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Molina BF, Marques NN, Bittar C, Batista MN, Rahal P. African ZIKV lineage fails to sustain infectivity in an in vitro mimetic urban cycle. Braz J Microbiol 2023; 54:1421-1431. [PMID: 37458982 PMCID: PMC10484821 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-01053-8] [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: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arbovirus maintained in nature in two distinct cycles of transmission: urban and sylvatic. Each cycle includes specific vertebrate and invertebrate hosts, and through alternate infections, a conserved consensus sequence is maintained that might vary depending on the cycle. The current study aimed to investigate the ability of ZIKVAF and ZIKVBR to maintain an infectious cycle by alternating passages in cells mimicking the urban (UC) and semi-sylvatic (SC) cycles. The complete genome of the original inoculum and the last passages for each cycle were sequenced by Sanger. Ten passages were performed, as planned, for ZIKVBR UC, ZIKVAF SC, and ZIKVBR SC. ZIKVBR SC showed significant variation in viral titers along the passages, suggesting that the virus is not well adapted to the non-human primate host. ZIKVAF passage in UC was abrogated in the third passage, showing the inability of the African lineage to sustain cycles in human cells, suggesting a low capacity to establish an urban cycle. Several mutations were found in both strains along the passages, but not occurring at equivalent positions. Further studies are needed to elucidate whether any of these specific mutations affect viral fitness. ZIKV strains behave differently in artificial transmission cycles in vitro: Brazilian ZIKV was able to establish urban and semi-sylvatic cycles in vitro. African ZIKV proved unable to cycle among human and mosquito cells and is compatible only with the semi-sylvatic cycle. The main mutations arose in the NS2A region after artificial transmission cycles for both ZIKV strains but not at equivalent positions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Floriano Molina
- Laboratório de Estudos Genômicos, Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências Letras E Ciências Exatas (IBILCE), Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), São José Do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | - Nayara Nathiê Marques
- Laboratório de Estudos Genômicos, Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências Letras E Ciências Exatas (IBILCE), Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), São José Do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | - Cíntia Bittar
- Laboratório de Estudos Genômicos, Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências Letras E Ciências Exatas (IBILCE), Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), São José Do Rio Preto, Brazil
- The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave, Manhattan, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | | | - Paula Rahal
- Laboratório de Estudos Genômicos, Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências Letras E Ciências Exatas (IBILCE), Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), São José Do Rio Preto, Brazil
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Cristina Diaconu C, Madalina Pitica I, Chivu-Economescu M, Georgiana Necula L, Botezatu A, Virginia Iancu I, Iulia Neagu A, L. Radu E, Matei L, Maria Ruta S, Bleotu C. SARS-CoV-2 Variant Surveillance in Genomic Medicine Era. Infect Dis (Lond) 2023. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.107137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In the genomic medicine era, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 was immediately followed by viral genome sequencing and world-wide sequences sharing. Almost in real-time, based on these sequences, resources were developed and applied around the world, such as molecular diagnostic tests, informed public health decisions, and vaccines. Molecular SARS-CoV-2 variant surveillance was a normal approach in this context yet, considering that the viral genome modification occurs commonly in viral replication process, the challenge is to identify the modifications that significantly affect virulence, transmissibility, reduced effectiveness of vaccines and therapeutics or failure of diagnostic tests. However, assessing the importance of the emergence of new mutations and linking them to epidemiological trend, is still a laborious process and faster phenotypic evaluation approaches, in conjunction with genomic data, are required in order to release timely and efficient control measures.
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3
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Ju Y, Pu M, Sun K, Song G, Geng J. Nanopore Electrochemistry for Pathogen Detection. Chem Asian J 2022; 17:e202200774. [PMID: 36069587 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202200774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Pathogen infections have seriously threatened human health, and there is an urgent demand for rapid and efficient pathogen identification to provide instructions in clinical diagnosis and therapeutic intervention. Recently, nanopore technology, a rapidly maturing technology which delivers ultrasensitive sensing and high throughput in real-time and at low cost, has achieved success in pathogen detection. Furthermore, the remarkable development of nanopore sequencing, for example, the MinION sequencer from Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) as a competitive sequencing technology, has facilitated the rapid analysis of disease-related microbiomes at the whole-genome level and on a large scale. Here, we highlighted recent advances in nanopore approaches for pathogen detection at the single-molecule level. We also overviewed the applications of nanopore sequencing in pathogenic bacteria identification and diagnosis. In the end, we discussed the challenges and future developments of nanopore technology as promising tools for the management of infections, which may be helpful to aid understanding as well as decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Ju
- Sichuan University, Sichuan University Library, CHINA
| | - Mengjun Pu
- Sichuan University, Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, CHINA
| | - Ke Sun
- Sichuan University, Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, CHINA
| | - Guiqin Song
- North Sichuan Medical College [Search North Sichuan Medical College]: North Sichuan Medical University, Shool of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, CHINA
| | - Jia Geng
- Sichuan University, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, No 17 Section 3 of South Renmin Rd, 610040, Chengdu, CHINA
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Bernardo-Menezes LC, Agrelli A, Oliveira ASLED, Moura RRD, Crovella S, Brandão LAC. An overview of Zika virus genotypes and their infectivity. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2022; 55:e02632022. [PMID: 36197380 PMCID: PMC9536801 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0263-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA arbovirus belonging to the
genus Flavivirus. It was first isolated from a sentinel monkey
in Uganda in 1947. More recently, ZIKV has undergone rapid geographic expansion
and has been responsible for outbreaks in Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands,
and America. In this review, we have highlighted the influence of viral genetic
variants on ZIKV pathogenesis. Two major ZIKV genotypes (African and Asian) have
been identified. The Asian genotype is subdivided into Southwest Asia, Pacific
Island, and American strains, and is responsible for most outbreaks.
Non-synonymous mutations in ZIKV proteins C, prM, E, NS1, NS2A, NS2B, NS3, and
NS4B were found to have a higher prevalence and association with virulent
strains of the Asian genotype. Consequently, the Asian genotype appears to have
acquired higher cellular permissiveness, tissue persistence, and viral tropism
in human neural cells. Therefore, mutations in specific coding regions of the
Asian genotype may enhance ZIKV infectivity. Considering that mutations in the
genomes of emerging viruses may lead to new virulent variants in humans, there
is a potential for the re-emergence of new ZIKV cases in the future.
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Seabra SG, Libin PJK, Theys K, Zhukova A, Potter BI, Nebenzahl-Guimaraes H, Gorbalenya AE, Sidorov IA, Pimentel V, Pingarilho M, de Vasconcelos ATR, Dellicour S, Khouri R, Gascuel O, Vandamme AM, Baele G, Cuypers L, Abecasis AB. OUP accepted manuscript. Virus Evol 2022; 8:veac029. [PMID: 35478717 PMCID: PMC9035895 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veac029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Zika virus (ZIKV) disease caused a public health emergency of international concern that started in February 2016. The overall number of ZIKV-related cases increased until November 2016, after which it declined sharply. While the evaluation of the potential risk and impact of future arbovirus epidemics remains challenging, intensified surveillance efforts along with a scale-up of ZIKV whole-genome sequencing provide an opportunity to understand the patterns of genetic diversity, evolution, and spread of ZIKV. However, a classification system that reflects the true extent of ZIKV genetic variation is lacking. Our objective was to characterize ZIKV genetic diversity and phylodynamics, identify genomic footprints of differentiation patterns, and propose a dynamic classification system that reflects its divergence levels. We analysed a curated dataset of 762 publicly available sequences spanning the full-length coding region of ZIKV from across its geographical span and collected between 1947 and 2021. The definition of genetic groups was based on comprehensive evolutionary dynamics analyses, which included recombination and phylogenetic analyses, within- and between-group pairwise genetic distances comparison, detection of selective pressure, and clustering analyses. Evidence for potential recombination events was detected in a few sequences. However, we argue that these events are likely due to sequencing errors as proposed in previous studies. There was evidence of strong purifying selection, widespread across the genome, as also detected for other arboviruses. A total of 50 sites showed evidence of positive selection, and for a few of these sites, there was amino acid (AA) differentiation between genetic clusters. Two main genetic clusters were defined, ZA and ZB, which correspond to the already characterized ‘African’ and ‘Asian’ genotypes, respectively. Within ZB, two subgroups, ZB.1 and ZB.2, represent the Asiatic and the American (and Oceania) lineages, respectively. ZB.1 is further subdivided into ZB.1.0 (a basal Malaysia sequence sampled in the 1960s and a recent Indian sequence), ZB.1.1 (South-Eastern Asia, Southern Asia, and Micronesia sequences), and ZB.1.2 (very similar sequences from the outbreak in Singapore). ZB.2 is subdivided into ZB.2.0 (basal American sequences and the sequences from French Polynesia, the putative origin of South America introduction), ZB.2.1 (Central America), and ZB.2.2 (Caribbean and North America). This classification system does not use geographical references and is flexible to accommodate potential future lineages. It will be a helpful tool for studies that involve analyses of ZIKV genomic variation and its association with pathogenicity and serve as a starting point for the public health surveillance and response to on-going and future epidemics and to outbreaks that lead to the emergence of new variants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Anna Zhukova
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Unité Bioinformatique Evolutive, 25-28 rue du Dr Roux, Paris F-75015, France
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, 25-28 rue du Dr Roux, Paris F-75015, France
| | | | - Hanna Nebenzahl-Guimaraes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, Lisboa 1349-008, Portugal
| | | | | | - Victor Pimentel
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, Lisboa 1349-008, Portugal
| | - Marta Pingarilho
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, Lisboa 1349-008, Portugal
| | | | - Simon Dellicour
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 - box 1030, Leuven 3000, Belgium
- Spatial Epidemiology Lab (SpELL), Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP 264/3, 50 av. F.D. Roosevelt, Bruxelles B-1050, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | - Lize Cuypers
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Ana B Abecasis
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, Lisboa 1349-008, Portugal
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Goodfellow SM, Nofchissey RA, Schwalm KC, Cook JA, Dunnum JL, Guo Y, Ye C, Mertz GJ, Chandran K, Harkins M, Domman DB, Dinwiddie DL, Bradfute SB. Tracing Transmission of Sin Nombre Virus and Discovery of Infection in Multiple Rodent Species. J Virol 2021; 95:e0153421. [PMID: 34549977 PMCID: PMC8577387 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01534-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sin Nombre orthohantavirus (SNV), a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus that is carried and transmitted by the North American deer mouse Peromyscus maniculatus, can cause infection in humans through inhalation of aerosolized excreta from infected rodents. This infection can lead to hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), which has an ∼36% case-fatality rate. We used reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) to confirm SNV infection in a patient and identified SNV in lung tissues in wild-caught rodents from potential sites of exposure. Using viral whole-genome sequencing (WGS), we identified the likely site of transmission and discovered SNV in multiple rodent species not previously known to carry the virus. Here, we report, for the first time, the use of SNV WGS to pinpoint a likely site of human infection and identify SNV simultaneously in multiple rodent species in an area of known host-to-human transmission. These results will impact epidemiology and infection control for hantaviruses by tracing zoonotic transmission and investigating possible novel host reservoirs. IMPORTANCE Orthohantaviruses cause severe disease in humans and can be lethal in up to 40% of cases. Sin Nombre orthohantavirus (SNV) is the main cause of hantavirus disease in North America. In this study, we sequenced SNV from an infected patient and wild-caught rodents to trace the location of infection. We also discovered SNV in rodent species not previously known to carry SNV. These studies demonstrate for the first time the use of virus sequencing to trace the transmission of SNV and describe infection in novel rodent species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M. Goodfellow
- Center for Global Health, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Robert A. Nofchissey
- Center for Global Health, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Kurt C. Schwalm
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Joseph A. Cook
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, Biology Department, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Jonathan L. Dunnum
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, Biology Department, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Yan Guo
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Chunyan Ye
- Center for Global Health, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Gregory J. Mertz
- Center for Global Health, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Kartik Chandran
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Michelle Harkins
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Daryl B. Domman
- Center for Global Health, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Darrell L. Dinwiddie
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Steven B. Bradfute
- Center for Global Health, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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Cimica V, Galarza JM, Rashid S, Stedman TT. Current development of Zika virus vaccines with special emphasis on virus-like particle technology. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:1483-1498. [PMID: 34148481 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1945447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Zika virus disease received little attention until its recent explosive emergence around the globe. The devastating consequences of this pandemic include congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) and the neurological autoimmune disorder Guillain-Barré syndrome. These potential outcomes prompted massive efforts to understand the course of Zika infection and to develop therapeutic and prophylactic strategies for treatment and prevention of disease.Area covered: Preclinical and clinical data demonstrate that a safe and efficacious vaccine for protection against Zika virus infection is possible in the near future. Nevertheless, significant knowledge gaps regarding the outcome of a mass vaccination strategy exist and must be addressed. Zika virus circulates in flavivirus-endemic regions, an ideal Zika vaccine should avoid the potential of antibody-dependent enhancement from exposure to dengue virus. Prevention of CZS is the primary goal for immunization, and the vaccine must provide protection against intrauterine transmission for use during pregnancy and in women of childbearing age. Ideally, a vaccine should also prevent sexual transmission of the virus through mucosal protection.Expert opinion: This review describes current vaccine approaches against Zika virus with particular attention to the application of virus-like particle (VLP) technology as a strategy for solving the challenges of Zika virus immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Velasco Cimica
- American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), Manassas, VA, USA
| | | | - Sujatha Rashid
- American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), Manassas, VA, USA
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Chiara M, D’Erchia AM, Gissi C, Manzari C, Parisi A, Resta N, Zambelli F, Picardi E, Pavesi G, Horner DS, Pesole G. Next generation sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 genomes: challenges, applications and opportunities. Brief Bioinform 2021; 22:616-630. [PMID: 33279989 PMCID: PMC7799330 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbaa297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Various next generation sequencing (NGS) based strategies have been successfully used in the recent past for tracing origins and understanding the evolution of infectious agents, investigating the spread and transmission chains of outbreaks, as well as facilitating the development of effective and rapid molecular diagnostic tests and contributing to the hunt for treatments and vaccines. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic poses one of the greatest global threats in modern history and has already caused severe social and economic costs. The development of efficient and rapid sequencing methods to reconstruct the genomic sequence of SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19, has been fundamental for the design of diagnostic molecular tests and to devise effective measures and strategies to mitigate the diffusion of the pandemic. Diverse approaches and sequencing methods can, as testified by the number of available sequences, be applied to SARS-CoV-2 genomes. However, each technology and sequencing approach has its own advantages and limitations. In the current review, we will provide a brief, but hopefully comprehensive, account of currently available platforms and methodological approaches for the sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 genomes. We also present an outline of current repositories and databases that provide access to SARS-CoV-2 genomic data and associated metadata. Finally, we offer general advice and guidelines for the appropriate sharing and deposition of SARS-CoV-2 data and metadata, and suggest that more efficient and standardized integration of current and future SARS-CoV-2-related data would greatly facilitate the struggle against this new pathogen. We hope that our 'vademecum' for the production and handling of SARS-CoV-2-related sequencing data, will contribute to this objective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Chiara
- molecular biology and bioinformatics at the University of Milan
| | - Anna Maria D’Erchia
- molecular biology at the University of Bari and research associate at the Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies of the National Research Council in Bari
| | - Carmela Gissi
- molecular biology at the University of Bari and research associate at the Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies of the National Research Council in Bari
| | - Caterina Manzari
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies of the National Research Council in Bari
| | - Antonio Parisi
- Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory at the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Apulia and Basilicata
| | - Nicoletta Resta
- Medical Genetics at the University of Bari. She heads the Laboratory Unit of Medical Genetics and the School of Specialization in Medical Genetics
| | | | - Ernesto Picardi
- molecular biology and bioinformatics at the University of Bari and research associate at the Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies of the National Research Council in Bari
| | - Giulio Pavesi
- Associate Professor of bioinformatics at the University of Milan (Italy)
| | - David S Horner
- molecular biology and bioinformatics at the University of Milan
| | - Graziano Pesole
- molecular biology at the University of Bari and Research Associate at the Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies of the National Research Council in Bari
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Picarazzi F, Vicenti I, Saladini F, Zazzi M, Mori M. Targeting the RdRp of Emerging RNA Viruses: The Structure-Based Drug Design Challenge. Molecules 2020; 25:E5695. [PMID: 33287144 PMCID: PMC7730706 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is an essential enzyme for the viral replication process, catalyzing the viral RNA synthesis using a metal ion-dependent mechanism. In recent years, RdRp has emerged as an optimal target for the development of antiviral drugs, as demonstrated by recent approvals of sofosbuvir and remdesivir against Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), respectively. In this work, we overview the main sequence and structural features of the RdRp of emerging RNA viruses such as Coronaviruses, Flaviviruses, and HCV, as well as inhibition strategies implemented so far. While analyzing the structural information available on the RdRp of emerging RNA viruses, we provide examples of success stories such as for HCV and SARS-CoV-2. In contrast, Flaviviruses' story has raised attention about how the lack of structural details on catalytically-competent or ligand-bound RdRp strongly hampers the application of structure-based drug design, either in repurposing and conventional approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Picarazzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018–2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Ilaria Vicenti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (I.V.); (F.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Francesco Saladini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (I.V.); (F.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Maurizio Zazzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (I.V.); (F.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018–2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy;
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Carbaugh DL, Zhou S, Sanders W, Moorman NJ, Swanstrom R, Lazear HM. Two Genetic Differences between Closely Related Zika Virus Strains Determine Pathogenic Outcome in Mice. J Virol 2020; 94:e00618-20. [PMID: 32796074 PMCID: PMC7527068 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00618-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreaks and unexpected clinical manifestations of ZIKV infection have prompted an increase in ZIKV-related research. Here, we identify two strain-specific determinants of ZIKV virulence in mice. We found that strain H/PF/2013 caused 100% lethality in Ifnar1-/- mice, whereas PRVABC59 caused no lethality; both strains caused 100% lethality in Ifnar1-/-Ifngr1-/- double-knockout (DKO) mice. Deep sequencing revealed a high-frequency variant in PRVABC59 not present in H/PF/2013: a G-to-T change at nucleotide 1965 producing a Val-to-Leu substitution at position 330 of the viral envelope (E) protein. We show that the V330 variant is lethal on both virus strain backgrounds, whereas the L330 variant is attenuating only on the PRVABC59 background. These results identify a balanced polymorphism in the E protein that is sufficient to attenuate the PRVABC59 strain but not H/PF/2013. The consensus sequences of H/PF/2013 and PRVABC59 differ by 3 amino acids, but these were not responsible for the difference in virulence between the two strains. H/PF/2013 and PRVABC59 differ by an additional 31 noncoding or silent nucleotide changes. We made a panel of chimeric viruses with identical amino acid sequences but nucleotide sequences derived from H/PF/2013 or PRVABC59. We found that 6 nucleotide differences in the 3' quarter of the H/PF/2013 genome were sufficient to confer virulence in Ifnar1-/- mice. Altogether, our work identifies a large and previously unreported difference in virulence between two commonly used ZIKV strains, in two widely used mouse models of ZIKV pathogenesis (Ifnar1-/- and Ifnar1-/- Ifngr1-/- DKO mice).IMPORTANCE Contemporary ZIKV strains are closely related and often used interchangeably in laboratory research. Here, we identify two strain-specific determinants of ZIKV virulence that are evident in only Ifnar1-/- mice but not Ifnar1-/-Ifngr1-/- DKO mice. These results identify a balanced polymorphism in the E protein that is sufficient to attenuate the PRVABC59 strain but not H/PF/2013. We further identify a second virulence determinant in the H/PF/2013 strain, which is driven by the viral nucleotide sequence but not the amino acid sequence. Altogether, our work identifies a large and previously unreported difference in virulence between two commonly used ZIKV strains, in two widely used mouse models of ZIKV pathogenesis. Our results highlight that even very closely related virus strains can produce significantly different pathogenic phenotypes in common laboratory models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek L Carbaugh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Shuntai Zhou
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Wes Sanders
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nathaniel J Moorman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ronald Swanstrom
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Helen M Lazear
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Cimica V, Williams S, Adams-Fish D, McMahon C, Narayanan A, Rashid S, Stedman TT. Zika Virus-Like Particle (VLP) vaccine displaying Envelope (E) protein CD loop antigen elicits protective and specific immune response in a murine model. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 529:805-811. [PMID: 32736711 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.05.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus associated with Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS), reflecting a wide range of congenital abnormalities in fetuses and infants infected with ZIKV before birth. ZIKV infections have also been associated with the neurological autoimmune disorder known as Guillian-Barré syndrome (GBS). To date, no vaccines or antiviral strategies are licensed for ZIKV. We used rational design to develop a novel ZIKV vaccine candidate using a Woodchuck Hepatitis core Antigen (WHcAg) Virus-Like Particle (VLP) scaffold for displaying selected antigens from the ZIKV Envelope (E) protein. A Zika-VLP vaccine candidate containing the CD Loop sub-structural domain from ZIKV E protein Domain III (WHcAg CD Loop) elicited a strong immune response in a murine model. Analysis of serum immunoglobulins demonstrated induction of both Th1- and Th2- mediated immune response. No cross-reacting antibodies were detected between Zika, dengue and yellow fever virus, demonstrating a high level of specificity for the ZIKV CD Loop antigen. Immunization with the WHcAg CD Loop vaccine candidate demonstrated immunoprotection in a murine model of ZIKV infection, stimulating protective antibodies associated with antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) activities. The WHcAg CD Loop candidate may represent a safer vaccine for preventing antibody dependent enhancement (ADE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Velasco Cimica
- American Type Culture Collection (ATCC®), Manassas, VA, USA.
| | | | | | - Conor McMahon
- American Type Culture Collection (ATCC®), Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Aarthi Narayanan
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Sujatha Rashid
- American Type Culture Collection (ATCC®), Manassas, VA, USA
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12
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Paiva MHS, Guedes DRD, Krokovsky L, Machado LC, Rezende TMT, Sobral MCDM, Ayres CFJ, Wallau GL. Sequencing of ZIKV genomes directly from Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes collected during the 2015-16 epidemics in Recife. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2020; 80:104180. [PMID: 31918041 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a negative sense RNA virus from the Flaviviridae family, which was relatively unknown until the first human epidemic in Micronesia, in 2007. Since then, it spread to French Polynesia and the Americas. Recife, the capital of Pernambuco state and epicenter of the Zika epidemic in Brazil, experienced a large number of microcephaly cases and other congenital abnormalities associated to the ZIKV infection from, 2015 to 16. Evidences suggest that both Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes from Recife are capable of replicating and transmitting the virus. Here, we conducted high throughput sequencing of ZIKV genomes directly from Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes collected during the ZIKV epidemics in Recife, in order to investigate the variability and evolution of the virus. We obtained 11 draft ZIKV genomes derived from 5 pools from each Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus species. Genome coverage breadth ranged from 16 to 100% and average depth from 45 to 46,584×. Two of these genomes were obtained from pools of Cx. quinquefasciatus females with no sign of blood in the abdomen. Amino acid substitutions found here were not species-specific. In addition, molecular clock dating estimated that ZIKV draft genomes obtained here were co-circulating in other regions of the country during the epidemics. Overall results highlight that viral mutations and even minor variants can be detected in genomes directly sequenced from mosquito samples and insights about natural viral genomic variability and viral evolution can be useful when designing tools for mosquito control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Henrique Santos Paiva
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Caruaru, Brazil; Entomology Department of the Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | - Larissa Krokovsky
- Entomology Department of the Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Lais Ceschini Machado
- Entomology Department of the Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Gabriel Luz Wallau
- Entomology Department of the Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
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13
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Peters R, Stevenson M. Immunological detection of Zika virus: A summary in the context of general viral diagnostics. J Microbiol Methods 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.mim.2019.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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14
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Collins ND, Widen SG, Li L, Swetnam DM, Shi PY, Tesh RB, Sarathy VV. Inter- and intra-lineage genetic diversity of wild-type Zika viruses reveals both common and distinctive nucleotide variants and clusters of genomic diversity. Emerg Microbes Infect 2019; 8:1126-1138. [PMID: 31355708 PMCID: PMC6711133 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2019.1645572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) strains belong to the East African, West African, and Asian/American phylogenetic lineages. RNA viruses, like ZIKV, exist as populations of genetically-related sequences whose heterogeneity may impact viral fitness, evolution, and virulence. Genetic diversity of representative ZIKVs from each lineage was examined using next generation sequencing (NGS) paired with downstream entropy and single nucleotide variant (SNV) analysis. Comparisons showed that inter-lineage diversity was statistically supported, while intra-lineage diversity. Intra-lineage diversity was significant for East but not West Africa strains. Furthermore, intra-lineage diversity for the Asian/American lineage was not supported for human serum isolates; however, a placenta isolate differed significantly. Relative in the pre-membrane/membrane (prM/M) gene of several ZIKV strains. Additionally, the East African lineage contained a greater number of synonymous SNVs, while a greater number of non-synonymous SNVs were identified for American strains. Further, inter-lineage SNVs were dispersed throughout the genome, whereas intra-lineage non-synonymous SNVs for Asian/American strains clustered within prM/M and NS1 gene. This comprehensive analysis of ZIKV genetic diversity provides a repository of SNV positions across lineages. We posit that increased non-synonymous SNV populations and increased relative genetic diversity of the prM/M and NS1 proteins provides more evidence for their role in ZIKV virulence and fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie D Collins
- a Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston , USA
| | - Steven G Widen
- b Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston , USA
| | - Li Li
- c Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston , USA
| | - Daniele M Swetnam
- d Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine at University of California , Davis , USA
| | - Pei-Yong Shi
- b Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston , USA
| | - Robert B Tesh
- c Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston , USA
| | - Vanessa V Sarathy
- c Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston , USA.,e Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston , USA
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15
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Li L, Collins ND, Widen SG, Davis EH, Kaiser JA, White MM, Greenberg MB, Barrett ADT, Bourne N, Sarathy VV. Attenuation of Zika Virus by Passage in Human HeLa Cells. Vaccines (Basel) 2019; 7:vaccines7030093. [PMID: 31434319 PMCID: PMC6789458 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7030093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne Flavivirus. Previous studies have shown that mosquito-transmitted flaviviruses, including yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, and West Nile viruses, could be attenuated by serial passaging in human HeLa cells. Therefore, it was hypothesized that wild-type ZIKV would also be attenuated after HeLa cell passaging. A human isolate from the recent ZIKV epidemic was subjected to serial HeLa cell passaging, resulting in attenuated in vitro replication in both Vero and A549 cells. Additionally, infection of AG129 mice with 10 plaque forming units (pfu) of wild-type ZIKV led to viremia and mortality at 12 days, whereas infection with 103 pfu of HeLa-passage 6 (P6) ZIKV led to lower viremia, significant delay in mortality (median survival: 23 days), and increased cytokine and chemokine responses. Genomic sequencing of HeLa-passaged virus identified two amino acid substitutions as early as HeLa-P3: pre-membrane E87K and nonstructural protein 1 R103K. Furthermore, both substitutions were present in virus harvested from HeLa-P6-infected animal tissue. Together, these data show that, similarly to other mosquito-borne flaviviruses, ZIKV is attenuated following passaging in HeLa cells. This strategy can be used to improve understanding of substitutions that contribute to attenuation of ZIKV and be applied to vaccine development across multiple platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Natalie D Collins
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Viral Disease Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute for Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Steven G Widen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Emily H Davis
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Jaclyn A Kaiser
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Mellodee M White
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - M Banks Greenberg
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Alan D T Barrett
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Nigel Bourne
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Vanessa V Sarathy
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
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Strottmann DM, Zanluca C, Mosimann ALP, Koishi AC, Auwerter NC, Faoro H, Cataneo AHD, Kuczera D, Wowk PF, Bordignon J, Duarte Dos Santos CN. Genetic and biological characterisation of Zika virus isolates from different Brazilian regions. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2019; 114:e190150. [PMID: 31432892 PMCID: PMC6701881 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760190150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zika virus (ZIKV) infections reported in recent epidemics have been linked
to clinical complications that had never been associated with ZIKV before.
Adaptive mutations could have contributed to the successful emergence of
ZIKV as a global health threat to a nonimmune population. However, the
causal relationships between the ZIKV genetic determinants, the pathogenesis
and the rapid spread in Latin America and in the Caribbean remain widely
unknown. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to characterise three ZIKV isolates obtained from
patient samples during the 2015/2016 Brazilian epidemics. METHODS The ZIKV genomes of these strains were completely sequenced and in
vitro infection kinetics experiments were carried out in cell
lines and human primary cells. FINDINGS Eight nonsynonymous substitutions throughout the viral genome of the three
Brazilian isolates were identified. Infection kinetics experiments were
carried out with mammalian cell lines A549, Huh7.5, Vero E6 and human
monocyte-derived dendritic cells (mdDCs) and insect cells (Aag2, C6/36 and
AP61) and suggest that some of these mutations might be associated with
distinct viral fitness. The clinical isolates also presented differences in
their infectivity rates when compared to the well-established ZIKV strains
(MR766 and PE243), especially in their abilities to infect mammalian
cells. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Genomic analysis of three recent ZIKV isolates revealed some nonsynonymous
substitutions, which could have an impact on the viral fitness in mammalian
and insect cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Maria Strottmann
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | - Camila Zanluca
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | - Ana Luiza Pamplona Mosimann
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | - Andrea C Koishi
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | - Nathalia Cavalheiro Auwerter
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | - Helisson Faoro
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Laboratório de Regulação da Expressão Gênica, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | | | - Diogo Kuczera
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | - Pryscilla Fanini Wowk
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | - Juliano Bordignon
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
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17
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Human Monoclonal Antibodies Potently Neutralize Zika Virus and Select for Escape Mutations on the Lateral Ridge of the Envelope Protein. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.00405-19. [PMID: 31043537 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00405-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The mosquito-borne Zika virus (ZIKV) has been causing epidemic outbreaks on a global scale. Virus infection can result in severe disease in humans, including microcephaly in newborns and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. Here, we characterized monoclonal antibodies isolated from a patient with an active Zika virus infection that potently neutralized virus infection in Vero cells at the nanogram-per-milliliter range. In addition, these antibodies enhanced internalization of virions into human leukemia K562 cells in vitro, indicating their possible ability to cause antibody-dependent enhancement of disease. Escape variants of the ZIKV MR766 strain to a potently neutralizing antibody, AC10, exhibited an amino acid substitution at residue S368 in the lateral ridge region of the envelope protein. Analysis of publicly availably ZIKV sequences revealed the S368 site to be conserved among the vast majority (97.6%) of circulating strains. We validated the importance of this residue by engineering a recombinant virus with an S368R point mutation that was unable to be fully neutralized by AC10. Four out of the 12 monoclonal antibodies tested were also unable to neutralize the virus with the S368R mutation, suggesting this region to be an important immunogenic epitope during human infection. Last, a time-of-addition infection assay further validated the escape variant and showed that all monoclonal antibodies inhibited virus binding to the cell surface. Thus, the present study demonstrates that the lateral ridge region of the envelope protein is likely an immunodominant, neutralizing epitope.IMPORTANCE Zika virus (ZIKV) is a global health threat causing severe disease in humans, including microcephaly in newborns and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. Here, we analyzed the human monoclonal antibody response to acute ZIKV infection and found that neutralizing antibodies could not elicit Fc-mediated immune effector functions but could potentiate antibody-dependent enhancement of disease. We further identified critical epitopes involved with neutralization by generating and characterizing escape variants by whole-genome sequencing. We demonstrate that the lateral ridge region, particularly the S368 amino acid site, is critical for neutralization by domain III-specific antibodies.
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