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Hukowska-Szematowicz B, Ostrycharz E, Dudzińska W, Roszkowska P, Siennicka A, Wojciechowska-Koszko I. Digital PCR (dPCR) Quantification of miR-155-5p as a Potential Candidate for a Tissue Biomarker of Inflammation in Rabbits Infected with Lagovirus europaeus/Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV). Viruses 2023; 15:1578. [PMID: 37515264 PMCID: PMC10386091 DOI: 10.3390/v15071578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are a group of small, 17-25 nucleotide, non-coding RNA sequences that, in their mature form, regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. They participate in many physiological and pathological processes in both humans and animals. One such process is viral infection, in which miR-155 participates in innate and adaptive immune responses to a broad range of inflammatory mediators. Recently, the study of microRNA has become an interesting field of research as a potential candidate for biomarkers for various processes and disease. To use miRNAs as potential biomarkers of inflammation in viral diseases of animals and humans, it is necessary to improve their detection and quantification. In a previous study, using reverse transcription real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), we showed that the expression of ocu-miR-155-5p in liver tissue was significantly higher in rabbits infected with Lagovirus europaeus/Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) compared to healthy rabbits. The results indicated a role for ocu-miR-155-5p in Lagovirus europaeus/RHDV infection and reflected hepatitis and the impairment/dysfunction of this organ during RHD. MiR-155-5p was, therefore, hypothesized as a potential candidate for a tissue biomarker of inflammation and examined in tissues in Lagovirus europaeus/RHDV infection by dPCR. The objective of the study is the absolute quantification of ocu-miR-155-5p in four tissues (liver, lung, kidney, and spleen) of rabbits infected with Lagovirus europaeus/RHDV by digital PCR, a robust technique for the precise and direct quantification of small amounts of nucleic acids, including miRNAs, without standard curves and external references. The average copy number/µL (copies/µL) of ocu-miRNA-155-5p in rabbits infected with Lagovirus europaeus GI.1a/Rossi in the liver tissue was 12.26 ± 0.14, that in the lung tissue was 48.90 ± 9.23, that in the kidney tissue was 16.92 ± 2.89, and that in the spleen was 25.10 ± 0.90. In contrast, in the tissues of healthy control rabbits, the average number of copies/µL of ocu-miRNA-155-5p was 5.07 ± 1.10 for the liver, 23.52 ± 2.77 for lungs, 8.10 ± 0.86 for kidneys, and 42.12 ± 3.68 for the spleen. The increased expression of ocu-miRNA-155-5p in infected rabbits was demonstrated in the liver (a fold-change of 2.4, p-value = 0.0003), lung (a fold-change of 2.1, p-value = 0.03), and kidneys (a fold-change of 2.1, p-value = 0.01), with a decrease in the spleen (a fold-change of 0.6, p-value = 0.002). In the study of Lagovirus europaeus/RHDV infection and in the context of viral infections, this is the first report that shows the potential use of dPCR for the sensitive and absolute quantification of microRNA-155-5p in tissues during viral infection. We think miR-155-5p may be a potential candidate for a tissue biomarker of inflammation with Lagovirus europaeus/RHDV infection. Our report presents a new path in discovering potential candidates for the tissue biomarkers of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Hukowska-Szematowicz
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Center, University of Szczecin, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Ewa Ostrycharz
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Center, University of Szczecin, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland
- Doctoral School, University of Szczecin, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Wioleta Dudzińska
- Department of Functional Diagnostics and Physical Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Żołnierska 54, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Paulina Roszkowska
- Department of Diagnostic Immunology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Aldona Siennicka
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Iwona Wojciechowska-Koszko
- Department of Diagnostic Immunology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
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Sawyers E, Cox TE, Fleming PJS, Leung LKP, Morris S. Social interactions of juvenile rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and their potential role in lagovirus transmission. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271272. [PMID: 35901018 PMCID: PMC9333329 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV), which is a calicivirus, is used as a biocontrol agent to suppress European wild rabbit populations in Australia. The transmission of RHDV can be influenced by social interactions of rabbits; however, there is a paucity of this knowledge about juvenile rabbits and the roles they may play in the transmission of RHDV. We aimed to quantify the social interactions of juvenile (< 900 g) and adult (> 1200 g) rabbits in a locally abundant population in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia. Twenty-six juvenile and 16 adult rabbits were fitted with VHF proximity loggers to monitor intra- and inter-group pairings. Use of multiple warrens by these rabbits was investigated using VHF base stations at nine warrens and on foot with a hand-held Yagi antenna. Juvenile rabbits were strongly interconnected with both juveniles and adults within and outside their warren of capture, and almost all juveniles were well-connected to other individuals within their own social group. Inter-group pairings were infrequent and fleeting between adults. Both juvenile and adult rabbits used multiple warrens. However, visits to warrens outside their warren of capture, particularly those within 50 m, were more common and longer in duration in juveniles than in adults. The high connectivity of juveniles within and between warrens in close proximity increases potential pathogen exchange between warrens. Therefore, juvenile rabbits could be of greater importance in lagovirus transmission than adult rabbits. The strength of juvenile rabbit inter- and intra-group pairings, and their tendency to use multiple warrens, highlight their potential to act as ‘superspreaders’ of both infection and immunity for lagoviruses and other pathogens with similar lifecycles. Confirmation of this potential is required through examination of disease progress and rabbit age-related immune responses during outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Sawyers
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Orange, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Tarnya E. Cox
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Orange, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter J. S. Fleming
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Orange, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Luke K. P. Leung
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stephen Morris
- Fisheries Research, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Wollongbar, New South Wales, Australia
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Müller C, Hrynkiewicz R, Bębnowska D, Maldonado J, Baratelli M, Köllner B, Niedźwiedzka-Rystwej P. Immunity against Lagovirus europaeus and the Impact of the Immunological Studies on Vaccination. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9030255. [PMID: 33805607 PMCID: PMC8002203 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9030255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the early 1980s, a highly contagious viral hemorrhagic fever in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) emerged, causing a very high rate of mortality in these animals. Since the initial occurrence of the rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), several hundred million rabbits have died after infection. The emergence of genetically-different virus variants (RHDV GI.1 and GI.2) indicated the very high variability of RHDV. Moreover, with these variants, the host range broadened to hare species (Lepus). The circulation of RHDV genotypes displays different virulences and a limited induction of cross-protective immunity. Interestingly, juvenile rabbits (<9 weeks of age) with an immature immune system display a general resistance to RHDV GI.1, and a limited resistance to RHDV GI.2 strains, whereas less than 3% of adult rabbits survive an infection by either RHDV GI.1. or GI.2. Several not-yet fully understood phenomena characterize the RHD. A very low infection dose followed by an extremely rapid viral replication could be simplified to the induction of a disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC), a severe loss of lymphocytes—especially T-cells—and death within 36 to 72 h post infection. On the other hand, in animals surviving the infection or after vaccination, very high titers of RHDV-neutralizing antibodies were induced. Several studies have been conducted in order to deepen the knowledge about the virus’ genetics, epidemiology, RHDV-induced pathology, and the anti-RHDV immune responses of rabbits in order to understand the phenomenon of the juvenile resistance to this virus. Moreover, several approaches have been used to produce efficient vaccines in order to prevent an infection with RHDV. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge about anti-RHDV resistance and immunity, RHDV vaccination, and the further need to establish rationally-based RHDV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Müller
- Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany;
| | - Rafał Hrynkiewicz
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Felczaka 3c, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland; (R.H.); (D.B.)
| | - Dominika Bębnowska
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Felczaka 3c, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland; (R.H.); (D.B.)
| | | | | | - Bernd Köllner
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
- Correspondence: (B.K.); (P.N.-R.)
| | - Paulina Niedźwiedzka-Rystwej
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Felczaka 3c, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland; (R.H.); (D.B.)
- Correspondence: (B.K.); (P.N.-R.)
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Müller C, Ulrich R, Schinköthe J, Müller M, Köllner B. Characterization of protective humoral and cellular immune responses against RHDV2 induced by a new vaccine based on recombinant baculovirus. Vaccine 2019; 37:4195-4203. [PMID: 31182325 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.04.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) is a lethal disease in rabbits caused by RHD virus (RHDV). Protection is only possible through vaccination. A new virus variant (RHDV2) which emerged in 2010 in France differed from the classical RHDV1 variant in certain aspects and vaccines against RHDV1 induced limited cross protection only. In a previous study, we designed a recombinant baculovirus based RHDV2-VP1 vaccine, which provided a protective immunity in rabbits against RHDV2. In the present study this newly created vaccine is characterized with regard to onset and duration of protection, and possible cross protection against classical RHDV1. Furthermore, humoral and cellular immune mechanisms in vaccinated and infected rabbits were analyzed. In all experiments, the recombinant vaccine was compared to a conventional liver-based RHDV2 vaccine. The RHDV2-VP1 vaccine induced a protective immune response already seven days after single vaccination and fully protected for at least 14 months. A booster vaccination 21 days after the first had a negative influence on long-term protection. The cross protection provided by the RHDV2-VP1 vaccine against classical RHDV1 was limited since only 50% of vaccinated rabbits survived the infection. Conclusively, the new, baculovirus-based RHDV2-VP1 vaccine has the potential to protect rabbits against the infection with RHDV2, blocks completely the disease progression and prevents the spread of RHDV2 at the population level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Müller
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, Institute of Immunology, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Reiner Ulrich
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, Institute of Immunology, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Jan Schinköthe
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, Institute of Immunology, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Marcus Müller
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, Institute of Immunology, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; IDT Biologika Riems, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Bernd Köllner
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, Institute of Immunology, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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Neimanis A, Larsson Pettersson U, Huang N, Gavier-Widén D, Strive T. Elucidation of the pathology and tissue distribution of Lagovirus europaeus GI.2/RHDV2 (rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2) in young and adult rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Vet Res 2018; 49:46. [PMID: 29866169 PMCID: PMC5987473 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-018-0540-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Lagovirus europaeus GI.2, also known as RHDV2 or RHDVb, is an emerging virus that causes rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) in European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). In contrast to L. europaeus GI.1 (or RHDV/RHDVa) viruses that are only pathogenic for adults, GI.2 causes clinical disease in both adults and kittens. However, detailed descriptions of the pathology of this virus that may provide insight into its pathogenicity and emergence are lacking. Using an Australian GI.2 field strain isolated in 2015, we provide the first detailed description of pathology, viral antigen distribution and tissue load of GI.2 in adult and 5-week old New Zealand white rabbits using histology, immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR. Liver was the target organ, but in contrast to GI.1 viruses, lesions and inflammatory responses did not differ between adults and kittens. Lymphocytic inflammation, proposed to be protective in kittens infected with GI.1, was notably absent. We also present the first descriptions of bone marrow changes in RHD, including decreased myeloid-to-erythroid ratio. Consistent with other pathogenic lagoviruses, intracellular viral antigen was demonstrated in hepatocytes and cells of the mononuclear phagocytic system. In terminal stages of disease, viral loads were highest in liver, serum and spleen. Despite the small sample size, our data suggest that unlike early European GI.2 strains, the pathogenicity of the Australian GI.2 virus is similar to GI.1 viruses. Additionally, GI.2 was fatal for all (n = 5) inoculated kittens in this study. This may significantly alter RHD epidemiology in the field, and may impact biocontrol programs for invasive rabbits in Australia where GI.1 viruses are intentionally released.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksija Neimanis
- Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), 751 89, Uppsala, Sweden. .,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Ulrika Larsson Pettersson
- Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), 751 89, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nina Huang
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Health & Biosecurity, Black Mountain Laboratories, Canberra, Australia
| | - Dolores Gavier-Widén
- Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), 751 89, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tanja Strive
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Health & Biosecurity, Black Mountain Laboratories, Canberra, Australia
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Trzeciak-Ryczek A, Tokarz-Deptuła B, Deptuła W. Expression of IL-1Ra, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, TNF-α and IFN-γ genes in peripheral blood leukocytes of rabbits infected with RHDV (Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus). DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 76:310-315. [PMID: 28689774 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) induces a highly contagious and extremely lethal disease that fulfils many requirements of an animal model of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF); however, the pathogenesis of RHD has still not been fully elucidated. Cytokines play an important role in regulation of the immune response and pathogenesis of many diseases, including those caused by viral infections. Furthermore, recent studies indicate a role of the immune response, especially peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL), in the pathogenesis of RHD. Thus, in the present study we investigated the expression of IL-1Ra, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, TNF-α and IFN-γ genes in PBL of RHDV-infected rabbits. We also compared the expression of genes encoding these cytokines in rabbits with different course of RHDV infection (in animals that died 36 h post infection or survived even over 60 h after infection). The study revealed increased expression of genes encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines: IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IFN-γ in PBL of RHDV-infected rabbits. Moreover, the level of cytokine gene expression depended on the course of RHD. Hence, the results obtained indicate the potential role of these cytokines in RHDV infection and their influence on the survival time of infected rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Trzeciak-Ryczek
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland; Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Center, Faculty of Biology, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Beata Tokarz-Deptuła
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland; Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Center, Faculty of Biology, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Wiesław Deptuła
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland; Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Center, Faculty of Biology, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
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Trzeciak-Ryczek A, Tokarz-Deptuła B, Deptuła W. Expression of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-10, TNF-β and GM-CSF in peripheral blood leukocytes of rabbits experimentally infected with rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus. Vet Microbiol 2016; 186:71-81. [PMID: 27016760 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2016.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Revised: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) is a highly morbid and mortal viral infection of European rabbits. This disease is one of the main causes of death in wild rabbits, and results in large economic losses in farms of rabbits worldwide. Although the first outbreak of this disease was noted in 1984, the pathogenesis of RHD and mechanisms of RHDV (rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus) pathogenecity have still not been fully elucidated. Recent studies indicate a role of the immune response, especially peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL), in the pathogenesis of this disease. Thus, in the present study we investigated the expression of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-10, TNF-β and GM-CSF genes in PBL of RHDV-infected rabbits. We also compared the expression of genes encoding these cytokines in rabbits with different course of RHDV infection (in animals that died 36h postinfection or survived until 60th h after infection). The study revealed that three (IL-10, TNF-β and GM-CSF) out of five investigated genes encoding cytokines showed increased expression in PBL of RHDV-infected rabbits, and the level of expression depended on the course of RHD. The results indicate the potential role of these cytokines in RHDV infection and their influence on the survival time of infected rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Trzeciak-Ryczek
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Szczecin, Poland; Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Center, Faculty of Biology, University of Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Beata Tokarz-Deptuła
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Szczecin, Poland; Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Center, Faculty of Biology, University of Szczecin, Poland
| | - Wiesław Deptuła
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Szczecin, Poland; Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Center, Faculty of Biology, University of Szczecin, Poland
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Song Y, Wang F, Fan Z, Hu B, Liu X, Wei H, Xue J, Xu W, Qiu R. Identification of novel rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus B-cell epitopes and their interaction with host histo-blood group antigens. J Gen Virol 2015; 97:356-365. [PMID: 26612210 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.000355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease, caused by rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), results in the death of millions of adult rabbits worldwide, with a mortality rate that exceeds 90%. The sole capsid protein, VP60, is divided into shell (S) and protruding (P) domains, and the more exposed P domain likely contains determinants for cell attachment and antigenic diversity. Nine mAbs against VP60 were screened and identified. To map antigenic epitopes, a set of partially overlapping and consecutive truncated proteins spanning VP60 were expressed. The minimal determinants of the linear B-cell epitopes of VP60 in the P domain, N(326)PISQV(331), D(338)MSFV(342) and K(562)STLVFNL(569), were recognized by one (5H3), four (1B8, 3D11, 4C2 and 4G2) and four mAbs (1D4, 3F7, 5G2 and 6B2), respectively. Sequence alignment showed epitope D(338)MSFV(342) was conserved among all RHDV isolates. Epitopes N(326)PISQV(331) and K(562)STLVFNL(569) were highly conserved among RHDV G1-G6 and variable in RHDV2 strains. Previous studies demonstrated that native viral particles and virus-like particles (VLPs) of RHDV specifically bound to synthetic blood group H type 2 oligosaccharides. We established an oligosaccharide-based assay to analyse the binding of VP60 and epitopes to histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs). Results showed VP60 and its epitopes (aa 326-331 and 338-342) in the P2 subdomain could significantly bind to blood group H type 2. Furthermore, mAbs 1B8 and 5H3 could block RHDV VLP binding to synthetic H type 2. Collectively, these two epitopes might play a key role in the antigenic structure of VP60 and interaction of RHDV and HBGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhua Song
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-products, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-products, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Zhiyu Fan
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-products, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Bo Hu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-products, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-products, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Houjun Wei
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-products, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Jiabin Xue
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-products, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Weizhong Xu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-products, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Rulong Qiu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-products, Nanjing 210014, China
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Matthaei M, Kerr PJ, Read AJ, Hick P, Haboury S, Wright JD, Strive T. Comparative quantitative monitoring of rabbit haemorrhagic disease viruses in rabbit kittens. Virol J 2014; 11:109. [PMID: 24913134 PMCID: PMC4060863 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-11-109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Only one strain (the Czech CAPM-v351) of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) has been released in Australia and New Zealand to control pest populations of the European rabbit O. cuniculus. Antigenic variants of RHDV known as RHDVa strains are reportedly replacing RHDV strains in other parts of the world, and Australia is currently investigating the usefulness of RHDVa to complement rabbit biocontrol efforts in Australia and New Zealand. RHDV efficiently kills adult rabbits but not rabbit kittens, which are more resistant to RHD the younger they are and which may carry the virus without signs of disease for prolonged periods. These different infection patterns in young rabbits may significantly influence RHDV epidemiology in the field and hence attempts to control rabbit numbers. Methods We quantified RHDV replication and shedding in 4–5 week old rabbits using quantitative real time PCR to assess their potential to shape RHDV epidemiology by shedding and transmitting virus. We further compared RHDV-v351 with an antigenic variant strain of RHDVa in kittens that is currently being considered as a potential RHDV strain for future release to improve rabbit biocontrol in Australia. Results Kittens were susceptible to infection with virus doses as low as 10 ID50. Virus growth, shedding and transmission after RHDVa infection was found to be comparable or non-significantly lower compared to RHDV. Virus replication and shedding was observed in all kittens infected, but was low in comparison to adult rabbits. Both viruses were shed and transmitted to bystander rabbits. While blood titres indicated that 4–5 week old kittens mostly clear the infection even in the absence of maternal antibodies, virus titres in liver, spleen and mesenteric lymph node were still high on day 5 post infection. Conclusions Rabbit kittens are susceptible to infection with very low doses of RHDV, and can transmit virus before they seroconvert. They may therefore play an important role in RHDV field epidemiology, in particular for virus transmission within social groups during virus outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Tanja Strive
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation - Ecosystem Sciences, ACT 2601 Black Mountain, Australia.
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Santoro S, Pacios I, Moreno S, Bertó-Moran A, Rouco C. Multi-event capture-recapture modeling of host-pathogen dynamics among European rabbit populations exposed to myxoma and Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Viruses: common and heterogeneous patterns. Vet Res 2014; 45:39. [PMID: 24708296 PMCID: PMC4021418 DOI: 10.1186/1297-9716-45-39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Host-pathogen epidemiological processes are often unclear due both to their complexity and over-simplistic approaches used to quantify them. We applied a multi-event capture-recapture procedure on two years of data from three rabbit populations to test hypotheses about the effects on survival of, and the dynamics of host immunity to, both myxoma virus and Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (MV and RHDV). Although the populations shared the same climatic and management conditions, MV and RHDV dynamics varied greatly among them; MV and RHDV seroprevalences were positively related to density in one population, but RHDV seroprevalence was negatively related to density in another. In addition, (i) juvenile survival was most often negatively related to seropositivity, (ii) RHDV seropositives never had considerably higher survival, and (iii) seroconversion to seropositivity was more likely than the reverse. We suggest seropositivity affects survival depending on trade-offs among antibody protection, immunosuppression and virus lethality. Negative effects of seropositivity might be greater on juveniles due to their immature immune system. Also, while RHDV directly affects survival through the hemorrhagic syndrome, MV lack of direct lethal effects means that interactions influencing survival are likely to be more complex. Multi-event modeling allowed us to quantify patterns of host-pathogen dynamics otherwise difficult to discern. Such an approach offers a promising tool to shed light on causative mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Carlos Rouco
- Ethology and Biodiversity Conservation Department, Doñana Biological Station-CSIC, Américo Vespucio s/n, 41092 Seville, Spain.
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11
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Marques RM, Teixeira L, Aguas AP, Ribeiro JC, Costa-e-Silva A, Ferreira PG. Immunosuppression abrogates resistance of young rabbits to Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD). Vet Res 2014; 45:14. [PMID: 24490832 PMCID: PMC3926702 DOI: 10.1186/1297-9716-45-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) is caused by a calicivirus (RHDV) that kills 90% of infected adult European rabbits within 3 days. Remarkably, young rabbits are resistant to RHD. We induced immunosuppression in young rabbits by treatment with methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) and challenged the animals with RHDV by intramuscular injection. All of these young rabbits died within 3 days of infection due to fulminant hepatitis, presenting a large number of RHDV-positive dead or apoptotic hepatocytes, and a significant seric increase in cytokines, features that are similar to those of naïve adult rabbits infected by RHDV. We conclude that MPA-induced immunosuppression abrogates the resistance of young rabbits to RHD, indicating that there are differences in the innate immune system between young and adult rabbits that contribute to their distinct resistance/susceptibility to RHDV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel M Marques
- Department of Anatomy, ICBAS (Abel Salazar Institute for Biomedical Science) and UMIB (Unit for Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira n,° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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12
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Marques R, Costa-E-Silva A, Águas A, Teixeira L, Ferreira P. Early inflammatory response of young rabbits attending natural resistance to calicivirus (RHDV) infection. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2012; 150:181-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2012.09.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2012] [Revised: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 09/26/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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13
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Abrantes J, van der Loo W, Le Pendu J, Esteves PJ. Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) and rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV): a review. Vet Res 2012; 43:12. [PMID: 22325049 PMCID: PMC3331820 DOI: 10.1186/1297-9716-43-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 262] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2011] [Accepted: 02/10/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is a calicivirus of the genus Lagovirus that causes rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) in adult European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). First described in China in 1984, the virus rapidly spread worldwide and is nowadays considered as endemic in several countries. In Australia and New Zealand where rabbits are pests, RHDV was purposely introduced for rabbit biocontrol. Factors that may have precipitated RHD emergence remain unclear, but non-pathogenic strains seem to pre-date the appearance of the pathogenic strains suggesting a key role for the comprehension of the virus origins. All pathogenic strains are classified within one single serotype, but two subtypes are recognised, RHDV and RHDVa. RHD causes high mortality in both domestic and wild adult animals, with individuals succumbing between 48-72 h post-infection. No other species has been reported to be fatally susceptible to RHD. The disease is characterised by acute necrotising hepatitis, but haemorrhages may also be found in other organs, in particular the lungs, heart, and kidneys due to disseminated intravascular coagulation. Resistance to the disease might be explained in part by genetically determined absence or weak expression of attachment factors, but humoral immunity is also important. Disease control in rabbitries relies mainly on vaccination and biosecurity measures. Such measures are difficult to be implemented in wild populations. More recent research has indicated that RHDV might be used as a molecular tool for therapeutic applications. Although the study of RHDV and RHD has been hampered by the lack of an appropriate cell culture system for the virus, several aspects of the replication, epizootology, epidemiology and evolution have been disclosed. This review provides a broad coverage and description of the current knowledge on the disease and the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Abrantes
- CIBIO/UP, Centro de Investigacao em Biodiversidade e Recursos Geneticos/Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrario de Vairao, 4485-661 Vairao, Portugal
- INSERM, U892, Université de Nantes, 44007 Nantes, France
| | - Wessel van der Loo
- CIBIO/UP, Centro de Investigacao em Biodiversidade e Recursos Geneticos/Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrario de Vairao, 4485-661 Vairao, Portugal
| | | | - Pedro J Esteves
- CIBIO/UP, Centro de Investigacao em Biodiversidade e Recursos Geneticos/Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrario de Vairao, 4485-661 Vairao, Portugal
- CITS, Centro de Investigacao em Tecnologias de Saude, CESPU, Gandra, Portugal
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14
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Teixeira L, Marques RM, Águas AP, Ferreira PG. A simple and rapid method for isolation of caliciviruses from liver of infected rabbits. Res Vet Sci 2010; 91:164-166. [PMID: 20825960 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2010.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2010] [Revised: 06/17/2010] [Accepted: 08/10/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV), a member of the Caliciviridae family, is the etiologic agent of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD); this viral disease is highly contagious and kills more than 90% of infected adult rabbits. Research on experimental calicivirus infection uses inocula obtained from livers of rabbits dying from calicivirus infection. This implies that caliciviruses have to be purified from liver homogenates. Current methods to isolate caliciviruses from rabbit livers are time consuming. We propose here a new procedure for fast purification of rabbit caliciviruses from liver homogenates that uses centrifugation through an iodixanol gradient. This method offers in approximately 2 h a sample with a high degree of calicivirus purity, as shown by its biochemical and immunocytochemistry analysis, which is also able to kill adult rabbits from RHD within 48 h of inoculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luzia Teixeira
- Departamento de Anatomia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS) and Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica (UMIB), Universidade do Porto, Largo Prof. Abel Salazar 2, 4099-003 Porto, Portugal.
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15
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Strive T, Wright J, Kovaliski J, Botti G, Capucci L. The non-pathogenic Australian lagovirus RCV-A1 causes a prolonged infection and elicits partial cross-protection to rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus. Virology 2010; 398:125-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2009.11.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2009] [Revised: 11/19/2009] [Accepted: 11/25/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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16
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Ferreira PG, Dinís M, Costa-E-Silva A, Aguas AP. Adult rabbits acquire resistance to lethal calicivirus infection by adoptive transfer of sera from infected young rabbits. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2007; 121:364-9. [PMID: 17980918 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2007.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2006] [Revised: 09/20/2007] [Accepted: 09/26/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Calicivirus infection of adult rabbits induces the so-called rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) that kills 90% or more of the infected animals; in contrast, young rabbits (up to 8-week-old animals) are resistant to the same infectious agent. We report that calicivirus inoculation of young rabbits induced moderate titres of antiviral antibodies. When these rabbits reached adulthood, a second calicivirus inoculation resulted in resistance to RHD and boosting of antibody titres in half of the rabbits. Adoptive transfer of sera from calicivirus-infected young rabbits to naïve adult rabbits conferred resistance to RHD. We conclude that calicivirus infection of young rabbits induces specific anti-calicivirus antibodies that will protect them from RHD when they reach adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- P G Ferreira
- Department of Anatomy, University of Porto, Largo Professor Abel Salazar 2, 4099-003 Porto, Portugal.
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17
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Ferreira PG, Costa-e-Silva A, Aguas AP. Liver disease in young rabbits infected by calicivirus through nasal and oral routes. Res Vet Sci 2006; 81:362-5. [PMID: 16624359 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2006.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2005] [Revised: 01/30/2006] [Accepted: 02/10/2006] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Calicivirus infection causes rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) that kills more than 90% of adult animals, whereas young rabbits are naturally resistant to this viral disease. It has been proposed that the different response of adult and young rabbits to calicivirus infection is due to absence of viral receptors in respiratory and digestive systems of young animals. We have searched for liver disease in 4-week-old rabbits inoculated with a calicivirus suspension by intranasal and oral routes. These young rabbits showed cell damage and mononuclear infiltration of the liver. The hepatic lesions were associated with mild to moderate increase in circulating transaminases. We conclude that the previously reported reduction of viral receptors in the epithelium of respiratory and digestive systems of young rabbits does not inhibit calicivirus from inducing liver disease in these hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- P G Ferreira
- Department of Anatomy, ICBAS (Abel Salazar Institute for Biomedical Sciences) and UMIB (Unit for Multidisciplinary for Biomedical Research), University of Porto, Largo Professor Abel Salazar, 2, Porto 4099-003, Portugal.
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18
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Ferreira PG, Costa-E-Silva A, Monteiro E, Oliveira MJR, Aguas AP. Liver enzymes and ultrastructure in rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD). Vet Res Commun 2006; 30:393-401. [PMID: 16502107 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-006-3297-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/25/2004] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) is caused by a calicivirus infection that kills most adult rabbits 24-72 h after viral inoculation. Two liver enzymes (AST, aspartate aminotransferase, and ALT, alanine aminotransferase) were monitored in blood samples of calicivirus-infected rabbits during the short course of RHD. Values of AST were used to differentiate three stages of hepatocellular degeneration in RHD: mild (up to 20-fold increase in AST), moderate (150-200-fold elevation of AST) and severe (more than 1000-fold elevation in AST). Liver samples of rabbits from these three biochemical stages of hepatocellular degeneration of RHD were studied by transmission electron microscopy to define the fine structure of the hepatocytes. In the mild hepatocellular degeneration there was proliferation (microvesiculation) of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and swelling of mitochondria into spheroid bodies with loss of cristae. In moderate hepatocellular degeneration, vacuolization of cytoplasm and mitochondrial damage continued to be present, and there was also formation of autophagic vesicles. In the severe hepatocellular degeneration of RHD, the altered mitochondria also showed loss of density of their matrix; rupture of cytoplasmic vacuoles led to the formation of large vesicles. Marked depletion of liver glycogen was also found in this late stage of RHD. These data offer a correlation between biochemical and cytological features of the liver during the hepatocellular degeneration of RHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- P G Ferreira
- Department of Anatomy, ICBAS (Abel Salazar Institute for Biomedical Sciences), UMIB (Unit for Multidisciplinary for Biomedical Research), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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