Immunization with recombinant ORF2 p551 protein protects common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) against homologous and heterologous hepatitis E virus challenge

Common Marmoset Cell Lines and Their Applications in Biomedical Research

Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus; CMs) are small New World primates widely used in biomedical research. Early stages of such research often include in vitro experiments which require standardized and well-characterized CM cell cultures derived from different tissues. Despite the long history of laboratory work with CMs and high translational potential of such studies, the number of available standardized, well-defined, stable, and validated CM cell lines is still small. While primary cells and immortalized cell lines are mostly used for the studies of infectious diseases, biochemical research, and targeted gene therapy, the main current applications of CM embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells are regenerative medicine, stem cell research, generation of transgenic CMs, transplantology, cell therapy, reproductive physiology, oncology, and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review we summarize the data on the main advantages, drawbacks and research applications of CM cell lines published to date including primary cells, immortalized cell lines, lymphoblastoid cell lines, embryonic stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells.

[Enteral viral hepatitis in monkeys]

Within the last decade, a large number of viruses genetically related to human hepatitis viruses have been identified in different animal species, including monkeys. Numerous viruses related to human hepatitis A virus (HAV, Picornaviridae: Hepatovirus: Hepatovirus A) were detected in various mammalian species in 2015-2018, predominantly in bats and rodents, but also in shrews, seals and marsupials. Zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV, Hepeviridae: Orthohepevirus: Orthohepevirus A) genotypes have been found in wild boars, deer, camels, and rabbits, as well as in non human primates. In addition, viruses that are genetically close to HEV have been described in bats, ferrets, rodents, birds, and fish. Nevertheless, monkeys remain important laboratory animals in HAV and HEV research. The study of spontaneous and experimental infection in these animals is an invaluable source of information about the biology and pathogenesis of these viruses and continues to be an indispensable tool for vaccine and drug testing. The purpose of this literature review was to summarize and analyze published data on the circulation of HAV and HEV among wild and captive primates, as well as the results of experimental studies of HAV and HEV infections in monkeys.

Genomic characteristics and recombination patterns of swine hepatitis E virus in China

Zoonotic hepatitis E, mainly caused by swine hepatitis E virus (sHEV), is endemic in China, causing great economic disruption and public health threats. Although recombination is critical for the evolution of viruses, there is a limited assessment of its occurrence among sHEVs. Herein, we analyzed all available sHEV full-length genomes isolated in China during the past two decades (40 isolates) compared to 72 other sHEV strains isolated in different countries and determined that sHEV genotype 4 (sHEV4) dominates China. Eight potential natural recombination events were identified, four of which occurred in China and were mainly between sHEV4 strains, indicating the distinct character of China sHEV. One intergenotype recombination event was found in China, alarming the emergence of a new sHEV lineage that could become a critical threat to human health. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.