1
|
Adiguzel Y, Mahroum N, Muller S, Blank M, Halpert G, Shoenfeld Y. Shared Pathogenicity Features and Sequences between EBV, SARS-CoV-2, and HLA Class I Molecule-binding Motifs with a Potential Role in Autoimmunity. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2023; 65:206-230. [PMID: 37505416 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-023-08962-4] [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] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are extraordinary in their ability to activate autoimmunity as well as to induce diverse autoimmune diseases. Here we reviewed the current knowledge on their relation. Further, we suggested that molecular mimicry could be a possible common mechanism of autoimmunity induction in the susceptible individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2. Molecular mimicry between SARS-CoV-2 and human proteins, and EBV and human proteins, are present. Besides, relation of the pathogenicity associated with both coronavirus diseases and EBV supports the notion. As a proof-of-the-concept, we investigated 8mer sequences with shared 5mers of SARS-CoV-2, EBV, and human proteins, which were predicted as epitopes binding to the same human leukocyte antigen (HLA) supertype representatives. We identified significant number of human peptide sequences with predicted-affinities to the HLA-A*02:01 allele. Rest of the peptide sequences had predicted-affinities to the HLA-A*02:01, HLA-B*40:01, HLA-B*27:05, HLA-A*01:01, and HLA-B*39:01 alleles. Carriers of these serotypes can be under a higher risk of autoimmune response induction upon getting infected, through molecular mimicry-based mechanisms common to SARS-CoV-2 and EBV infections. We additionally reviewed established associations of the identified proteins with the EBV-related pathogenicity and with the autoimmune diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yekbun Adiguzel
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Atilim University, Kizilcasar Mah. 06836 Incek, Golbasi, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Naim Mahroum
- International School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Göztepe Mah, Atatürk Cd. No:40, Beykoz, Istanbul, 34810, Turkey
| | - Sylviane Muller
- Centre National de la Recherche scientifique-Université de Strasbourg, Biotechnology and Cell Signalling Unit, Neuroimmunology and Peptide Therapeutics Team, Strasbourg Drug Discovery and Development Institute, Strasbourg, France
- University of Strasbourg Institute for Advanced Study, Strasbourg, France
- Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire OMICARE, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Miri Blank
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Tel-Hashomer, 52621, Israel
| | - Gilad Halpert
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Tel-Hashomer, 52621, Israel
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Tel-Hashomer, 52621, Israel
- Reichman University, Herzliya, 4610101, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Adiguzel Y, Shoenfeld Y. Shared 6mer Peptides of Human and Omicron (21K and 21L) at SARS-CoV-2 Mutation Sites. Antibodies (Basel) 2022; 11:68. [PMID: 36412834 PMCID: PMC9680445 DOI: 10.3390/antib11040068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the short sequences involving Omicron 21K and Omicron 21L variants to reveal any possible molecular mimicry-associated autoimmunity risks and changes in those. We first identified common 6mers of the viral and human protein sequences present for both the mutant (Omicron) and nonmutant (SARS-CoV-2) versions of the same viral sequence and then predicted the binding affinities of those sequences to the HLA supertype representatives. We evaluated change in the potential autoimmunity risk, through comparative assessment of the nonmutant and mutant viral sequences and their similar human peptides with common 6mers and affinities to the same HLA allele. This change is the lost and the new, or de novo, autoimmunity risk, associated with the mutations in the Omicron 21K and Omicron 21L variants. Accordingly, e.g., the affinity of virus-similar sequences of the Ig heavy chain junction regions shifted from the HLA-B*15:01 to the HLA-A*01:01 allele at the mutant sequences. Additionally, peptides of different human proteins sharing 6mers with SARS-CoV-2 proteins at the mutation sites of interest and with affinities to the HLA-B*07:02 allele, such as the respective SARS-CoV-2 sequences, were lost. Among all, any possible molecular mimicry-associated novel risk appeared to be prominent in HLA-A*24:02 and HLA-B*27:05 serotypes upon infection with Omicron 21L. Associated disease, pathway, and tissue expression data supported possible new risks for the HLA-B*27:05 and HLA-A*01:01 serotypes, while the risks for the HLA-B*07:02 serotypes could have been lost or diminished, and those for the HLA-A*03:01 serotypes could have been retained, for the individuals infected with Omicron variants under study. These are likely to affect the complications related to cross-reactions influencing the relevant HLA serotypes upon infection with Omicron 21K and Omicron 21L.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yekbun Adiguzel
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Atilim University, Ankara 06830, Turkey
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat-Gan 52621, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhou Q, Zhou R, Yang H, Yang H. To Be or Not To Be Vaccinated: That Is a Question in Myasthenia Gravis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:733418. [PMID: 34603311 PMCID: PMC8485039 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.733418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterized by muscle weakness and abnormal fatigability due to the antibodies against postsynaptic receptors. Despite the individual discrepancy, patients with MG share common muscle weakness, autoimmune dysfunction, and immunosuppressive treatment, which predispose them to infections that can trigger or exacerbate MG. Vaccination, as a mainstay of prophylaxis, is a major management strategy. However, the past years have seen growth in vaccine hesitancy, owing to safety and efficacy concerns. Ironically, vaccines, serving as an essential and effective means of defense, may induce similar immune cross-reactivity to what they are meant to prevent. Herein, we outline the progress in vaccination, review the current status, and postulate the clinical association among MG, vaccination, and immunosuppression. We also address safety and efficacy concerns of vaccination in MG, in relation to COVID-19. Since only a handful of studies have reported vaccination in individuals with MG, we further review the current clinical studies and guidelines in rheumatic diseases. Overall, our reviews offer a reference to guide future vaccine clinical decision-making and improve the management of MG patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Huan Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Peptides of H. sapiens and P. falciparum that are predicted to bind strongly to HLA-A*24:02 and homologous to a SARS-CoV-2 peptide. Acta Trop 2021; 221:106013. [PMID: 34146538 PMCID: PMC8255030 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study is looking for a common pathogenicity between SARS-CoV-2 and Plasmodium species, in individuals with certain HLA serotypes. METHODS 1. Tblastx searches of SARS-CoV-2 are performed by limiting searches to five Plasmodium species that infect humans. 2. Aligned sequences in the respective organisms' proteomes are searched with blastp. 3. Binding predictions of the identified SARS-CoV-2 peptide to HLA supertype representatives are performed. 4. Blastp searches of predicted epitopes that bind strongly to the identified HLA allele are performed by limiting searches to H. sapiens and Plasmodium species, separately. 5. Peptides with minimum 60% identity to the predicted epitopes are found in results. 6. Peptides among those, which bind strongly to the same HLA allele, are predicted. 7. Step-4 is repeated by limiting searches to H. sapiens, followed by the remaining steps until step-7, for peptides sourced by Plasmodium species after step-6. RESULTS SARS-CoV-2 peptide with single letter amino acid code CFLGYFCTCYFGLFC has the highest identity to P. vivax. Its YFCTCYFGLF part is predicted to bind strongly to HLA-A*24:02. Peptides in the human proteome both homologous to YFCTCYFGLF and with a strong binding affinity to HLA-A*24:02 are YYCARRFGLF, YYCHCPFGVF, and YYCQQYFFLF. Such peptides in the Plasmodium species' proteomes are FFYTFYFELF, YFVACLFILF, and YFPTITFHLF. The first one belonging to P. falciparum has a homologous peptide (YFYLFSLELF) in the human proteome, which also has a strong binding affinity to the same HLA allele. CONCLUSION Immune responses to the identified-peptides with similar sequences and strong binding affinities to HLA-A*24:02 can be related to autoimmune response risk in individuals with HLA-A*24:02 serotypes, upon getting infected with SARS-CoV-2 or P. falciparum.
Collapse
|
5
|
Adiguzel Y. Molecular mimicry between SARS-CoV-2 and human proteins. Autoimmun Rev 2021; 20:102791. [PMID: 33610750 PMCID: PMC7890341 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2021.102791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yekbun Adiguzel
- Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Altinbas University, Kartaltepe Mah. Incirli Cad. No11, 34147 Bakirkoy, Istanbul, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kanduc D. Lack of Molecular Mimicry between Nonhuman Primates and Infectious Pathogens: The Possible Genetic Bases. Glob Med Genet 2021; 8:32-37. [PMID: 33748822 PMCID: PMC7964256 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1724106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, it was found that proteomes from poliovirus, measles virus, dengue virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome-related Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have high molecular mimicry at the heptapeptide level with the human proteome, while heptapeptide commonality is minimal or absent with proteomes from nonhuman primates, that is, gorilla, chimpanzee, and rhesus macaque. To acquire more data on the issue, analyses here have been expanded to Ebola virus,
Francisella tularensis
, human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1),
Toxoplasma gondii
, Variola virus, and
Yersinia pestis
. Results confirm that heptapeptide overlap is high between pathogens and
Homo sapiens
, but not between pathogens and primates. Data are discussed in light of the possible genetic bases that differently model primate phenomes, thus possibly underlying the zero/low level of molecular mimicry between infectious agents and primates. Notably, this study might help address preclinical vaccine tests that currently utilize primates as animal models, since autoimmune cross-reactions and the consequent adverse events cannot occur
in absentia
of shared sequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darja Kanduc
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kostoff RN, Kanduc D, Porter AL, Shoenfeld Y, Calina D, Briggs MB, Spandidos DA, Tsatsakis A. Vaccine- and natural infection-induced mechanisms that could modulate vaccine safety. Toxicol Rep 2020; 7:1448-1458. [PMID: 33110761 PMCID: PMC7581376 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2020.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A degraded/dysfunctional immune system appears to be the main determinant of serious/fatal reaction to viral infection (for COVID-19, SARS, and influenza alike). There are four major approaches being employed or considered presently to augment or strengthen the immune system, in order to reduce adverse effects of viral exposure. The three approaches that are focused mainly on augmenting the immune system are based on the concept that pandemics/outbreaks can be controlled/prevented while maintaining the immune-degrading lifestyles followed by much of the global population. The fourth approach is based on identifying and introducing measures aimed at strengthening the immune system intrinsically in order to minimize future pandemics/outbreaks. Specifically, the four measures are: 1) restricting exposure to virus; 2) providing reactive/tactical treatments to reduce viral load; 3) developing vaccines to prevent, or at least attenuate, the infection; 4) strengthening the immune system intrinsically, by a) identifying those factors that contribute to degrading the immune system, then eliminating/reducing them as comprehensively, thoroughly, and rapidly as possible, and b) replacing the eliminated factors with immune-strengthening factors. This paper focuses on vaccine safety. A future COVID-19 vaccine appears to be the treatment of choice at the national/international level. Vaccine development has been accelerated to achieve this goal in the relatively near-term, and questions have arisen whether vaccine safety has been/is being/will be compromised in pursuit of a shortened vaccine development time. There are myriad mechanisms related to vaccine-induced, and natural infection-induced, infections that could adversely impact vaccine effectiveness and safety. This paper summarizes many of those mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronald N. Kostoff
- Research Affiliate, School of Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology, Gainesville, VA, 20155, USA
| | - Darja Kanduc
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Alan L. Porter
- School of Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Search Technology, Inc., Peachtree Corners, GA, 30092, USA
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer 5265601, Israel
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | | | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71409, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| |
Collapse
|