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Garand M, Huang SSY, Goessling LS, Santillan DA, Santillan MK, Brar A, Wylie TN, Wylie KM, Eghtesady P. A Case of Persistent Human Pegivirus Infection in Two Separate Pregnancies of a Woman. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1925. [PMID: 36296201 PMCID: PMC9610878 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10101925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Human pegivirus (HPgV) is best known for persistent, presumably non-pathogenic, infection and a propensity to co-infect with human immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis C virus. However, unique attributes, such as the increased risk of malignancy or immune modulation, have been recently recognized for HPgV. We have identified a unique case of a woman with high levels HPgV infection in two pregnancies, which occurred 4 years apart and without evidence of human immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis C virus infection. The second pregnancy was complicated by congenital heart disease. A high level of HPgV infection was detected in the maternal blood from different trimesters by RT-PCR and identified as HPgV type 1 genotype 2 in both pregnancies. In the second pregnancy, the decidua and intervillous tissue of the placenta were positive for HPgV by PCR but not the chorion or cord blood (from both pregnancies), suggesting no vertical transmission despite high levels of viremia. The HPgV genome sequence was remarkably conserved over the 4 years. Using VirScan, sera antibodies for HPgV were detected in the first trimester of both pregnancies. We observed the same anti-HPgV antibodies against the non-structural NS5 protein in both pregnancies, suggesting a similar non-E2 protein humoral immune response over time. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of persistent HPgV infection involving placental tissues with no clear indication of vertical transmission. Our results reveal a more elaborate viral-host interaction than previously reported, expand our knowledge about tropism, and opens avenues for exploring the replication sites of this virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Garand
- Division of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Susie S. Y. Huang
- Division of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Lisa S. Goessling
- Division of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Donna A. Santillan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Mark K. Santillan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Anoop Brar
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Todd N. Wylie
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kristine M. Wylie
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Pirooz Eghtesady
- Division of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Stapleton JT. Human Pegivirus Type 1: A Common Human Virus That Is Beneficial in Immune-Mediated Disease? Front Immunol 2022; 13:887760. [PMID: 35707535 PMCID: PMC9190258 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.887760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Two groups identified a novel human flavivirus in the mid-1990s. One group named the virus hepatitis G virus (HGV) and the other named it GB Virus type C (GBV-C). Sequence analyses found these two isolates to be the same virus, and subsequent studies found that the virus does not cause hepatitis despite sharing genome organization with hepatitis C virus. Although HGV/GBV-C infection is common and may cause persistent infection in humans, the virus does not appear to directly cause any other known disease state. Thus, the virus was renamed “human pegivirus 1” (HPgV-1) for “persistent G” virus. HPgV-1 is found primarily in lymphocytes and not hepatocytes, and several studies found HPgV-1 infection associated with prolonged survival in people living with HIV. Co-infection of human lymphocytes with HPgV-1 and HIV inhibits HIV replication. Although three viral proteins directly inhibit HIV replication in vitro, the major effects of HPgV-1 leading to reduced HIV-related mortality appear to result from a global reduction in immune activation. HPgV-1 specifically interferes with T cell receptor signaling (TCR) by reducing proximal activation of the lymphocyte specific Src kinase LCK. Although TCR signaling is reduced, T cell activation is not abolished and with sufficient stimulus, T cell functions are enabled. Consequently, HPgV-1 is not associated with immune suppression. The HPgV-1 immunomodulatory effects are associated with beneficial outcomes in other diseases including Ebola virus infection and possibly graft-versus-host-disease following stem cell transplantation. Better understanding of HPgV-1 immune escape and mechanisms of inflammation may identify novel therapies for immune-based diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack T. Stapleton
- Medicine Service, Iowa City Veterans Administration Healthcare, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Microbiology & Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- *Correspondence: Jack T. Stapleton,
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Samadi M, Salimi V, Haghshenas MR, Miri SM, Mohebbi SR, Ghaemi A. Clinical and molecular aspects of human pegiviruses in the interaction host and infectious agent. Virol J 2022; 19:41. [PMID: 35264187 PMCID: PMC8905790 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-022-01769-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human pegivirus 1 (HPgV-1) is a Positive-sense single-stranded RNA (+ ssRNA) virus, discovered in 1995 as a Flaviviridae member, and the closest human virus linked to HCV. In comparison to HCV, HPgV-1 seems to be lymphotropic and connected to the viral group that infects T and B lymphocytes. HPgV-1 infection is not persuasively correlated to any known human disease; nevertheless, multiple studies have reported a connection between chronic HPgV-1 infection and improved survival in HPgV-1/HIV co-infected patients with a delayed and favorable impact on HIV infection development. While the process has not been thoroughly clarified, different mechanisms for these observations have been proposed. HPgV-1 is categorized into seven genotypes and various subtypes. Infection with HPgV-1 is relatively common globally. It can be transferred parenterally, sexually, and through vertical ways, and thereby its co-infection with HIV and HCV is common. In most cases, the clearance of HPgV-1 from the body can be achieved by developing E2 antibodies after infection. Main body In this review, we thoroughly discuss the current knowledge and recent advances in understanding distinct epidemiological, molecular, and clinical aspects of HPgV-1. Conclusion Due to the unique characteristics of the HPgV-1, so advanced research on HPgV-1, particularly in light of HIV co-infection and other diseases, should be conducted to explore the essential mechanisms of HIV clearance and other viruses and thereby suggest novel strategies for viral therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Samadi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Microbiology, Molecular and Cell-Biology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Vahid Salimi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Haghshenas
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular and Cell-Biology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Miri
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, P.O. Box: 1316943551, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Reza Mohebbi
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Ghaemi
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, P.O. Box: 1316943551, Tehran, Iran.
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Yu Y, Wan Z, Wang JH, Yang X, Zhang C. Review of human pegivirus: Prevalence, transmission, pathogenesis, and clinical implication. Virulence 2022; 13:324-341. [PMID: 35132924 PMCID: PMC8837232 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2029328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pegivirus (HPgV-1), previously known as GB virus C (GBV-C) or hepatitis G virus (HGV), is a single-stranded positive RNA virus belonging to the genus Pegivirus of the Flaviviridae family. It is transmitted by percutaneous injuries (PIs), contaminated blood and/or blood products, sexual contact, and vertical mother-to-child transmission. It is widely prevalent in general population, especially in high-risk groups. HPgV-1 viremia is typically cleared within the first 1–2 years of infection in most healthy individuals, but may persist for longer periods of time in immunocompromised individuals and/or those co-infected by other viruses. A large body of evidences indicate that HPgV-1 persistent infection has a beneficial clinical effect on many infectious diseases, such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and hepatitis C. The beneficial effects seem to be related to a significant reduction of immune activation, and/or the inhabitation of co-infected viruses (e.g. HIV-1). HPgV-1 has a broad cellular tropism for lymphoid and myeloid cells, and preferentially replicates in bone marrow and spleen without cytopathic effect, implying a therapeutic potential. The paper aims to summarize the natural history, prevalence and distribution characteristics, and pathogenesis of HPgV-1, and discuss its association with other human viral diseases, and potential use in therapy as a biovaccine or viral vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Yu
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.,Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenzhou Wan
- Medical Laboratory of Taizhou Fourth People's Hospital, Taizhou, China
| | - Jian-Hua Wang
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianguang Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Chiyu Zhang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Human pegivirus 1 infection in lung transplant recipients: Prevalence, clinical relevance and kinetics of viral replication under immunosuppressive therapy. J Clin Virol 2021; 143:104937. [PMID: 34416522 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2021.104937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human pegivirus 1 (HPgV1) may cause persistent infections in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed individuals. Its clinical relevance, however, has not been determined. Previous studies have described a higher prevalence of HPgV1 infection in organ transplant recipients compared to healthy controls, but its occurrence in lung transplant recipients (LTRs) and its association with immunosuppressive therapy has not been assessed. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and clinical significance of HPgV1 infection in LTRs, and to compare HPgV1 loads and kinetics to Torque Teno Virus (TTV) kinetics, which reflects the level of immunosuppression. STUDY DESIGN From each of 110 LTRs, five consecutive plasma samples were collected within the first year after transplantation and tested for HPgV1 RNA and TTV DNA loads by quantitative PCR. Data were related to demographic data and clinical parameters followed up for 3 years post transplantation. RESULTS HPgV1 prevalence in LTRs was 18,2%. HPgV1 detection was significantly associated with younger age, but not with graft rejections or other microbial infections. The viral replication level remained unaffected by immunosuppressive therapy. This was in contrast to TTV loads which increased after initiation of immunosuppressive therapy, independent of the patients' HPgV1 infection status. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to TTV, HPgV1 kinetics do not reflect the level of immunosuppression after lung transplantation, and there is no correlation between the replication of both persistent viruses in the post transplantation follow up. Thus the individual virus host interactions seem to differ substantially and require further investigation.
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Tomlinson JE, Wolfisberg R, Fahnøe U, Sharma H, Renshaw RW, Nielsen L, Nishiuchi E, Holm C, Dubovi E, Rosenberg BR, Tennant BC, Bukh J, Kapoor A, Divers TJ, Rice CM, Van de Walle GR, Scheel TKH. Equine pegiviruses cause persistent infection of bone marrow and are not associated with hepatitis. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008677. [PMID: 32649726 PMCID: PMC7375656 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pegiviruses frequently cause persistent infection (as defined by >6 months), but unlike most other Flaviviridae members, no apparent clinical disease. Human pegivirus (HPgV, previously GBV-C) is detectable in 1–4% of healthy individuals and another 5–13% are seropositive. Some evidence for infection of bone marrow and spleen exists. Equine pegivirus 1 (EPgV-1) is not linked to disease, whereas another pegivirus, Theiler’s disease-associated virus (TDAV), was identified in an outbreak of acute serum hepatitis (Theiler’s disease) in horses. Although no subsequent reports link TDAV to disease, any association with hepatitis has not been formally examined. Here, we characterized EPgV-1 and TDAV tropism, sequence diversity, persistence and association with liver disease in horses. Among more than 20 tissue types, we consistently detected high viral loads only in serum, bone marrow and spleen, and viral RNA replication was consistently identified in bone marrow. PBMCs and lymph nodes, but not liver, were sporadically positive. To exclude potential effects of co-infecting agents in experimental infections, we constructed full-length consensus cDNA clones; this was enabled by determination of the complete viral genomes, including a novel TDAV 3’ terminus. Clone derived RNA transcripts were used for direct intrasplenic inoculation of healthy horses. This led to productive infection detectable from week 2–3 and persisting beyond the 28 weeks of study. We did not observe any clinical signs of illness or elevation of circulating liver enzymes. The polyprotein consensus sequences did not change, suggesting that both clones were fully functional. To our knowledge, this is the first successful extrahepatic viral RNA launch and the first robust reverse genetics system for a pegivirus. In conclusion, equine pegiviruses are bone marrow tropic, cause persistent infection in horses, and are not associated with hepatitis. Based on these findings, it may be appropriate to rename the group of TDAV and related viruses as EPgV-2. Transmissible hepatitis in horses (Theiler’s disease) has been known for 100 years without knowledge of causative infectious agents. Recently, two novel equine pegiviruses (EPgV) were discovered. Whereas EPgV-1 was not associated to disease, the other was identified in an outbreak of acute serum hepatitis and therefore named Theiler’s disease-associated virus (TDAV). This finding was surprising since human and monkey pegiviruses typically cause long-term infection without associated clinical disease. Whereas no subsequent reports link TDAV to disease, the original association to hepatitis has not been formally examined. Here, we studied EPgV-1 and TDAV and found that their natural history of infection in horses were remarkably similar. Examination of various tissues identified the bone marrow as the primary site of replication for both viruses with no evidence of replication in the liver. To exclude potential effects of other infectious agents, we developed molecular full-length clones for EPgV-1 and TDAV and were able to initiate infection in horses using derived synthetic viral genetic material. This demonstrated long-term infection, but no association with hepatitis. These findings call into question the connection between TDAV, liver infection, and hepatitis in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy E. Tomlinson
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Raphael Wolfisberg
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Hvidovre Hospital and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ulrik Fahnøe
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Hvidovre Hospital and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Himanshu Sharma
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Randall W. Renshaw
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Louise Nielsen
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Hvidovre Hospital and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eiko Nishiuchi
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Christina Holm
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Hvidovre Hospital and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Edward Dubovi
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Brad R. Rosenberg
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Bud C. Tennant
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Jens Bukh
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Hvidovre Hospital and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Amit Kapoor
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Thomas J. Divers
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Charles M. Rice
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Gerlinde R. Van de Walle
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Troels K. H. Scheel
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Hvidovre Hospital and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Wang H, Wan Z, Xu R, Guan Y, Zhu N, Li J, Xie Z, Lu A, Zhang F, Fu Y, Tang S. A Novel Human Pegivirus, HPgV-2 (HHpgV-1), Is Tightly Associated With Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection and HCV/Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Coinfection. Clin Infect Dis 2019; 66:29-35. [PMID: 29020289 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human pegivirus type 2 (HPgV-2) is a novel blood-borne human pegivirus that mainly infects hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected subjects. We have investigated the prevalence of HPgV-2 in China, its association with HCV and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), and the impact on HCV viral load and liver damage. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with both blood donors and HCV- and HIV-1-infected patients in Guangzhou, China. All subjects were screened for anti-HPgV-2 and HPgV-2 RNA. Demographic and clinical information were obtained from electronic medical records. Results We tested 8198 serum or plasma samples. Only 0.15% (6/4017) of healthy blood donors were positive for anti-HPgV-2 and negative for HPgV-2 RNA. No HPgV-2 viremia was detected in hepatitis B virus- or HIV-1-monoinfected individuals. The relatively high frequency of HPgV-2 infection was observed in 1.23% (30/2440) and 0.29% (7/2440) of HCV-infected persons by serological assay and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Furthermore, anti-HPgV-2 and HPgV-2 RNA were detected in 8.91% (18/202) and 3.47% (7/202), respectively, of HCV/HIV-1-coinfected subjects. HPgV-2 persistent infection was documented in about 30% of anti-HPgV-2-positive individuals. In addition, HPgV-2 infection may not affect HCV-related liver injury and HCV viral load. Conclusions Our results indicate the rarity of HPgV-2 infection in the general population and tight association with HCV, in particular with HCV/HIV-1 coinfection. HPgV-2 appears not to worsen HCV-related liver damage. Our study provides new findings about the association of HPgV-2 and HCV/HIV-1 and the impact of HPgV-2 infection on HCV replication and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiying Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University
| | - Zhengwei Wan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University
| | - Ru Xu
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yujuan Guan
- Institute of Infectious Disease, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Naling Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University
| | - Jianping Li
- Institute of Infectious Disease, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiwei Xie
- Institute of Infectious Disease, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Aiqi Lu
- Institute of Infectious Disease, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fuchun Zhang
- Institute of Infectious Disease, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongshui Fu
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shixing Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University
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Zhu N, Xu R, Tang W, Wang H, Wan Z, Wu X, Fu Y, Tang S, Yu S. [Detection of a novel human pegivirus HPgV-2 in healthy blood donors and recipients of multiple transfusions: implications for blood safety]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2018; 38:842-849. [PMID: 33168509 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-4254.2018.07.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence of HPgV-2 in blood donors, transfusion recipients and hemophilia patients and its impact on blood safety. METHODS Serum samples were collected from 1060 healthy blood donors, 1402 HCV-positive and 500 HBV- positive blood donors, 570 transfusion recipients and 248 hemophilia patients for screening anti-HPgV-2 antibodies, HPgV-2 RNA, anti-HCV and HBsAg/HBV-DNA using ELISA and RT-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis of near fulllength genome sequences and NS3 genes of pegiviruses and hepaciviruses were performed using MEGA software. RESULTS Anti-HPgV-2 positivity and HPgV-2 RNA positivity were found in 1.21% (17/1402) and 0.36% (5/1402) of the blood donors infected with HCV (RNA+/Ab+), respectively, indicating a close correlation between HPgV-2 and HCV infection (χ2=13.78, P= 0.004). Anti-HPgV-2 antibody was hardly detected in the other populations. A nucleotide identity as high as 97.11% was found in the NS3 fragments among the 5 isolated HPgV-2 strains, which had a nucleotide identity of 96.53% with the reported strains isolated out of China. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of HPgV-2 infection is rather low in healthy blood donors and transfusion recipients. Coinfection with HCV is common in HPgV-2 infection, and no evidence has now been available to support HPgV-2 transmission via blood transfusion, indicating that HPgV-2 may not pose a threat to blood safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naling Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research/Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ru Xu
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Weiping Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research/Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Haiying Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research/Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhengwei Wan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research/Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xuedong Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yongshui Fu
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Shixing Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research/Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Shouyi Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research/Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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Chivero ET, Bhattarai N, McLinden JH, Xiang J, Stapleton JT. Human Pegivirus (HPgV; formerly known as GBV-C) inhibits IL-12 dependent natural killer cell function. Virology 2015; 485:116-27. [PMID: 26245365 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2015.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2015] [Revised: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Human Pegivirus (HPgV, formally GB virus C) infects lymphocytes and NK cells in vivo, and infection is associated with reduced T cell and NK cell activation in HIV-infected individuals. The mechanism by which HPgV inhibits NK cell activation has not been assessed. Following IL-12 stimulation, IFNγ expression was lower in HIV-HPgV co-infected subjects compared to HIV mono-infected subjects (p=0.02). In addition, HPgV positive human sera, extracellular vesicles containing E2 protein, recombinant E2 protein and synthetic E2 peptides containing a predicted Tyk2 interacting motif inhibited NK cell IL-12-mediated IFNγ release. E2 protein also inhibited Tyk2 activation following IL-12 stimulation. In contrast, cytolytic NK cell function was not altered by HPgV. Inhibition of NK cell-induced proinflammatory/antiviral cytokines may contribute to both HPgV persistence and reduced immune activation during HIV-coinfection. Understanding mechanisms by which HPgV alters immune activation may contribute towards novel immunomodulatory therapies to treat HIV and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest T Chivero
- The Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Interdisciplinary program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Nirjal Bhattarai
- The Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - James H McLinden
- The Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Jinhua Xiang
- The Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Jack T Stapleton
- The Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Interdisciplinary program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Microbiology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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10
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Chivero ET, Stapleton JT. Tropism of human pegivirus (formerly known as GB virus C/hepatitis G virus) and host immunomodulation: insights into a highly successful viral infection. J Gen Virol 2015; 96:1521-32. [PMID: 25667328 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.000086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human pegivirus (HPgV; originally called GB virus C/hepatitis G virus) is an RNA virus within the genus Pegivirus of the family Flaviviridae that commonly causes persistent infection. Worldwide, ~750 million people are actively infected (viraemic) and an estimated 0.75-1.5 billion people have evidence of prior HPgV infection. No causal association between HPgV and disease has been identified; however, several studies described a beneficial relationship between persistent HPgV infection and survival in individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus. The beneficial effect appeared to be related to a reduction in host immune activation. HPgV replicates well in vivo (mean plasma viral loads typically >1×107 genome copies ml-1); however, the virus grows poorly in vitro and systems to study this virus are limited. Consequently, mechanisms of viral persistence and host immune modulation remain poorly characterized, and the primary permissive cell type(s) has not yet been identified. HPgV RNA is found in liver, spleen, bone marrow and PBMCs, including T- and B-lymphocytes, NK-cells, and monocytes, although the mechanism of cell-to-cell transmission is unclear. HPgV RNA is also present in serum microvesicles with properties of exosomes. These microvesicles are able to transmit viral RNA to PBMCs in vitro, resulting in productive infection. This review summarizes existing data on HPgV cellular tropism and the effect of HPgV on immune activation in various PBMCs, and discusses how this may influence viral persistence. We conclude that an increased understanding of HPgV replication and immune modulation may provide insights into persistent RNA viral infection of humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest T Chivero
- Medicine Service, Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Interdisciplinary Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Departments of Internal Medicine and Microbiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Jack T Stapleton
- Medicine Service, Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Interdisciplinary Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Departments of Internal Medicine and Microbiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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Lyons S, Kapoor A, Schneider BS, Wolfe ND, Culshaw G, Corcoran B, Durham AE, Burden F, McGorum BC, Simmonds P. Viraemic frequencies and seroprevalence of non-primate hepacivirus and equine pegiviruses in horses and other mammalian species. J Gen Virol 2014; 95:1701-1711. [PMID: 24814924 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.065094-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-primate hepacivirus (NPHV), equine pegivirus (EPgV) and Theiler's disease associated virus (TDAV) are newly discovered members of two genera in the Flaviviridae family, Hepacivirus and Pegivirus respectively, that include human hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human pegivirus (HPgV). To investigate their epidemiology, persistence and clinical features of infection, large cohorts of horses and other mammalian species were screened for NPHV, EPgV and TDAV viraemia and for past exposure through serological assays for NPHV and EPgV-specific antibodies. NPHV antibodies were detected in 43% of 328 horses screened for antibodies to NS3 and core antibodies, of which three were viraemic by PCR. All five horses that were stablemates of a viraemic horse were seropositive, as was a dog on the same farm. With this single exception, all other species were negative for NPHV antibodies and viraemia: donkeys (n=100), dogs (n=112), cats (n=131), non-human primates (n=164) and humans (n=362). EPgV antibodies to NS3 were detected in 66.5% of horses, including 10 of the 12 horses that had EPgV viraemia. All donkey samples were negative for EPgV antibody and RNA. All horse and donkey samples were negative for TDAV RNA. By comparing viraemia frequencies in horses with and without liver disease, no evidence was obtained that supported an association between active NPHV and EPgV infections with hepatopathy. The study demonstrates that NPHV and EPgV infections are widespread and enzootic in the study horse population and confirms that NPHV and potentially EPgV have higher frequencies of viral clearance than HCV and HPgV infections in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinéad Lyons
- Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Amit Kapoor
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | - Nathan D Wolfe
- Metabiota, 1 Sutter Street, Suite 600, San Francisco, CA 94104, USA
| | - Geoff Culshaw
- Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Brendan Corcoran
- Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andy E Durham
- Liphook Equine Hospital, Forest Mere, Liphook, Hampshire, UK
| | | | - Bruce C McGorum
- Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Peter Simmonds
- Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Edinburgh, UK
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12
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Alay M, Haro I, Alsina MA, Girona V, Prat J, Busquets MA. Interaction of two overlapped synthetic peptides from GB virus C with charged mono and bilayers. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2013; 105:7-13. [PMID: 23352943 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2012.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2012] [Revised: 11/09/2012] [Accepted: 11/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The physical chemistry properties and interactions of E2 (125-139) and E2 (120-139) peptide sequences from GB virus C with model cell membranes were investigated by means of several biophysical techniques in order to gain better understanding of the effect of peptide length and lipid charge on membrane binding. The peptides, having one net negative charge at the pH of the assays, interacted with monolayers of all the phospholipids regardless of the charge but with more extent with the cationic DPTAP thus indicating that the interaction had both a hydrophobic and an electrostatic component as has been observed for other peptides of the same family. The peptides were able to leakage contents of liposomes and showed fluorescence energy transfer in vesicles depending on the vesicles lipid composition. On another hand, circular dichroism has shown that the peptides exist mainly as a mixture of disordered structure and β-type conformations in aqueous solution but diminished its unstructured content, folding preferentially into α-helical conformation upon interaction with hydrophobic solvents or positively charged lipid surfaces. Altogether, results of this work indicate that the peptides interact at a surface level, penetrate into bilayers composed of fluid lipids and that conformational changes could be responsible for this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Alay
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Associated Unit to the CSIC, IN2UB, Faculty of Pharmacy, Barcelona, Spain
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Xiang J, McLinden JH, Kaufman TM, Mohr EL, Bhattarai N, Chang Q, Stapleton JT. Characterization of a peptide domain within the GB virus C envelope glycoprotein (E2) that inhibits HIV replication. Virology 2012; 430:53-62. [PMID: 22608061 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2012.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2012] [Revised: 04/26/2012] [Accepted: 04/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
GB virus C (GBV-C) infection is associated with prolonged survival in HIV-infected cohorts, and GBV-C E2 protein inhibits HIV entry when added to CD4+ T cells. To further characterize E2 effects on HIV replication, stably transfected Jurkat cell lines expressing GBV-C E2 or control sequences were infected with HIV and replication was measured. HIV replication (all 6 isolates studied) was inhibited in all cell lines expressing a region of 17 amino acids of GBV-C E2, but not in cell lines expressing E2 without this region. In contrast, mumps and yellow fever virus replication was not inhibited by E2 protein expression. Synthetic GBV-C E2 17mer peptides did not inhibit HIV replication unless they were fused to a tat-protein-transduction-domain (TAT) for cellular uptake. These data identify the region of GBV-C E2 protein involved in HIV inhibition, and suggest that this GBV-C E2 peptide must gain entry into the cell to inhibit HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhua Xiang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of Iowa, IA 52242, USA.
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Vahidnia F, Petersen M, Rutherford G, Busch M, Assmann S, Stapleton JT, Custer B. Transmission of GB virus type C via transfusion in a cohort of HIV-infected patients. J Infect Dis 2012; 205:1436-42. [PMID: 22438325 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jis209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND GB virus C (GBV-C) infection is transmitted by blood exposure and associated with lower human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) load and slower HIV disease progression. Few studies describe predictors of acute GBV-C infection following transfusion in HIV-infected patients. METHODS We used a limited-access database from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute's Viral Activation Transfusion Study, a randomized controlled trial of leukoreduced versus nonleukoreduced transfusions received by HIV-infected, transfusion-naive patients. Blood samples from 489 subjects were tested for GBV-C markers in pretransfusion and posttransfusion samples. We estimated the risk of acquiring GBV-C RNA and predictors of GBV-C acquisition, using pooled logistic regression. RESULTS GBV-C RNA was detected ≤120 days following the first transfusion in 22 (7.5%) of 294 subjects who were GBV-C negative before transfusion. The risk of GBV-C RNA acquisition increased with each unit transfused (odds ratio, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.11). Lower baseline HIV load and use of antiretroviral therapy were associated with subsequent GBV-C RNA acquisition, after control for units of blood transfused. Leukoreduced status of transfused units was not associated with GBV-C transmission. CONCLUSIONS Blood transfusion is associated with a significant risk of GBV-C acquisition among HIV-infected patients. Transmission of GBV-C by blood transfusion was inversely related to HIV load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz Vahidnia
- Department of Epidemiology, Blood Systems Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Gómara MJ, Fernández L, Pérez T, Tenckhoff S, Casanovas A, Tillmann HL, Haro I. Diagnostic Value of Anti-GBV-C Antibodies in HIV-Infected Patients. Chem Biol Drug Des 2011; 78:277-82. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-0285.2011.01143.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Stapleton JT, Foung S, Muerhoff AS, Bukh J, Simmonds P. The GB viruses: a review and proposed classification of GBV-A, GBV-C (HGV), and GBV-D in genus Pegivirus within the family Flaviviridae. J Gen Virol 2010; 92:233-46. [PMID: 21084497 PMCID: PMC3081076 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.027490-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In 1967, it was reported that experimental inoculation of serum from a surgeon (G.B.) with acute hepatitis into tamarins resulted in hepatitis. In 1995, two new members of the family Flaviviridae, named GBV-A and GBV-B, were identified in tamarins that developed hepatitis following inoculation with the 11th GB passage. Neither virus infects humans, and a number of GBV-A variants were identified in wild New World monkeys that were captured. Subsequently, a related human virus was identified [named GBV-C or hepatitis G virus (HGV)], and recently a more distantly related virus (named GBV-D) was discovered in bats. Only GBV-B, a second species within the genus Hepacivirus (type species hepatitis C virus), has been shown to cause hepatitis; it causes acute hepatitis in experimentally infected tamarins. The other GB viruses have however not been assigned to a genus within the family Flaviviridae. Based on phylogenetic relationships, genome organization and pathogenic features of the GB viruses, we propose to classify GBV-A-like viruses, GBV-C and GBV-D as members of a fourth genus in the family Flaviviridae, named Pegivirus (pe, persistent; g, GB or G). We also propose renaming 'GB' viruses within the tentative genus Pegivirus to reflect their host origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack T Stapleton
- Department of Internal Medicine, Veterans Administration Medical Center and the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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McLinden JH, Kaufman TM, Xiang J, Chang Q, Klinzman D, Engel AM, Hess G, Schmidt U, Houghton M, Stapleton JT. Characterization of an immunodominant antigenic site on GB virus C glycoprotein E2 that is involved in cell binding. J Virol 2006; 80:12131-40. [PMID: 17035329 PMCID: PMC1676310 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01206-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
GB virus type C (GBV-C) is a human flavivirus that may cause persistent infection, although most infected individuals clear viremia and develop antibodies to the envelope glycoprotein E2. To study GBV-C E2 antigenicity and cell binding, murine anti-E2 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were evaluated to topologically map immunogenic sites on GBV-C E2 and for the ability to detect or block recombinant E2 binding to various cell lines. Five competition groups of MAbs were identified. Groups I and II did not compete with each other. Group III competed with both groups I and II. Group IV did not compete with group I, II, or III. One MAb competed with all of the other MAbs, suggesting that the epitopes bound by these MAbs are intimately related. Individually, none of the MAbs competed extensively with polyclonal human convalescent antibody (PcAb); however, combinations of all five MAb groups completely blocked PcAb binding to E2, suggesting that the epitopes bound by these MAbs form a single, immunodominant antigenic site. Only group I and III MAbs detected purified recombinant E2 bound to cells in binding assays. In contrast, group II MAbs neutralized the binding of E2 to cells. Both PcAb and MAbs were conformation dependent, with the exception of one group II MAb (M6). M6 bound to a five-amino-acid sequence on E2 if the peptide included four C-terminal or eight N-terminal residues, suggesting that the GBV-C E2 protein contains a single immunodominant antigenic site which includes a complex epitope that is involved in specific cellular binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H McLinden
- Department of Internal Medicine, SW54, GH, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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Chams V, Fournier-Wirth C, Chabanel A, Hervé P, Trépo C. [Is GB virus C alias "hepatitis" G virus involved in human pathology?]. Transfus Clin Biol 2003; 10:292-306. [PMID: 14563418 DOI: 10.1016/s1246-7820(03)00095-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
GB virus-C alias "hepatitis" virus G was discovered in 1995 as a putative causative virus of non A-E hepatitis. It is a very common virus found in 1 to 5% of eligible blood donors in developed countries. Numerous studies over seven years led to the exclusion of its role as a significant etiological agent of hepatitis. Its in vivo replication site is still unknown. Its direct involvement in the induction of significant hepatic or extra-hepatic diseases could not be demonstrated. However, coinfections with other viruses may contribute to changes in the evolution of both liver disease (negatively) and HIV/AIDS (favourably). Today, no country has decided to screen GBV-C in blood donors. However, more studies are necessary before the absence of influence of GBV-C infection on human health in the context of other viral infections could be confirmed definitely. This article is a review of the literature on a possible involvement of GBV-C in pathologies whether associated or not to other infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Chams
- Etablissement français du sang, 100 avenue de Suffren, 75015 Paris, France.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The TT virus (TTV) was detected for the first time by Nishizawa and Okamoto et al. in 1997 in the serum of a patient with post-transfusion hepatitis of unknown origin (non-A-non-G type). TTV was subsequently, also found in the serum of blood donors with no history of blood transfusion, although at a lower rate than among donors with a history of blood transfusion. In the present study, we determined the percentage of TTV carriers among pregnant women with no history of blood transfusion, and evaluated the possibility of mother-child transmission. METHODS Blood was sampled from 300 normal pregnant women with no history of blood transfusion, 10 infants born by vaginal delivery from TTV-positive women, 10 infants born by abdominal cesarean section from TTV-positive women at both 5 days and 3 months after birth, and 10 infants born from TTV-positive women at 6 months after birth. Amniotic fluid and breast milk were sampled from 10 and 30 TTV-positive women, respectively. Informed consent was obtained from all women before sampling. TTV DNA was detected by the nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. RESULTS (1) Of the 300 normal pregnant women with no history of blood transfusion, 60 (20%) were TTV-positive. (2) All infants from TTV-positive mothers were TTV-negative at both 5 days and 3 months after birth, regardless of whether they were born by vaginal delivery or abdominal cesarean section. (3) Of the 10 infants who were born from TTV-positive mothers and examined 6 months after birth, 4 (40%) were TTV-positive. (4) Amniotic fluid from all 10 TTV-positive women was TTV-negative. (5) Breast milk from 7 (23.3%) of the 30 TTV-positive women was TTV-positive. CONCLUSION TTV was detected in 20% of pregnant women with no history of blood transfusion, suggesting that TTV infection can occur through non- blood-mediated routes. The possibility of transfer of TTV into amniotic fluid was ruled out due to its absence in amniotic fluid samples. All infants from TTV-positive women were TTV-negative at both 5 days and 3 months after birth, regardless of whether they were born by vaginal delivery or abdominal cesarean section, suggesting that infection in the parturient canal or the pelvis is unlikely. Because TTV was detected in breast milk from TTV-positive women and some of their infants were TTV-positive, breast milk was thought to be a mother-child infection route. These findings suggest that horizontal infection is more likely than vertical infection in mother-child transmission of TTV.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Iso
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1, Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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Tagger A, Ribero ML, Larghi A, Donato F, Zuin M, Chiesa R, Benetti G, Ramella G, Borzio M, Podda M. Prevalence of GB virus-C/hepatitis G virus infection in patients with cryptogenic chronic liver disease and in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis or Wilson's disease. Am J Gastroenterol 1999; 94:484-8. [PMID: 10022651 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.1999.882_k.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the role of hepatitis G virus (HGV) in cryptogenic chronic liver disease (CLD), we investigated the prevalence of HGV RNA among patients with cryptogenic CLD, patients with nonviral CLD (primary biliary cirrhosis [PBC] and Wilson's disease [WD]) and subjects without clinically evident liver disease (controls). METHODS Ninety patients with cryptogenic CLD (43 with chronic hepatitis, 20 with cirrhosis, and 27 with hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]), 143 patients with PBC, 22 patients with WD, and 134 controls were recruited. HGV RNA was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and antibodies against HGV E2 protein (anti-E2) by an immunoassay test. RESULTS HGV RNA was detected in 7.8% of patients with cryptogenic CLD (chronic hepatitis, 9.3%; cirrhosis, 5.0%; HCC, 7.4%), in 2.4% of patients with PBC or WD, and in 2.2% of controls. As a consequence, a positive association of HGV infection with cryptogenic CLD was found (odds ratio, 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-9.7; p = 0.05). No difference was observed between HGV RNA-positive and -negative patients by age, sex, histology, or liver function tests. Anti-E2 prevalence did not differ between patients with cryptogenic CLD (26.5%), patients with PBC (28.1%), and controls (22.1%). Transfusion history was associated with HGV RNA but not with anti-E2 seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS Although an association was found between cryptogenic CLD and HGV infection, the role of the virus seems far from important, the proportion of cryptogenic CLD attributable to it being only 5.2%.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Tagger
- Institute of Virology, University of Milano, Italy
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