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Guerrero-Arguero I, Tellez-Freitas CM, Weber KS, Berges BK, Robison RA, Pickett BE. Alphaviruses: Host pathogenesis, immune response, and vaccine & treatment updates. J Gen Virol 2021; 102. [PMID: 34435944 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human pathogens belonging to the Alphavirus genus, in the Togaviridae family, are transmitted primarily by mosquitoes. The signs and symptoms associated with these viruses include fever and polyarthralgia, defined as joint pain and inflammation, as well as encephalitis. In the last decade, our understanding of the interactions between members of the alphavirus genus and the human host has increased due to the re-appearance of the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in Asia and Europe, as well as its emergence in the Americas. Alphaviruses affect host immunity through cytokines and the interferon response. Understanding alphavirus interactions with both the innate immune system as well as the various cells in the adaptive immune systems is critical to developing effective therapeutics. In this review, we summarize the latest research on alphavirus-host cell interactions, underlying infection mechanisms, and possible treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Guerrero-Arguero
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA.,Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - K Scott Weber
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Bradford K Berges
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Richard A Robison
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Brett E Pickett
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
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Ma J, Wang H, Zheng X, Wu H, Yang S, Xia X. Western equine encephalitis virus virus-like particles from an insect cell-baculovirus system elicit the strong immune responses in mice. Biotechnol J 2021; 16:e2100008. [PMID: 34176228 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202100008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV) causes lethal encephalitis in humans and equines, and it poses a serious public health threat in many countries. Therefore, the development of an efficient vaccine remains an important challenge for the prevention of WEEV infection. This study presents the first description of WEEV virus-like particles (VLPs) generated from insect cells using recombinant baculoviruses. WEEV VLPs with 206 adjuvant could trigger a strong cellular immune response; increase the levels of IL-2, IL-4 and IFN-γ; and induce a high level of neutralizing antibodies against WEEV in mice. These data showed that the insect cell-baculovirus system is suitable for the production of WEEV VLPs and that these VLPs could elicit the strong immunogenicity in mice. These results suggest a new, nonreplicating, and effective vaccine candidate against WEEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- JinZhu Ma
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China.,College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China
| | - HuaLei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - XueXing Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - HongXia Wu
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - SongTao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - XianZhu Xia
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China
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3
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Ko SY, Akahata W, Yang ES, Kong WP, Burke CW, Honnold SP, Nichols DK, Huang YJS, Schieber GL, Carlton K, DaSilva L, Traina-Dorge V, Vanlandingham DL, Tsybovsky Y, Stephens T, Baxa U, Higgs S, Roy CJ, Glass PJ, Mascola JR, Nabel GJ, Rao SS. A virus-like particle vaccine prevents equine encephalitis virus infection in nonhuman primates. Sci Transl Med 2020; 11:11/492/eaav3113. [PMID: 31092692 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aav3113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Western, Eastern, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis viruses (WEEV, EEEV, and VEEV, respectively) are important mosquito-borne agents that pose public health and bioterrorism threats. Despite considerable advances in understanding alphavirus replication, there are currently no available effective vaccines or antiviral treatments against these highly lethal pathogens. To develop a potential countermeasure for viral encephalitis, we generated a trivalent, or three-component, EEV vaccine composed of virus-like particles (VLPs). Monovalent VLPs elicited neutralizing antibody responses and protected mice and nonhuman primates (NHPs) against homologous challenges, but they were not cross-protective. In contrast, NHPs immunized with trivalent VLPs were completely protected against aerosol challenge by each of these three EEVs. Passive transfer of IgG from immunized NHPs protected mice against aerosolized EEV challenge, demonstrating that the mechanism of protection was humoral. Because they are replication incompetent, these trivalent VLPs represent a potentially safe and effective vaccine that can protect against diverse encephalitis viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Youl Ko
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Wataru Akahata
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Eun Sung Yang
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Wing-Pui Kong
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Crystal W Burke
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Shelley P Honnold
- Pathology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Donald K Nichols
- Pathology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Yan-Jang S Huang
- Biosecurity Research Institute and Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Gretchen L Schieber
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kevin Carlton
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Luis DaSilva
- Center for Aerobiological Sciences, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Vicki Traina-Dorge
- Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA 70433, USA
| | - Dana L Vanlandingham
- Biosecurity Research Institute and Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Yaroslav Tsybovsky
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Tyler Stephens
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Ulrich Baxa
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Stephen Higgs
- Biosecurity Research Institute and Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Chad J Roy
- Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA 70433, USA
| | - Pamela J Glass
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - John R Mascola
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Gary J Nabel
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Srinivas S Rao
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Stromberg ZR, Fischer W, Bradfute SB, Kubicek-Sutherland JZ, Hraber P. Vaccine Advances against Venezuelan, Eastern, and Western Equine Encephalitis Viruses. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8020273. [PMID: 32503232 PMCID: PMC7350001 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8020273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccinations are a crucial intervention in combating infectious diseases. The three neurotropic Alphaviruses, Eastern (EEEV), Venezuelan (VEEV), and Western (WEEV) equine encephalitis viruses, are pathogens of interest for animal health, public health, and biological defense. In both equines and humans, these viruses can cause febrile illness that may progress to encephalitis. Currently, there are no licensed treatments or vaccines available for these viruses in humans. Experimental vaccines have shown variable efficacy and may cause severe adverse effects. Here, we outline recent strategies used to generate vaccines against EEEV, VEEV, and WEEV with an emphasis on virus-vectored and plasmid DNA delivery. Despite candidate vaccines protecting against one of the three viruses, few studies have demonstrated an effective trivalent vaccine. We evaluated the potential of published vaccines to generate cross-reactive protective responses by comparing DNA vaccine sequences to a set of EEEV, VEEV, and WEEV genomes and determining the vaccine coverages of potential epitopes. Finally, we discuss future directions in the development of vaccines to combat EEEV, VEEV, and WEEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary R. Stromberg
- Physical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy, Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 505, USA; (Z.R.S.); (J.Z.K.-S.)
| | - Will Fischer
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 505, USA;
| | - Steven B. Bradfute
- Center for Global Health, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 505, USA;
| | - Jessica Z. Kubicek-Sutherland
- Physical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy, Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 505, USA; (Z.R.S.); (J.Z.K.-S.)
| | - Peter Hraber
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 505, USA;
- Correspondence:
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Hu WG, Steigerwald R, Kalla M, Volkmann A, Noll D, Nagata LP. Protective efficacy of monovalent and trivalent recombinant MVA-based vaccines against three encephalitic alphaviruses. Vaccine 2018; 36:5194-5203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.06.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 06/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Kumar R, Patil RD. Cryptic etiopathological conditions of equine nervous system with special emphasis on viral diseases. Vet World 2017; 10:1427-1438. [PMID: 29391683 PMCID: PMC5771167 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2017.1427-1438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of horse (Equus caballus) to equine practitioners and researchers cannot be ignored. An unevenly distributed population of equids harbors numerous diseases, which can affect horses of any age and breed. Among these, the affections of nervous system are potent reason for death and euthanasia in equids. Many episodes associated with the emergence of equine encephalitic conditions have also pose a threat to human population as well, which signifies their pathogenic zoonotic potential. Intensification of most of the arboviruses is associated with sophisticated interaction between vectors and hosts, which supports their transmission. The alphaviruses, bunyaviruses, and flaviviruses are the major implicated groups of viruses involved with equines/humans epizootic/epidemic. In recent years, many outbreaks of deadly zoonotic diseases such as Nipah virus, Hendra virus, and Japanese encephalitis in many parts of the globe addresses their alarming significance. The equine encephalitic viruses differ in their global distribution, transmission and main vector species involved, as discussed in this article. The current review summarizes the status, pathogenesis, pathology, and impact of equine neuro-invasive conditions of viral origin. A greater understanding of these aspects might be able to provide development of advances in neuro-protective strategies in equine population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Dr. G.C. Negi College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur - 176 062, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Rajendra D Patil
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Dr. G.C. Negi College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur - 176 062, Himachal Pradesh, India
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Taylor A, Herrero LJ, Rudd PA, Mahalingam S. Mouse models of alphavirus-induced inflammatory disease. J Gen Virol 2014; 96:221-238. [PMID: 25351726 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.071282-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Part of the Togaviridae family, alphaviruses are arthropod-borne viruses that are widely distributed throughout the globe. Alphaviruses are able to infect a variety of vertebrate hosts, but in humans, infection can result in extensive morbidity and mortality. Symptomatic infection can manifest as fever, an erythematous rash and/or significant inflammatory pathologies such as arthritis and encephalitis. Recent overwhelming outbreaks of alphaviral disease have highlighted the void in our understanding of alphavirus pathogenesis and the re-emergence of alphaviruses has given new impetus to anti-alphaviral drug design. In this review, the development of viable mouse models of Old Word and New World alphaviruses is examined. How mouse models that best replicate human disease have been used to elucidate the immunopathology of alphavirus pathogenesis and trial novel therapeutic discoveries is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Taylor
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, QLD, Australia
| | - Lara J Herrero
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, QLD, Australia
| | - Penny A Rudd
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, QLD, Australia
| | - Suresh Mahalingam
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, QLD, Australia
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Rift valley Fever virus encephalitis is associated with an ineffective systemic immune response and activated T cell infiltration into the CNS in an immunocompetent mouse model. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2874. [PMID: 24922480 PMCID: PMC4055548 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) causes outbreaks of severe disease in livestock and humans throughout Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. In people, RVFV generally causes a self-limiting febrile illness but in a subset of individuals, it progresses to more serious disease. One manifestation is a delayed-onset encephalitis that can be fatal or leave the afflicted with long-term neurologic sequelae. In order to design targeted interventions, the basic pathogenesis of RVFV encephalitis must be better understood. Methodology/Principal Findings To characterize the host immune responses and viral kinetics associated with fatal and nonfatal infections, mice were infected with an attenuated RVFV lacking NSs (ΔNSs) that causes lethal disease only when administered intranasally (IN). Following IN infection, C57BL/6 mice developed severe neurologic disease and succumbed 7–9 days post-infection. In contrast, inoculation of ΔNSs virus subcutaneously in the footpad (FP) resulted in a subclinical infection characterized by a robust immune response with rapid antibody production and strong T cell responses. IN-inoculated mice had delayed antibody responses and failed to clear virus from the periphery. Severe neurological signs and obtundation characterized end stage-disease in IN-inoculated mice, and within the CNS, the development of peak virus RNA loads coincided with strong proinflammatory responses and infiltration of activated T cells. Interestingly, depletion of T cells did not significantly alter survival, suggesting that neurologic disease is not a by-product of an aberrant immune response. Conclusions/Significance Comparison of fatal (IN-inoculated) and nonfatal (FP-inoculated) ΔNSs RVFV infections in the mouse model highlighted the role of the host immune response in controlling viral replication and therefore determining clinical outcome. There was no evidence to suggest that neurologic disease is immune-mediated in RVFV infection. These results provide important insights for the future design of vaccines and therapeutic options. Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne virus that causes severe disease in people and livestock throughout Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Human disease is usually self-limiting, but a small proportion of individuals develop fatal encephalitis. The role of the host immune response in determining disease outcome is largely unknown. In order to compare the quality and character of immune responses in nonfatal and fatal cases, we used an attenuated RVFV to inoculate mice by two routes. Subcutaneous inoculation resulted in a subclinical systemic infection that was rapidly cleared due to a robust adaptive response. In contrast, intranasal inoculation stimulated weaker immune responses that failed to control virus replication and culminated in uniformly fatal encephalitis. With many encephalitic viruses, the onset of disease is mediated by changes in blood brain barrier permeability and often, subsequent injury to the CNS by an uncontrolled immune response. However, our results suggest that development of RVFV disease does not depend on either mechanism, but rather results from direct virus-mediated damage in the CNS. Future therapeutic drug design should take into account all possible routes of virus exposure as well as the role of therapies that boost the adaptive response to better combat disease.
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Hülseweh B, Rülker T, Pelat T, Langermann C, Frenzel A, Schirrmann T, Dübel S, Thullier P, Hust M. Human-like antibodies neutralizing Western equine encephalitis virus. MAbs 2014; 6:718-27. [PMID: 24518197 PMCID: PMC4011916 DOI: 10.4161/mabs.28170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This study describes the development of the first neutralizing antibodies against Western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV), a member of the genus Alphavirus. WEEV is transmitted by mosquitoes and can spread to the human central nervous system, causing symptoms ranging from mild febrile reactions to life-threatening encephalitis. WEEV has been classified as a biological warfare agent by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. No anti-WEEV drugs are currently commercially available. Neutralizing antibodies are useful for the pre- and post-exposure treatment of WEEV infections. In this study, two immune antibody gene libraries were constructed from two macaques immunized with inactivated WEEV. Four antibodies were selected from these libraries and recloned as scFv-Fc, with a human Fc part. These antibodies bound WEEV specifically in ELISA with little or no cross-reaction with other alphaviruses. They were further analyzed by immunohistochemistry. All binders were suitable for the intracellular detection of WEEV particles. Neutralizing activity was determined in vitro. Three of the four antibodies were found to be neutralizing; about 1 ng/mL of the best antibody (ToR69–3A2) neutralized 50% of 5x104 TCID50/mL. Due to its human-like nature with a germinality index of 89% (VH) and 91% (VL), the ToR69–3A2 antibody is a promising candidate for future passive vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Hülseweh
- Wehrwissenschaftliches Institut für Schutztechnologien (WIS); ABC-Schutz; Munster, Germany
| | - Torsten Rülker
- Technische Universität Braunschweig; Institut für Biochemie, Biotechnologie und Bioinformatik; Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Thibaut Pelat
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA-CRSSA); Département de Microbiologie; Unité de biotechnologie des anticorps et des toxines; La Tronche, France
| | - Claudia Langermann
- Wehrwissenschaftliches Institut für Schutztechnologien (WIS); ABC-Schutz; Munster, Germany
| | - Andrè Frenzel
- Technische Universität Braunschweig; Institut für Biochemie, Biotechnologie und Bioinformatik; Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Thomas Schirrmann
- Technische Universität Braunschweig; Institut für Biochemie, Biotechnologie und Bioinformatik; Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stefan Dübel
- Technische Universität Braunschweig; Institut für Biochemie, Biotechnologie und Bioinformatik; Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Philippe Thullier
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA-CRSSA); Département de Microbiologie; Unité de biotechnologie des anticorps et des toxines; La Tronche, France
| | - Michael Hust
- Technische Universität Braunschweig; Institut für Biochemie, Biotechnologie und Bioinformatik; Braunschweig, Germany
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Novel vaccination approaches against equine alphavirus encephalitides. Vaccine 2014; 32:311-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.11.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Revised: 11/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Nagata LP, Wong JP, Hu WG, Wu JQ. Vaccines and therapeutics for the encephalitic alphaviruses. Future Virol 2013. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl.13.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This article is a review of vaccines and therapeutics in development for the encephalitic alphaviruses, which includes eastern equine encephalitis virus, western equine encephalitis virus and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. The encephalitic alphaviruses are endemic within regions in North and South America. Hosts are normally exposed after being bitten by infectious mosquitoes, and infection can develop into encephalitis in equines and humans with severe rates of morbidity and mortality. These viruses are also potential biological threat agents, being highly infectious via an aerosol route of exposure. In humans, equine encephalitis virus and western equine encephalitis virus are neurotropic viruses targeting the CNS and causing encephalitis. Mortality rates are 50 and 10%, respectively, for these viruses. On the other hand, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus produces a systemic influenza-like illness with pathogenesis in the lungs and lymphoid tissue in adults and older children. The incidence of encephalitis is less than 5% in younger children with a case–mortality rate of 1%. The host response to virus infectivity is briefly discussed, along with a number of promising therapeutic and prophylactic approaches. These approaches can be broadly classified as: virus-specific, including vaccines, antibody therapy and gene-silencing oligonucleotides; or broad-spectrum, including interferon and activation of the host‘s innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Les P Nagata
- BioThreat Defence Section, Defence Research & Development Canada, PO Box 4000, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8K6, Canada
| | - Jonathan P Wong
- BioThreat Defence Section, Defence Research & Development Canada, PO Box 4000, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8K6, Canada
| | - Wei-gang Hu
- BioThreat Defence Section, Defence Research & Development Canada, PO Box 4000, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8K6, Canada
| | - Josh Q Wu
- BioThreat Defence Section, Defence Research & Development Canada, PO Box 4000, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8K6, Canada
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14
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Swayze RD, Bhogal HS, Barabé ND, McLaws LJ, Wu JQH. Envelope protein E1 as vaccine target for western equine encephalitis virus. Vaccine 2010; 29:813-20. [PMID: 21084062 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2010] [Revised: 10/29/2010] [Accepted: 11/02/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV) is a mosquito-borne RNA virus which causes lethal infection in humans and equines. There are no commercial vaccines or anti-WEEV drugs available for humans. We used replication-defective, human adenovirus serotype-5 (HAd5) as a delivery vector for developing WEEV vaccine. Our previous study found delivery of both E1 and E2 envelope proteins of WEEV by HAd5 vector offers complete protection against lethal challenge of WEEV. In this paper, we constructed a HAd5-vectored E1 vaccine, Ad5-E1. Mice given single-dose vaccination of Ad5-E1 were completely protected against both homologous and heterologous WEEV strains. The protection was rapid, which was achieved as early as day 7 after vaccination. In addition, Ad5-E1 induced a strong WEEV-specific T cell response. Our data suggest E1 is a potential target for developing single-dose, fast-acting, HAd5-vectored vaccine for WEEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard D Swayze
- Defence Research and Development Canada - Suffield, Box 4000, Station Main, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 8K6, Canada
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15
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Ramasamy S, Liu CQ, Tran H, Gubala A, Gauci P, McAllister J, Vo T. Principles of antidote pharmacology: an update on prophylaxis, post-exposure treatment recommendations and research initiatives for biological agents. Br J Pharmacol 2010; 161:721-48. [PMID: 20860656 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00939.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of biological agents has generally been confined to military-led conflicts. However, there has been an increase in non-state-based terrorism, including the use of asymmetric warfare, such as biological agents in the past few decades. Thus, it is becoming increasingly important to consider strategies for preventing and preparing for attacks by insurgents, such as the development of pre- and post-exposure medical countermeasures. There are a wide range of prophylactics and treatments being investigated to combat the effects of biological agents. These include antibiotics (for both conventional and unconventional use), antibodies, anti-virals, immunomodulators, nucleic acids (analogues, antisense, ribozymes and DNAzymes), bacteriophage therapy and micro-encapsulation. While vaccines are commercially available for the prevention of anthrax, cholera, plague, Q fever and smallpox, there are no licensed vaccines available for use in the case of botulinum toxins, viral encephalitis, melioidosis or ricin. Antibiotics are still recommended as the mainstay treatment following exposure to anthrax, plague, Q fever and melioidosis. Anti-toxin therapy and anti-virals may be used in the case of botulinum toxins or smallpox respectively. However, supportive care is the only, or mainstay, post-exposure treatment for cholera, viral encephalitis and ricin - a recommendation that has not changed in decades. Indeed, with the difficulty that antibiotic resistance poses, the development and further evaluation of techniques and atypical pharmaceuticals are fundamental to the development of prophylaxis and post-exposure treatment options. The aim of this review is to present an update on prophylaxis and post-exposure treatment recommendations and research initiatives for biological agents in the open literature from 2007 to 2009.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ramasamy
- Defence Science & Technology Organisation, Human Protection and Performance Division, Fishermans Bend, Vic., Australia.
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Zacks MA, Paessler S. Encephalitic alphaviruses. Vet Microbiol 2009; 140:281-6. [PMID: 19775836 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2009.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2009] [Revised: 08/03/2009] [Accepted: 08/21/2009] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
This review will cover zoonotic, encephalitic alphaviruses in the family Togaviridae. Encephalitic alphaviruses, i.e. Western- (WEEV), Eastern- (EEEV), Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) and, more rarely, Ross River virus, Chikungunya virus and Highlands J virus (HJV), are neuroinvasive and may cause neurological symptoms ranging from mild (e.g., febrile illness) to severe (e.g., encephalitis) in humans and equines. Among the naturally occurring alphaviruses, WEEV, EEEV and VEEV have widespread distributions in North, Central and South America. WEEV has found spanning the U.S. from the mid-West (Michigan and Illinois) to the West coast and extending to Canada with human cases reported in 21 states. EEEV is found along the Gulf (Texas to Florida) and Atlantic Coast (Georgia to New Hampshire), as well as in the mid-West (Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan) and in Canada, with human cases reported in 19 states. In contrast, transmission of VEEV occurs predominantly in Central and South America. As with their geographical distribution, equine encephalitis viruses differ in their main mosquito vector species and their zoonotic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele A Zacks
- Galveston National Laboratory, Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, G.170 Keiller Building, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, United States
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Meerburg BG, Singleton GR, Kijlstra A. Rodent-borne diseases and their risks for public health. Crit Rev Microbiol 2009; 35:221-70. [DOI: 10.1080/10408410902989837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 455] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Atasheva S, Wang E, Adams AP, Plante KS, Ni S, Taylor K, Miller ME, Frolov I, Weaver SC. Chimeric alphavirus vaccine candidates protect mice from intranasal challenge with western equine encephalitis virus. Vaccine 2009; 27:4309-19. [PMID: 19446595 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2009] [Revised: 04/27/2009] [Accepted: 05/04/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We developed two types of chimeric Sindbis virus (SINV)/western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV) alphaviruses to investigate their potential use as live virus vaccines against WEE. The first-generation vaccine candidate, SIN/CO92, was derived from structural protein genes of WEEV strain CO92-1356, and two second-generation candidates were derived from WEEV strain McMillan. For both first- and second-generation vaccine candidates, the nonstructural protein genes were derived from SINV strain AR339. Second-generation vaccine candidates SIN/SIN/McM and SIN/EEE/McM included the envelope glycoprotein genes from WEEV strain McMillan; however, the amino-terminal half of the capsid, which encodes the RNA-binding domain, was derived from either SINV or eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) strain FL93-939. All chimeric viruses replicated efficiently in mammalian and mosquito cell cultures and were highly attenuated in 6-week-old mice. Vaccinated mice developed little or no detectable disease and showed little or no evidence of challenge virus replication; however, all developed high titers of neutralizing antibodies. Upon intranasal challenge with high doses of virulent WEEV strains, mice vaccinated with >or=10(5)PFU of SIN/CO92 or >or=10(4)PFU of SIN/SIN/McM or SIN/EEE/McM were completely protected from disease. These findings support the potential use of these live-attenuated vaccine candidates as safe and effective vaccines against WEE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Atasheva
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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Peng W, Peltier DC, Larsen MJ, Kirchhoff PD, Larsen SD, Neubig RR, Miller DJ. Identification of thieno[3,2-b]pyrrole derivatives as novel small molecule inhibitors of neurotropic alphaviruses. J Infect Dis 2009; 199:950-7. [PMID: 19239364 DOI: 10.1086/597275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotropic alphaviruses such as western, eastern, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis viruses cause serious and potentially fatal central nervous system infections in humans and are high-priority potential bioterrorism agents. There are currently no widely available vaccines or licensed therapies for these virulent pathogens. To identify potential novel antiviral drugs, we developed a cell-based assay with a western equine encephalitis virus replicon that expresses a luciferase reporter gene and screened a small molecule diversity library of 51,028 compounds. We identified and validated a thieno[3,2-b]pyrrole compound with a half maximal inhibitory concentration of <10 micromol/L, a selectivity index>20, and potent activity against live virus in cultured neuronal cells. Furthermore, a structure-activity relationship analysis with 20 related compounds identified several with enhanced activity profiles, including 6 with submicromolar half maximal inhibitory concentrations. In conclusion, we have identified a novel class of promising inhibitors with potent activity against virulent neurotropic alphaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiping Peng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Chemical Genomics, Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-5688, USA
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Holbrook MR, Gowen BB. Animal models of highly pathogenic RNA viral infections: encephalitis viruses. Antiviral Res 2007; 78:69-78. [PMID: 18031836 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2007.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2007] [Revised: 10/09/2007] [Accepted: 10/11/2007] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The highly pathogenic RNA viruses that cause encephalitis include a significant number of emerging or re-emerging viruses that are also considered potential bioweapons. Many of these viruses, including members of the family Flaviviridae, the genus Alphavirus in the family Togaviridae, and the genus Henipavirus in the family Paramyxoviridae, circulate widely in their endemic areas, where they are transmitted by mosquitoes or ticks. They use a variety of vertebrate hosts, ranging from birds to bats, in their natural life cycle. As was discovered in the United States, the introduction of a mosquito-borne encephalitis virus such as West Nile virus can cause significant health and societal concerns. There are no effective therapeutics for treating diseases caused by any of these viruses and there is limited, if any, vaccine availability for most. In this review we provide a brief summary of the current status of animal models used to study highly pathogenic encephalitic RNA viruses for the development of antiviral therapeutics and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Holbrook
- Department of Pathology, 301 University Boulevard, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, United States.
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