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Mancebo FJ, Nuévalos M, Lalchandani J, Martín Galiano AJ, Fernández-Ruiz M, Aguado JM, García-Ríos E, Pérez-Romero P. Cytomegalovirus UL44 protein induces a potent T-cell immune response in mice. Antiviral Res 2024; 227:105914. [PMID: 38759930 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105914] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Due to the severity of CMV infection in immunocompromised individuals the development of a vaccine has been declared a priority. However, despite the efforts made there is no yet a vaccine available for clinical use. We designed an approach to identify new CMV antigens able to inducing a broad immune response that could be used in future vaccine formulations. We have used serum samples from 28 kidney transplant recipients, with a previously acquired CMV-specific immune response to identify viral proteins that were recognized by the antibodies present in the patient serum samples by Western blot. A band of approximately 45 kDa, identified as UL44, was detected by most serum samples. UL44 immunogenicity was tested in BALB/c mice that received three doses of the UL44-pcDNA DNA vaccine. UL44 elicited both, a strong antibody response and CMV-specific cellular response. Using bioinformatic analysis we demonstrated that UL44 is a highly conserved protein and contains epitopes that are able to activate CD8 lymphocytes of the most common HLA alleles in the world population. We constructed a UL44 ORF deletion mutant virus that produced no viral progeny, suggesting that UL44 is an essential viral protein. In addition, other authors have demonstrated that UL44 is one of the most abundant viral proteins after infection and have suggested an essential role of UL44 in viral replication. Altogether, our data suggests that UL44 is a potent antigen, and favored by its abundance, it may be a good candidate to include in a vaccine formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Mancebo
- National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcos Nuévalos
- National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaanam Lalchandani
- National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Mario Fernández-Ruiz
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario "12 de Octubre', Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Hospital "12 de Octubre' (imas12) Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - José María Aguado
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario "12 de Octubre', Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Hospital "12 de Octubre' (imas12) Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Estéfani García-Ríos
- Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valencia, Spain.
| | - Pilar Pérez-Romero
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.
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Vitale AM, Paladino L, Caruso Bavisotto C, Barone R, Rappa F, Conway de Macario E, Cappello F, Macario AJL, Marino Gammazza A. Interplay between the Chaperone System and Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Pathogenesis: Is Molecular Mimicry the Missing Link between Those Two Factors? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5608. [PMID: 38891798 PMCID: PMC11171487 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115608] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease characterized by self-immune tolerance breakdown and the production of autoantibodies, causing the deposition of immune complexes and triggering inflammation and immune-mediated damage. SLE pathogenesis involves genetic predisposition and a combination of environmental factors. Clinical manifestations are variable, making an early diagnosis challenging. Heat shock proteins (Hsps), belonging to the chaperone system, interact with the immune system, acting as pro-inflammatory factors, autoantigens, as well as immune tolerance promoters. Increased levels of some Hsps and the production of autoantibodies against them are correlated with SLE onset and progression. The production of these autoantibodies has been attributed to molecular mimicry, occurring upon viral and bacterial infections, since they are evolutionary highly conserved. Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been associated with the occurrence and severity of SLE. Numerous findings suggest that proteins and metabolites of commensal bacteria can mimic autoantigens, inducing autoimmunity, because of molecular mimicry. Here, we propose that shared epitopes between human Hsps and those of gut commensal bacteria cause the production of anti-Hsp autoantibodies that cross-react with human molecules, contributing to SLE pathogenesis. Thus, the involvement of the chaperone system, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and molecular mimicry in SLE ought to be coordinately studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Maria Vitale
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (L.P.); (C.C.B.); (F.R.); (F.C.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Letizia Paladino
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (L.P.); (C.C.B.); (F.R.); (F.C.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Celeste Caruso Bavisotto
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (L.P.); (C.C.B.); (F.R.); (F.C.); (A.M.G.)
- Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (IEMEST), 90139 Palermo, Italy; (E.C.d.M.); (A.J.L.M.)
| | - Rosario Barone
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (L.P.); (C.C.B.); (F.R.); (F.C.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Francesca Rappa
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (L.P.); (C.C.B.); (F.R.); (F.C.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Everly Conway de Macario
- Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (IEMEST), 90139 Palermo, Italy; (E.C.d.M.); (A.J.L.M.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland at Baltimore-Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET), Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
| | - Francesco Cappello
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (L.P.); (C.C.B.); (F.R.); (F.C.); (A.M.G.)
- Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (IEMEST), 90139 Palermo, Italy; (E.C.d.M.); (A.J.L.M.)
| | - Alberto J. L. Macario
- Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (IEMEST), 90139 Palermo, Italy; (E.C.d.M.); (A.J.L.M.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland at Baltimore-Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET), Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
| | - Antonella Marino Gammazza
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (L.P.); (C.C.B.); (F.R.); (F.C.); (A.M.G.)
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3
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De Francesco MA. Herpesviridae, Neurodegenerative Disorders and Autoimmune Diseases: What Is the Relationship between Them? Viruses 2024; 16:133. [PMID: 38257833 PMCID: PMC10818483 DOI: 10.3390/v16010133] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease represent the most common forms of cognitive impairment. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system responsible for severe disability. An aberrant immune response is the cause of myelin destruction that covers axons in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease characterized by alteration of B cell activation, while Sjögren's syndrome is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease characterized by altered immune responses. The etiology of all these diseases is very complex, including an interrelationship between genetic factors, principally immune associated genes, and environmental factors such as infectious agents. However, neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases share proinflammatory signatures and a perturbation of adaptive immunity that might be influenced by herpesviruses. Therefore, they might play a critical role in the disease pathogenesis. The aim of this review was to summarize the principal findings that link herpesviruses to both neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases; moreover, briefly underlining the potential therapeutic approach of virus vaccination and antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antonia De Francesco
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Microbiology, University of Brescia-ASST Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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Uribe FR, González VPI, Kalergis AM, Soto JA, Bohmwald K. Understanding the Neurotrophic Virus Mechanisms and Their Potential Effect on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Development. Brain Sci 2024; 14:59. [PMID: 38248274 PMCID: PMC10813552 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14010059] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) pathologies are a public health concern, with viral infections one of their principal causes. These viruses are known as neurotropic pathogens, characterized by their ability to infiltrate the CNS and thus interact with various cell populations, inducing several diseases. The immune response elicited by neurotropic viruses in the CNS is commanded mainly by microglia, which, together with other local cells, can secrete inflammatory cytokines to fight the infection. The most relevant neurotropic viruses are adenovirus (AdV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), enterovirus (EV), Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), and the newly discovered SARS-CoV-2. Several studies have associated a viral infection with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE) manifestations. This article will review the knowledge about viral infections, CNS pathologies, and the immune response against them. Also, it allows us to understand the relevance of the different viral proteins in developing neuronal pathologies, SLE and NPSLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe R. Uribe
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Laboratorio de Inmunología Traslacional, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 8370146, Chile; (F.R.U.); (V.P.I.G.)
| | - Valentina P. I. González
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Laboratorio de Inmunología Traslacional, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 8370146, Chile; (F.R.U.); (V.P.I.G.)
| | - Alexis M. Kalergis
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330025, Chile;
- Departamento de Endocrinología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Jorge A. Soto
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Laboratorio de Inmunología Traslacional, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 8370146, Chile; (F.R.U.); (V.P.I.G.)
| | - Karen Bohmwald
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma, Santiago 8910060, Chile
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Fang T, Liu S, Chen L, Ren Y, Lu D, Yao X, Hong T, Zhang X, Xie Z, Yang K, Wang X. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing identified the key role of the Src family tyrosine kinases and related genes in systemic lupus erythematosus. Genes Genomics 2023; 45:1187-1196. [PMID: 37300789 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-023-01407-4] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a multisystemic autoimmune illness, the basic mechanisms behind the pathophysiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the possible significance of SLE's DNA methylation and gain further insight into potential SLE-related biomarkers and therapeutic targets. METHODS We used whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) method to analyze DNA methylation in 4 SLE patients and 4 healthy people. RESULTS 702 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified, and 480 DMR-associated genes were annotated. We found the majority of the DMR-associated elements were enriched in repeat and gene bodies. The top 10 hub genes identified were LCK, FYB, PTK2B, LYN, CTNNB1, MAPK1, GNAQ, PRKCA, ABL1, and CD247. Compared to the control group, LCK and PTK2B had considerably decreased levels of mRNA expression in the SLE group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve suggested that LCK and PTK2B may be potential candidate biomarkers to predict SLE. CONCLUSIONS Our study improved comprehension of the DNA methylation patterns of SLE and identified potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Fang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Suyi Liu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Liying Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yating Ren
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Dingqi Lu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyi Yao
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Hong
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xvfeng Zhang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhimin Xie
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kepeng Yang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinchang Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.
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6
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Zeng J, Cao D, Yang S, Jaijyan DK, Liu X, Wu S, Cruz-Cosme R, Tang Q, Zhu H. Insights into the Transcriptome of Human Cytomegalovirus: A Comprehensive Review. Viruses 2023; 15:1703. [PMID: 37632045 PMCID: PMC10458407 DOI: 10.3390/v15081703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widespread pathogen that poses significant risks to immunocompromised individuals. Its genome spans over 230 kbp and potentially encodes over 200 open-reading frames. The HCMV transcriptome consists of various types of RNAs, including messenger RNAs (mRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs), with emerging insights into their biological functions. HCMV mRNAs are involved in crucial viral processes, such as viral replication, transcription, and translation regulation, as well as immune modulation and other effects on host cells. Additionally, four lncRNAs (RNA1.2, RNA2.7, RNA4.9, and RNA5.0) have been identified in HCMV, which play important roles in lytic replication like bypassing acute antiviral responses, promoting cell movement and viral spread, and maintaining HCMV latency. CircRNAs have gained attention for their important and diverse biological functions, including association with different diseases, acting as microRNA sponges, regulating parental gene expression, and serving as translation templates. Remarkably, HCMV encodes miRNAs which play critical roles in silencing human genes and other functions. This review gives an overview of human cytomegalovirus and current research on the HCMV transcriptome during lytic and latent infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Zeng
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 225 Warren Street, Newark, NJ 070101, USA
| | - Di Cao
- Department of Pain Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518052, China
| | - Shaomin Yang
- Department of Pain Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518052, China
| | - Dabbu Kumar Jaijyan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 225 Warren Street, Newark, NJ 070101, USA
| | - Xiaolian Liu
- Institute of Pathogenic Organisms, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Songbin Wu
- Department of Pain Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518052, China
| | - Ruth Cruz-Cosme
- Department of Microbiology, Howard University College of Medicine, 520 W Street NW, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Qiyi Tang
- Department of Microbiology, Howard University College of Medicine, 520 W Street NW, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 225 Warren Street, Newark, NJ 070101, USA
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Yu Z, Wang Y, Liu L, Zhang X, Jiang S, Wang B. Apoptosis Disorder, a Key Pathogenesis of HCMV-Related Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22084106. [PMID: 33921122 PMCID: PMC8071541 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) belongs to the β-herpesvirus family, which is transmitted in almost every part of the world and is carried by more than 90% of the general population. Increasing evidence indicates that HCMV infection triggers numerous diseases by disrupting the normal physiological activity of host cells, particularly apoptosis. Apoptosis disorder plays a key role in the initiation and development of multiple diseases. However, the relationship and molecular mechanism of HCMV-related diseases and apoptosis have not yet been systematically summarized. This review aims to summarize the role of apoptosis in HCMV-related diseases and provide an insight into the molecular mechanism of apoptosis induced by HCMV infection. We summarize the literature on HCMV-related diseases and suggest novel strategies for HCMV treatment by regulating apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongjie Yu
- Department of Special Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China;
| | - Yashuo Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China;
| | - Lili Liu
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China;
| | - Xianjuan Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China; (X.Z.); (S.J.)
| | - Shasha Jiang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China; (X.Z.); (S.J.)
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Special Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-136-8532-6203
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8
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Viral Infections and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: New Players in an Old Story. Viruses 2021; 13:v13020277. [PMID: 33670195 PMCID: PMC7916951 DOI: 10.3390/v13020277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A causal link between viral infections and autoimmunity has been studied for a long time and the role of some viruses in the induction or exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in genetically predisposed patients has been proved. The strength of the association between different viral agents and SLE is variable. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), parvovirus B19 (B19V), and human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are involved in SLE pathogenesis, whereas other viruses such as Cytomegalovirus (CMV) probably play a less prominent role. However, the mechanisms of viral-host interactions and the impact of viruses on disease course have yet to be elucidated. In addition to classical mechanisms of viral-triggered autoimmunity, such as molecular mimicry and epitope spreading, there has been a growing appreciation of the role of direct activation of innate response by viral nucleic acids and epigenetic modulation of interferon-related immune response. The latter is especially important for HERVs, which may represent the molecular link between environmental triggers and critical immune genes. Virus-specific proteins modulating interaction with the host immune system have been characterized especially for Epstein-Barr virus and explain immune evasion, persistent infection and self-reactive B-cell "immortalization". Knowledge has also been expanding on key viral proteins of B19-V and CMV and their possible association with specific phenotypes such as antiphospholipid syndrome. This progress may pave the way to new therapeutic perspectives, including the use of known or new antiviral drugs, postviral immune response modulation and innate immunity inhibition. We herein describe the state-of-the-art knowledge on the role of viral infections in SLE, with a focus on their mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic targets.
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Human Cytomegalovirus and Autoimmune Diseases: Where Are We? Viruses 2021; 13:v13020260. [PMID: 33567734 PMCID: PMC7914970 DOI: 10.3390/v13020260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the β-subgroup of the herpesvirus family. After the initial infection, the virus establishes latency in poorly differentiated myeloid precursors from where it can reactivate at later times to cause recurrences. In immunocompetent subjects, primary HCMV infection is usually asymptomatic, while in immunocompromised patients, HCMV infection can lead to severe, life-threatening diseases, whose clinical severity parallels the degree of immunosuppression. The existence of a strict interplay between HCMV and the immune system has led many to hypothesize that HCMV could also be involved in autoimmune diseases (ADs). Indeed, signs of active viral infection were later found in a variety of different ADs, such as rheumatological, neurological, enteric disorders, and metabolic diseases. In addition, HCMV infection has been frequently linked to increased production of autoantibodies, which play a driving role in AD progression, as observed in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Documented mechanisms of HCMV-associated autoimmunity include molecular mimicry, inflammation, and nonspecific B-cell activation. In this review, we summarize the available literature on the various ADs arising from or exacerbating upon HCMV infection, focusing on the potential role of HCMV-mediated immune activation at disease onset.
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10
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Gkoutzourelas A, Liaskos C, Simopoulou T, Katsiari C, Efthymiou G, Scheper T, Meyer W, Tsirogianni A, Tsigalou C, Dardiotis E, Daoussis D, Sakkas LI, Bogdanos DP. A study of antigen-specific anti-cytomegalovirus antibody reactivity in patients with systemic sclerosis and concomitant anti-Ro52 antibodies. Rheumatol Int 2020; 40:1689-1699. [DOI: 10.1007/s00296-020-04643-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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11
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Cappello F, Marino Gammazza A, Dieli F, Conway de Macario E, Macario AJL. Does SARS-CoV-2 Trigger Stress-InducedAutoimmunity by Molecular Mimicry? A Hypothesis. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9072038. [PMID: 32610587 PMCID: PMC7408943 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9072038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses can generate molecular mimicry phenomena within their hosts. Why should severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) not be considered one of these? Information in this short review suggests that it might be so and, thus, encourages research aiming at testing this possibility. We propose, as a working hypothesis, that the virus induces antibodies and that some of them crossreact with host’s antigens, thus eliciting autoimmune phenomena with devasting consequences in various tissues and organs. If confirmed, by in vitro and in vivo tests, this could drive researchers to find effective treatments against the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Cappello
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (A.M.G.); (F.D.)
- Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (IEMEST), 90141 Palermo, Italy;
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (A.J.L.M.)
| | - Antonella Marino Gammazza
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (A.M.G.); (F.D.)
| | - Francesco Dieli
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (A.M.G.); (F.D.)
| | - Everly Conway de Macario
- Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (IEMEST), 90141 Palermo, Italy;
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland at Baltimore-Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET), Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
| | - Alberto JL Macario
- Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (IEMEST), 90141 Palermo, Italy;
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland at Baltimore-Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET), Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (A.J.L.M.)
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12
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Ye L, Qian Y, Yu W, Guo G, Wang H, Xue X. Functional Profile of Human Cytomegalovirus Genes and Their Associated Diseases: A Review. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:2104. [PMID: 33013768 PMCID: PMC7498621 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.02104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), whose genome is 235 ± 1.9 kbp long, is a common herpesvirus. However, the functions of many of its genes are still unknown. HCMV is closely associated with various human diseases and infects 60-90% of the global population. It can infect various human cells, including fibroblasts, epithelial cells, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and monocytes. Although HCMV infection is generally asymptomatic and causes subtle clinical symptoms, it can generate a robust immune response and establish a latent infection in immunocompromised individuals, including those with AIDS, transplant recipients, and developing fetuses. Currently available antivirals approved for the treatment of HCMV-associated diseases are limited by dose-limiting toxicity and the emergence of resistance; however, vaccines and immunoglobulins are unavailable. In this review, we have summarized the recent literature on 43 newly identified HCMV genes. We have described their novel functions on the viral replication cycle, latency, and host immune evasion. Further, we have discussed HCMV-associated diseases and current therapeutic targets. Our review may provide a foundational basis for studies aiming to prevent and develop targeted therapies for HCMV-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lele Ye
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yunyun Qian
- First Clinical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Weijie Yu
- First Clinical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Gangqiang Guo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Hong Wang, ; Xiangyang Xue,
| | - Xiangyang Xue
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Hong Wang, ; Xiangyang Xue,
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