantitative PCR was performed on 33 MS and 9 normal control frozen brain samples. MS samples included chronic progressive (n=5), primary progressive (n=4), secondary progressive (n=14), relapsing remitting (n=3) and unclassified confirmed MS cases (n=7). The levels of GAG and ENV RNA within each of the samples were quantitated and normalized using the neuronal reference gene RPL19. Expression differences were analyzed for MS vs control. RESULTS Expression of GAG clades 1A, 3B, and 3C mapping to HERV-E and HERV-K were significantly increased compared to controls, while GAG clade 3A expression was decreased. Expression of HERV ENV clades 2, 3A, 3B, mapping to RTVL, HERV-E and HERV-K and MSRV (HERV-W), were significantly increased in the MS group. However, the relative expression differences between the MS and control groups were small, differing less than 1.5-fold. CONCLUSION Expression of GAG and ENV mapping to HERV-E, RTVL and HERV-K10 families were significantly increased in the MS group. However, the relative expression differences between the MS and control groups were small, differing less than 1.5-fold. These results indicate that the expression of HERV GAG and ENV regions do not differ greatly between MS and controls in these frozen brain samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- PJ Bhetariya
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - JD Kriesel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - KF Fischer
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Grandi N, Tramontano E. Type W Human Endogenous Retrovirus (HERV-W) Integrations and Their Mobilization by L1 Machinery: Contribution to the Human Transcriptome and Impact on the Host Physiopathology. Viruses 2017; 9:v9070162. [PMID: 28653997 PMCID: PMC5537654 DOI: 10.3390/v9070162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) are ancient infection relics constituting ~8% of our DNA. While HERVs’ genomic characterization is still ongoing, impressive amounts of data have been obtained regarding their general expression across tissues. Among HERVs, one of the most studied is the W group, which is the sole HERV group specifically mobilized by the long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1) machinery, providing a source of novel insertions by retrotransposition of HERV-W processed pseudogenes, and comprising a member encoding a functional envelope protein coopted for human placentation. The HERV-W group has been intensively investigated for its putative role in several diseases, such as cancer, inflammation, and autoimmunity. Despite major interest in the link between HERV-W expression and human pathogenesis, no conclusive correlation has been demonstrated so far. In general, (i) the absence of a proper identification of the specific HERV-W sequences expressed in a given condition; and (ii) the lack of studies attempting to connect the various observations in the same experimental conditions are the major problems preventing the definitive assessment of the HERV-W impact on human physiopathology. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the HERV-W group presence within the human genome and its expression in physiological tissues as well as in the main pathological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Grandi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato SS554, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Enzo Tramontano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato SS554, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
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Uleri E, Piu C, Caocci M, Ibba G, Serra C, Dolei A. The EGF epidermal growth factor counteracts Tat modulation of human endogenous retroviruses of the W family in astrocytes. J Neurovirol 2017; 23:587-592. [DOI: 10.1007/s13365-017-0531-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Mostafa A, Jalilvand S, Shoja Z, Nejati A, Shahmahmoodi S, Sahraian MA, Marashi SM. Multiple sclerosis-associated retrovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and vitamin D status in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. J Med Virol 2017; 89:1309-1313. [PMID: 28165135 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.24774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between infections and autoimmune diseases is complex and there are several reports highlighting the role of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in these patients. The levels of multiple sclerosis-associated retrovirus (MSRV)-type DNA of Env gene was measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 52 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and 40 healthy controls using specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis. Furthermore, we analyzed the status of HERV-W/MSRV in these patients with regards to both EBV (DNA load and anti-EBNA1 IgG antibody) and vitamin D concentration. MSRV DNA copy number were significantly higher in RRMS patients than healthy controls (P < 0.0001). Interestingly, an inverse correlation was found between MSRV DNA copy number and serum vitamin D concentration (P < 0.01), but not for EBV load or anti-EBNA-1 IgG antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliehossadat Mostafa
- Virology Department, School of Public Health (SPH), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Jalilvand
- Virology Department, School of Public Health (SPH), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ahmad Nejati
- Virology Department, School of Public Health (SPH), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Shohreh Shahmahmoodi
- Virology Department, School of Public Health (SPH), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.,Food Microbiology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Sayed Mahdi Marashi
- Virology Department, School of Public Health (SPH), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
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Morandi E, Tanasescu R, Tarlinton RE, Constantinescu CS, Zhang W, Tench C, Gran B. The association between human endogenous retroviruses and multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172415. [PMID: 28207850 PMCID: PMC5313176 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The interaction between genetic and environmental factors is crucial to multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) are endogenous viral elements of the human genome whose expression is associated with MS. OBJECTIVE To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis and to assess qualitative and quantitative evidence on the expression of HERV families in MS patients. METHODS Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched for published studies on the association of HERVs and MS. Meta-analysis was performed on the HERV-W family. Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for association. RESULTS 43 reports were extracted (25 related to HERV-W, 13 to HERV-H, 9 to HERV-K, 5 to HRES-1 and 1 to HER-15 family). The analysis showed an association between expression of all HERV families and MS. For HERV-W, adequate data was available for meta-analysis. Results from meta-analyses of HERV-W were OR = 22.66 (95%CI 6.32 to 81.20) from 4 studies investigating MSRV/HERV-W (MS-associated retrovirus) envelope mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, OR = 44.11 (95%CI 12.95 to 150.30) from 6 studies of MSRV/HERV-W polymerase mRNA in serum/plasma and OR = 6.00 (95%CI 3.35 to 10.74) from 4 studies of MSRV/HERV-W polymerase mRNA in CSF. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review and meta-analysis shows an association between expression of HERVs, and in particular the HERV-W family, and MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Morandi
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham School of Medicine, Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Radu Tanasescu
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham School of Medicine, Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Division of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, Department of Neurology, Colentina Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Rachael E. Tarlinton
- University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Cris S. Constantinescu
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham School of Medicine, Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Weiya Zhang
- Division of Rheumatology, Orthopaedics and Dermatology, University of Nottingham School of Medicine, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Tench
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham School of Medicine, Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Bruno Gran
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham School of Medicine, Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Ramasamy R, Joseph B, Whittall T. Potential molecular mimicry between the human endogenous retrovirus W family envelope proteins and myelin proteins in multiple sclerosis. Immunol Lett 2017; 183:79-85. [PMID: 28189601 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease caused by the destruction of the myelin sheath in the central nervous system. The major target molecules for the immune response are the myelin basic protein, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein and proteolipid protein but the aetiology of the disease is as yet poorly understood. The HLA Class II allele DRB1*1501 in particular as well as DRB5*0101 and the expression of human endogenous retroviral envelope proteins have been linked to multiple sclerosis but the molecular mechanisms relating these remain to be elucidated. We hypothesised that cross-reactive peptide epitopes in retroviral envelope proteins and myelin proteins that can be presented by the two Class II DR molecules may play a role in initiating multiple sclerosis. Sequence homologies between retroviral envelope and myelin proteins and in silico predictions of peptides derived from them that are able to bind to the two Class II alleles were examined to test the hypothesis. The results support the hypothesis that molecular mimicry in peptide epitopes from envelope proteins of the HERV-W family of endogenous retroviruses and myelin proteins is possible and could potentially trigger multiple sclerosis. Mimicry between syncytin-1, a HERV-W envelope protein that is expressed during placentation, and myelin proteins may also explain the higher prevalence of multiple sclerosis in women. Experiments to test the ability of the identified peptide epitopes to activate TH cells are required to confirm the present findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjan Ramasamy
- ID-FISH Technology Inc., 797 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303, United States.
| | - Blessy Joseph
- Anglia Ruskin University, East Road, Cambridge CB1 1PT, United Kingdom
| | - Trevor Whittall
- Department of Applied Sciences, University of West of England, Frenchay Campus, Bristol BS16 1QY, United Kingdom
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Grandi N, Cadeddu M, Blomberg J, Tramontano E. Contribution of type W human endogenous retroviruses to the human genome: characterization of HERV-W proviral insertions and processed pseudogenes. Retrovirology 2016; 13:67. [PMID: 27613107 PMCID: PMC5016936 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-016-0301-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are ancient sequences integrated in the germ line cells and vertically transmitted through the offspring constituting about 8 % of our genome. In time, HERVs accumulated mutations that compromised their coding capacity. A prominent exception is HERV-W locus 7q21.2, producing a functional Env protein (Syncytin-1) coopted for placental syncytiotrophoblast formation. While expression of HERV-W sequences has been investigated for their correlation to disease, an exhaustive description of the group composition and characteristics is still not available and current HERV-W group information derive from studies published a few years ago that, of course, used the rough assemblies of the human genome available at that time. This hampers the comparison and correlation with current human genome assemblies. Results In the present work we identified and described in detail the distribution and genetic composition of 213 HERV-W elements. The bioinformatics analysis led to the characterization of several previously unreported features and provided a phylogenetic classification of two main subgroups with different age and structural characteristics. New facts on HERV-W genomic context of insertion and co-localization with sequences putatively involved in disease development are also reported. Conclusions The present work is a detailed overview of the HERV-W contribution to the human genome and provides a robust genetic background useful to clarify HERV-W role in pathologies with poorly understood etiology, representing, to our knowledge, the most complete and exhaustive HERV-W dataset up to date. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12977-016-0301-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Grandi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato SS554, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marta Cadeddu
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato SS554, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Jonas Blomberg
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Enzo Tramontano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato SS554, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy. .,Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
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Curtin F, Perron H, Faucard R, Porchet H, Lang AB. Treatment against human endogenous retrovirus: a possible personalized medicine approach for multiple sclerosis. Mol Diagn Ther 2016; 19:255-65. [PMID: 26376649 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-015-0166-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) represent about 8 % of the human genome. Some of these genetic elements are expressed in pathological circumstances. A HERV protein, the multiple sclerosis-associated retrovirus (MSRV) envelope protein (MSRV-Env), is expressed in the blood and active brain lesions of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. It possesses pro-inflammatory and myelinotoxic properties. The patterns of expression and pathogenic properties of MSRV-Env make it a relevant drug target for MS therapeutics-in particular for preventing neurodegeneration, a key component of progressive forms of MS. An immunoglobulin G4 monoclonal antibody (mAb), called GNbAC1, has been developed to neutralize this pathogenic target. After showing neutralizing effects in vitro and in mouse models of MS, GNbAC1 is now in phase II clinical development. MSRV-related biomarkers such as MSRV-Env and MSRV polymerase (MSRV-Pol) gene transcripts are overexpressed in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with MS. These biomarkers may have prognostic value for long-term MS evolution, and their transcription levels in blood decline during treatments with GNbAC1, which has also been reported in patients administered reference MS drugs such as natalizumab or interferon-β. GNbAC1 as a new MSRV-Env-antagonist mAb could be a specific and causal treatment for MS, with a particular application for progressive forms of the disease. For possible use in companion diagnostic tests, MSRV-associated biomarkers could open the door to a personalized therapeutic approach for MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Curtin
- GeNeuro SA, 18 Chemin des Aulx, Plan-les-Ouates, 1228, Geneva, Switzerland. .,Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Division, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Hervé Perron
- GeNeuro SA, 18 Chemin des Aulx, Plan-les-Ouates, 1228, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Raphael Faucard
- GeNeuro SA, 18 Chemin des Aulx, Plan-les-Ouates, 1228, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Hervé Porchet
- GeNeuro SA, 18 Chemin des Aulx, Plan-les-Ouates, 1228, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Alois B Lang
- GeNeuro SA, 18 Chemin des Aulx, Plan-les-Ouates, 1228, Geneva, Switzerland
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Machnik G, Skudrzyk E, Bułdak Ł, Łabuzek K, Ruczyński J, Alenowicz M, Rekowski P, Nowak PJ, Okopień B. A Novel, Highly Selective RT-QPCR Method for Quantification of MSRV Using PNA Clamping Syncytin-1 (ERVWE1). Mol Biotechnol 2016; 57:801-13. [PMID: 25976174 PMCID: PMC4540760 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-015-9873-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
HERV-W is a multi-locus family of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) that has been found to play an important role in human physiology and pathology. Two particular members of HERV-W family are of special interests: ERVWE1 (coding syncytin-1, which is a glycoprotein essential in the formation of the placenta) and MSRV (multiple sclerosis-associated retrovirus that is thought to play a significant role in human pathology as a result of its increased expression in the brain tissue and blood cells derived from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)). Both ERVWE1 and MSRV mRNA share high level of similarity and hence a method that allows to exclusively quantify the MSRV expression in clinical samples would be desirable. We developed a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) technique for the detection and quantification of the multiple sclerosis-associated retrovirus. The assay utilises fluorescently labelled oligonucleotide probe, which is complementary to the conservative fragment of MSRV env gene and a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probe, fully complementary to the ERVWE1 sequence fragment that efficiently blocks the polymerase action on ERVWE1 templates. The PNA molecule, if used parallel with hydrolysis probe in QPCR analysis, greatly facilitates the detection efficiency of MSRV even if ERVWE1 is present abundantly in respect to MSRV in the analysed sample. We achieved a wide and measurable range from 1 × 10 e2 to 1 × 10 e8 copies/reaction; the linearity of the technique was maintained even at the low MSRV level of 1 % in respect to ERVWE1. Using our newly developed method we confirmed that the expression of MSRV takes place in normal human astrocytes and in human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro. We also found that the stimulation of human monocytes did not influence the specific expression of MSRV but it caused changes in mRNA level of distinct HERV-W templates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Machnik
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland,
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Faucard R, Madeira A, Gehin N, Authier FJ, Panaite PA, Lesage C, Burgelin I, Bertel M, Bernard C, Curtin F, Lang AB, Steck AJ, Perron H, Kuntzer T, Créange A. Human Endogenous Retrovirus and Neuroinflammation in Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy. EBioMedicine 2016; 6:190-198. [PMID: 27211560 PMCID: PMC4856744 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human endogenous retroviruses HERV-W encode a pro-inflammatory protein, named MSRV-Env from its original identification in Multiple Sclerosis. Though not detected in various neurological controls, MSRV-Env was found in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathies (CIDPs). This study investigated the expression of MSRV in CIDP and evaluated relevant MSRV-Env pathogenic effects. METHODS 50 CIDP patients, 19 other neurological controls (ONDs) and 65 healthy blood donors (HBDs) were recruited from two different countries. MSRV-env and -pol transcripts, IL6 and CXCL10 levels were quantified from blood samples. MSRV-Env immunohistology was performed in distal sensory nerves from CIDP and neurological controls biopsies. MSRV-Env pathogenic effects and mode of action were assayed in cultured primary human Schwann cells (HSCs). FINDINGS In both cohorts, MSRV-env and -pol transcripts, IL6 positivity prevalence and CXCL10 levels were significantly elevated in CIDP patients when compared to HBDs and ONDs (statistically significant in all comparisons). MSRV-Env protein was detected in Schwann cells in 5/7 CIDP biopsies. HSC exposed to or transfected with MSRV-env presented a strong increase of IL6 and CXCL10 transcripts and protein secretion. These pathogenic effects on HSC were inhibited by GNbAC1, a highly specific and neutralizing humanized monoclonal antibody targeting MSRV-Env. INTERPRETATION The present study showed that MSRV-Env may trigger the release of critical immune mediators proposed as instrumental factors involved in the pathophysiology of CIDP. Significant MSRV-Env expression was detected in a significant proportion of patients with CIDP, in which it may play a role according to its presently observed effects on Schwann cells along with previously known effects on immune cells. Experimental results also suggest that a biomarker-driven therapeutic strategy targeting this protein with a neutralizing antibody such as GNbAC1 may offer new perspectives for treating CIDP patients with positive detection of MSRV-Env expression. FUNDING Geneuro-Innovation, France.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - François-Jérôme Authier
- Reference Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Pathology, Henri Mondor Hospital, Créteil, France; INSERM U955-Team 10 Biology of the Neuromuscular System, Paris Est-Creteil University, Créteil, France
| | | | - Catherine Lesage
- Department of Neurology, Henri Mondor Hospital, APHP, Université Paris Est, Créteil, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Andreas J Steck
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Switzerland
| | - Hervé Perron
- GeNeuro Innovation, France; GeNeuro SA, (Geneva), Switzerland.
| | - Thierry Kuntzer
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Switzerland
| | - Alain Créange
- Department of Neurology, Henri Mondor Hospital, APHP, Université Paris Est, Créteil, France
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Buslei R, Strissel PL, Henke C, Schey R, Lang N, Ruebner M, Stolt CC, Fabry B, Buchfelder M, Strick R. Activation and regulation of endogenous retroviral genes in the human pituitary gland and related endocrine tumours. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2015; 41:180-200. [PMID: 24635849 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Adenohypophysis (AH) hormone-producing cells represent the origin of diverse groups of pituitary adenomas (PA). Deregulation of hypothalamic hormone receptors, growth factors and cAMP signalling have been implicated in the aetiology of PA. Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are derived from past exogenous retroviral infections and represent more than 8% of the human genome. Some ERV genes encode open reading frames and produce functional proteins, for example, the ERVW-1 envelope gene Syncytin-1, essential for placentogenesis, but also deregulated in human tumours. Data concerning ERV expression in the AH and related endocrine tumours are missing. METHODS Syncytin-1 protein was analysed in normal AH (n = 15) and compared with five PA subtypes (n = 117) by immunohistochemistry. Absolute gene expression of 20 ERV functional envelope genes and ERVW-5 gag was measured. PA tissues were examined for Syncytin-1 and the cAMP signalling marker phospho-CREB-Ser133 using immunohistochemistry. Isolated primary human PA cells were treated with different hormones. Murine embryonic and adult pituitary gland ERV expressions were compared with human AH. RESULTS Syncytin-1 protein colocalized with corticotropic cells of AH. In contrast, all PA demonstrated significant Syncytin-1 protein overexpression, supporting deregulation. All other ERV genes showed significant up-regulations in different PA subtypes. Phospho-CREB-Ser133 and Syncytin-1 colocalized in PA cells. Cultivated primary PA cells with ACTH or CRH induced their respective receptors and ERV genes. Syncytin-A/-B, murine orthologues to human Syncytin-1/-2, localized to embryonic and adult pituitary glands demonstrating functional mammalian conservation. CONCLUSIONS Deregulated ERV genes may contribute to PA development via cAMP signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolf Buslei
- Institute of Neuropathology, University-Clinic Erlangen, Lab for Molecular Medicine, Erlangen, Germany
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