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Sun D, Meyer BK, Deevi DS, Mirza A, He L, Gruber A, Abbondanzo SJ, Benton NA, Whiteman MC, Capen RC, Gurney KB. Development of a Cell-Based Reporter Potency Assay for Live Virus Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:769. [PMID: 39066407 PMCID: PMC11281433 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12070769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The rapid development of potency assays is critical in the development of life-saving vaccines. The traditional plaque assay or fifty percent tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) assay used to measure the potency of live virus vaccines is time consuming, labor intensive, low throughput and with high variability. Described here is the development and qualification of a cell-based reporter potency assay for two vaccines for respiratory viral infection, one based on the recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV) backbone, termed Vaccine 1 in this paper, and the other based on the measles virus vector, termed Vaccine 2. The reporter potency assay used a Vero E6 cell line engineered to constitutively express NanuLuc® luciferase, termed the VeroE6-NLuc or JM-1 cell line. Infection of JM-1 cells by a live virus, such as rVSV or measles virus, causes a cytopathic effect (CPE) and release of NanuLuc® from the cytoplasm into the supernatant, the amount of which reflects the intensity of the viral infection. The relative potency was calculated by comparison to a reference standard using parallel line analysis (PLA) in a log-log linear model. The reporter assay demonstrated good linearity, accuracy, and precision, and is therefore suitable for a vaccine potency assay. Further evaluation of the Vaccine 1 reporter assay demonstrated the robustness to a range of deliberate variation of the selected assay parameters and correlation with the plaque assay. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that the reporter assay using the JM-1 cell line could be used as a potency assay to support the manufacturing and release of multiple live virus vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengyun Sun
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA (M.C.W.); (K.B.G.)
| | - Brian K. Meyer
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA (M.C.W.); (K.B.G.)
| | - Dhanvanthri S. Deevi
- Regulated Bioanalytical Immunogenicity & Molecular, Preclinical Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Asra Mirza
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA (M.C.W.); (K.B.G.)
| | - Li He
- Research CMC Statistics, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Ashley Gruber
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA (M.C.W.); (K.B.G.)
| | - Susan J. Abbondanzo
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA (M.C.W.); (K.B.G.)
| | - Noah A. Benton
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA (M.C.W.); (K.B.G.)
| | - Melissa C. Whiteman
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA (M.C.W.); (K.B.G.)
| | - Robert C. Capen
- Research CMC Statistics, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Kevin B. Gurney
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA (M.C.W.); (K.B.G.)
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Caproni A, Nordi C, Fontana R, Facchini M, Melija S, Pappadà M, Buratto M, Marconi P. Herpes Simplex Virus ICP27 Protein Inhibits AIM 2-Dependent Inflammasome Influencing Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines Release in Human Pigment Epithelial Cells (hTert-RPE 1). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4608. [PMID: 38731826 PMCID: PMC11083950 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094608] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Although Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) has been deeply studied, significant gaps remain in the fundamental understanding of HSV-host interactions: our work focused on studying the Infected Cell Protein 27 (ICP27) as an inhibitor of the Absent-in-melanoma-2 (AIM 2) inflammasome pathway, leading to reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines that influence the activation of a protective innate immune response to infection. To assess the inhibition of the inflammasome by the ICP27, hTert-immortalized Retinal Pigment Epithelial cells (hTert-RPE 1) infected with HSV-1 wild type were compared to HSV-1 lacking functional ICP27 (HSV-1∆ICP27) infected cells. The activation of the inflammasome by HSV-1∆ICP27 was demonstrated by quantifying the gene and protein expression of the inflammasome constituents using real-time PCR and Western blot. The detection of the cleavage of the pro-caspase-1 into the active form was performed by using a bioluminescent assay, while the quantification of interleukins 1β (IL-1β) and 18 (IL-18)released in the supernatant was quantified using an ELISA assay. The data showed that the presence of the ICP27 expressed by HSV-1 induces, in contrast to HSV-1∆ICP27 vector, a significant downregulation of AIM 2 inflammasome constituent proteins and, consequently, the release of pro-inflammatory interleukins into the extracellular environment reducing an effective response in counteracting infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Caproni
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.C.); (C.N.); (R.F.); (M.F.); (S.M.); (M.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Chiara Nordi
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.C.); (C.N.); (R.F.); (M.F.); (S.M.); (M.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Riccardo Fontana
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.C.); (C.N.); (R.F.); (M.F.); (S.M.); (M.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Martina Facchini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.C.); (C.N.); (R.F.); (M.F.); (S.M.); (M.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Sara Melija
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.C.); (C.N.); (R.F.); (M.F.); (S.M.); (M.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Mariangela Pappadà
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.C.); (C.N.); (R.F.); (M.F.); (S.M.); (M.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Mattia Buratto
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.C.); (C.N.); (R.F.); (M.F.); (S.M.); (M.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Peggy Marconi
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.C.); (C.N.); (R.F.); (M.F.); (S.M.); (M.P.); (M.B.)
- LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Toister E, Cherry L, Lupu E, Monash A, Dor E, Levin L, Girshengorn M, Natan N, Chapman S, Shmaya S, Epstein E, Adar Y, Zichel R, Ophir Y, Diamant E. Development and Validation of a Plaque Assay to Determine the Titer of a Recombinant Live-Attenuated Viral Vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:374. [PMID: 38675756 PMCID: PMC11054748 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12040374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has resulted in more than seven million deaths worldwide. To reduce viral spread, the Israel Institute for Biological Research (IIBR) developed and produced a new rVSV-SARS-CoV-2-S vaccine candidate (BriLife®) based on a platform of a genetically engineered vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) vector that expresses the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 instead of the VSV-G protein on the virus surface. Quantifying the virus titer to evaluate vaccine potency requires a reliable validated assay that meets all the stringent pharmacopeial requirements of a bioanalytical method. Here, for the first time, we present the development and extensive validation of a quantitative plaque assay using Vero E6 cells for the determination of the concentration of the rVSV-SARS-CoV-2-S viral vector. Three different vaccine preparations with varying titers (DP_low, DP_high, and QC sample) were tested according to a strict validation protocol. The newly developed plaque assay was found to be highly specific, accurate, precise, and robust. The mean deviations from the predetermined titers for the DP_low, DP_high, and QC preparations were 0.01, 0.02, and 0.09 log10, respectively. Moreover, the mean %CV values for intra-assay precision were 18.7%, 12.0%, and 6.0%, respectively. The virus titers did not deviate from the established values between cell passages 5 and 19, and no correlation was found between titer and passage. The validation results presented herein indicate that the newly developed plaque assay can be used to determine the concentration of the BriLife® vaccine, suggesting that the current protocol is a reliable methodology for validating plaque assays for other viral vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Einat Toister
- Department of Biotechnology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 7410001, Israel; (E.T.); (L.C.); (E.L.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (M.G.); (N.N.); (E.E.); (Y.A.); (R.Z.)
| | - Lilach Cherry
- Department of Biotechnology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 7410001, Israel; (E.T.); (L.C.); (E.L.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (M.G.); (N.N.); (E.E.); (Y.A.); (R.Z.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 7410001, Israel;
| | - Edith Lupu
- Department of Biotechnology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 7410001, Israel; (E.T.); (L.C.); (E.L.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (M.G.); (N.N.); (E.E.); (Y.A.); (R.Z.)
| | - Arik Monash
- Department of Biotechnology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 7410001, Israel; (E.T.); (L.C.); (E.L.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (M.G.); (N.N.); (E.E.); (Y.A.); (R.Z.)
| | - Eyal Dor
- Department of Biotechnology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 7410001, Israel; (E.T.); (L.C.); (E.L.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (M.G.); (N.N.); (E.E.); (Y.A.); (R.Z.)
| | - Lilach Levin
- Department of Biotechnology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 7410001, Israel; (E.T.); (L.C.); (E.L.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (M.G.); (N.N.); (E.E.); (Y.A.); (R.Z.)
| | - Meni Girshengorn
- Department of Biotechnology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 7410001, Israel; (E.T.); (L.C.); (E.L.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (M.G.); (N.N.); (E.E.); (Y.A.); (R.Z.)
| | - Niva Natan
- Department of Biotechnology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 7410001, Israel; (E.T.); (L.C.); (E.L.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (M.G.); (N.N.); (E.E.); (Y.A.); (R.Z.)
| | - Shira Chapman
- Department of Pharmacology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 7410001, Israel;
| | - Shlomo Shmaya
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 7410001, Israel;
| | - Eyal Epstein
- Department of Biotechnology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 7410001, Israel; (E.T.); (L.C.); (E.L.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (M.G.); (N.N.); (E.E.); (Y.A.); (R.Z.)
| | - Yaakov Adar
- Department of Biotechnology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 7410001, Israel; (E.T.); (L.C.); (E.L.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (M.G.); (N.N.); (E.E.); (Y.A.); (R.Z.)
| | - Ran Zichel
- Department of Biotechnology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 7410001, Israel; (E.T.); (L.C.); (E.L.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (M.G.); (N.N.); (E.E.); (Y.A.); (R.Z.)
| | - Yakir Ophir
- Department of Biotechnology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 7410001, Israel; (E.T.); (L.C.); (E.L.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (M.G.); (N.N.); (E.E.); (Y.A.); (R.Z.)
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Eran Diamant
- Department of Biotechnology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 7410001, Israel; (E.T.); (L.C.); (E.L.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (M.G.); (N.N.); (E.E.); (Y.A.); (R.Z.)
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de Lima RC, Valente LMM, Familiar Macedo D, de-Oliveira-Pinto LM, dos Santos FB, Mazzei JL, Siani AC, Nunes PCG, de Azeredo EL. Antiviral and Virucidal Activities of Uncaria tomentosa (Cat's Claw) against the Chikungunya Virus. Viruses 2024; 16:369. [PMID: 38543735 PMCID: PMC10974475 DOI: 10.3390/v16030369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Uncaria tomentosa (UT) is a medicinal plant popularly known as cat's claw belonging to the Rubiaceae family that has been reported to display antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities. The chikungunya virus (CHIKV) outbreaks constitute a Brazilian public health concern. CHIKV infection develops an abrupt onset of fever, usually accompanied by a skin rash, besides incapacitating polyarthralgia. There is no vaccine available or treatment for CHIKV infection. The present study evaluates the hydroalcoholic extract of UT bark as a potential antiviral against CHIKV. The in vitro antiviral activity of the UT extract against the Brazilian CHIKV strain was assessed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, flow cytometry, and plaque assay. Results obtained demonstrated that UT inhibits CHIKV infection in a dose-dependent manner. At the non-cytotoxic concentration of 100 µg/mL, UT exhibited antiviral activity above 90% as determined by plaque reduction assay, and it reduced the viral cytopathic effect. Similarly, a significant virucidal effect of 100 µg/mL UT was observed after 24 and 48 h post-infection. This is the first report on the antiviral activity of UT against CHIKV infection, and the data presented here suggests UT as a potential antiviral to treat CHIKV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Curtinhas de Lima
- Laboratório das Interações Vírus Hospedeiros, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (R.C.d.L.); (D.F.M.); (L.M.d.-O.-P.); (F.B.d.S.); (P.C.G.N.)
| | - Ligia Maria Marino Valente
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Athos da Silveira Ramos, 149, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil;
| | - Débora Familiar Macedo
- Laboratório das Interações Vírus Hospedeiros, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (R.C.d.L.); (D.F.M.); (L.M.d.-O.-P.); (F.B.d.S.); (P.C.G.N.)
| | - Luzia Maria de-Oliveira-Pinto
- Laboratório das Interações Vírus Hospedeiros, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (R.C.d.L.); (D.F.M.); (L.M.d.-O.-P.); (F.B.d.S.); (P.C.G.N.)
| | - Flavia Barreto dos Santos
- Laboratório das Interações Vírus Hospedeiros, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (R.C.d.L.); (D.F.M.); (L.M.d.-O.-P.); (F.B.d.S.); (P.C.G.N.)
| | - José Luiz Mazzei
- Laboratório de Tecnologia para Biodiversidade em Saúde, Instituto de Tecnologia de Fármacos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, Brazil; (J.L.M.); (A.C.S.)
| | - Antonio Carlos Siani
- Laboratório de Tecnologia para Biodiversidade em Saúde, Instituto de Tecnologia de Fármacos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, Brazil; (J.L.M.); (A.C.S.)
| | - Priscila Conrado Guerra Nunes
- Laboratório das Interações Vírus Hospedeiros, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (R.C.d.L.); (D.F.M.); (L.M.d.-O.-P.); (F.B.d.S.); (P.C.G.N.)
| | - Elzinandes Leal de Azeredo
- Laboratório das Interações Vírus Hospedeiros, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (R.C.d.L.); (D.F.M.); (L.M.d.-O.-P.); (F.B.d.S.); (P.C.G.N.)
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Rocha DCP, Sisnande T, Gavino-Leopoldino D, Guimarães-Andrade IP, Cruz FF, Assunção-Miranda I, Mendonça SC, Leitão GG, Simas RC, Mohana-Borges R, Leitão SG, Allonso D. Antiviral, Cytoprotective, and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Ampelozizyphus amazonicus Ducke Ethanolic Wood Extract on Chikungunya Virus Infection. Viruses 2023; 15:2232. [PMID: 38005909 PMCID: PMC10674702 DOI: 10.3390/v15112232] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya fever, a debilitating disease caused by Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), is characterized by a high fever of sudden onset and an intense arthralgia that impairs individual regular activities. Although most symptoms are self-limited, long-term persistent arthralgia is observed in 30-40% of infected individuals. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment against CHIKV infection, so there is an urgent need for the discovery of new therapeutic options for CHIKF chronic cases. This present study aims to test the antiviral, cytoprotective, and anti-inflammatory activities of an ethanol extract (FF72) from Ampelozizyphus amazonicus Ducke wood, chemically characterized using mass spectrometry, which indicated the major presence of dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins. The major saponin in the extract, with a deprotonated molecule ion m/z 897 [M-H]-, was tentatively assigned as a jujubogenin triglycoside, a dammarane-type triterpenoid saponin. Treatment with FF72 resulted in a significant reduction in both virus replication and the production of infective virions in BHK-21-infected cells. The viability of infected cells was assessed using an MTT, and the result indicated that FF72 treatment was able to revert the toxicity mediated by CHIKV infection. In addition, FF72 had a direct effect on CHIKV, since the infectivity was completely abolished in the presence of the extract. FF72 treatment also reduced the expression of the major pro-inflammatory mediators overexpressed during CHIKV infection, such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1. Overall, the present study elucidates the potential of FF72 to become a promising candidate of herbal medicine for alphaviruses infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele C. P. Rocha
- Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil;
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Bioengenharia Estrutural, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; (T.S.); (R.M.-B.)
| | - Tháyna Sisnande
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Bioengenharia Estrutural, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; (T.S.); (R.M.-B.)
| | - Daniel Gavino-Leopoldino
- Laboratório de Resposta Celular à Infecções Virais, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; (D.G.-L.); (I.P.G.-A.); (I.A.-M.)
| | - Iris Paula Guimarães-Andrade
- Laboratório de Resposta Celular à Infecções Virais, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; (D.G.-L.); (I.P.G.-A.); (I.A.-M.)
| | - Fernanda F. Cruz
- Laboratório de Investigação Pulmonar, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Iranaia Assunção-Miranda
- Laboratório de Resposta Celular à Infecções Virais, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; (D.G.-L.); (I.P.G.-A.); (I.A.-M.)
| | - Simony C. Mendonça
- Instituto de Pesquisas de Produtos Naturais, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; (S.C.M.); (G.G.L.)
- Departamento de Produtos Naturais e Alimentos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Gilda Guimarães Leitão
- Instituto de Pesquisas de Produtos Naturais, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; (S.C.M.); (G.G.L.)
| | - Rosineide Costa Simas
- Faculdade de Química, Escola de Engenharia, Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, São Paulo 01302-907, SP, Brazil;
| | - Ronaldo Mohana-Borges
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Bioengenharia Estrutural, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; (T.S.); (R.M.-B.)
| | - Suzana Guimarães Leitão
- Departamento de Produtos Naturais e Alimentos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Diego Allonso
- Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil;
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Zhou Z, Zhang M, Zhao C, Gao X, Wen Z, Wu J, Chen C, Fleming I, Hu J, Wang DW. Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acids Prevent Cardiac Dysfunction in Viral Myocarditis via Interferon Type I Signaling. Circ Res 2023; 133:772-788. [PMID: 37681352 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.322619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Myocarditis is a challenging inflammatory disease of the heart, and better understanding of its pathogenesis is needed to develop specific drug therapies. Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), active molecules synthesized by CYP (cytochrome P450) enzymes from arachidonic acids and hydrolyzed to less active dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids by sEH (soluble epoxide hydrolase), have been attributed anti-inflammatory activity. Here, we investigated whether EETs have immunomodulatory activity and exert protective effects on coxsackie B3 virus-induced myocarditis. Viral infection altered eicosanoid epoxide and diol levels in both patients with myocarditis and in the murine heart and correlated with the increased expression and activity of sEH after coxsackie B3 virus infection. Administration of a sEH inhibitor prevented coxsackie B3 virus-induced cardiac dysfunction and inflammatory infiltration. Importantly, EET/sEH inhibitor treatment attenuated viral infection or improved viral resistance by activating type I IFN (interferon) signaling. At the molecular level, EETs enhanced the interaction between GSK3β (glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta) and TBK1 (TANK-binding kinase 1) to promote IFN-β production. Our findings revealed that EETs and sEH inhibitors prevent the progress of coxsackie B3 virus-induced myocarditis, particularly by promoting viral resistance by increasing IFN production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Zhou
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital (Z.Z., M.Z., C.Z., X.G., Z.W., J.W., C.C., D.W.W.), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan, China (Z.Z., M.Z., C.Z., X.G., Z.W., J.W., C.C., D.W.W.)
| | - Min Zhang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital (Z.Z., M.Z., C.Z., X.G., Z.W., J.W., C.C., D.W.W.), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan, China (Z.Z., M.Z., C.Z., X.G., Z.W., J.W., C.C., D.W.W.)
| | - Chengcheng Zhao
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital (Z.Z., M.Z., C.Z., X.G., Z.W., J.W., C.C., D.W.W.), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan, China (Z.Z., M.Z., C.Z., X.G., Z.W., J.W., C.C., D.W.W.)
| | - Xu Gao
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital (Z.Z., M.Z., C.Z., X.G., Z.W., J.W., C.C., D.W.W.), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan, China (Z.Z., M.Z., C.Z., X.G., Z.W., J.W., C.C., D.W.W.)
| | - Zheng Wen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital (Z.Z., M.Z., C.Z., X.G., Z.W., J.W., C.C., D.W.W.), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan, China (Z.Z., M.Z., C.Z., X.G., Z.W., J.W., C.C., D.W.W.)
| | - Junfang Wu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital (Z.Z., M.Z., C.Z., X.G., Z.W., J.W., C.C., D.W.W.), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan, China (Z.Z., M.Z., C.Z., X.G., Z.W., J.W., C.C., D.W.W.)
| | - Chen Chen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital (Z.Z., M.Z., C.Z., X.G., Z.W., J.W., C.C., D.W.W.), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan, China (Z.Z., M.Z., C.Z., X.G., Z.W., J.W., C.C., D.W.W.)
| | - Ingrid Fleming
- Sino-German Laboratory of CardioPulmonary Science (I.F., J.H., D.W.W.), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute for Vascular Signalling, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany (I.F., J.H.)
- German Center of Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site RheinMain, Frankfurt am Main, Germany (I.F., J.H.)
| | - Jiong Hu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine (J.H.), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Sino-German Laboratory of CardioPulmonary Science (I.F., J.H., D.W.W.), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute for Vascular Signalling, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany (I.F., J.H.)
- German Center of Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site RheinMain, Frankfurt am Main, Germany (I.F., J.H.)
| | - Dao Wen Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital (Z.Z., M.Z., C.Z., X.G., Z.W., J.W., C.C., D.W.W.), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Sino-German Laboratory of CardioPulmonary Science (I.F., J.H., D.W.W.), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan, China (Z.Z., M.Z., C.Z., X.G., Z.W., J.W., C.C., D.W.W.)
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7
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de Jesús López Medina Y, Tamayo-Molina YS, Valdés-López JF, Urcuqui-Inchima S. Protective Effects of Caffeine on Chikungunya and Zika Virus Infections: An in Vitro and in Silico Study. Chem Biodivers 2023; 20:e202300192. [PMID: 37489706 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202300192] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Infection by viruses Chikungunya (CHIKV) and Zika (ZIKV) continue to be serious problems in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Here, we evaluated the antiviral and virucidal activity of caffeine against CHIKV and ZIKV in Vero, A549, and Huh-7 cell lines. Results showed that caffeine displays antiviral properties against both viruses. By pre-and post-infection treatment, caffeine significantly inhibited CHIKV and ZIKV replication in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, caffeine showed a virucidal effect against ZIKV. Molecular docking suggests the possible binding of caffeine with envelope protein and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of CHIKV and ZIKV. This is the first study that showed an antiviral effect of caffeine against CHIKV and ZIKV. Although further studies are needed to better understand the mechanism of caffeine-mediated repression of viral replication, caffeine appears to be a promising compound that could be used for in vivo studies, perhaps in synergy with other compounds present in daily beverages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Juan Felipe Valdés-López
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Silvio Urcuqui-Inchima
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
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8
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Epidemiological, Clinical, and Virological Investigation of the First Four Cases of Monkeypox in Cartagena during the 2022 Outbreak. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020159. [PMID: 36839431 PMCID: PMC9961119 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Since early May 2022, numerous cases of Monkeypox (Mpox) have been reported globally in non-endemic areas. However, despite numerous reports worldwide, the epidemiological and genomic information related to the 2022 multi-country outbreak remains scarce in South America. By late June 2022, the first Mpox cases were detected in Colombia. Cartagena is a Colombian Caribbean city with high domestic and international connectivity, and, therefore, is vulnerable to the introduction of the Monkeypox virus (MPXV). This report provides an in-depth description of the epidemiological, clinical, and virological characteristics of the first four cases detected in Cartagena including three cases with no history of recent travel and one imported case. Using various laboratory tools based on PCR, next-generation sequencing, and viral isolation and quantification methods, the MPXV clade IIB was detected and isolated. Importantly, infectious viral particles were identified in lesion swabs collected from all cases and in oropharyngeal swabs collected from two cases. Blood samples tested negative using PCR and isolation. In summary, our work contributes complete genomic, clinical, and epidemiological information that will be useful for a number of studies going forward, and it also documents local information that contributes to our understanding of Mpox at the local level.
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9
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Neupane B, Bai F. Quantification of West Nile Virus by Plaque-Forming Assay. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2585:9-14. [PMID: 36331760 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2760-0_2] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The plaque-forming assay is a gold standard technique to determine the concentration of infectious viral particles. In this assay, lytic viruses infect and lyse the cells but are immobilized due to the presence of an agarose-containing overlay medium. The progeny viruses can only spread locally to and kill the adjacent cells and finally form a clear zone or plaque after staining the live cells. The number of plaques formed can be theoretically considered as the initial number of the infectious viral particles present in the sample and hence can be expressed as plaque-forming units (PFU) in a volume of the sample. Here, we provide a step-by-step method to carry out a plaque-forming assay to determine the titer of West Nile virus in a cell culture medium, which also can be adapted to other lytic viruses of eukaryotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biswas Neupane
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Center for Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
| | - Fengwei Bai
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Center for Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA.
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10
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Loyola S, Popuche D, Rios Z, Huaman A, Ampuero JS, Guevara C. Detection of Zika Virus in Oropharyngeal Swabs from Patients with Acute Febrile Illness. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 107:1242-1244. [PMID: 36343593 PMCID: PMC9768257 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The isolation of Zika virus (ZIKV) from serum of suspected human cases for diagnostic purposes can be challenging due to infrastructure constraints of laboratory testing technology. Therefore, as an alternative method, the objective of this study was to evaluate a random sample of oropharyngeal swabs for the diagnosis of ZIKV infection among patients with symptoms of arboviral and respiratory illness. The results revealed that ZIKV RNA could be detected by a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay and isolated from oropharyngeal swabs from five of 38 samples, but serum samples from the same patients were negative for ZIKV by a variety of laboratory diagnostic approaches including RT-PCR and viral isolation followed by immunofluorescence assays. The findings suggested that the molecular detection and isolation of ZIKV in oropharyngeal swab warrants further study for consideration as an improved diagnostic procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steev Loyola
- Grupo de Investigación UNIMOL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cartagena, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia;,Doctorado en Medicina Tropical, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cartagena, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia;,Address correspondence to Steev Loyola, Laboratorio Unidad de Investigación Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cartagena, Cra. 50 #24120, Cartagena de Indias 130014, Colombia. E-mail:
| | - Dina Popuche
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6, Lima, Peru
| | - Zonia Rios
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6, Lima, Peru
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11
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Vesuna F, Akhrymuk I, Smith A, Winnard PT, Lin SC, Panny L, Scharpf R, Kehn-Hall K, Raman V. RK-33, a small molecule inhibitor of host RNA helicase DDX3, suppresses multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:959577. [PMID: 36090095 PMCID: PMC9453862 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.959577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, continues to spread globally even as vaccine strategies are proving effective in preventing hospitalizations and deaths. However, evolving variants of the virus appear to be more transmissive and vaccine efficacy toward them is waning. As a result, SARS-CoV-2 will continue to have a deadly impact on public health into the foreseeable future. One strategy to bypass the continuing problem of newer variants is to target host proteins required for viral replication. We have used this host-targeted antiviral (HTA) strategy that targets DDX3X (DDX3), a host DEAD-box RNA helicase that is usurped by SARS-CoV-2 for virus production. We demonstrated that targeting DDX3 with RK-33, a small molecule inhibitor, reduced the viral load in four isolates of SARS-CoV-2 (Lineage A, and Lineage B Alpha, Beta, and Delta variants) by one to three log orders in Calu-3 cells. Furthermore, proteomics and RNA-seq analyses indicated that most SARS-CoV-2 genes were downregulated by RK-33 treatment. Also, we show that the use of RK-33 decreases TMPRSS2 expression, which may be due to DDX3s ability to unwind G-quadraplex structures present in the TMPRSS2 promoter. The data presented support the use of RK-33 as an HTA strategy to control SARS-CoV-2 infection, irrespective of its mutational status, in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Vesuna
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ivan Akhrymuk
- Department of Biomedical Science and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Amy Smith
- Department of Biomedical Science and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Paul T. Winnard
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shih-Chao Lin
- Bachelor Degree Program in Marine Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Lauren Panny
- Department of Biomedical Science and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Robert Scharpf
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kylene Kehn-Hall
- Department of Biomedical Science and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Center for Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Kylene Kehn-Hall,
| | - Venu Raman
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Venu Raman,
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12
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Bullen CK, Davis SL, Looney MM. Quantification of Infectious SARS-CoV-2 by the 50% Tissue Culture Infectious Dose Endpoint Dilution Assay. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2022; 2452:131-146. [PMID: 35554905 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2111-0_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A number of viral quantification methods are used to measure the concentration of infectious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). While the traditional plaque-based assay allows for direct enumeration of replication competent lytic virions and remains the gold standard for the quantification of infectious virus, the 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) endpoint dilution assay allows for a more rapid, large-scale analysis of experimental samples. In this chapter, we describe a well-established TCID50 assay protocol to measure the SARS-CoV-2 infectious titer in viral stocks, in vitro cell or organoid models, and animal tissue. We also present alternative assays for scoring the cytopathic effect of SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture and comparable methods to calculate the 50% endpoint by serial dilution.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Korin Bullen
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Stephanie L Davis
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Monika M Looney
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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13
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Jbara-Agbaria D, Blondzik S, Burger-Kentischer A, Agbaria M, Nordling-David MM, Giterman A, Aizik G, Rupp S, Golomb G. Liposomal siRNA Formulations for the Treatment of Herpes Simplex Virus-1: In Vitro Characterization of Physicochemical Properties and Activity, and In Vivo Biodistribution and Toxicity Studies. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14030633. [PMID: 35336008 PMCID: PMC8948811 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14030633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) is highly contagious, and there is a need for a therapeutic means to eradicate it. We have identified an siRNA (siHSV) that knocks down gene expression of the infected cell protein 0 (ICP0), which is important in the regulation of HSV infection. The selected siHSV was encapsulated in liposomes to overcome its poor stability, increase cell permeability, and prolonging siRNA circulation time. Several siRNAs against ICP0 have been designed and identified. We examined the role of various parameters, including formulation technique, lipids composition, and ratio. An optimal liposomal siHSV formulation (LipDOPE-siHSV) was characterized with desirable physiochemical properties, in terms of nano-size, low polydispersity index (PDI), neutral surface charge, high siHSV loading, spherical shape, high stability in physiologic conditions in vitro, and long-term shelf-life stability (>1 year, 4 °C). The liposomes exhibited profound internalization by human keratinocytes, no cytotoxicity in cell cultures, no detrimental effect on mice liver enzymes, and a gradual endo-lysosomal escape. Mice biodistribution studies in intact mice revealed accumulation, mainly in visceral organs but also in the trigeminal ganglion. The therapeutic potential of siHSV liposomes was demonstrated by significant antiviral activity both in the plaque reduction assay and in the 3D epidermis model, and the mechanism of action was validated by the reduction of ICP0 expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa Jbara-Agbaria
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Saskia Blondzik
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Anke Burger-Kentischer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Majd Agbaria
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Mirjam M Nordling-David
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Anna Giterman
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Gil Aizik
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Steffen Rupp
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Gershon Golomb
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
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14
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Vesuna F, Akhrymuk I, Smith A, Winnard PT, Lin SC, Scharpf R, Kehn-Hall K, Raman V. RK-33, a small molecule inhibitor of host RNA helicase DDX3, suppresses multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.02.28.482334. [PMID: 35262079 PMCID: PMC8902879 DOI: 10.1101/2022.02.28.482334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, continues to spread globally even as vaccine strategies are proving effective in preventing hospitalizations and deaths. However, evolving variants of the virus appear to be more transmissive and vaccine efficacy towards them is waning. As a result, SARS-CoV-2 will continue to have a deadly impact on public health into the foreseeable future. One strategy to bypass the continuing problem of newer variants is to target host proteins required for viral replication. We have used this host-targeted antiviral (HTA) strategy that targets DDX3, a host DEAD-box RNA helicase that is usurped by SARS-CoV-2 for virus production. We demonstrated that targeting DDX3 with RK-33, a small molecule inhibitor, reduced the viral load in four isolates of SARS-CoV-2 (Lineage A, and Lineage B Alpha, Beta, and Delta variants) by one to three log orders in Calu-3 cells. Furthermore, proteomics and RNA-seq analyses indicated that most SARS-CoV-2 genes were downregulated by RK-33 treatment. Also, we show that the use of RK-33 decreases TMPRSS2 expression, which may be due to DDX3s ability to unwind G-quadraplex structures present in the TMPRSS2 promoter. The data presented supports the use of RK-33 as an HTA strategy to control SARS-CoV-2 infection, irrespective of its mutational status, in humans.
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15
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Shehabeldine AM, Hashem AH, Wassel AR, Hasanin M. Antimicrobial and Antiviral Activities of Durable Cotton Fabrics Treated with Nanocomposite Based on Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles, Acyclovir, Nanochitosan, and Clove Oil. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2022; 194:783-800. [PMID: 34541623 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-021-03649-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In this study, cotton fabrics based on zinc oxide nanoparticles in situ synthesis, acyclovir, nanochitosan, and clove oil were treated. The treated cotton fabrics were examined by FTIR, HR-TEM, FE-SEM, EDAX, and the surface roughness processing of FE-SEM images. The obtained characterization data emphasized the nano-size of nanocomposite with high homogeneity of particles in spherical shape as well as affirmed the deposition of nanocomposite onto the textile fibers with concluded that the deposition of nanocomposite was increased parallel with sonication time. Antimicrobial and antiviral activities of treated cotton fabrics were evaluated. Results revealed that treated cotton fabrics exhibited promising antibacterial activity toward Gram-positive higher than Gram-negative bacteria. Likewise, treated cotton fabrics are still effective as antibacterial after washing for 100 cycles. Moreover, treated cotton fabrics exhibited potential antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus fumigatus. The antiviral activity significantly depended on the type of virus. The treated cotton fabrics showed antiviral activity against tested viral particles (HSV-1, Adeno, and CoxB2) with viral inhibition of 95.9, 76.4, and 86.9% respectively, while in the case of coated cotton textile with acyclovir, it only exhibited viral inhibition of 49.9, 41, and 22.3% respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr M Shehabeldine
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
| | - Amr H Hashem
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed R Wassel
- Electron Microscope and Thin Film Department, Physics Research Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Hasanin
- Cellulose and Paper Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Cairo, Egypt.
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16
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Hayashi K, Asai S, Umezawa K, Kakizoe H, Miyachi H, Morita M, Akaike T, Kuno H, Komatsu S, Watanabe T, Kawahara T. Virucidal effect of monogalactosyl diacylglyceride from a green microalga, Coccomyxa sp. KJ, against clinical isolates of SARS-CoV-2 as assessed by a plaque assay. J Clin Lab Anal 2021; 36:e24146. [PMID: 34837712 PMCID: PMC8761427 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is capable of human-to-human transmission and rapid global spread. Thus, the establishment of high-quality viral detection and quantification methods, and the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents are critical. METHODS Here, we present the rapid detection of infectious SARS-CoV-2 particles using a plaque assay with 0.5% agarose-ME (Medium Electroosmosis) as an overlay medium. RESULTS The plaques were capable of detecting the virus within 36-40 h post-infection. In addition, we showed that a monogalactosyl diacylglyceride isolated from a microalga (Coccomyxa sp. KJ) could inactivate the clinical isolates of SARS-CoV-2 in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS These results would allow rapid quantification of the infectious virus titers and help develop more potent virucidal agents against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Hayashi
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai, Japan
| | - Satomi Asai
- Department of laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Tokai University, Isehara, Japan
| | - Kazuo Umezawa
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care, School of Medicine, Tokai University, Isehara, Japan
| | - Hidehumi Kakizoe
- Department of laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Tokai University, Isehara, Japan
| | - Hayato Miyachi
- Department of laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Tokai University, Isehara, Japan
| | - Masanobu Morita
- Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takaaki Akaike
- Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | | | | | - Takumi Watanabe
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai, Japan
| | - Toshio Kawahara
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai, Japan
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17
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Chikungunya Virus Exposure Partially Cross-Protects against Mayaro Virus Infection in Mice. J Virol 2021; 95:e0112221. [PMID: 34549980 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01122-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Mayaro virus (MAYV) are closely related members of the Semliki Forest virus antigenic complex classified as belonging to the genus Alphavirus of the family Togaviridae. These viruses cause human disease, with sudden fever and joint inflammation that can persist for long periods. CHIKV is the causative agent of large outbreaks worldwide, and MAYV infection represents a growing public health concern in Latin America, causing sporadic cases and geographically limited outbreaks. Considering the relationship between CHIKV and MAYV, the present study aimed to evaluate if preexisting CHIKV immunity protects against MAYV infection. Immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally infected with CHIKV and, 4 weeks later, they were infected with MAYV in their hind paw. We observed that the preexistence of CHIKV immunity conferred partial cross-protection against secondary MAYV infection, reducing disease severity, tissue viral load, and histopathological scores. Interestingly, CHIKV antibodies from humans and mice showed low cross-neutralization to MAYV, but neutralizing activity significantly increased after secondary infection. Furthermore, depletion of adaptive immune cells (CD4+ T, CD8+ T, and CD19+ B cells) did not alter the cross-protection phenotype, suggesting that distinct cell subsets or a combination of adaptive immune cells stimulated by CHIKV are responsible for the partial cross-protection against MAYV. The reduction of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interferon gamma (IFN-γ), in animals secondarily infected by MAYV, suggests a role for innate immunity in cross-protection. Our findings shed light on how preexisting immunity to arthritogenic alphaviruses may affect secondary infection, which may further develop relevant influence in disease outcome and viral transmission. IMPORTANCE Mosquito-borne viruses have a worldwide impact, especially in tropical climates. Chikungunya virus has been present mostly in developing countries, causing millions of infections, while Mayaro virus, a close relative, has been limited to the Caribbean and tropical regions of Latin America. The potential emergence and spread of Mayaro virus to other high-risk areas have increased the scientific community's attention to an imminent worldwide epidemic. Here, we designed an experimental protocol of chikungunya and Mayaro virus mouse infection, which develops a measurable and quantifiable disease that allows us to make inferences about potential immunological effects during secondary virus infection. Our results demonstrate that previous chikungunya virus infection is able to reduce the severity of clinical outcomes during secondary Mayaro infection. We provide scientific understanding of immunological features during secondary infection with the closely related virus, thus assisting in better comprehending viral transmission and the pathological outcome of these diseases.
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18
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Napoleão-Pêgo P, Carneiro FRG, Durans AM, Gomes LR, Morel CM, Provance DW, De-Simone SG. Performance assessment of a multi-epitope chimeric antigen for the serological diagnosis of acute Mayaro fever. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15374. [PMID: 34321560 PMCID: PMC8319364 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94817-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mayaro virus (MAYV), which causes mayaro fever, is endemic to limited regions of South America that may expand due to the possible involvement of Aedes spp. mosquitoes in its transmission. Its effective control will require the accurate identification of infected individuals, which has been restricted to nucleic acid-based tests due to similarities with other emerging members of the Alphavirus genus of the Togaviridae family; both in structure and clinical symptoms. Serological tests have a more significant potential to expand testing at a reasonable cost, and their performance primarily reflects that of the antigen utilized to capture pathogen-specific antibodies. Here, we describe the assembly of a synthetic gene encoding multiple copies of antigenic determinants mapped from the nsP1, nsP2, E1, and E2 proteins of MAYV that readily expressed as a stable chimeric protein in bacteria. Its serological performance as the target in ELISAs revealed a high accuracy for detecting anti-MAYV IgM antibodies. No cross-reactivity was observed with serum from seropositive individuals for dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, Zika, and other infectious diseases as well as healthy individuals. Our data suggest that this bioengineered antigen could be used to develop high-performance serological tests for MAYV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma Napoleão-Pêgo
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Diseases of Neglected Populations (INCT-IDPN), Brazil Av 4365, Leonidas Deane Building, Room 309, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Flávia R G Carneiro
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Diseases of Neglected Populations (INCT-IDPN), Brazil Av 4365, Leonidas Deane Building, Room 309, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil.,Laboratory of Interdisplinary Medical Research (LIPMED), Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), FIOCRUZ, Brazil Av 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Andressa M Durans
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Diseases of Neglected Populations (INCT-IDPN), Brazil Av 4365, Leonidas Deane Building, Room 309, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil.,Laboratory of Interdisplinary Medical Research (LIPMED), Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), FIOCRUZ, Brazil Av 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Larissa R Gomes
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Diseases of Neglected Populations (INCT-IDPN), Brazil Av 4365, Leonidas Deane Building, Room 309, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Carlos M Morel
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Diseases of Neglected Populations (INCT-IDPN), Brazil Av 4365, Leonidas Deane Building, Room 309, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - David W Provance
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Diseases of Neglected Populations (INCT-IDPN), Brazil Av 4365, Leonidas Deane Building, Room 309, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil.,Laboratory of Interdisplinary Medical Research (LIPMED), Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), FIOCRUZ, Brazil Av 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Salvatore G De-Simone
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Diseases of Neglected Populations (INCT-IDPN), Brazil Av 4365, Leonidas Deane Building, Room 309, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil. .,Biology Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Outeiro de São Joao Batista S/N, Niterói, RJ, 24020-141, Brazil.
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Methods in Screening Antiviral Drugs Against Enterovirus 71. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2021; 2296:167-184. [PMID: 33977447 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1358-0_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Enteroviruses 71 (EV71) is a single-stranded, neurotrophic RNA virus responsible for the numerous outbreaks of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in the Asia-Pacific regions. HFMD primarily affects children to cause range of infection, from mild symptoms to acute flaccid paralysis, and hemorrhage. Despite increased incidence of EV71 epidemics globally and research against EV71 becoming prioritized, no antiviral agent against EV71 has yet been licensed and approved worldwide. In this chapter, detailed EV71 antiviral screening techniques are described, including plaque assay which determines viral titers through the use of a semisolid overlay, carboxymethyl cellulose to allow even viral spread and infection across the host cellular monolayers as well as a crystal violet, a distinct counterstain to visualize circular regions of infectious zones-plaques. qRT-PCR is used to quantify the viral genomic RNA in the infected samples and MTS cell viability assay to quantify the cell viability after infection or toxicity of the compound on the cells. Furthermore, various antiviral inhibition assays including prophylactic, post infection, and virucidal assays are demonstrated for estimation of the antiviral activity of potential antiviral drugs against EV71. These methods can be effectively utilized in virology laboratories for effective high-throughput screening of antiviral molecules against EV71 that can assist in the future development of antiviral drugs.
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Björnström A, Blomström AL, Singh MC, Hesson JC. Sindbis virus neutralising antibodies detected in Swedish horses. One Health 2021; 12:100242. [PMID: 33851003 PMCID: PMC8039815 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of viruses transmitted by mosquitoes are well known to cause disease in both humans and horses, ranging from mild fevers to mortal neurological disease. A recently discovered connection between the alphavirus Sindbis virus (SINV) and neurological disease in horses in South Africa initiated this serological study in northern Europe, where the same genotype of SINV (SINV-I) is also highly endemic. We tested 171 serum samples, originally obtained from horses for other reasons from April to October 2019, for presence of SINV neutralising antibodies using a plaque reduction neutralisation test (PRNT). The serum from six horses reduced the plaque count more than 80%, and two out of these reduced the plaque count more than 90%. These horses were sampled in six different regions of Sweden, and included individuals sampled from April to August. This study shows that horses in Sweden have become infected with SINV and developed neutralising antibodies. Potential connections between infection and development of disease are important questions for future studies. SINV is a arbovirus that has been associated with disease in horses in South Africa. SINV is common in Sweden but any connection to equine infection is unknown. In this study, neutralising antibodies against SINV were detected in Swedish horses. This is the first study to indicate SINV infection in European horses. The clinical impact of SINV on horses will be an important focus for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Björnström
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Sweden.,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7028, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anne-Lie Blomström
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7028, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Manish Chandra Singh
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Jenny C Hesson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Sweden
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Abstract
Alphavirus-based vectors present an efficient approach for antigen preparation applied for vaccine development. Semliki Forest virus, Sindbis virus, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus have been engineered for high-level expression of antigens targeting infectious diseases and tumors. Alphaviruses possess a large application range as vectors can be delivered as naked RNA replicons, recombinant viral particles, and layered DNA plasmids. Immunization studies in animal models have provided protection against challenges with lethal doses of pathogenic infectious agents and tumor cells. So far, a limited number of clinical trials have been conducted for alphavirus vectors in humans.
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22
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Shelite TR, Bopp NE, Moncayo A, Reynolds ES, Thangamani S, Melby PC, Bloch K, Aguilar PV, Travi BL. Isothermal Recombinase Polymerase Amplification-Lateral Flow Point-of-Care Diagnostic Test for Heartland Virus. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 21:110-115. [PMID: 33259736 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The detection of novel or re-emergent pathogens necessitates the development of rapid, easy-to-use diagnostic tests that can be readily adapted and utilized in both clinical laboratories and field settings. Heartland virus (HRTV) is the first pathogenic Phlebovirus responsible for serious and fatal cases in the United States. We developed a qualitative test based on recombinase-polymerase-amplification coupled with lateral flow reading (RPA-LF) for rapid detection of HRTV. The RPA-LF detected HRTV with a limit of detection of 1.19-1.54 plaque-forming unit equivalents/reaction. In addition, the RPA-LF was able to detect 0.6075 copies/μL of HRTV nucleoprotein gene-containing plasmid. We evaluated six clinical samples that were previously found to be real-time PCR positive for HRTV and found five out of six samples to be positive by RPA-LF, yielding 83.3% concordance with real-time PCR. All six samples had Ct values between 29 and 39 by real-time PCR. We also determined that the HRTV primers and probe do not cross-react with other tick-transmitted viruses such as Bourbon and Powassan, or other related viruses, including Lonestar tick virus and Sunday canyon virus (100% specificity). This is the first isothermal amplification test developed for a tick-borne virus, which will allow for rapid differentiation between HRTV and other pathogens producing similar clinical manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Shelite
- Department of Internal Medicine-Infectious Diseases and University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Nathen E Bopp
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Erin S Reynolds
- SUNY Center for Environmental Health and Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Saravanan Thangamani
- SUNY Center for Environmental Health and Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Peter C Melby
- Department of Internal Medicine-Infectious Diseases and University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Karen Bloch
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Patricia V Aguilar
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Bruno L Travi
- Department of Internal Medicine-Infectious Diseases and University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, USA
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Watts DM, Rodriguez CM, Palermo PM, Suarez V, Wong SJ, Orbegozo J, Dupuis AP, Kramer LD, Gonzalez FJ, Handel GA. Serosurvey for dengue virus infection among pregnant women in the West Nile virus enzootic community of El Paso Texas. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242889. [PMID: 33253280 PMCID: PMC7703982 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
All 4 dengue viruses (DENV) cause sporadic outbreaks of human disease in the Rio Grande Valley along the US-Mexico border. In addition, West Nile virus (WNV) is enzootic in most border communities, and is the only arbovirus known to cause human disease in the El Paso, Texas community. In an effort to determine if DENV were also endemic in the El Paso community, a serosurvey was conducted among mothers at the time of delivery of their babies in selected hospitals. Cord-blood plasma samples obtained from mothers were tested for DENV antibody by an enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA), plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) and a multiplex microsphere immunoassay. All DENV antibody positive plasma samples were also tested for WNV antibody by the same assays to consider the possibility that DENV antibody positive samples reflected WNV cross reactive antibody. The results indicated that 0.74% (11/1,472) of the mothers had a previous DENV infection and that 3.3% (48/1,472) had a previous WNV infection. Of these mothers, 0.20% (3/1,472) had antibody to both DENV and WNV as evidence of infection by both viruses. The results indicated that 0.2% (3/1472) of the mothers were positive for antibody to only WNV envelope, thus suggesting an undetermined flavivirus infection. Although 6 of the 11 DENV antibody positive mothers did not have a history of travel to a DENV endemic country, the findings of this survey provided further evidence of local transmission of WNV and suggested the possibility of focal autochthonous transmission of DENV in the El Paso community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas M. Watts
- Department of Biological Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Cynthia M. Rodriguez
- Department of Biological Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Pedro M. Palermo
- Department of Biological Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Veronica Suarez
- Department of Biological Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Susan J. Wong
- Diagnostic Immunology Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, United States of America
| | - Jeanette Orbegozo
- Department of Biological Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alan P. Dupuis
- Arbovirus Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Slingerlands, NY, United States of America
| | - Laura D. Kramer
- Arbovirus Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Slingerlands, NY, United States of America
| | | | - Gilbert A. Handel
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
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Felipe VLJ, Paula A V, Silvio UI. Chikungunya virus infection induces differential inflammatory and antiviral responses in human monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages. Acta Trop 2020; 211:105619. [PMID: 32634389 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a zoonotic arthropod-borne virus that has caused several outbreaks in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide during the last 50 years. The virus is known to target different human cell types throughout the course of infection including epithelial and endothelial cells, fibroblasts, primary monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). The two latter are phagocytic cell populations of the innate immune system which are involved in some aspects of CHIKV pathogenesis. However, monocytes and macrophages also potentially contribute to the control of viral replication through the expression of different pattern recognition receptors sensing viral pathogens and subsequently, inducing an type I interferone (IFN-I)-dependent antiviral immune response. The aim of this study was to determine the modulation of the expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), cytokine secretion capabilities and antiviral factor production in monocytes and MDMs following infection with CHIKV. Moreover, we sought to determine the replication kinetics of CHIKV in these two cell populations. We found that the maximum peak of CHIKV replication was observed between 18- and 24-hours post-infection (hpi), while after that the is strongly reduced. Furthermore, CHIKV infection induced the pro-inflammatory cytokine production starting from the first 6 hpi in both monocytes and MDMs, with similar kinetics but different protein levels. In contrast, the kinetics of transcriptional expression of some TLRs were different between both cell types. In addition, IFN-I, 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1), and double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase R (PKR) mRNA levels were detected in response to CHIKV infection of monocytes and MDMs, resulting the highest expression levels at 48 hpi. In conclusion, our data provides evidence that CHIKV infection activates the TLR pathways in primary monocytes and MDMs, which play a crucial role in CHIKV pathogenesis and/or host defense, differentially. However, additional studies are required to determine the functional role of TLRs in monocytes and MDMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valdés López Juan Felipe
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Velilla Paula A
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Urcuqui-Inchima Silvio
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia.
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25
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Mendoza EJ, Manguiat K, Wood H, Drebot M. Two Detailed Plaque Assay Protocols for the Quantification of Infectious SARS-CoV-2. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 57:ecpmc105. [PMID: 32475066 PMCID: PMC7300432 DOI: 10.1002/cpmc.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has been identified as the causal agent of COronaVIrus Disease‐19 (COVID‐19), an atypical pneumonia‐like syndrome that emerged in December 2019. While SARS‐CoV‐2 titers can be measured by detection of viral nucleic acid, this method is unable to quantitate infectious virions. Measurement of infectious SARS‐CoV‐2 can be achieved by tissue culture infectious dose−50 (TCID50), which detects the presence or absence of cytopathic effect in cells infected with serial dilutions of a virus specimen. However, this method only provides a qualitative infectious virus titer. Plaque assays are a quantitative method of measuring infectious SARS‐CoV‐2 by quantifying the plaques formed in cell culture upon infection with serial dilutions of a virus specimen. As such, plaque assays remain the gold standard in quantifying concentrations of replication‐competent lytic virions. Here, we describe two detailed plaque assay protocols to quantify infectious SARS‐CoV‐2 using different overlay and staining methods. Both methods have several advantages and disadvantages, which can be considered when choosing the procedure best suited for each laboratory. These assays can be used for several research purposes, including titration of virus stocks produced from infected cell supernatant and, with further optimization, quantification of SARS‐CoV‐2 in specimens collected from infected animals. © 2019 The Authors. Basic Protocol: SARS‐CoV‐2 plaque assay using a solid double overlay method Alternate Protocol: SARS‐CoV‐2 plaque assay using a liquid overlay and fixation‐staining method
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Affiliation(s)
- Emelissa J Mendoza
- Zoonotic Diseases and Special Pathogens, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kathy Manguiat
- Zoonotic Diseases and Special Pathogens, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Heidi Wood
- Zoonotic Diseases and Special Pathogens, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Michael Drebot
- Zoonotic Diseases and Special Pathogens, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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de Castro-Jorge LA, de Carvalho RVH, Klein TM, Hiroki CH, Lopes AH, Guimarães RM, Fumagalli MJ, Floriano VG, Agostinho MR, Slhessarenko RD, Ramalho FS, Cunha TM, Cunha FQ, da Fonseca BAL, Zamboni DS. The NLRP3 inflammasome is involved with the pathogenesis of Mayaro virus. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1007934. [PMID: 31479495 PMCID: PMC6743794 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an arbovirus that circulates in Latin America and is emerging as a potential threat to public health. Infected individuals develop Mayaro fever, a severe inflammatory disease characterized by high fever, rash, arthralgia, myalgia and headache. The disease is often associated with a prolonged arthralgia mediated by a chronic inflammation that can last months. Although the immune response against other arboviruses, such as chikungunya virus (CHIKV), dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV), has been extensively studied, little is known about the pathogenesis of MAYV infection. In this study, we established models of MAYV infection in macrophages and in mice and found that MAYV can replicate in bone marrow-derived macrophages and robustly induce expression of inflammasome proteins, such as NLRP3, ASC, AIM2, and Caspase-1 (CASP1). Infection performed in macrophages derived from Nlrp3-/-, Aim2-/-, Asc-/-and Casp1/11-/-mice indicate that the NLRP3, but not AIM2 inflammasome is essential for production of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β. We also determined that MAYV triggers NLRP3 inflammasome activation by inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and potassium efflux. In vivo infections performed in inflammasome-deficient mice indicate that NLRP3 is involved with footpad swelling, inflammation and pain, establishing a role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the MAYV pathogenesis. Accordingly, we detected higher levels of caspase1-p20, IL-1β and IL-18 in the serum of MAYV-infected patients as compared to healthy individuals, supporting the participation of the NLRP3-inflammasome during MAYV infection in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza A. de Castro-Jorge
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo. Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Renan V. H. de Carvalho
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo. Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Taline M. Klein
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo. Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Carlos H. Hiroki
- Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo. Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Alexandre H. Lopes
- Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo. Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Rafaela M. Guimarães
- Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo. Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Marcílio Jorge Fumagalli
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo. Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Vitor G. Floriano
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo. Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Mayara R. Agostinho
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo. Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Fernando Silva Ramalho
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo. Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Thiago M. Cunha
- Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo. Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Fernando Q. Cunha
- Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo. Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Benedito A. L. da Fonseca
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo. Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Dario S. Zamboni
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo. Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Mayaro: an emerging viral threat? Emerg Microbes Infect 2018; 7:163. [PMID: 30254258 PMCID: PMC6156602 DOI: 10.1038/s41426-018-0163-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mayaro virus (MAYV), an enveloped RNA virus, belongs to the Togaviridae family and Alphavirus genus. This arthropod-borne virus (Arbovirus) is similar to Chikungunya (CHIKV), Dengue (DENV), and Zika virus (ZIKV). The term “ChikDenMaZika syndrome” has been coined for clinically suspected arboviruses, which have arisen as a consequence of the high viral burden, viral co-infection, and co-circulation in South America. In most cases, MAYV disease is nonspecific, mild, and self-limited. Fever, arthralgia, and maculopapular rash are among the most common symptoms described, being largely indistinguishable from those caused by other arboviruses. However, severe manifestations of the infection have been reported, such as chronic polyarthritis, neurological complications, hemorrhage, myocarditis, and even death. Currently, there are no specific commercial tools for the diagnosis of MAYV, and the use of serological methods can be affected by cross-reactivity and the window period. A diagnosis based on clinical and epidemiological data alone is still premature. Therefore, new entomological research is warranted, and new highly specific molecular diagnostic methods should be developed. This comprehensive review is intended to encourage public health authorities and scientific communities to actively work on diagnosing, preventing, and treating MAYV infection.
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Axonal Transport Enables Neuron-to-Neuron Propagation of Human Coronavirus OC43. J Virol 2018; 92:JVI.00404-18. [PMID: 29925652 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00404-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 305] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Human coronaviruses (HCoVs) are recognized respiratory pathogens for which accumulating evidence indicates that in vulnerable patients the infection can cause more severe pathologies. HCoVs are not always confined to the upper respiratory tract and can invade the central nervous system (CNS) under still unclear circumstances. HCoV-induced neuropathologies in humans are difficult to diagnose early enough to allow therapeutic interventions. Making use of our already described animal model of HCoV neuropathogenesis, we describe the route of neuropropagation from the nasal cavity to the olfactory bulb and piriform cortex and then the brain stem. We identified neuron-to-neuron propagation as one underlying mode of virus spreading in cell culture. Our data demonstrate that both passive diffusion of released viral particles and axonal transport are valid propagation strategies used by the virus. We describe for the first time the presence along axons of viral platforms whose static dynamism is reminiscent of viral assembly sites. We further reveal that HCoV OC43 modes of propagation can be modulated by selected HCoV OC43 proteins and axonal transport. Our work, therefore, identifies processes that may govern the severity and nature of HCoV OC43 neuropathogenesis and will make possible the development of therapeutic strategies to prevent occurrences.IMPORTANCE Coronaviruses may invade the CNS, disseminate, and participate in the induction of neurological diseases. Their neuropathogenicity is being increasingly recognized in humans, and the presence and persistence of human coronaviruses (HCoV) in human brains have been proposed to cause long-term sequelae. Using our mouse model relying on natural susceptibility to HCoV OC43 and neuronal cell cultures, we have defined the most relevant path taken by HCoV OC43 to access and spread to and within the CNS toward the brain stem and spinal cord and studied in cell culture the underlying modes of intercellular propagation to better understand its neuropathogenesis. Our data suggest that axonal transport governs HCoV OC43 egress in the CNS, leading to the exacerbation of neuropathogenesis. Exploiting knowledge on neuroinvasion and dissemination will enhance our ability to control viral infection within the CNS, as it will shed light on underlying mechanisms of neuropathogenesis and uncover potential druggable molecular virus-host interfaces.
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Abstract
Alphavirus-based vectors have been engineered from Semliki Forest virus, Sindbis virus, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus and applied for vaccine development. Immunization in preclinical animal models has been conducted with naked RNA replicons, recombinant viral particles and layered DNA-RNA vectors. Most commonly, the targets for the immunization have been viral surface proteins and tumor antigens, which have elicited strong immune responses and even provided protection against challenges with lethal doses of virus and tumor cells, respectively. As alphaviruses also cause epidemics, vaccines have been developed against Chikungunya virus. Despite the success in several animal smodels only a few clinical trials have been conducted in humans, so far.
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Santiago FW, Halsey ES, Siles C, Vilcarromero S, Guevara C, Silvas JA, Ramal C, Ampuero JS, Aguilar PV. Long-Term Arthralgia after Mayaro Virus Infection Correlates with Sustained Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Response. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004104. [PMID: 26496497 PMCID: PMC4619727 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mayaro virus (MAYV), an alphavirus similar to chikungunya virus (CHIKV), causes an acute debilitating disease which results in the development of long-term arthralgia in more than 50% of infected individuals. Currently, the immune response and its role in the development of MAYV-induced persistent arthralgia remain unknown. In this study, we evaluated the immune response of individuals with confirmed MAYV infection in a one-year longitudinal study carried out in Loreto, Peru. We report that MAYV infection elicits robust immune responses that result in the development of a strong neutralizing antibody response and the secretion of pro-inflammatory immune mediators. The composition of these inflammatory mediators, in some cases, differed to those previously observed for CHIKV. Key mediators such as IL-13, IL-7 and VEGF were strongly induced following MAYV infection and were significantly increased in subjects that eventually developed persistent arthralgia. Although a strong neutralizing antibody response was observed in all subjects, it was not sufficient to prevent the long-term outcomes of MAYV infection. This study provides initial immunologic insight that may eventually contribute to prognostic tools and therapeutic treatments against this emerging pathogen. Mayaro virus (MAYV) causes an acute debilitating disease which results in the development of long-term arthralgia in more than 50% of infected individuals, similarly to what has been described with CHIKV. In this study, we evaluated the immune response of individuals with confirmed MAYV infection in a one-year longitudinal study carried out in Loreto, Peru. Here, we report that MAYV infection elicits robust immune responses that result in the development of a strong neutralizing antibody response and the secretion of pro-inflammatory immune mediators. These inflammatory mediators, in some cases, differed to those observed by others for CHIKV. We also observed a strong neutralizing antibody response in all the study subjects; however, this response was not sufficient to prevent the long-term outcomes of MAYV infection. Taken together, this study provides initial immunologic insight that may eventually contribute to the development of prognostic tools and potential therapeutic treatments against this emerging pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix W. Santiago
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | - Jesus A. Silvas
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | | | | | - Patricia V. Aguilar
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Baer A, Kehn-Hall K. Viral concentration determination through plaque assays: using traditional and novel overlay systems. J Vis Exp 2014:e52065. [PMID: 25407402 DOI: 10.3791/52065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Plaque assays remain one of the most accurate methods for the direct quantification of infectious virons and antiviral substances through the counting of discrete plaques (infectious units and cellular dead zones) in cell culture. Here we demonstrate how to perform a basic plaque assay, and how differing overlays and techniques can affect plaque formation and production. Typically solid or semisolid overlay substrates, such as agarose or carboxymethyl cellulose, have been used to restrict viral spread, preventing indiscriminate infection through the liquid growth medium. Immobilized overlays restrict cellular infection to the immediately surrounding monolayer, allowing the formation of discrete countable foci and subsequent plaque formation. To overcome the difficulties inherent in using traditional overlays, a novel liquid overlay utilizing microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose sodium has been increasingly used as a replacement in the standard plaque assay. Liquid overlay plaque assays can be readily performed in either standard 6 or 12 well plate formats as per traditional techniques and require no special equipment. Due to its liquid state and subsequent ease of application and removal, microculture plate formats may alternatively be utilized as a rapid, accurate and high throughput alternative to larger scale viral titrations. Use of a non heated viscous liquid polymer offers the opportunity to streamline work, conserves reagents, incubator space, and increases operational safety when used in traditional or high containment labs as no reagent heating or glassware are required. Liquid overlays may also prove more sensitive than traditional overlays for certain heat labile viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Baer
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, George Mason University
| | - Kylene Kehn-Hall
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, George Mason University;
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