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Woolsey C, Cross RW, Prasad AN, Agans KN, Borisevich V, Deer DJ, Dobias NS, Fears AC, Harrison MB, Heinrich ML, Fenton KA, Garry RF, Branco LM, Geisbert TW. Monoclonal antibody therapy demonstrates increased virulence of a lineage VII strain of Lassa virus in nonhuman primates. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2301061. [PMID: 38164768 PMCID: PMC10810630 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2301061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is a World Health Organization (WHO) priority pathogen that causes high morbidity and mortality. Recently, we showed that a combination of three broadly neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies known as Arevirumab-3 (8.9F, 12.1F, 37.2D) based on the lineage IV Josiah strain protected 100% of cynomolgus macaques against heterologous challenge with lineage II and III strains of LASV when therapy was initiated beginning at day 8 after challenge. LASV strains from Benin and Togo represent a new lineage VII that are more genetically diverse from lineage IV than strains from lineages II and III. Here, we tested the ability of Arevirumab-3 to protect macaques against a LASV lineage VII Togo isolate when treatment was administered beginning 8 days after exposure. Unexpectedly, only 40% of treated animals survived challenge. In a subsequent study we showed that Arevirumab-3 protected 100% of macaques from lethal challenge when treatment was initiated 7 days after LASV Togo exposure. Based on our transcriptomics data, successful Arevirumab-3 treatment correlated with diminished neutrophil signatures and the predicted development of T cell responses. As the in vitro antiviral activity of Arevirumab-3 against LASV Togo was equivalent to lineage II and III strains, the reduced protection in macaques against Togo likely reflects the faster disease course of LASV Togo in macaques than other strains. This data causes concern regarding the ability of heterologous vaccines and treatments to provide cross protection against lineage VII LASV isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Woolsey
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Robert W. Cross
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Abhishek N. Prasad
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Krystle N. Agans
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Viktoriya Borisevich
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Daniel J. Deer
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Natalie S. Dobias
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Alyssa C. Fears
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Mack B. Harrison
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | - Karla A. Fenton
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Robert F. Garry
- Zalgen Labs, LLC, Frederick, MD, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Thomas W. Geisbert
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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Westover JB, Bailey KW, Wasson SR, Boardman KM, Lustig KH, Amberg SM, Gowen BB. Coadministration of LHF-535 and favipiravir protects against experimental Junín virus infection and disease. Antiviral Res 2024; 229:105952. [PMID: 38945484 PMCID: PMC11323185 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Argentine hemorrhagic fever, caused by Junín virus (JUNV), is the most common of the South American arenaviral hemorrhagic fevers. The disease has a case fatality rate of 15-30% in untreated patients. Although early intervention with immune plasma is effective, diminishing stocks and limited availability outside of Argentina underscores the need for new therapeutics. Ideally, these would be broadly active agents effective against all the pathogenic arenaviruses. The fusion inhibitor LHF-535 and the nucleoside analog favipiravir have shown promise in animal models of Lassa fever, a disease endemic in parts of Africa and the most prominent of the arenaviral hemorrhagic fevers. Against JUNV, a high dose of favipiravir is required to achieve protection in the gold-standard guinea pig infection model. Here, we demonstrate a synergistic effect by the coadministration of LHF-535 with a sub-optimal dose of favipiravir in guinea pigs challenged with JUNV. Administered individually, LHF-535 and sub-optimal favipiravir only delayed the onset of severe disease. However, combined dosing of the drugs afforded complete protection against lethal JUNV infection in guinea pigs. The benefits of the drug combination were also evident by the absence of viremia and infectious virus in tissues compared to guinea pigs treated with only the placebos. Thus, combined targeting of JUNV-endosomal membrane fusion and the viral polymerase with pan-arenaviral LHF-535 and favipiravir may expand their indication beyond Lassa fever, providing a significant barrier to drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonna B Westover
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Kevin W Bailey
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Samantha R Wasson
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Kirsten M Boardman
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | | | | | - Brian B Gowen
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA.
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Nuismer SL, Basinski AJ, Schreiner CL, Eskew EA, Fichet-Calvet E, Remien CH. Quantifying the risk of spillover reduction programs for human health. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1012358. [PMID: 39146377 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Reducing spillover of zoonotic pathogens is an appealing approach to preventing human disease and minimizing the risk of future epidemics and pandemics. Although the immediate human health benefit of reducing spillover is clear, over time, spillover reduction could lead to counterintuitive negative consequences for human health. Here, we use mathematical models and computer simulations to explore the conditions under which unanticipated consequences of spillover reduction can occur in systems where the severity of disease increases with age at infection. Our results demonstrate that, because the average age at infection increases as spillover is reduced, programs that reduce spillover can actually increase population-level disease burden if the clinical severity of infection increases sufficiently rapidly with age. If, however, immunity wanes over time and reinfection is possible, our results reveal that negative health impacts of spillover reduction become substantially less likely. When our model is parameterized using published data on Lassa virus in West Africa, it predicts that negative health outcomes are possible, but likely to be restricted to a small subset of populations where spillover is unusually intense. Together, our results suggest that adverse consequences of spillover reduction programs are unlikely but that the public health gains observed immediately after spillover reduction may fade over time as the age structure of immunity gradually re-equilibrates to a reduced force of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott L Nuismer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Andrew J Basinski
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Courtney L Schreiner
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Evan A Eskew
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
| | | | - Christopher H Remien
- Department of Mathematics and Statistical Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
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Yuan Y, Fang A, Zhang M, Zhou M, Fu ZF, Zhao L. Lassa virus Z protein hijacks the autophagy machinery for efficient transportation by interrupting CCT2-mediated cytoskeleton network formation. Autophagy 2024:1-18. [PMID: 39007910 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2024.2379099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The Lassa virus (LASV) is a widely recognized virulent pathogen that frequently results in lethal viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF). Earlier research has indicated that macroautophagy/autophagy plays a role in LASV replication, but, the precise mechanism is unknown. In this present study, we show that LASV matrix protein (LASV-Z) is essential for blocking intracellular autophagic flux. LASV-Z hinders actin and tubulin folding by interacting with CCT2, a component of the chaperonin-containing T-complexes (TRiC). When the cytoskeleton is disrupted, lysosomal enzyme transit is hampered. In addition, cytoskeleton disruption inhibits the merge of autophagosomes with lysosomes, resulting in autophagosome accumulation that promotes the budding of LASV virus-like particles (VLPs). Inhibition of LASV-Z-induced autophagosome accumulation blocks the LASV VLP budding process. Furthermore, it is found that glutamine at position 29 and tyrosine at position 48 on LASV-Z are important in interacting with CCT2. When these two sites are mutated, LASV-mut interacts with CCT2 less efficiently and can no longer inhibit the autophagic flux. These findings demonstrate a novel strategy for LASV-Z to hijack the host autophagy machinery to accomplish effective transportation.Abbreviation: 3-MA: 3-methyladenine; ATG5: autophagy related 5; ATG7: autophagy related 7; Baf-A1: bafilomycin A1; CCT2: chaperonin containing TCP1 subunit 2; co-IP: co-immunoprecipitation; CTSD: cathepsin D; DAPI: 4',6-diamidino-2'-phenylindole; DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; EGFR: epidermal growth factor receptor; GFP: green fluorescent protein; hpi: hours post-infection; hpt: hours post-transfection; LAMP1: lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1; LASV: lassa virus; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3; mCherry: red fluorescent protein; PM: plasma membrane; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; STX6: syntaxin 6; VLP: virus-like particle; TEM: transmission electron microscopy; TRiC: chaperonin-containing T-complex; WB: western blotting; μm: micrometer; μM: micromole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueming Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - An Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhen F Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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Moore KA, Ostrowsky JT, Mehr AJ, Johnson RA, Ulrich AK, Moua NM, Fay PC, Hart PJ, Golding JP, Benassi V, Preziosi MP, Adetifa IM, Akpede GO, Ampofo WK, Asogun DA, Barrett ADT, Bausch DG, de Coster I, Emperador DM, Feldmann H, Fichet-Calvet E, Formenty PBH, Garry RF, Grant DS, Günther S, Gupta SB, Jaspard M, Mazzola LT, Okogbenin SA, Roth C, Schmaljohn CS, Osterholm MT. Lassa fever research priorities: towards effective medical countermeasures by the end of the decade. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024:S1473-3099(24)00229-9. [PMID: 38964363 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(24)00229-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
In 2016, WHO designated Lassa fever a priority disease for epidemic preparedness as part of the WHO Blueprint for Action to Prevent Epidemics. One aspect of preparedness is to promote development of effective medical countermeasures (ie, diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines) against Lassa fever. Diagnostic testing for Lassa fever has important limitations and key advancements are needed to ensure rapid and accurate diagnosis. Additionally, the only treatment available for Lassa fever is ribavirin, but controversy exists regarding its effectiveness. Finally, no licensed vaccines are available for the prevention and control of Lassa fever. Ongoing epidemiological and behavioural studies are also crucial in providing actionable information for medical countermeasure development, use, and effectiveness in preventing and treating Lassa fever. This Personal View provides current research priorities for development of Lassa fever medical countermeasures based on literature published primarily in the last 5 years and consensus opinion of 20 subject matter experts with broad experience in public health or the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines for Lassa fever. These priorities provide an important framework to ensure that Lassa fever medical countermeasures are developed and readily available for use in endemic and at-risk areas by the end of the decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine A Moore
- Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Julia T Ostrowsky
- Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Angela J Mehr
- Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Rebecca A Johnson
- Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Angela K Ulrich
- Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Nicolina M Moua
- Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Petra C Fay
- Infectious Disease Strategic Programme, Wellcome Trust, London, UK
| | - Peter J Hart
- Infectious Disease Strategic Programme, Wellcome Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - George O Akpede
- Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria; Institute of Viral and Emergent Pathogens Control and Research (formerly, Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control), Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Alan D T Barrett
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences and Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Daniel G Bausch
- FIND, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ilse de Coster
- Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Heinz Feldmann
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | | | | | - Robert F Garry
- Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA; Zalgen Labs, Frederick, MD, USA; Global Viral Network, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Donald S Grant
- Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone; College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Stephan Günther
- Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Swati B Gupta
- lnternational AIDS Vaccine Initiative, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marie Jaspard
- The Alliance for International Medical Action, Dakar, Senegal; Saint-Antoine Hospital, Infectious Disease Department, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France; INSERM Unit 1136 Institut Pierre Louis D'Epidémiologie et de Sante Publique, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Cathy Roth
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, London, UK
| | - Connie S Schmaljohn
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael T Osterholm
- Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Smith DRM, Turner J, Fahr P, Attfield LA, Bessell PR, Donnelly CA, Gibb R, Jones KE, Redding DW, Asogun D, Ayodeji OO, Azuogu BN, Fischer WA, Jan K, Olayinka AT, Wohl DA, Torkelson AA, Dinkel KA, Nixon EJ, Pouwels KB, Hollingsworth TD. Health and economic impacts of Lassa vaccination campaigns in West Africa. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.02.26.24303394. [PMID: 38978680 PMCID: PMC11230338 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.26.24303394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Lassa fever is a zoonotic disease identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as having pandemic potential. This study estimates the health-economic burden of Lassa fever throughout West Africa and projects impacts of a series of vaccination campaigns. We also model the emergence of "Lassa-X" - a hypothetical pandemic Lassa virus variant - and project impacts of achieving 100 Days Mission vaccination targets. Our model predicted 2.7M (95% uncertainty interval: 2.1M-3.4M) Lassa virus infections annually, resulting over ten years in 2.0M (793.8K-3.9M) disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The most effective vaccination strategy was a population-wide preventive campaign primarily targeting WHO-classified "endemic" districts. Under conservative vaccine efficacy assumptions, this campaign averted $20.1M ($8.2M-$39.0M) in lost DALY value and $128.2M ($67.2M-$231.9M) in societal costs (International dollars 2021). Reactive vaccination in response to local outbreaks averted just one-tenth the health-economic burden of preventive campaigns. In the event of Lassa-X emerging, spreading throughout West Africa and causing approximately 1.2M DALYs within two years, 100 Days Mission vaccination averted 22% of DALYs given a vaccine 70% effective against disease, and 74% of DALYs given a vaccine 70% effective against both infection and disease. These findings suggest how vaccination could alleviate Lassa fever's burden and assist in pandemic preparedness.
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Peter AS, Hoffmann DS, Klier J, Lange CM, Moeller J, Most V, Wüst CK, Beining M, Gülesen S, Junker H, Brumme B, Schiffner T, Meiler J, Schoeder CT. Strategies of rational and structure-driven vaccine design for Arenaviruses. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 123:105626. [PMID: 38908736 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak has highlighted the importance of pandemic preparedness for the prevention of future health crises. One virus family with high pandemic potential are Arenaviruses, which have been detected almost worldwide, particularly in Africa and the Americas. These viruses are highly understudied and many questions regarding their structure, replication and tropism remain unanswered, making the design of an efficacious and molecularly-defined vaccine challenging. We propose that structure-driven computational vaccine design will contribute to overcome these challenges. Computational methods for stabilization of viral glycoproteins or epitope focusing have made progress during the last decades and particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and have proven useful for rational vaccine design and the establishment of novel diagnostic tools. In this review, we summarize gaps in our understanding of Arenavirus molecular biology, highlight challenges in vaccine design and discuss how structure-driven and computationally informed strategies will aid in overcoming these obstacles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Sophia Peter
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dieter S Hoffmann
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Johannes Klier
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christina M Lange
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Johanna Moeller
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig, Germany; Center for Scalable Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence ScaDS.AI, Dresden/Leipzig, Germany
| | - Victoria Most
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christina K Wüst
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig, Germany; Molecular Medicine Studies, Faculty for Biology and Preclinical Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Max Beining
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig, Germany; SECAI, School of Embedded Composite Artificial Intelligence, Dresden/Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sevilay Gülesen
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hannes Junker
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Birke Brumme
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Torben Schiffner
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig, Germany; The Scripps Research Institute, Department for Immunology and Microbiology, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Jens Meiler
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig, Germany; Center for Scalable Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence ScaDS.AI, Dresden/Leipzig, Germany; Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States; Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Clara T Schoeder
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig, Germany; Center for Scalable Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence ScaDS.AI, Dresden/Leipzig, Germany.
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8
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Munyeku-Bazitama Y, Okitale-Talunda P, Hattori T, Saito T, Lombe BP, Miyamoto H, Mori-Kajihara A, Kajihara M, Nkoy AB, Twabela AT, Masumu J, Ahuka-Mundeke S, Muyembe-Tamfum JJ, Igarashi M, Park ES, Morikawa S, Makiala-Mandanda S, Takada A. Seroprevalence of Bas-Congo virus in Mangala, Democratic Republic of the Congo: a population-based cross-sectional study. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2024; 5:e529-e537. [PMID: 38555924 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(24)00021-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bas-Congo virus (BASV), an emerging tibrovirus, was associated with an outbreak of acute haemorrhagic fever in Mangala, Democratic Republic of the Congo, in 2009. In 2012, neutralising antibodies to BASV were detected in the lone survivor and one of his close contacts. However, subsequent serological and molecular surveys were unsuccessful as neither BASV antibodies nor its RNA were detected. In this study, we determined the seroprevalence of BASV infection in Mangala 13 years after the initial outbreak. METHODS We conducted a population-based serological survey from Jan 17 to Jan 23, 2022. Consenting individuals at least 5 years of age, living in Mangala for at least 4 weeks, and who had no contraindication to venepuncture were enrolled. Participants were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. We supplemented the collected serum samples with 284 archived samples from Matadi and Kinshasa. All samples were tested for antibodies to BASV and other tibroviruses using a pseudovirus-based neutralisation test. FINDINGS Among the 267 individuals from Mangala, the prevalence of BASV antibodies was 55% (95% CI 49-61; n=147). BASV seropositivity odds significantly increased with age (5·2 [95% CI 2·1-12·9] to 83·9 [20·8-337·7] times higher in participants aged 20 years or older than participants aged 5-19 years). Some occupational categories (eg, farmer or public servant) were associated with seropositivity. Only nine (6%) of 160 samples from Matadi and one (<1%) of 124 samples from Kinshasa had neutralising antibodies to BASV. Moreover, we also detected neutralising antibodies to other tibroviruses-Ekpoma virus 1, Ekpoma virus 2, and Mundri virus-in 84 (31%), 251 (94%), and 219 (82%) of 267 Mangala samples; 14 (9%), 62 (39%), and 120 (75%) of 160 Matadi samples; and six (5%), five (4%), and 33 (27%) of 124 Kinshasa samples, respectively. INTERPRETATION Human infection with BASV and other tibroviruses seems common in Mangala, although no deadly outbreak has been reported since 2009. Exposure to BASV might be highly restricted to Mangala and the increasing prevalence of neutralising antibodies with age suggests regular contact with the virus in this city. Altogether, our findings suggest that human infection with tibroviruses could be common in the study areas and not associated with deadly haemorrhagic or debilitating syndromes. FUNDING Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) and Japan Program for Infectious Diseases Research and Infrastructure from AMED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Munyeku-Bazitama
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan; Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Département de Biologie Médicale, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Patient Okitale-Talunda
- Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Département de Biologie Médicale, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Takanari Hattori
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Saito
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan; Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Boniface Pongombo Lombe
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan; Central Veterinary Laboratory of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université Pédagogique Nationale, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Hiroko Miyamoto
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Akina Mori-Kajihara
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kajihara
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Agathe Bikupe Nkoy
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Augustin Tshibwabwa Twabela
- Central Veterinary Laboratory of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université Pédagogique Nationale, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Justin Masumu
- Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Central Veterinary Laboratory of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université Pédagogique Nationale, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Steve Ahuka-Mundeke
- Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Département de Biologie Médicale, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum
- Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Département de Biologie Médicale, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Manabu Igarashi
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan; International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Eun-Sil Park
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeru Morikawa
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Imabari, Japan
| | - Sheila Makiala-Mandanda
- Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Département de Biologie Médicale, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Ayato Takada
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan; International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan; One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan; Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.
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9
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Taniguchi S, Saito T, Paroha R, Huang C, Paessler S, Maruyama J. Unraveling factors responsible for pathogenic differences in Lassa virus strains. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.21.595091. [PMID: 38826374 PMCID: PMC11142057 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.21.595091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is the etiological agent of Lassa fever (LF), a severe hemorrhagic disease with potential for lethal outcomes. Apart from acute symptoms, LF survivors often endure long-term complications, notably hearing loss, which significantly impacts their quality of life and socioeconomic status in endemic regions of West Africa. Classified as a Risk Group 4 agent, LASV poses a substantial public health threat in affected areas. Our laboratory previously developed a novel lethal guinea pig model of LF utilizing the clinical isolate LASV strain LF2384. However, the specific pathogenic factors underlying LF2384 infection in guinea pigs remained elusive. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the differences in the immunological response induced by LF2384 and LF2350, another LASV isolate from a non-lethal LF case within the same outbreak. Through comprehensive immunological gene profiling, we compared the expression kinetics of key genes in guinea pigs infected with LASV LF2384 and LF2350. Our analysis revealed differential expression patterns for several immunological genes, including CD94, CD19-2, CD23, IL-7, and CIITA, during LF2384 and LF2350 infection. Moreover, through the generation of recombinant LASVs, we sought to identify the specific viral genes responsible for the observed pathogenic differences between LF2384 and LF2350. Our investigations pinpointed the L protein as a crucial determinant of pathogenicity in guinea pigs infected with LASV LF2384.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Taniguchi
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Virology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Saito
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Ruchi Paroha
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Cheng Huang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Junki Maruyama
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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10
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He CQ, Kong C, He M, Chen GX, Liu SM, Ding NZ. Intrasegmental recombination as an evolutionary force of Lassa fever virus. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1411537. [PMID: 38832113 PMCID: PMC11144899 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1411537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF), caused by Lassa virus (LASV), is one of the most dangerous diseases to public health. Homologous recombination (HR) is a basic genetic power driving biological evolution. However, as a negative-stranded RNA virus, it is unknown whether HR occurs between LASVs and its influence on the outbreak of LF. In this study, after analyzing 575 S and 433 L segments of LASV collected in Africa, we found that LASV can achieve HR in both of its segments. Interestingly, although the length of S segment is less than half of the L segment, the proportion of LASVs with S recombinants is significantly higher than that with L recombinants. These results suggest that HR may be a feature of LASV, which can be set by natural selection to produce beneficial or eliminate harmful mutations for the virus, so it plays a role in LASV evolution during the outbreak of LF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Qiang He
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | | | | | | | | | - Nai-Zheng Ding
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
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11
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Hosnedlova B, Werle J, Cepova J, Narayanan VHB, Vyslouzilova L, Fernandez C, Parikesit AA, Kepinska M, Klapkova E, Kotaska K, Stepankova O, Bjorklund G, Prusa R, Kizek R. Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors for Identification of Viruses: A Critical Review. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2024:1-30. [PMID: 38753964 DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2024.2343853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Due to their life cycle, viruses can disrupt the metabolism of their hosts, causing diseases. If we want to disrupt their life cycle, it is necessary to identify their presence. For this purpose, it is possible to use several molecular-biological and bioanalytical methods. The reference selection was performed based on electronic databases (2020-2023). This review focused on electrochemical methods with high sensitivity and selectivity (53% voltammetry/amperometry, 33% impedance, and 12% other methods) which showed their great potential for detecting various viruses. Moreover, the aforementioned electrochemical methods have considerable potential to be applicable for care-point use as they are portable due to their miniaturizability and fast speed analysis (minutes to hours), and are relatively easy to interpret. A total of 2011 articles were found, of which 86 original papers were subsequently evaluated (the majority of which are focused on human pathogens, whereas articles dealing with plant pathogens are in the minority). Thirty-two species of viruses were included in the evaluation. It was found that most of the examined research studies (77%) used nanotechnological modifications. Other ones performed immunological (52%) or genetic analyses (43%) for virus detection. 5% of the reports used peptides to increase the method's sensitivity. When evaluable, 65% of the research studies had LOD values in the order of ng or nM. The vast majority (79%) of the studies represent proof of concept and possibilities with low application potential and a high need of further research experimental work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bozena Hosnedlova
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Julia Werle
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Cepova
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vedha Hari B Narayanan
- Pharmaceutical Technology Lab, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Lenka Vyslouzilova
- Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics, Department of Biomedical Engineering & Assistive Technologies, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Carlos Fernandez
- School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Arli Aditya Parikesit
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Indonesia International Institute for Life Sciences, Jakarta, Timur, Indonesia
| | - Marta Kepinska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Eva Klapkova
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Kotaska
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Olga Stepankova
- Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics, Department of Biomedical Engineering & Assistive Technologies, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Geir Bjorklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM), Mo i Rana, Norway
| | - Richard Prusa
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Rene Kizek
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
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12
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Kamara ABS, Fatoma P, Moseray A. The Perspectives of Healthcare Professionals on the Strategies, Challenges, and Community Responses to Health System Response and Interventions Towards Lassa Fever Infections and Mortality in Sierra Leone. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2024; 17:1127-1149. [PMID: 38737418 PMCID: PMC11088388 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s455254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Lassa fever is a critical public health issue in Sierra Leone that demands appropriate health system responses and interventions to mitigate infections and reduce mortality. Methods A qualitative study was conducted to delve into healthcare workers' experiences with Lassa fever management and interventions across diverse healthcare settings in Sierra Leone, including the Eastern Province and Freetown's Directorate of Health Security and Emergency (DHSE). Engaging ten key informants through purposive sampling, the study employed NVivo version 10 for a detailed thematic analysis using Query and Coding to systematically identify, classify, and organize key themes regarding knowledge, diagnostics, management roles, and community impact. Results The findings indicate a well-informed healthcare workforce but highlight gaps in early detection, diagnostic accuracy, and procedural standardization. Concerns were raised about the potential overestimation of disease incidence due to improved diagnostics, suggesting a historical under-detection of Lassa fever. The analysis underscores the need for a multifaceted management approach, emphasizing international collaboration and culturally sensitive community engagement to effectively tackle the disease. A significant concern identified is the high mortality rate resulting from delayed referrals and communication challenges within the health system, leading to actionable recommendations for enhancing Lassa fever response strategies. The study's thematic analysis provides a nuanced understanding of the challenges and areas for improvement, emphasizing the critical role of healthcare professionals in combating Lassa fever. Conclusion Combating Lassa fever in Sierra Leone demands an integrative strategy that extends beyond medical interventions to encompass educational and infrastructural enhancements. This research pays homage to the commitment of healthcare professionals, underscoring the importance of sustained support and recognition of their essential contributions to advancing Lassa fever management and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu-Bakarr Steven Kamara
- Department of Public Health, School of Community Health Sciences, Njala University Bo Campus, Bo City, Sierra Leone
| | - Patrick Fatoma
- Department of Public Health, School of Community Health Sciences, Njala University Bo Campus, Bo City, Sierra Leone
| | - Andrew Moseray
- Department of Public Health, School of Community Health Sciences, Njala University Bo Campus, Bo City, Sierra Leone
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13
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Nuñez IA, Crane A, Crozier I, Worwa G, Kuhn JH. Treatment of highly virulent mammarenavirus infections-status quo and future directions. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:537-551. [PMID: 38606475 PMCID: PMC11069405 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2340494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mammarenaviruses are negative-sense bisegmented enveloped RNA viruses that are endemic in Africa, the Americas, and Europe. Several are highly virulent, causing acute human diseases associated with high case fatality rates, and are considered to be significant with respect to public health impact or bioterrorism threat. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the status quo of treatment development, starting with drugs that are in advanced stages of evaluation in early clinical trials, followed by promising candidate medical countermeasures emerging from bench analyses and investigational animal research. EXPERT OPINION Specific therapeutic treatments for diseases caused by mammarenaviruses remain limited to the off-label use of ribavirin and transfusion of convalescent sera. Progress in identifying novel candidate medical countermeasures against mammarenavirus infection has been slow in part because of the biosafety and biosecurity requirements. However, novel methodologies and tools have enabled increasingly efficient high-throughput molecular screens of regulatory-agency-approved small-molecule drugs and led to the identification of several compounds that could be repurposed for the treatment of infection with several mammarenaviruses. Unfortunately, most of them have not yet been evaluated in vivo. The most promising treatment under development is a monoclonal antibody cocktail that is protective against multiple lineages of the Lassa virus in nonhuman primate disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivette A. Nuñez
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of
Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National
Institutes of Health, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD21702, USA
| | - Anya Crane
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of
Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National
Institutes of Health, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD21702, USA
| | - Ian Crozier
- Clinical Monitoring Research Program Directorate, Frederick
National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Gabriella Worwa
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of
Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National
Institutes of Health, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD21702, USA
| | - Jens H. Kuhn
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of
Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National
Institutes of Health, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD21702, USA
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14
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Johnson DM, Khakhum N, Wang M, Warner NL, Jokinen JD, Comer JE, Lukashevich IS. Pathogenic and Apathogenic Strains of Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Have Distinct Entry and Innate Immune Activation Pathways. Viruses 2024; 16:635. [PMID: 38675975 PMCID: PMC11053560 DOI: 10.3390/v16040635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) and Lassa virus (LASV) share many genetic and biological features including subtle differences between pathogenic and apathogenic strains. Despite remarkable genetic similarity, the viscerotropic WE strain of LCMV causes a fatal LASV fever-like hepatitis in non-human primates (NHPs) while the mouse-adapted Armstrong (ARM) strain of LCMV is deeply attenuated in NHPs and can vaccinate against LCMV-WE challenge. Here, we demonstrate that internalization of WE is more sensitive to the depletion of membrane cholesterol than ARM infection while ARM infection is more reliant on endosomal acidification. LCMV-ARM induces robust NF-κB and interferon response factor (IRF) activation while LCMV-WE seems to avoid early innate sensing and failed to induce strong NF-κB and IRF responses in dual-reporter monocyte and epithelial cells. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) signaling appears to play a critical role in NF-κB activation and the silencing of TLR-2 shuts down IL-6 production in ARM but not in WE-infected cells. Pathogenic LCMV-WE infection is poorly recognized in early endosomes and failed to induce TLR-2/Mal-dependent pro-inflammatory cytokines. Following infection, Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK-1) expression is diminished in LCMV-ARM- but not LCMV-WE-infected cells, which indicates it is likely involved in the LCMV-ARM NF-κB activation. By confocal microscopy, ARM and WE strains have similar intracellular trafficking although LCMV-ARM infection appears to coincide with greater co-localization of early endosome marker EEA1 with TLR-2. Both strains co-localize with Rab-7, a late endosome marker, but the interaction with LCMV-WE seems to be more prolonged. These findings suggest that LCMV-ARM's intracellular trafficking pathway may facilitate interaction with innate immune sensors, which promotes the induction of effective innate and adaptive immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan M. Johnson
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Louisville, KY 94202, USA (I.S.L.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 94202, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA; (N.K.); (J.E.C.)
- Sandia National Laboratories, Department of Biotechnology & Bioengineering, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - Nittaya Khakhum
- Galveston National Laboratory, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA; (N.K.); (J.E.C.)
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 94202, USA;
| | - Nikole L. Warner
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Louisville, KY 94202, USA (I.S.L.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 94202, USA
| | - Jenny D. Jokinen
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Louisville, KY 94202, USA (I.S.L.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 94202, USA;
| | - Jason E. Comer
- Galveston National Laboratory, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA; (N.K.); (J.E.C.)
| | - Igor S. Lukashevich
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Louisville, KY 94202, USA (I.S.L.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 94202, USA;
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15
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Iyer K, Yan Z, Ross SR. Entry inhibitors as arenavirus antivirals. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1382953. [PMID: 38650890 PMCID: PMC11033450 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1382953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Arenaviruses belonging to the Arenaviridae family, genus mammarenavirus, are enveloped, single-stranded RNA viruses primarily found in rodent species, that cause severe hemorrhagic fever in humans. With high mortality rates and limited treatment options, the search for effective antivirals is imperative. Current treatments, notably ribavirin and other nucleoside inhibitors, are only partially effective and have significant side effects. The high lethality and lack of treatment, coupled with the absence of vaccines for all but Junín virus, has led to the classification of these viruses as Category A pathogens by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This review focuses on entry inhibitors as potential therapeutics against mammarenaviruses, which include both New World and Old World arenaviruses. Various entry inhibition strategies, including small molecule inhibitors and neutralizing antibodies, have been explored through high throughput screening, genome-wide studies, and drug repurposing. Notable progress has been made in identifying molecules that target receptor binding, internalization, or fusion steps. Despite promising preclinical results, the translation of entry inhibitors to approved human therapeutics has faced challenges. Many have only been tested in in vitro or animal models, and a number of candidates showed efficacy only against specific arenaviruses, limiting their broader applicability. The widespread existence of arenaviruses in various rodent species and their potential for their zoonotic transmission also underscores the need for rapid development and deployment of successful pan-arenavirus therapeutics. The diverse pool of candidate molecules in the pipeline provides hope for the eventual discovery of a broadly effective arenavirus antiviral.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Susan R. Ross
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois, College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
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16
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Kaboré L, Pecenka C, Hausdorff WP. Lassa fever vaccine use cases and demand: Perspectives from select West African experts. Vaccine 2024; 42:1873-1877. [PMID: 38369392 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.02.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is a zoonotic viral hemorrhagic disease endemic to several West African countries. Approximately 300-500,000 cases occur annually across all ages with 10-20% case fatality rates. A LF vaccine is a recognized public health priority, with several candidates entering clinical trials. However, the perspectives of regional experts regarding critical vaccine properties, ideal delivery methods, and priority target populations remain unclear. Using a mixed methods approach with a standardized questionnaire, we individually interviewed 8 West African stakeholders, each with extensive knowledge and experience of LF. They strongly favored the use of a mass, proactive campaign strategy to immunize a wide age range of people in high-risk areas, including pregnant women and health care workers. We estimated that these and other plausible delivery scenarios could result in an initial demand of anywhere from 1 to 100 million doses, with most demand coming from Nigeria. These findings may help inform LF vaccine development and deployment efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lassané Kaboré
- PATH, Fann Résidence Rue Saint John Perse x F, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Clint Pecenka
- PATH, 2201 Westlake Avenue, Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
| | - William P Hausdorff
- PATH, 455 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC 20001, USA; Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
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17
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Cross RW, Fenton KA, Woolsey C, Prasad AN, Borisevich V, Agans KN, Deer DJ, Dobias NS, Fears AC, Heinrich ML, Geisbert JB, Garry RF, Branco LM, Geisbert TW. Monoclonal antibody therapy protects nonhuman primates against mucosal exposure to Lassa virus. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101392. [PMID: 38280377 PMCID: PMC10897540 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is an acute viral illness that causes thousands of deaths annually in West Africa. There are currently no Lassa virus (LASV) vaccines or antivirals approved for human use. Recently, we showed that combinations of broadly neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies (BNhuMAbs) known as Arevirumab-2 or Arevirumab-3 protected up to 100% of cynomolgus macaques against challenge with diverse lineages of LASV when treatment was initiated at advanced stages of disease. This previous work assessed efficacy against parenteral exposure. However, transmission of LASV to humans occurs primarily by mucosal exposure to virus shed from Mastomys rodents. Here, we describe the development of a lethal intranasal exposure macaque model of LF. This model is employed to show that Arevirumab cocktails rescue 100% of macaques from lethal LASV infection when treatment is initiated 8 days after LASV exposure. Our work demonstrates BNhuMAbs have utility in treating LASV infection acquired through mucosal exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Cross
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Karla A Fenton
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Courtney Woolsey
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Abhishek N Prasad
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Viktoriya Borisevich
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Krystle N Agans
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Daniel J Deer
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Natalie S Dobias
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Alyssa C Fears
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | - Joan B Geisbert
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Robert F Garry
- Zalgen Labs, LLC, Frederick, MD, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Thomas W Geisbert
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
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18
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Bohler F, Cashman K, Wilkinson E, Johnson JC, Rosenke K, Shamblin J, Hensley L, Honko A, Shaia C. An atlas of gross and histologic lesions and immunohistochemical immunoreactivity during the temporal progression of aerosolized Lassa virus induced hemorrhagic fever in cynomolgus macaques. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1341891. [PMID: 38404292 PMCID: PMC10884106 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1341891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) causes an acute multisystemic hemorrhagic fever in humans known as Lassa fever, which is endemic in several African countries. This manuscript focuses on the progression of disease in cynomolgus macaques challenged with aerosolized LASV and serially sampled for the development and progression of gross and histopathologic lesions. Gross lesions were first noted in tissues on day 6 and persisted throughout day 12. Viremia and histologic lesions were first noted on day 6 commencing with the pulmonary system and hemolymphatic system and progressing at later time points to include all systems. Immunoreactivity to LASV antigen was first observed in the lungs of one macaque on day 3 and appeared localized to macrophages with an increase at later time points to include immunoreactivity in all organ systems. Additionally, this manuscript will serve as a detailed atlas of histopathologic lesions and disease progression for comparison to other animal models of aerosolized Arenaviral disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forrest Bohler
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Hamilton, MT, United States
| | - Kathleen Cashman
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Eric Wilkinson
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Joshua C. Johnson
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Kyle Rosenke
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Hamilton, MT, United States
| | - Josh Shamblin
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Lisa Hensley
- Zoonotic and Emerging Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Anna Honko
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Carl Shaia
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Hamilton, MT, United States
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19
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Viral agents (2nd section). Transfusion 2024; 64 Suppl 1:S19-S207. [PMID: 38394038 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
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20
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Mir S, Mir M. The mRNA vaccine, a swift warhead against a moving infectious disease target. Expert Rev Vaccines 2024; 23:336-348. [PMID: 38369742 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2024.2320327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The rapid development of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 has revolutionized vaccinology, offering hope for swift responses to emerging infectious diseases. Initially met with skepticism, mRNA vaccines have proven effective and safe, reducing vaccine hesitancy amid the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that the time required to modify mRNA vaccines to counter new mutant strains is significantly shorter than the time it takes for pathogens to mutate and generate new variants that can thrive in vaccinated populations. This highlights the notion that mRNA vaccine technology appears to be outpacing viruses in the ongoing evolutionary race. AREAS COVERED This review article offers valuable insights into several crucial aspects of mRNA vaccine development and deployment, including the fundamentals of mRNA vaccine design and synthesis, the utilization of delivery systems, considerations regarding vaccine safety, the longevity of the immune response, strategies for modifying the original mRNA vaccine to address emerging mutant strains, as well as addressing vaccine hesitancy and potential approaches to mitigate reluctance. EXPERT OPINION Challenges such as stability, storage, manufacturing complexities, production capacity, allergic reactions, long-term effects, accessibility, and misinformation must be addressed. Despite these hurdles, mRNA vaccine technology holds promise for revolutionizing future vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheema Mir
- College of Veterinary Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Mohammad Mir
- College of Veterinary Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
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21
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Foo CX, Fessler MB, Ronacher K. Oxysterols in Infectious Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1440:125-147. [PMID: 38036878 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-43883-7_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Oxysterols have emerged as important bioactive lipids in the immune response to infectious diseases. This chapter discusses our current knowledge of oxysterols and their receptors in bacterial and viral infections of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Oxysterols are produced in response to infections and have multiple roles including chemotaxis of immune cells to the site of infection and regulation of inflammation. Some oxysterols have been shown to possess antiviral or antibacterial activity.Lastly, we delve into the emerging mechanisms of action of oxysterols. Oxysterols can enhance host cell resistance via reduction of membrane accessible cholesterol, modulate membrane immune signalling, and impact inflammasome activation and efferocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng X Foo
- Mater Research Institute - The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Michael B Fessler
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Katharina Ronacher
- Mater Research Institute - The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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22
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Brouwer PJ, Perrett HR, Beaumont T, Nijhuis H, Kruijer S, Burger JA, Lee WH, Müller-Kraüter H, Sanders RW, Strecker T, van Gils MJ, Ward AB. Defining bottlenecks and opportunities for Lassa virus neutralization by structural profiling of vaccine-induced polyclonal antibody responses. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.21.572918. [PMID: 38187682 PMCID: PMC10769344 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.21.572918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Lassa fever continues to be a major public health burden in endemic countries in West Africa, yet effective therapies or vaccines are lacking. The isolation of potent and protective neutralizing antibodies against the Lassa virus glycoprotein complex (GPC) justifies the development of vaccines that can elicit strong neutralizing antibody responses. However, Lassa vaccines candidates have generally been unsuccessful in doing so and the associated antibody responses to these vaccines remain poorly characterized. Here, we establish an electron-microscopy based epitope mapping pipeline that enables high-resolution structural characterization of polyclonal antibodies to GPC. By applying this method to rabbits vaccinated with a recombinant GPC vaccine and a GPC-derived virus-like particle, we reveal determinants of neutralization which involve epitopes of the GPC-C, GPC-A, and GP1-A competition clusters. Furthermore, by identifying previously undescribed immunogenic off-target epitopes, we expose challenges that recombinant GPC vaccines face. By enabling detailed polyclonal antibody characterization, our work ushers in a next generation of more rational Lassa vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J.M. Brouwer
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Hailee R. Perrett
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Tim Beaumont
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Haye Nijhuis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Sabine Kruijer
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Judith A. Burger
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Wen-Hsin Lee
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | | | - Rogier W. Sanders
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Thomas Strecker
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Marit J. van Gils
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Andrew B. Ward
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Lead contact
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Jiang XM, Xin QL, Liu K, Peng XF, Han S, Zhang LY, Liu W, Xiao GF, Li H, Zhang LK. Regulation of the WNT-CTNNB1 signaling pathway by severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus in a cap-snatching manner. mBio 2023; 14:e0168823. [PMID: 37882780 PMCID: PMC10746258 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01688-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE One of the conserved mechanisms at the stage of genome transcription of segmented negative-strand RNA viruses (sNSVs) is the cap-snatching process, which is vital for sNSVs transcription and provides drugable targets for the development of antivirals. However, the specificity of RNAs snatched by sNSV is still unclear. By transcriptomics analysis of whole blood samples from SFTS patients, we found WNT-CTNNB1 signaling pathway was regulated according to the course of the disease. We then demonstrated that L protein of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) could interact with mRNAs of WNT-CTNNB1 signaling pathway-related gene, thus affecting WNT-CTNNB1 signaling pathway through its cap-snatching activity. Activation of WNT-CTNNB1 signaling pathway enhanced SFTSV replication, while inhibition of this pathway decreased SFTSV replication in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest that WNT-associated genes may be the substrate for SFTSV "cap-snatching", and indicate a conserved sNSVs replication mechanism involving WNT-CTNNB1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia-Ming Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi-Lin Xin
- University of Lyon, INRAE, EPHE, IVPC, Lyon, France
| | - Kai Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Fang Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Han
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Ling-Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Geng-Fu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Lei-Ke Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan, China
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24
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Arruda LB, Free HB, Simons D, Ansumana R, Elton L, Haider N, Honeyborne I, Asogun D, McHugh TD, Ntoumi F, Zumla A, Kock R. Current sampling and sequencing biases of Lassa mammarenavirus limit inference from phylogeography and molecular epidemiology in Lassa fever endemic regions. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002159. [PMID: 37939051 PMCID: PMC10631635 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is a potentially lethal viral haemorrhagic infection of humans caused by Lassa mammarenavirus (LASV). It is an important endemic zoonotic disease in West Africa with growing evidence for increasing frequency and sizes of outbreaks. Phylogeographic and molecular epidemiology methods have projected expansion of the Lassa fever endemic zone in the context of future global change. The Natal multimammate mouse (Mastomys natalensis) is the predominant LASV reservoir, with few studies investigating the role of other animal species. To explore host sequencing biases, all LASV nucleotide sequences and associated metadata available on GenBank (n = 2,298) were retrieved. Most data originated from Nigeria (54%), Guinea (20%) and Sierra Leone (14%). Data from non-human hosts (n = 703) were limited and only 69 sequences encompassed complete genes. We found a strong positive correlation between the number of confirmed human cases and sequences at the country level (r = 0.93 (95% Confidence Interval = 0.71-0.98), p < 0.001) but no correlation exists between confirmed cases and the number of available rodent sequences (r = -0.019 (95% C.I. -0.71-0.69), p = 0.96). Spatial modelling of sequencing effort highlighted current biases in locations of available sequences, with increased sequencing effort observed in Southern Guinea and Southern Nigeria. Phylogenetic analyses showed geographic clustering of LASV lineages, suggestive of isolated events of human-to-rodent transmission and the emergence of currently circulating strains of LASV from the year 1498 in Nigeria. Overall, the current study highlights significant geographic limitations in LASV surveillance, particularly, in non-human hosts. Further investigation of the non-human reservoir of LASV, alongside expanded surveillance, are required for precise characterisation of the emergence and dispersal of LASV. Accurate surveillance of LASV circulation in non-human hosts is vital to guide early detection and initiation of public health interventions for future Lassa fever outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liã Bárbara Arruda
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Centre for Clinical Microbiology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hayley Beth Free
- The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - David Simons
- The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Rashid Ansumana
- School of Community Health Sciences, Njala University, Bo, Sierra Leone
| | - Linzy Elton
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Centre for Clinical Microbiology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Najmul Haider
- The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Isobella Honeyborne
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Centre for Clinical Microbiology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Danny Asogun
- Ekpoma and Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Ambrose Alli University, Irrua, Nigeria
| | - Timothy D. McHugh
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Centre for Clinical Microbiology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francine Ntoumi
- Fondation Congolaise Pour la Recherche Médicale (FCRM), Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
- Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Centre for Clinical Microbiology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Kock
- The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, United Kingdom
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25
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Shaffer M, Fischer RJ, Gallogly S, Ginn O, Munster V, Bibby K. Environmental Persistence and Disinfection of Lassa Virus. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:2285-2291. [PMID: 37877545 PMCID: PMC10617325 DOI: 10.3201/eid2911.230678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever, caused by Lassa virus (LASV), is endemic to West Africa, where ≈300,000 illnesses and ≈5,000 deaths occur annually. LASV is primarily spread by infected multimammate rats via urine and fomites, highlighting the need to understand the environmental fate of LASV. We evaluated persistence of LASV Josiah and Sauerwald strains on surfaces, in aqueous solutions, and with sodium hypochlorite disinfection. Tested strains were more stable in deionized water (first-order rate constant [k] for Josiah, 0.23 days; for Sauerwald, k = 0.34 days) than primary influent wastewater (Josiah, k = 1.3 days; Sauerwald, k = 1.9 days). Both strains had similar decay rates on high-density polyethylene (Josiah, k = 4.3 days; Sauerwald, k = 2.3 days) and stainless steel (Josiah, k = 5.3 days; Sauerwald, k = 2.7 days). Sodium hypochlorite was highly effective at inactivating both strains. Our findings can inform future risk assessment and management efforts for Lassa fever.
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26
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Mateo M, Baize S. [Recent advances in the development of vaccines against hemorrhagic fevers caused by arenaviruses]. Med Sci (Paris) 2023; 39:855-861. [PMID: 38018929 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2023162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Arenaviruses are a global threat, causing thousands of deaths each year in several countries around the world. Despite strong efforts in the development of vaccine candidates, vaccines against Lassa fever or Bolivian and Venezuelan hemorrhagic fevers are yet to be licensed for a use in humans. In this synthesis, we present the arenaviruses causing fatal diseases in humans and the main vaccine candidates that have been developed over the past decades with an emphasis on the measles-Lassa vaccine, the first Lassa vaccine ever tested in humans, and on the MOPEVAC platform that can potentially be used as a pan-arenavirus vaccine platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Mateo
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Unité de biologie des infections virales émergentes, Paris, France - Centre international de recherche en infectiologie (CIRI), université de Lyon, Inserm U1111, école normale supérieure de Lyon, université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, 69-007, Lyon, France
| | - Sylvain Baize
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Unité de biologie des infections virales émergentes, Paris, France - Centre international de recherche en infectiologie (CIRI), université de Lyon, Inserm U1111, école normale supérieure de Lyon, université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, 69-007, Lyon, France
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27
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Batte A, Shahrin L, Claure-Del Granado R, Luyckx VA, Conroy AL. Infections and Acute Kidney Injury: A Global Perspective. Semin Nephrol 2023; 43:151466. [PMID: 38158245 DOI: 10.1016/j.semnephrol.2023.151466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Globally, there are an estimated 13.3 million cases of acute kidney injury (AKI) annually. Although infections are a common cause of AKI globally, most infection-associated AKI occurs in low- and lower-middle-income countries. There are marked differences in the etiology of infection-associated AKI across age groups, populations at risk, and geographic location. This article provides a global overview of different infections that are associated commonly with AKI, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), human immunodeficiency virus, malaria, dengue, leptospirosis, tick-borne illnesses, and viral hemorrhagic fevers. Further discussion focuses on infectious conditions associated with AKI including sepsis, diarrheal diseases and pregnancy, peripartum and neonatal AKI. This article also discusses the future of infection-associated AKI in the framework of climate change. It explores how increased investment in achieving the sustainable development goals may contribute to the International Society of Nephrology's 0 by 25 objective to curtail avoidable AKI-related fatalities by 2025.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Batte
- Child Health and Development Centre, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Global Health Uganda, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Lubaba Shahrin
- Clinical and Diagnostic Services, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rolando Claure-Del Granado
- Division of Nephrology, Hospital Obrero No 2, Caja Nacional de Salud, Cochabamba, Bolivia; Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas e Investigación Social (IIBISMED), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Mayor de San Simon, Cochabamba, Bolivia
| | - Valerie A Luyckx
- Department of Public and Global Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Renal Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrea L Conroy
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN; Center for Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
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28
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Pereira PDC, Diniz DG, da Costa ER, Magalhães NGDM, da Silva ADJF, Leite JGS, Almeida NIP, Cunha KDN, de Melo MAD, Vasconcelos PFDC, Diniz JAP, Brites D, Anthony DC, Diniz CWP, Guerreiro-Diniz C. Genes, inflammatory response, tolerance, and resistance to virus infections in migratory birds, bats, and rodents. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1239572. [PMID: 37711609 PMCID: PMC10497949 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1239572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Normally, the host immunological response to viral infection is coordinated to restore homeostasis and protect the individual from possible tissue damage. The two major approaches are adopted by the host to deal with the pathogen: resistance or tolerance. The nature of the responses often differs between species and between individuals of the same species. Resistance includes innate and adaptive immune responses to control virus replication. Disease tolerance relies on the immune response allowing the coexistence of infections in the host with minimal or no clinical signs, while maintaining sufficient viral replication for transmission. Here, we compared the virome of bats, rodents and migratory birds and the molecular mechanisms underlying symptomatic and asymptomatic disease progression. We also explore the influence of the host physiology and environmental influences on RNA virus expression and how it impacts on the whole brain transcriptome of seemingly healthy semipalmated sandpiper (Calidris pusilla) and spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularius). Three time points throughout the year were selected to understand the importance of longitudinal surveys in the characterization of the virome. We finally revisited evidence that upstream and downstream regulation of the inflammatory response is, respectively, associated with resistance and tolerance to viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Douglas Corrêa Pereira
- Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Instituto Federal de Educação, Bragança, Pará, Brazil
| | - Daniel Guerreiro Diniz
- Seção de Hepatologia, Laboratório de Microscopia Eletrônica, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Belém, Pará, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Emanuel Ramos da Costa
- Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Instituto Federal de Educação, Bragança, Pará, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Nara Gyzely de Morais Magalhães
- Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Instituto Federal de Educação, Bragança, Pará, Brazil
| | - Anderson de Jesus Falcão da Silva
- Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Instituto Federal de Educação, Bragança, Pará, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Gizele Sousa Leite
- Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Instituto Federal de Educação, Bragança, Pará, Brazil
| | - Natan Ibraim Pires Almeida
- Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Instituto Federal de Educação, Bragança, Pará, Brazil
| | - Kelle de Nazaré Cunha
- Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Instituto Federal de Educação, Bragança, Pará, Brazil
| | - Mauro André Damasceno de Melo
- Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Instituto Federal de Educação, Bragança, Pará, Brazil
| | - Pedro Fernando da Costa Vasconcelos
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
- Seção de Arbovirologia e Febres Hemorrágicas, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
| | - José Antonio Picanço Diniz
- Seção de Hepatologia, Laboratório de Microscopia Eletrônica, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Dora Brites
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Daniel Clive Anthony
- Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Experimental Neuropathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Cristovam Wanderley Picanço Diniz
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Cristovam Guerreiro-Diniz
- Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Instituto Federal de Educação, Bragança, Pará, Brazil
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29
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Avumegah MS, Mattiuzzo G, Särnefält A, Page M, Makar K, Lathey J, Kim J, Yimer SA, Craig D, Knezevic I, Bernasconi V, Kristiansen PA, Kromann I. Availability and use of Standards in vaccine development. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:95. [PMID: 37391580 PMCID: PMC10313826 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00692-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Reference materials are critical in assay development for calibrating and assessing their suitability. The devasting nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent proliferation of vaccine platforms and technologies has meant that there is even a greater need for standards for immunoassay development, which are critical to assess and compare vaccines' responses. Equally important are the standards needed to control the vaccine manufacturing processes. Standardized vaccine characterization assays throughout process development are essential for a successful Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) strategy. In this perspective paper, we advocate for reference material incorporation into assays and their calibration to International Standards from preclinical vaccine development through control testing and provide insight into why this is necessary. We also provide information on the availability of WHO international antibody standards for CEPI-priority pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giada Mattiuzzo
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Potters Bar, UK
| | - Anna Särnefält
- Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Oslo, Norway
| | - Mark Page
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Potters Bar, UK
| | - Karen Makar
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), Seattle, USA
| | - Janet Lathey
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, USA
| | - June Kim
- Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Danielle Craig
- Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | | | - Ingrid Kromann
- Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Oslo, Norway
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Sulis G, Peebles A, Basta NE. Lassa fever vaccine candidates: A scoping review of vaccine clinical trials. Trop Med Int Health 2023; 28:420-431. [PMID: 37095630 PMCID: PMC10247453 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lassa fever (LF) is caused by a viral pathogen with pandemic potential. LF vaccines have the potential to prevent significant disease in individuals at risk of infection, but no such vaccine has been licensed or authorised for use thus far. We conducted a scoping review to identify and compare registered phase 1, 2 or 3 clinical trials of LF vaccine candidates, and appraise the current trajectory of LF vaccine development. METHOD We systematically searched 24 trial registries, PubMed, relevant conference abstracts and additional grey literature sources up to 27 October 2022. After extracting key details about each vaccine candidate and each eligible trial, we qualitatively synthesised the evidence. RESULTS We found that four LF vaccine candidates (INO-4500, MV-LASV, rVSV∆G-LASV-GPC, and EBS-LASV) have entered the clinical stage of assessment. Five phase 1 trials (all focused on healthy adults) and one phase 2 trial (involving a broader age group from 18 months to 70 years) evaluating one of these vaccines have been registered to date. Here, we describe the characteristics of each vaccine candidate and trial and compare them to WHO's target product profile for Lassa vaccines. CONCLUSION Though LF vaccine development is still in early stages, current progress towards a safe and effective vaccine is encouraging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Sulis
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Alexandra Peebles
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Nicole E. Basta
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Grant DS, Samuels RJ, Garry RF, Schieffelin JS. Lassa Fever Natural History and Clinical Management. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2023. [PMID: 37106159 DOI: 10.1007/82_2023_263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Lassa fever is caused by Lassa virus (LASV), an Old World Mammarenavirus that is carried by Mastomys natalensis and other rodents. It is endemic in Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and other countries in West Africa. The clinical presentation of LASV infection is heterogenous varying from an inapparent or mild illness to a fatal hemorrhagic fever. Exposure to LASV is usually through contact with rodent excreta. After an incubation period of 1-3 weeks, initial symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue develop that may progress to sore throat, retrosternal chest pain, conjunctival injection, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Severe illness, including hypotension, shock, and multiorgan failure, develops in a minority of patients. Patient demographics and case fatality rates are distinctly different in Sierra Leone and Nigeria. Laboratory diagnosis relies on the detection of LASV antigens or genomic RNA. LASV-specific immunoglobulin G and M assays can also contribute to clinical management. The mainstay of treatment for Lassa fever is supportive care. The nucleoside analog ribavirin is commonly used to treat acute Lassa fever but is considered useful only if treatment is begun early in the disease course. Drugs in development, including a monoclonal antibody cocktail, have the potential to impact the management of Lassa fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald S Grant
- Lassa Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kenema, Sierra Leone
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Robert J Samuels
- Lassa Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Robert F Garry
- School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
- Zalgen Labs, Frederick, MD, 21703, USA
- Global Virus Network (GVN), Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - John S Schieffelin
- School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
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Garry RF. Lassa Virus Structural Biology and Replication. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2023. [PMID: 37100973 DOI: 10.1007/82_2023_262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is the causative agent of Lassa fever, an often-fatal hemorrhagic fever that is endemic in West Africa. LASV virions are enveloped and contain two single-stranded RNA genome segments. Both segments are ambisense and encode two proteins. The nucleoprotein associates with viral RNAs forming ribonucleoprotein complexes. The glycoprotein complex mediates viral attachment and entry. The Zinc protein serves as the matrix protein. Large is a polymerase that catalyzes viral RNA transcription and replication. LASV virion entry occurs via a clathrin-independent endocytic pathway usually involving alpha-dystroglycan and lysosomal associated membrane protein 1 as surface and intracellular receptors, respectively. Advances in understanding LASV structural biology and replication have facilitated development of promising vaccine and drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert F Garry
- School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
- Zalgen Labs, Frederick, MD, 21703, USA.
- Global Virus Network (GVN), Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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Ahmad M, Ahmed I, Satapathy P, Asumah MN, Padhi BK. Re-emergence of the Lassa virus in Africa: a global health concern. Int J Surg 2023; 109:1044-1045. [PMID: 36917103 PMCID: PMC10389568 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000000248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ahmad
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand, Pakistan
| | - Ishtiaq Ahmed
- La Trobe Rural Health School, Albury–Wodonga, Vic., Australia
| | | | - Mubarick N. Asumah
- Ministry of Health, Nurses’ and Midwives’ Training College, Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana
| | - Bijaya K. Padhi
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Punjab, India
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Bourner J, Salam AP, Jaspard M, Olayinka A, Fritzell C, Goncalves B, Vaillant M, Edwards T, Erameh C, Ajayi N, Ramharter M, Olliaro P. The West Africa Lassa fever Consortium pre-positioned protocol for a Phase II/III adaptive, randomised, controlled, platform trial to evaluate multiple Lassa fever therapeutics. Wellcome Open Res 2023. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.19041.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: This is a standardized, pre-positioned protocol for the coordinated evaluation of Lassa fever therapeutics. The protocol is the product of discussions that took place in 2021 and 2022 among international investigators from a wide range of scientific and medical disciplines working together within the West Africa Lassa fever Consortium (WALC). Methods: This is a clinical Phase II/III multicentre randomised controlled platform trial using a superiority framework with an equal allocation ratio and a composite primary endpoint of all-cause mortality OR new onset of i) acute kidney failure (AKF), OR ii) acute respiratory failure (ARF), OR iii) shock assessed from enrolment (D0) to D28. Discussion: This pre-positioned protocol was developed by the WALC and made available for adaptation and implementation by the wider Lassa fever research community in order to generate efficient, reliable, and comparable evidence for Lassa fever therapeutics.
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Saito T, Reyna RA, Taniguchi S, Littlefield K, Paessler S, Maruyama J. Vaccine Candidates against Arenavirus Infections. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:635. [PMID: 36992218 PMCID: PMC10057967 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The viral family Arenaviridae contains several members that cause severe, and often lethal, diseases in humans. Several highly pathogenic arenaviruses are classified as Risk Group 4 agents and must be handled in the highest biological containment facility, biosafety level-4 (BSL-4). Vaccines and treatments are very limited for these pathogens. The development of vaccines is crucial for the establishment of countermeasures against highly pathogenic arenavirus infections. While several vaccine candidates have been investigated, there are currently no approved vaccines for arenavirus infection except for Candid#1, a live-attenuated Junin virus vaccine only licensed in Argentina. Current platforms under investigation for use include live-attenuated vaccines, recombinant virus-based vaccines, and recombinant proteins. We summarize here the recent updates of vaccine candidates against arenavirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Saito
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Rachel A. Reyna
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Satoshi Taniguchi
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Kirsten Littlefield
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Junki Maruyama
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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Malik S, Bora J, Dhasmana A, Kishore S, Nag S, Preetam S, Uniyal P, Slama P, Mukherjee N, Haque S, Swed S. An update on current understanding of the epidemiology and management of the re-emerging endemic Lassa fever outbreaks. Int J Surg 2023; 109:584-586. [PMID: 37093095 PMCID: PMC10389424 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000000178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sumira Malik
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Jharkhand, Ranchi, Jharkhand
| | - Jutishna Bora
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Jharkhand, Ranchi, Jharkhand
| | - Archna Dhasmana
- Himalayan School of Biosciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University
| | - Shristi Kishore
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Jharkhand, Ranchi, Jharkhand
| | - Sagnik Nag
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences & Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu
| | | | - Priyanka Uniyal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Sardar Bhagwan Singh University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
| | - Petr Slama
- Laboratory of Animal Immunology and Biotechnology, Department of Animal Morphology, Physiology and Genetics, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nobendu Mukherjee
- Department of Microbiology, West Bengal State University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Department of Health Sciences, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sarya Swed
- Faculty of Medicine, Aleppo University, Aleppo, Syria
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Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Benzimidazole Derivatives as Potential Lassa Virus Inhibitors. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041579. [PMID: 36838567 PMCID: PMC9963587 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The Lassa virus (LASV) causes Lassa fever, a highly infectious and lethal agent of acute viral hemorrhagic fever. At present, there are still no effective treatments available, creating an urgent need to develop novel therapeutics. Some benzimidazole compounds targeting the arenavirus envelope glycoprotein complex (GPC) are promising inhibitors of LASV. In this study, we synthesized two series of LASV inhibitors based on the benzimidazole structure. Lentiviral pseudotypes bearing the LASV GPC were established to identify virus entry inhibitors. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was further used to verify the binding activities of the potential compounds. Compounds 7d-Z, 7h-Z, 13c, 13d, and 13f showed relatively excellent antiviral activities with IC50 values ranging from 7.58 to 15.46 nM and their SI values above 1251. These five representative compounds exhibited stronger binding affinity with low equilibrium dissociation constants (KD < 8.25 × 10-7 M) in SPR study. The compound 7h-Z displayed the most potent antiviral activity (IC50 = 7.58 nM) with a relatively high SI value (2496), which could be further studied as a lead compound. The structure-activity relationship indicated that the compounds with lipophilic and spatially larger substituents might possess higher antiviral activity and a much larger safety margin. This study will provide some good guidance for the development of highly active compounds with a novel skeleton against LASV.
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Abstract
The development of Lassa virus (LASV) vaccines has been challenging due to the instability of recombinant immunogens. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Brouwer et al. use a two-component nanoparticle strategy that enables stable trimeric presentation of the LASV glycoprotein complex (GPC) and induction of broadly neutralizing antibodies.
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