1
|
Jain S, Khaiboullina S, Martynova E, Morzunov S, Baranwal M. Epidemiology of Ebolaviruses from an Etiological Perspective. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020248. [PMID: 36839520 PMCID: PMC9963726 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the inception of the ebolavirus in 1976, 32 outbreaks have resulted in nearly 15,350 deaths in more than ten countries of the African continent. In the last decade, the largest (2013-2016) and second largest (2018-2020) ebolavirus outbreaks have occurred in West Africa (mainly Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, respectively. The 2013-2016 outbreak indicated an alarming geographical spread of the virus and was the first to qualify as an epidemic. Hence, it is imperative to halt ebolavirus progression and develop effective countermeasures. Despite several research efforts, ebolaviruses' natural hosts and secondary reservoirs still elude the scientific world. The primary source responsible for infecting the index case is also unknown for most outbreaks. In this review, we summarize the history of ebolavirus outbreaks with a focus on etiology, natural hosts, zoonotic reservoirs, and transmission mechanisms. We also discuss the reasons why the African continent is the most affected region and identify steps to contain this virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sahil Jain
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala 147004, Punjab, India
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Svetlana Khaiboullina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Martynova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia
| | - Sergey Morzunov
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- Correspondence: (S.M.); or (M.B.); Tel.: +1-775-682-6230 (S.M.); +91-175-2393118 (M.B.); Fax: +91-175-2364498 (M.B.)
| | - Manoj Baranwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala 147004, Punjab, India
- Correspondence: (S.M.); or (M.B.); Tel.: +1-775-682-6230 (S.M.); +91-175-2393118 (M.B.); Fax: +91-175-2364498 (M.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jain S, Baranwal M. Conserved immunogenic peptides of Ebola glycoprotein elicit immune response in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Microbiol Immunol 2021; 65:505-511. [PMID: 34343363 DOI: 10.1111/1348-0421.12935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In the past 45 years, ebolaviruses have periodically caused epidemics on the African continent. In December 2019, approval of a recombinant vector-based EBOV vaccine, named Ervebo, came as encouraging news; still, there is a long way to go in the development of an accessible, global, and pan-ebolavirus vaccine. The current study expanded our previous in silico work which was conducted on ebolavirus glycoprotein and this resulted in the identification of three potentially immunogenic peptides (P1 - FKRTSFFLWVIILFQRTFSIPL, P2 - LANETTQALQLF, and P3 - RATTELRTFSILNRKAIDF). An analysis to estimate the number of expected human leukocyte antigen (HLA) responders revealed that P1, P2, and P3 can potentially interact with 2540, 2150, and 2802 HLA alleles, respectively. Further, these peptides were subject to in vitro analysis wherein the human peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production by peptide stimulated cells was studied in 10 healthy human blood samples with the help of a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) respectively. P3 presented the best results, a significant (P < 0.05) peptide induced cell proliferation and IFN-γ stimulation for 8 and 10 samples, respectively, followed by P1 (5 and 6) and P2 (5 and 7). The in silico and in vitro results obtained in this study indicate the immunogenic potential of these peptides and warrant exploration of the effects on other cytokines as well as in vivo experimental validation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sahil Jain
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, Punjab, India.,University Institute of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
| | - Manoj Baranwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, Punjab, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jain S, Khaiboullina SF, Baranwal M. Immunological Perspective for Ebola Virus Infection and Various Treatment Measures Taken to Fight the Disease. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9100850. [PMID: 33080902 PMCID: PMC7603231 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9100850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ebolaviruses, discovered in 1976, belongs to the Filoviridae family, which also includes Marburg and Lloviu viruses. They are negative-stranded RNA viruses with six known species identified to date. Ebola virus (EBOV) is a member of Zaire ebolavirus species and can cause the Ebola virus disease (EVD), an emerging zoonotic disease that results in homeostatic imbalance and multi-organ failure. There are three EBOV outbreaks documented in the last six years resulting in significant morbidity (> 32,000 cases) and mortality (> 13,500 deaths). The potential factors contributing to the high infectivity of this virus include multiple entry mechanisms, susceptibility of the host cells, employment of multiple immune evasion mechanisms and rapid person-to-person transmission. EBOV infection leads to cytokine storm, disseminated intravascular coagulation, host T cell apoptosis as well as cell mediated and humoral immune response. In this review, a concise recap of cell types targeted by EBOV and EVD symptoms followed by detailed run-through of host innate and adaptive immune responses, virus-driven regulation and their combined effects contributing to the disease pathogenesis has been presented. At last, the vaccine and drug development initiatives as well as challenges related to the management of infection have been discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sahil Jain
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala 147004, Punjab, India;
| | - Svetlana F. Khaiboullina
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia
- Correspondence: (S.F.K.); (M.B.)
| | - Manoj Baranwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala 147004, Punjab, India;
- Correspondence: (S.F.K.); (M.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
The West African Ebola virus (EBOV) epidemic has fast-tracked countermeasures for this rare, emerging zoonotic pathogen. Until 2013-2014, most EBOV vaccine candidates were stalled between the preclinical and clinical milestones on the path to licensure, because of funding problems, lack of interest from pharmaceutical companies, and competing priorities in public health. The unprecedented and devastating epidemic propelled vaccine candidates toward clinical trials that were initiated near the end of the active response to the outbreak. Those trials did not have a major impact on the epidemic but provided invaluable data on vaccine safety, immunogenicity, and, to a limited degree, even efficacy in humans. There are plenty of lessons to learn from these trials, some of which are addressed in this review. Better preparation is essential to executing an effective response to EBOV in the future; yet, the first indications of waning interest are already noticeable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heinz Feldmann
- Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana 59840, USA;
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba 93E 0J9, Canada
| | - Friederike Feldmann
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana 59840, USA
| | - Andrea Marzi
- Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana 59840, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Takayama-Ito M, Lim CK, Yamaguchi Y, Posadas-Herrera G, Kato H, Iizuka I, Islam MT, Morimoto K, Saijo M. Replication-incompetent rabies virus vector harboring glycoprotein gene of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) protects mice from LCMV challenge. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006398. [PMID: 29659579 PMCID: PMC5901774 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) causes a variety of diseases, including asymptomatic infections, meningitis, and congenital infections in the fetus of infected mother. The development of a safe and effective vaccine against LCMV is imperative. This study aims to develop a new candidate vaccine against LCMV using a recombinant replication-incompetent rabies virus (RV) vector. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In this study, we have generated a recombinant deficient RV expressing the LCMV glycoprotein precursor (GPC) (RVΔP-LCMV/GPC) which is lacking the RV-P gene. RVΔP-LCMV/GPC is able to propagate only in cells expressing the RV-P protein. In contrast, the LCMV-GPC can be expressed in general cells, which do not express RV-P protein. The ability of RVΔP-LCMV/GPC to protect mice from LCMV infection and induce cellular immunity was assessed. Mice inoculated intraperitoneally with RVΔP-LCMV/GPC showed higher survival rates (88.2%) than those inoculated with the parental recombinant RV-P gene-deficient RV (RVΔP) (7.7%) following a LCMV challenge. Neutralizing antibody (NAb) against LCMV was not induced, even in the sera of surviving mice. CD8+ T-cell depletion significantly reduced the survival rates of RVΔP-LCMV/GPC-inoculated mice after the LCMV challenge. These results suggest that CD8+ T cells play a major role in the observed protection against LCMV. In contrast, NAbs against RV were strongly induced in sera of mice inoculated with either RVΔP-LCMV/GPC or RVΔP. In safety tests, suckling mice inoculated intracerebrally with RVΔP-LCMV/GPC showed no symptoms. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE These results show RVΔP-LCMV/GPC might be a promising candidate vaccine with dual efficacy, protecting against both RV and LCMV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mutsuyo Takayama-Ito
- Department of virology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chang-Kweng Lim
- Department of virology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukie Yamaguchi
- Department of virology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Guillermo Posadas-Herrera
- Department of virology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Kato
- Department of virology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Global Infectious Diseases, Department of Infection and Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Itoe Iizuka
- Department of virology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Md. Taimur Islam
- Department of virology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Laboratory of Virology and Viral Infections, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Kyonancho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kinjiro Morimoto
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Yasuda Women's University, Yasuhigashi, Asaminami, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Masayuki Saijo
- Department of virology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gibb R, Moses LM, Redding DW, Jones KE. Understanding the cryptic nature of Lassa fever in West Africa. Pathog Glob Health 2017; 111:276-288. [PMID: 28875769 PMCID: PMC5694855 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2017.1369643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is increasingly recognized by global health institutions as an important rodent-borne disease with severe impacts on some of West Africa's poorest communities. However, our knowledge of LF ecology, epidemiology and distribution is limited, which presents barriers to both short-term disease forecasting and prediction of long-term impacts of environmental change on Lassa virus (LASV) zoonotic transmission dynamics. Here, we synthesize current knowledge to show that extrapolations from past research have produced an incomplete picture of the incidence and distribution of LF, with negative consequences for policy planning, medical treatment and management interventions. Although the recent increase in LF case reports is likely due to improved surveillance, recent studies suggest that future socio-ecological changes in West Africa may drive increases in LF burden. Future research should focus on the geographical distribution and disease burden of LF, in order to improve its integration into public policy and disease control strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rory Gibb
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lina M. Moses
- Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - David W. Redding
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kate E. Jones
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, UK
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
An LASV GPC pseudotyped virus based reporter system enables evaluation of vaccines in mice under non-BSL-4 conditions. Vaccine 2017; 35:5172-5178. [PMID: 28797730 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.07.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 07/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) causes a severe hemorrhagic fever endemic throughout western Africa. Because of the ability to cause lethal disease in humans, limited treatment options, and potential as a bioweapon, the need for vaccines to prevent LASV epidemic is urgent. However, LASV vaccine development has been hindered by the lack of appropriate small animal models for efficacy evaluation independent of biosafety level four (BSL-4) facilities. Here we generated an LASV-glycoprotein precursor (GPC)-pseudotyped Human immunodeficiency virus containing firefly luciferase (Fluc) reporter gene as surrogate to develop a bioluminescent-imaging-based BALB/c mouse model for one-round infection under non-BSL-4 conditions, in which the bioluminescent intensity of Fluc was utilized as endpoint when evaluating vaccine efficacy. Electron microscopy analysis demonstrated that LASV GPC pseudotyped virus appeared structurally similar to native virion. Meanwhile, we constructed DNA vaccine (pSV1.0-LASVGPC) and pseudoparticle-based vaccine (LASVpp) that displayed conformational GPC protein of LASV strain Josiah to vaccinate BALB/c mice using intramuscular electroporation and by intraperitoneal routes, respectively. Vaccinated mice in LASVpp alone and DNA prime+LASVpp boost schedules were protected against 100 AID50 of LASV pseudovirus challenge, and it was found that in vivo efficiencies correlated with their anti-LASV neutralizing activities and MCP-1 cytokine levels in serum sampled before infection. The bioluminescence pseudovirus infection model can be useful tool for the preliminary evaluation of immunogenicity and efficacy of vaccine candidates against LASV outside of BSL-4 containments, and the results with pseudoparticle-based vaccine provided very helpful information for LASV vaccine design.
Collapse
|
8
|
Leblanc P, Moise L, Luza C, Chantaralawan K, Lezeau L, Yuan J, Field M, Richer D, Boyle C, Martin WD, Fishman JB, Berg EA, Baker D, Zeigler B, Mais DE, Taylor W, Coleman R, Warren HS, Gelfand JA, De Groot AS, Brauns T, Poznansky MC. VaxCelerate II: rapid development of a self-assembling vaccine for Lassa fever. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2015; 10:3022-38. [PMID: 25483693 DOI: 10.4161/hv.34413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of effective vaccines against emerging infectious diseases (EID) can take as much or more than a decade to progress from pathogen isolation/identification to clinical approval. As a result, conventional approaches fail to produce field-ready vaccines before the EID has spread extensively. Lassa is a prototypical emerging infectious disease endemic to West Africa for which no successful vaccine is available. We established the VaxCelerate Consortium to address the need for more rapid vaccine development by creating a platform capable of generating and pre-clinically testing a new vaccine against specific pathogen targets in less than 120 d A self-assembling vaccine is at the core of the approach. It consists of a fusion protein composed of the immunostimulatory Mycobacterium tuberculosis heat shock protein 70 (MtbHSP70) and the biotin binding protein, avidin. Mixing the resulting protein (MAV) with biotinylated pathogen-specific immunogenic peptides yields a self-assembled vaccine (SAV). To meet the time constraint imposed on this project, we used a distributed R&D model involving experts in the fields of protein engineering and production, bioinformatics, peptide synthesis/design and GMP/GLP manufacturing and testing standards. SAV immunogenicity was first tested using H1N1 influenza specific peptides and the entire VaxCelerate process was then tested in a mock live-fire exercise targeting Lassa fever virus. We demonstrated that the Lassa fever vaccine induced significantly increased class II peptide specific interferon-γ CD4(+) T cell responses in HLA-DR3 transgenic mice compared to peptide or MAV alone controls. We thereby demonstrated that our SAV in combination with a distributed development model may facilitate accelerated regulatory review by using an identical design for each vaccine and by applying safety and efficacy assessment tools that are more relevant to human vaccine responses than current animal models.
Collapse
Key Words
- 6MDP, 6-muramyl dipeptide
- CGE, Capillary Gel Electrophoresis
- CLO97, TLR7 ligand
- CTL, Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte
- CpG1826, Synthetic Oligodeoxynucleotide containing unmethylated dinucleotide sequences (Toll-like receptor 9 agonist)
- DARPA, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
- EIDs, Emerging Infectious Diseases
- Flu vaccine
- GLP, Good Laboratory Practice
- GMP, Good Manufacturing Practice
- GP1, Glycoprotein-1
- GP2, Glycoprotein-2
- HLA, Human Leukocyte Antigen
- HRP, Horseradish Peroxidase
- LV, Lassa Fever Virus
- Lassa fever virus
- MAV, Mycobacterium tuberculosis Heat Shock Protein 70 – Avidin
- MtbHSP70, Mycobacterium tuberculosis Heat Shock Protein 70
- NHP, Non-human Primates
- OVA, Ovalbumin
- PAGE, Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis
- PBMC, Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell
- PEG, Polyethyleneglycol
- RVKR, Furin Cleavage Site (Arginine, Valine, Lysine, Arginine)
- SAV, Self-assembled vaccine
- SAVL; Self-assembled vaccine formulated for Lassa Fever Virus
- VaxCelerate
- arenavirus
- emerging infectious diseases
- mycobacterium tuberculosis heat shock protein 70
- peptide design
- self-assembled vaccine
- vaccine
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Leblanc
- a Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center; Massachusetts General Hospital ; Charlestown , MA USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Xi D, Wang X, Ai S, Zhang S. Detection of cancer cells using triplex DNA molecular beacons based on expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP). Chem Commun (Camb) 2015; 50:9547-9. [PMID: 25012879 DOI: 10.1039/c4cc03925d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A novel strategy was proposed for Ramos cell detection by combining the expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) with the cell aptamer recognition and the triplex molecular beacons. This system was successfully applied to cancer cell detection with high sensitivity and specificity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Xi
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Makers, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Linyi University, Linyi 276005, P. R. China.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hartnett JN, Boisen ML, Oottamasathien D, Jones AB, Millett MM, Nelson DS, Muncy IJ, Goba A, Momoh M, Fullah M, Mire CE, Geisbert JB, Geisbert TW, Holton DL, Rouelle JA, Kannadka CB, Reyna AA, Moses LM, Khan SH, Gevao SM, Grant DS, Robinson JE, Happi C, Pitts KR, Garry RF, Branco LM. Current and emerging strategies for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of Lassa fever. Future Virol 2015. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl.15.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Lassa fever (LF) is a potentially fatal disease that affects an estimated 300,000–500,000 people in endemic areas of west Africa each year. Though past studies have identified fatality rates of 5–20% in patients suspected to have contracted Lassa virus (LASV), new studies using more precise clinical diagnoses and modern diagnostic assays show fatalities rates above 60% in acutely ill patients from endemic regions. Currently, there are no approved vaccines or therapeutics, and only one Comformité Européenne (CE) marked rapid immunodiagnostic for acute LASV infection. Therefore, preventing LASV transmission is the primary goal in endemic regions. Development of rapid immunodiagnostics and research into the efficacy of current treatment options continues toward saving lives in west Africa as well as creating a line of defense against the nefarious use of LASV in bioterrorism settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica N Hartnett
- Department of Microbiology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-38, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Matthew L Boisen
- Department of Microbiology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-38, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Corgenix Medical Corporation, Broomfield, CO 80020, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Ivana J Muncy
- Corgenix Medical Corporation, Broomfield, CO 80020, USA
| | | | - Mambu Momoh
- Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone
- Eastern Polytechnic College, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | | | - Chad E Mire
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Joan B Geisbert
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Thomas W Geisbert
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Debra L Holton
- Department of Microbiology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-38, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Julie A Rouelle
- Department of Microbiology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-38, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Chandrika B Kannadka
- Department of Microbiology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-38, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Ashley A Reyna
- Department of Microbiology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-38, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Lina M Moses
- Department of Microbiology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-38, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | | | - Sahr M Gevao
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Donald S Grant
- Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - James E Robinson
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | | | - Kelly R Pitts
- Corgenix Medical Corporation, Broomfield, CO 80020, USA
| | - Robert F Garry
- Department of Microbiology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-38, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Zalgen Labs, LLC, Germantown, MD 20876, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
A recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus-based Lassa fever vaccine protects guinea pigs and macaques against challenge with geographically and genetically distinct Lassa viruses. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003736. [PMID: 25884628 PMCID: PMC4401668 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lassa virus (LASV) is endemic in several West African countries and is the etiological agent of Lassa fever. Despite the high annual incidence and significant morbidity and mortality rates, currently there are no approved vaccines to prevent infection or disease in humans. Genetically, LASV demonstrates a high degree of diversity that correlates with geographic distribution. The genetic heterogeneity observed between geographically distinct viruses raises concerns over the potential efficacy of a “universal” LASV vaccine. To date, several experimental LASV vaccines have been developed; however, few have been evaluated against challenge with various genetically unique Lassa virus isolates in relevant animal models. Methodologies/principle findings Here we demonstrate that a single, prophylactic immunization with a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) expressing the glycoproteins of LASV strain Josiah from Sierra Leone protects strain 13 guinea pigs from infection / disease following challenge with LASV isolates originating from Liberia, Mali and Nigeria. Similarly, the VSV-based LASV vaccine yields complete protection against a lethal challenge with the Liberian LASV isolate in the gold-standard macaque model of Lassa fever. Conclusions/significance Our results demonstrate the VSV-based LASV vaccine is capable of preventing morbidity and mortality associated with non-homologous LASV challenge in two animal models of Lassa fever. Additionally, this work highlights the need for the further development of disease models for geographical distinct LASV strains, particularly those from Nigeria, in order to comprehensively evaluate potential vaccines and therapies against this prominent agent of viral hemorrhagic fever. Lassa fever (LF) is an acute viral infection which is often associated with hemorrhagic manifestations and multi-organ failure in humans. The etiological agent responsible for LF is Lassa virus (LASV), a rodent-borne Arenavirus which is endemic in several West African countries. Up to 500,000 cases of LF are diagnosed annually, primarily in Nigeria, Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone. The high incidence rate combined with the significant morbidity and mortality associated with LASV infection highlights the need for an effective prophylactic vaccine for LF. Importantly, an ideal LASV vaccine should provide protection against genetically and geographical divergent viral strains. Previously a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-based LF vaccine using the glycoproteins of LASV strain Josiah as the immunogen, was shown to completely protect non-human primates against a homologous (LASV strain Josiah) challenge. Here, we have expanded the original studies and tested the VSV-LASV vaccine against challenge with LASV isolates from Mali, Liberia and Nigeria in the strain 13 guinea pig and cynomolgus macaque disease models. Our results suggest that the VSV-based LF vaccine affords complete protection against geographically and genetically distinct viral isolates.
Collapse
|
12
|
Zapata JC, Salvato MS. Genomic profiling of host responses to Lassa virus: therapeutic potential from primate to man. Future Virol 2015; 10:233-256. [PMID: 25844088 DOI: 10.2217/fvl.15.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Lassa virus infection elicits distinctive changes in host gene expression and metabolism. We focus on changes in host gene expression that may be biomarkers that discriminate individual pathogens or may help to provide a prognosis for disease. In addition to assessing mRNA changes, functional studies are also needed to discriminate causes of disease from mechanisms of host resistance. Host responses that drive pathogenesis are likely to be targets for prevention or therapy. Host responses to Lassa or its related arenaviruses have been monitored in cell culture, in animal models of hemorrhagic fever, in Lassa-infected nonhuman primates and, to a limited extent, in infected human beings. Here, we describe results from those studies and discuss potential targets for reducing virus replication and mitigating disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Zapata
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Maria S Salvato
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Choi JH, Schafer SC, Zhang L, Juelich T, Freiberg AN, Croyle MA. Modeling pre-existing immunity to adenovirus in rodents: immunological requirements for successful development of a recombinant adenovirus serotype 5-based ebola vaccine. Mol Pharm 2013; 10:3342-55. [PMID: 23915419 DOI: 10.1021/mp4001316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pre-existing immunity (PEI) to human adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) worldwide is the primary limitation to routine clinical use of Ad5-based vectors in immunization platforms. Using systemic and mucosal PEI induction models in rodents (mice and guinea pigs), we assessed the influence of PEI on the type of adaptive immune response elicited by an Ad5-based vaccine for Ebola with respect to immunization route. Splenocytes isolated from vaccinated animals revealed that immunization by the same route in which PEI was induced significantly compromised Ebola Zaire glycoprotein (ZGP)-specific IFN-γ+ CD8+ T cells and ZGP-specific multifunctional CD8+ T cell populations. ZGP-specific IgG1 antibody levels were also significantly reduced and a sharp increase in serum anti-Ad5 neutralizing antibody (NAB) titers were noted following immunization. These immune parameters correlated with poor survival after lethal challenge with rodent-adapted Ebola Zaire virus (ZEBOV). Although the number of IFN-γ+ CD8+ T cells was reduced in animals given the vaccine by a different route from that used for PEI induction, the multifunctional CD8+ T cell response was not compromised. Survival rates in these groups were higher than when PEI was induced by the same route as immunization. These results suggest that antigen-specific multifunctional CD8(+) T cell and Th2 type antibody responses compromised by PEI to Ad5 are required for protection from Ebola. They also illustrate that methods for induction of PEI used in preclinical studies must be carefully evaluated for successful development of novel Ad5-based vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Huk Choi
- Division of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin , Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Enhanced Efficacy of a Codon-Optimized DNA Vaccine Encoding the Glycoprotein Precursor Gene of Lassa Virus in a Guinea Pig Disease Model When Delivered by Dermal Electroporation. Vaccines (Basel) 2013; 1:262-77. [PMID: 26344112 PMCID: PMC4494234 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines1030262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Revised: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) causes a severe, often fatal, hemorrhagic fever endemic to West Africa. Presently, there are no FDA-licensed medical countermeasures for this disease. In a pilot study, we constructed a DNA vaccine (pLASV-GPC) that expressed the LASV glycoprotein precursor gene (GPC). This plasmid was used to vaccinate guinea pigs (GPs) using intramuscular electroporation as the delivery platform. Vaccinated GPs were protected from lethal infection (5/6) with LASV compared to the controls. However, vaccinated GPs experienced transient viremia after challenge, although lower than the mock-vaccinated controls. In a follow-on study, we developed a new device that allowed for both the vaccine and electroporation pulse to be delivered to the dermis. We also codon-optimized the GPC sequence of the vaccine to enhance expression in GPs. Together, these innovations resulted in enhanced efficacy of the vaccine. Unlike the pilot study where neutralizing titers were not detected until after virus challenge, modest neutralizing titers were detected in guinea pigs before challenge, with escalating titers detected after challenge. The vaccinated GPs were never ill and were not viremic at any timepoint. The combination of the codon-optimized vaccine and dermal electroporation delivery is a worthy candidate for further development.
Collapse
|
15
|
Lukashevich IS. The search for animal models for Lassa fever vaccine development. Expert Rev Vaccines 2013; 12:71-86. [PMID: 23256740 DOI: 10.1586/erv.12.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is the most prevalent arenavirus in West Africa and is responsible for several hundred thousand infections and thousands of deaths annually. The sizeable disease burden, numerous imported cases of Lassa fever (LF) and the possibility that LASV can be used as an agent of biological warfare make a strong case for vaccine development. Currently there is no licensed LF vaccine and research and devlopment is hampered by the high cost of nonhuman primate animal models and by biocontainment requirements (BSL-4). In addition, a successful LF vaccine has to induce a strong cell-mediated cross-protective immunity against different LASV lineages. All of these challenges will be addressed in this review in the context of available and novel animal models recently described for evaluation of LF vaccine candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor S Lukashevich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine and the Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Induction of broad cytotoxic T cells by protective DNA vaccination against Marburg and Ebola. Mol Ther 2013; 21:1432-44. [PMID: 23670573 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2013.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Accepted: 02/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Marburg and Ebola hemorrhagic fevers have been described as the most virulent viral diseases known to man due to associative lethality rates of up to 90%. Death can occur within days to weeks of exposure and there is currently no licensed vaccine or therapeutic. Recent evidence suggests an important role for antiviral T cells in conferring protection, but little detailed analysis of this response as driven by a protective vaccine has been reported. We developed a synthetic polyvalent-filovirus DNA vaccine against Marburg marburgvirus (MARV), Zaire ebolavirus (ZEBOV), and Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV). Preclinical efficacy studies were performed in guinea pigs and mice using rodent-adapted viruses, whereas murine T-cell responses were extensively analyzed using a novel modified assay described herein. Vaccination was highly potent, elicited robust neutralizing antibodies, and completely protected against MARV and ZEBOV challenge. Comprehensive T-cell analysis revealed cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) of great magnitude, epitopic breadth, and Th1-type marker expression. This model provides an important preclinical tool for studying protective immune correlates that could be applied to existing platforms. Data herein support further evaluation of this enhanced gene-based approach in nonhuman primate studies for in depth analyses of T-cell epitopes in understanding protective efficacy.
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhou X, Ramachandran S, Mann M, Popkin DL. Role of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) in understanding viral immunology: past, present and future. Viruses 2012; 4:2650-69. [PMID: 23202498 PMCID: PMC3509666 DOI: 10.3390/v4112650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2012] [Revised: 10/18/2012] [Accepted: 10/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a common infection of rodents first identified over eighty years ago in St. Louis, MO, U.S.A. It is best known for its application in immunological studies. The history of LCMV closely correlates with the development of modern immunology. With the use of LCMV as a model pathogen several key concepts have emerged: Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) restriction, T cell memory, persistent infections, T cell exhaustion and the key role of immune pathology in disease. Given the phenomenal infrastructure within this field (e.g., defined immunodominant and subdominant epitopes to all T cell receptor specificities as well as the cognate tetramers for enumeration in vivo) the study of LCMV remains an active and productive platform for biological research across the globe to this day. Here we present a historical primer that highlights several breakthroughs since the discovery of LCMV. Next, we highlight current research in the field and conclude with our predictions for future directions in the remarkable field of LCMV research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (X.Z.); (S.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Srividya Ramachandran
- Department of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (X.Z.); (S.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Margaret Mann
- Department of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (X.Z.); (S.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Daniel L. Popkin
- Department of Dermatology, Pathology, Microbiology & Molecular Biology, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Lukashevich IS. Advanced vaccine candidates for Lassa fever. Viruses 2012; 4:2514-57. [PMID: 23202493 PMCID: PMC3509661 DOI: 10.3390/v4112514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Revised: 10/20/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is the most prominent human pathogen of the Arenaviridae. The virus is transmitted to humans by a rodent reservoir, Mastomys natalensis, and is capable of causing lethal Lassa Fever (LF). LASV has the highest human impact of any of the viral hemorrhagic fevers (with the exception of Dengue Fever) with an estimated several hundred thousand infections annually, resulting in thousands of deaths in Western Africa. The sizeable disease burden, numerous imported cases of LF in non-endemic countries, and the possibility that LASV can be used as an agent of biological warfare make a strong case for vaccine development. Presently there is no licensed vaccine against LF or approved treatment. Recently, several promising vaccine candidates have been developed which can potentially target different groups at risk. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the LASV pathogenesis and immune mechanisms involved in protection. The current status of pre-clinical development of the advanced vaccine candidates that have been tested in non-human primates will be discussed. Major scientific, manufacturing, and regulatory challenges will also be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor S Lukashevich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, and Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
In 1967, the first reported filovirus hemorrhagic fever outbreak took place in Germany and the former Yugoslavia. The causative agent that was identified during this outbreak, Marburg virus, is one of the most deadly human pathogens. This article provides a comprehensive overview of our current knowledge about Marburg virus disease ranging from ecology to pathogenesis and molecular biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Brauburger
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine and National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories Institute, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Shedding light on filovirus infection with high-content imaging. Viruses 2012; 4:1354-71. [PMID: 23012631 PMCID: PMC3446768 DOI: 10.3390/v4081354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2012] [Revised: 08/09/2012] [Accepted: 08/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Microscopy has been instrumental in the discovery and characterization of microorganisms. Major advances in high-throughput fluorescence microscopy and automated, high-content image analysis tools are paving the way to the systematic and quantitative study of the molecular properties of cellular systems, both at the population and at the single-cell level. High-Content Imaging (HCI) has been used to characterize host-virus interactions in genome-wide reverse genetic screens and to identify novel cellular factors implicated in the binding, entry, replication and egress of several pathogenic viruses. Here we present an overview of the most significant applications of HCI in the context of the cell biology of filovirus infection. HCI assays have been recently implemented to quantitatively study filoviruses in cell culture, employing either infectious viruses in a BSL-4 environment or surrogate genetic systems in a BSL-2 environment. These assays are becoming instrumental for small molecule and siRNA screens aimed at the discovery of both cellular therapeutic targets and of compounds with anti-viral properties. We discuss the current practical constraints limiting the implementation of high-throughput biology in a BSL-4 environment, and propose possible solutions to safely perform high-content, high-throughput filovirus infection assays. Finally, we discuss possible novel applications of HCI in the context of filovirus research with particular emphasis on the identification of possible cellular biomarkers of virus infection.
Collapse
|
21
|
Goicochea MA, Zapata JC, Bryant J, Davis H, Salvato MS, Lukashevich IS. Evaluation of Lassa virus vaccine immunogenicity in a CBA/J-ML29 mouse model. Vaccine 2012; 30:1445-52. [PMID: 22234266 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.12.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2011] [Revised: 12/15/2011] [Accepted: 12/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is one of the most prevalent viral hemorrhagic fevers in West Africa responsible for thousands of deaths annually. The BSL-4 containment requirement and lack of small animal model to evaluate Lassa virus (LASV)-specific cell-mediated immunity (CMI) complicate development of effective LF vaccines. Here we have described a CBA/J-ML29 model allowing evaluation of LASV-specific CMI responses in mice. This model is based on Mopeia virus reassortant clone ML29, an attractive immunogenic surrogate for LASV. A single intraperitoneal (i.p.) immunization of CBA/J mice with ML29 protected animals against a lethal homologous intracerebral (i.c.) challenge with 588 LD(50). The ML29-immunized mice displayed negligible levels of LASV-specific antibody titers, but LASV-specific CMI responses were detectable early and peaked on day 8-10 after immunization. A T cell cytotoxicity assay in vivo showed a correlation between LASV-specific cytotoxicity and the timing of protection induced by the ML29 immunization. Notably, CBA/J mice that received CD8+ T cell-depleted splenocytes from ML29-immunized donors all succumbed to a lethal i.c. challenge, demonstrating that CD8+ T cells are critical in protection. The CBA/J-ML29 model can be useful immunological tool for the preliminary evaluation of immunogenicity and efficacy of vaccine candidates against LASV outside of BSL-4 containment facilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco A Goicochea
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
[Arenavirus infections]. Uirusu 2012; 62:229-38. [PMID: 24153233 DOI: 10.2222/jsv.62.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Arenaviruses are the collective name for viruses, which belong to the family Arenaviridae. They replicate in the cytoplasm of cells, and were named after the sandy (Latin, arenosus) appearance of the ribosomes often seen in thin sections of virions under electron microscope. Several arenaviruses, such as Lassa virus in West Africa, and Junin, Guanarito, Sabia, Machupo, and Chapare viruses in South America, cause sever viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) in humans and represent a serious public health problem. These viruses are categorized as category 1 pathogens thus should be handles in a BSL4 laboratory. Recently, Lujo virus was isolated as a newly discovered novel arenavirus associated with a VHF outbreak in southern Africa in 2008. Although, we have no VHF patients caused by arenaviruses in Japan, except for a single imported Lassa fever case in 1987, it is possible that VHF patients occur as imported cases as for other VHF in the future. Therefore, it is necessary to develop the diagnostics and therapeutics in consideration of patient's severe symptoms and high mortality even in the disease-free countries. In this review, we will broadly discuss the current knowledge from the basic researches to diagnostics and vaccine developments for arenavirus diseases.
Collapse
|