1
|
Chen Y, Wang J, Zheng C, Liu Z. Cryo-Electron Microscopy in the Study of Antiviral Innate Immunity. Methods Mol Biol 2025; 2854:177-188. [PMID: 39192129 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4108-8_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Cryo-electron microscopy is a powerful methodology in structural biology and has been broadly used in high-resolution structure determination for challenging samples, which are not readily available for traditional techniques. In particular, the strength of super macro-complexes and the lack of a need for crystals for cryo-EM make this technique feasible for the structural study of complexes involved in antiviral innate immunity. This chapter presents detailed information and experimental procedures of Cryo-EM for determining the structures of the complexes using STING as an example. The procedures included a sample quality check, high-resolution data acquisition, and image processing for Cryo-EM 3D structure determination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Chen
- School of Medicine, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan, Guangdong, China
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingyu Wang
- Distinct HealthCare Medical Center, Changsha Section, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chunfu Zheng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Zheng Liu
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
De Sabato L, Monini M, Galuppi R, Dini FM, Ianiro G, Vaccari G, Ostanello F, Di Bartolo I. Investigating the Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Diversity in Rat Reservoirs from Northern Italy. Pathogens 2024; 13:633. [PMID: 39204234 PMCID: PMC11357196 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13080633] [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: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus belonging to the Rocahepevirus ratti species, genotype HEV-C1, has been extensively reported in rats in Europe, Asia and North America. Recently, human cases of hepatitis associated with HEV-C1 infection have been reported, but the zoonotic nature of rat-HEV remains controversial. The transmission route of rat-HEV is unidentified and requires further investigation. The HEV strains of the Paslahepevirus balayani species, belonging to the same Hepeviridae family, and including the zoonotic genotype HEV-3 usually found in pigs, have also sporadically been identified in rats. We sampled 115 rats (liver, lung, feces) between 2020 and 2023 in Northeast Italy and the HEV detection was carried out by using Reverse Transcription PCR. HEV RNA was detected in 3/115 (2.6%) rats who tested positive for HEV-C1 strains in paired lung, intestinal contents and liver samples. Overall, none tested positive for the Paslahepevirus balayani strains. In conclusion, our results confirm the presence of HEV-rat in Italy with a prevalence similar to previous studies but show that there is a wide heterogeneity of strains in circulation. The detection of HEV-C1 genotype of Rocahepevirus ratti species in some human cases of acute hepatitis suggests that HEV-C1 may be an underestimated source of human infections. This finding, with the geographically widespread detection of HEV-C1 in rats, raises questions about the role of rats as hosts for both HEV-C1 and HEV-3 and the possibility of zoonotic transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca De Sabato
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (L.D.S.); (G.I.); (G.V.); (I.D.B.)
| | - Marina Monini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (L.D.S.); (G.I.); (G.V.); (I.D.B.)
| | - Roberta Galuppi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (R.G.); (F.M.D.); (F.O.)
| | - Filippo Maria Dini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (R.G.); (F.M.D.); (F.O.)
| | - Giovanni Ianiro
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (L.D.S.); (G.I.); (G.V.); (I.D.B.)
| | - Gabriele Vaccari
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (L.D.S.); (G.I.); (G.V.); (I.D.B.)
| | - Fabio Ostanello
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (R.G.); (F.M.D.); (F.O.)
| | - Ilaria Di Bartolo
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (L.D.S.); (G.I.); (G.V.); (I.D.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Brüggemann Y, Klöhn M, Wedemeyer H, Steinmann E. Hepatitis E virus: from innate sensing to adaptive immune responses. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024:10.1038/s41575-024-00950-z. [PMID: 39039260 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-024-00950-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections are a major cause of acute viral hepatitis in humans worldwide. In immunocompetent individuals, the majority of HEV infections remain asymptomatic and lead to spontaneous clearance of the virus, and only a minority of individuals with infection (5-16%) experience symptoms of acute viral hepatitis. However, HEV infections can cause up to 30% mortality in pregnant women, become chronic in immunocompromised patients and cause extrahepatic manifestations. A growing body of evidence suggests that the host immune response to infection with different HEV genotypes is a critical determinant of distinct HEV infection outcomes. In this Review, we summarize key components of the innate and adaptive immune responses to HEV, including the underlying immunological mechanisms of HEV associated with acute and chronic liver failure and interactions between T cell and B cell responses. In addition, we discuss the current status of vaccines against HEV and raise outstanding questions regarding the immune responses induced by HEV and treatment of the disease, highlighting areas for future investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Brüggemann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Mara Klöhn
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Sites Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), External Partner Site, Bochum, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Huang X, Lu J, Liao M, Huang Y, Wu T, Xia N. Progress and Challenges to Hepatitis E Vaccine Development and Deployment. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:719. [PMID: 39066357 PMCID: PMC11281425 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12070719] [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: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E is a significant cause of acute hepatitis, contributing to high morbidity and mortality rates, and capable of causing large epidemics through fecal-oral transmission. Currently, no specific treatment for hepatitis E has been approved. Given the notably high mortality rate among HEV-infected pregnant women and individuals with underlying chronic liver disease, concerted efforts have been made to develop effective vaccines. The only licensed hepatitis E vaccine worldwide, the HEV 239 (Hecolin) vaccine, has been demonstrated to be safe and efficacious in Phase III clinical trials, in which the efficacy of three doses of HEV 239 remained at 86.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 73.0-94.1) at the end of 10 years follow-up. In this review, the progress and challenges for hepatitis E vaccines are summarized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingcheng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China; (X.H.); (J.L.); (M.L.); (Y.H.)
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, The Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China
| | - Jiaoxi Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China; (X.H.); (J.L.); (M.L.); (Y.H.)
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, The Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China
| | - Mengjun Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China; (X.H.); (J.L.); (M.L.); (Y.H.)
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, The Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China
| | - Yue Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China; (X.H.); (J.L.); (M.L.); (Y.H.)
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, The Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China
| | - Ting Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China; (X.H.); (J.L.); (M.L.); (Y.H.)
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, The Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China; (X.H.); (J.L.); (M.L.); (Y.H.)
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, The Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shahini E, Argentiero A, Andriano A, Losito F, Maida M, Facciorusso A, Cozzolongo R, Villa E. Hepatitis E Virus: What More Do We Need to Know? MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:998. [PMID: 38929615 PMCID: PMC11205503 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60060998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is typically a self-limiting, acute illness that spreads through the gastrointestinal tract but replicates in the liver. However, chronic infections are possible in immunocompromised individuals. The HEV virion has two shapes: exosome-like membrane-associated quasi-enveloped virions (eHEV) found in circulating blood or in the supernatant of infected cell cultures and non-enveloped virions ("naked") found in infected hosts' feces and bile to mediate inter-host transmission. Although HEV is mainly spread via enteric routes, it is unclear how it penetrates the gut wall to reach the portal bloodstream. Both virion types are infectious, but they infect cells in different ways. To develop personalized treatment/prevention strategies and reduce HEV impact on public health, it is necessary to decipher the entry mechanism for both virion types using robust cell culture and animal models. The contemporary knowledge of the cell entry mechanism for these two HEV virions as possible therapeutic target candidates is summarized in this narrative review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Endrit Shahini
- Gastroenterology Unit, National Institute of Gastroenterology-IRCCS “Saverio de Bellis”, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (F.L.); (R.C.)
| | | | - Alessandro Andriano
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Francesco Losito
- Gastroenterology Unit, National Institute of Gastroenterology-IRCCS “Saverio de Bellis”, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (F.L.); (R.C.)
| | - Marcello Maida
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, S. Elia-Raimondi Hospital, 93100 Caltanissetta, Italy;
| | - Antonio Facciorusso
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Raffaele Cozzolongo
- Gastroenterology Unit, National Institute of Gastroenterology-IRCCS “Saverio de Bellis”, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (F.L.); (R.C.)
| | - Erica Villa
- Gastroenterology Unit, CHIMOMO Department, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41121 Modena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Song X, Wu J, Zhou K, Zhang Z, Tang C, Zhang B. Prevalence of hepatitis E virus genotype 4 of probable human origin in Tibetan pigs from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. Zoonoses Public Health 2024; 71:120-126. [PMID: 37817386 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. In 2018-2022, we investigated the presence of HEV RNA in 1233 stool samples collected in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, including humans (16), Tibetan pigs (624), yaks (312), sheep (267), and dogs (14). HEV RNA was only detected in Tibetan pig faecal samples (18.27%, 114/624). To perform molecular characterization of HEV strains in Tibetan pigs, we obtained 21 complete HEV genome sequences between 2018 and 2022. Sequence comparisons showed that 21 HEV strains from Tibetan pigs shared the mean nucleotide identities with the reference HEV strains ranging between 82.9% and 94.9% and 89.3% and 92.1% similarities with human HEV strains. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that all HEV strains were genotype 4, closely related to human HEV strains. Sequence recombinant analysis showed five potential recombinant strains identified in this study, of which SWU/D18/2018 (GenBank No. MK410044) was recombinant with human and swine HEV strains, located 6509-6878 nt from the recombination point. Based on the Bayesian evolutionary trees, we found that most HEV strains diverged later than human HEV (16 Tibetan pig HEV strains diverged later than 1979, and seven human HEV strains diverged earlier than 1979). Therefore, we speculated that the prevalence of HEV 4 in Tibetan pigs possibly originated from humans in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Song
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinbo Wu
- Animal Husbandry Science Institute of ABa Autonomous Prefecture, Hongyuan, China
| | - Kelei Zhou
- Agricultural and Rural Bureau of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province, Liangshan, China
| | - Zhaohui Zhang
- Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Kangding, China
| | - Cheng Tang
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education and Sichuan Province for Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education and Sichuan Province for Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chavda VP, Balar PC, Nalla LV, Bezbaruah R, Gogoi NR, Gajula SNR, Peng B, Meena AS, Conde J, Prasad R. Conjugated Nanoparticles for Solid Tumor Theranostics: Unraveling the Interplay of Known and Unknown Factors. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:37654-37684. [PMID: 37867666 PMCID: PMC10586263 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c05069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Cancer diagnoses have been increasing worldwide, and solid tumors are among the leading contributors to patient mortality, creating an enormous burden on the global healthcare system. Cancer is responsible for around 10.3 million deaths worldwide. Solid tumors are one of the most prevalent cancers observed in recent times. On the other hand, early diagnosis is a significant challenge that could save a person's life. Treatment with existing methods has pitfalls that limit the successful elimination of the disorder. Though nanoparticle-based imaging and therapeutics have shown a significant impact in healthcare, current methodologies for solid tumor treatment are insufficient. There are multiple complications associated with the diagnosis and management of solid tumors as well. Recently, surface-conjugated nanoparticles such as lipid nanoparticles, metallic nanoparticles, and quantum dots have shown positive results in solid tumor diagnostics and therapeutics in preclinical models. Other nanotheranostic material platforms such as plasmonic theranostics, magnetotheranostics, hybrid nanotheranostics, and graphene theranostics have also been explored. These nanoparticle theranostics ensure the appropriate targeting of tumors along with selective delivery of cargos (both imaging and therapeutic probes) without affecting the surrounding healthy tissues. Though they have multiple applications, nanoparticles still possess numerous limitations that need to be addressed in order to be fully utilized in the clinic. In this review, we outline the importance of materials and design strategies used to engineer nanoparticles in the treatment and diagnosis of solid tumors and how effectively each method overcomes the drawbacks of the current techniques. We also highlight the gaps in each material platform and how design considerations can address their limitations in future research directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vivek P. Chavda
- Department
of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, L.M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad 380001, India
| | - Pankti C. Balar
- Pharmacy
Section, L.M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad 380001, India
| | - Lakshmi Vineela Nalla
- Department
of Pharmacy, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education
Foundation, Vaddeswaram, Andhra Pradesh 522302, India
| | - Rajashri Bezbaruah
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science
and Engineering, Dibrugarh, 786004 Assam, India
| | - Niva Rani Gogoi
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science
and Engineering, Dibrugarh, 786004 Assam, India
| | - Siva Nageswara Rao Gajula
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Analysis, GITAM School of Pharmacy, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Rushikonda, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530045, India
| | - Berney Peng
- Department
of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University
of California at Los Angeles, Los
Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Avtar S. Meena
- Department
of Biotechnology, All India Institute of
Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Ansari
Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - João Conde
- ToxOmics,
NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas,
NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa 1169-056, Portugal
| | - Rajendra Prasad
- School
of Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute
of Technology (BHU), Varanasi 221005, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Das A, Rivera-Serrano EE, Yin X, Walker CM, Feng Z, Lemon SM. Cell entry and release of quasi-enveloped human hepatitis viruses. Nat Rev Microbiol 2023; 21:573-589. [PMID: 37185947 PMCID: PMC10127183 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-00889-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Infectious hepatitis type A and type E are caused by phylogenetically distinct single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses that were once considered to be non-enveloped. However, studies show that both are released nonlytically from hepatocytes as 'quasi-enveloped' virions cloaked in host membranes. These virion types predominate in the blood of infected individuals and mediate virus spread within the liver. They lack virally encoded proteins on their surface and are resistant to neutralizing anti-capsid antibodies induced by infection, yet they efficiently enter cells and initiate new rounds of virus replication. In this Review, we discuss the mechanisms by which specific peptide sequences in the capsids of these quasi-enveloped virions mediate their endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT)-dependent release from hepatocytes through multivesicular endosomes, what is known about how they enter cells, and the impact of capsid quasi-envelopment on host immunity and pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anshuman Das
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lentigen Technology, Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Efraín E Rivera-Serrano
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Biology, Elon University, Elon, NC, USA
| | - Xin Yin
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Christopher M Walker
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Paediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Zongdi Feng
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Department of Paediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Stanley M Lemon
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shafat Z, Ahmed A, Parvez MK, Parveen S. Intrinsic disorder in the open reading frame 2 of hepatitis E virus: a protein with multiple functions beyond viral capsid. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2023; 21:33. [PMID: 36929465 PMCID: PMC10018590 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-023-00477-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the cause of a liver disease hepatitis E. The translation product of HEV ORF2 has recently been demonstrated as a protein involved in multiple functions besides performing its major role of a viral capsid. As intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) are linked to various essential roles in the virus's life cycle, we analyzed the disorder pattern distribution of the retrieved ORF2 protein sequences by employing different online predictors. Our findings might provide some clues on the disorder-based functions of ORF2 protein that possibly help us in understanding its behavior other than as a HEV capsid protein. RESULTS The modeled three dimensional (3D) structures of ORF2 showed the predominance of random coils or unstructured regions in addition to major secondary structure components (alpha helix and beta strand). After initial scrutinization, the predictors VLXT and VSL2 predicted ORF2 as a highly disordered protein while the predictors VL3 and DISOPRED3 predicted ORF2 as a moderately disordered protein, thus categorizing HEV-ORF2 into IDP (intrinsically disordered protein) or IDPR (intrinsically disordered protein region) respectively. Thus, our initial predicted disorderness in ORF2 protein 3D structures was in excellent agreement with their predicted disorder distribution patterns (evaluated through different predictors). The abundance of MoRFs (disorder-based protein binding sites) in ORF2 was observed that signified their interaction with binding partners which might further assist in viral infection. As IDPs/IDPRs are targets of regulation, we carried out the phosphorylation analysis to reveal the presence of post-translationally modified sites. Prevalence of several disordered-based phosphorylation sites further signified the involvement of ORF2 in diverse and significant biological processes. Furthermore, ORF2 structure-associated functions revealed its involvement in several crucial functions and biological processes like binding and catalytic activities. CONCLUSIONS The results predicted ORF2 as a protein with multiple functions besides its role as a capsid protein. Moreover, the occurrence of IDPR/IDP in ORF2 protein suggests that its disordered region might serve as novel drug targets via functioning as potential interacting domains. Our data collectively might provide significant implication in HEV vaccine search as disorderness in viral proteins is related to mechanisms involved in immune evasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoya Shafat
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Anwar Ahmed
- Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology Research, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad K Parvez
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shama Parveen
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cancela F, Rendon-Marin S, Quintero-Gil C, Houston DR, Gumbis G, Panzera Y, Pérez R, Arbiza J, Mirazo S. Modelling of Hepatitis E virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase genotype 3 from a chronic patient and in silico interaction analysis by molecular docking with Ribavirin. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:705-721. [PMID: 34861797 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.2011416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) infection is an emergent zoonotic disease, where chronic hepatitis E associated to solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, related to genotype 3, is the clinical manifestation of major concern. In this setting, ribavirin (RBV) treatment is the only available therapy, though drug-resistant variants could emerge leading to a therapeutic failure. Crystallographic structures have not been reported for most of the HEV proteins, including the RNA-polymerase (RdRp). Therefore, the mechanism of action of RBV against HEV and the molecular interactions between this drug and RdRp are largely unknown. In this work, we aimed to model in silico the 3 D structure of a novel HEV3 RdRp (HEV_C1_Uy) from a chronically HEV infected-SOT recipient treated with RBV and to perform a molecular docking simulation between RBV triphosphate (RBVT), 7-methyl-guanosine-5'-triphosphate and the modelled protein. The models were generated using I-TASSER server and validated with multiple bioinformatics tools. The docking analysis were carried out with AutoDock Vina and LeDock software. We obtained a suitable model for HEV_C1_Uy (C-Score=-1.33, RMSD = 10.4 ± 4.6 Å). RBVT displayed a binding affinity of -7.6 ± 0.2 Kcal/mol by molecular docking, mediated by 6 hydrogen-bonds (Q195-O14, S198-O11, E257-O13, S260-O2, O3, S311-O11) between the finger's-palm-domains and a free binding energy of 31.26 ± 16.81 kcal/mol by molecular dynamics simulations. We identified the possible HEV RdRp interacting region for incoming nucleotides or analogs and provide novel insights that will contribute to better understand the molecular interactions of RBV and the enzyme and the mechanism of action of this antiviral drug.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Cancela
- Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Santiago Rendon-Marin
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Animales - GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, sede Bucaramanga, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Carolina Quintero-Gil
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Animales - GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, sede Bucaramanga, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Douglas R Houston
- Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gediminas Gumbis
- Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Yanina Panzera
- Sección Genética Evolutiva, Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ruben Pérez
- Sección Genética Evolutiva, Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Juan Arbiza
- Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Santiago Mirazo
- Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.,Departamento de Bacteriología y Virología, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang J, Zheng Z, Xia N. Prophylactic Hepatitis E Vaccine. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1417:227-245. [PMID: 37223870 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-1304-6_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The hepatitis E has been increasingly recognized as an underestimated global disease burden in recent years. Subpopulations with more serious infection associated damage or death include pregnant women, patients with basic liver diseases, and elderly persons. Vaccine would be the most effective means for prevention of HEV infection. The lack of an efficient cell culture system for HEV makes the development of classic inactive or attenuated vaccine infeasible. Hence, the recombinant vaccine approaches are explored deeply. The neutralizing sites are located almost exclusively in the capsid protein, pORF2, of the virion. Based on pORF2, many vaccine candidates showed potential of protecting primate animals, two of them were tested in human and evidenced to be well-tolerated in adults and highly efficacious in preventing hepatitis E. The world's first hepatitis E vaccine, Hecolin® (HEV 239 vaccine), was licensed in China and launched in 2012.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
| | - Zizheng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ju X, Dong L, Ding Q. Hepatitis E Virus Life Cycle. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1417:141-157. [PMID: 37223864 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-1304-6_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infects over 20 million people worldwide per year, leading to 30,000-40,000 deaths. In most cases HEV infection in a self-limited, acute illness. However, chronic infections could occur in immunocompromised individuals. Due to scarcity of robust cell culture models in vitro and genetic tractable animal models in vivo, the details of HEV life cycle, as well as its interaction with host cells still remain elusive, which dampens antivirals discovery. In this chapter, we present an update in the HEV infectious cycle steps: entry, genome replication/subgenomic RNA transcription, assembly, and release. Moreover, we discussed the future prospective on HEV research and illustrates important questions urgently to be addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Ju
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Dong
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Ding
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Liu X, Qi S, Yin X. Morphogenesis of Hepatitis E Virus. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1417:159-169. [PMID: 37223865 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-1304-6_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus, a leading cause of acute hepatitis worldwide, has been recognized as non-enveloped virus since its discovery in the 1980s. However, the recent identification of lipid membrane-associated form termed as "quasi-enveloped" HEV has changed this long-held notion. Both naked HEV and quasi-enveloped HEV play important roles in the pathogenesis of hepatitis E. However, the biogenesis and the mechanisms underlying the composition, biogenesis regulation, and functions of the novel quasi-enveloped virions remain enigmatic. In this chapter, we highlight the most recent discoveries on the dual life cycle of these two different types of virions, and further discuss the implication of the quasi-envelopment in our understanding of the molecular biology of HEV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Shuhui Qi
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Xin Yin
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhou Y, Zhao C, Tian Y, Xu N, Wang Y. Characteristics and Functions of HEV Proteins. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1417:15-32. [PMID: 37223856 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-1304-6_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a non-enveloped virus containing a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome of 7.2 kb, which consists of a 5' non-coding region, three open reading frames (ORFs), and a 3' non-coding region. ORF1 is diverse between genotypes and encodes the nonstructural proteins, which include the enzymes needed for virus replication. In addition to its role in virus replication, the function of ORF1 is relevant to viral adaption in culture and may also relate to virus infection and HEV pathogenicity. ORF2 protein is the capsid protein, which is about 660 amino acids in length. It not only protects the integrity of the viral genome, but is also involved in many important physiological activities, such as virus assembly, infection, host interaction, and innate immune response. The main immune epitopes, especially neutralizing epitopes, are located on ORF2 protein, which is a candidate antigen for vaccine development. ORF3 protein is a phosphoprotein of 113 or 114 amino acids with a molecular weight of 13 kDa with multiple functions that can also induce strong immune reactivity. A novel ORF4 has been identified only in genotype 1 HEV and its translation promotes viral replication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- RegCMC, Great Regulatory Affairs, Sanofi (China) Investment Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Chenyan Zhao
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Yabin Tian
- Division II of In Vitro Diagnostics for Infectious Diseases, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Xu
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Youchun Wang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
High-Yield Production of Chimeric Hepatitis E Virus-Like Particles Bearing the M2e Influenza Epitope and Receptor Binding Domain of SARS-CoV-2 in Plants Using Viral Vectors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415684. [PMID: 36555326 PMCID: PMC9779006 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Capsid protein of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is capable of self-assembly into virus-like particles (VLPs) when expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. Such VLPs could be used as carriers of antigens for vaccine development. In this study, we obtained VLPs based on truncated coat protein of HEV bearing the M2e peptide of Influenza A virus or receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (RBD). We optimized the immunogenic epitopes' presentation by inserting them into the protruding domain of HEV ORF2 at position Tyr485. The fusion proteins were expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana plants using self-replicating potato virus X (PVX)-based vector. The fusion protein HEV/M2, targeted to the cytosol, was expressed at the level of about 300-400 μg per gram of fresh leaf tissue and appeared to be soluble. The fusion protein was purified using metal affinity chromatography under native conditions with the final yield about 200 μg per gram of fresh leaf tissue. The fusion protein HEV/RBD, targeted to the endoplasmic reticulum, was expressed at about 80-100 μg per gram of fresh leaf tissue; the yield after purification was up to 20 μg per gram of fresh leaf tissue. The recombinant proteins HEV/M2 and HEV/RBD formed nanosized virus-like particles that could be recognized by antibodies against inserted epitopes. The ELISA assay showed that antibodies of COVID-19 patients can bind plant-produced HEV/RBD virus-like particles. This study shows that HEV capsid protein is a promising carrier for presentation of foreign antigen.
Collapse
|
16
|
Meister TL, Brüggemann Y, Nocke MK, Ulrich RG, Schuhenn J, Sutter K, Gömer A, Bader V, Winklhofer KF, Broering R, Verhoye L, Meuleman P, Vondran FWR, Camuzet C, Cocquerel L, Todt D, Steinmann E. A ribavirin-induced ORF2 single-nucleotide variant produces defective hepatitis E virus particles with immune decoy function. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2202653119. [PMID: 35969792 PMCID: PMC9407633 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2202653119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the causative agent of hepatitis E in humans and is the leading cause of enterically transmitted viral hepatitis worldwide. Ribavirin (RBV) is currently the only treatment option for many patients; however, cases of treatment failures or posttreatment relapses have been frequently reported. RBV therapy was shown to be associated with an increase in HEV genome heterogeneity and the emergence of distinct HEV variants. In this study, we analyzed the impact of eight patient-derived open reading frame 2 (ORF2) single-nucleotide variants (SNVs), which occurred under RBV treatment, on the replication cycle and pathogenesis of HEV. The parental HEV strain and seven ORF2 variants showed comparable levels of RNA replication in human hepatoma cells and primary human hepatocytes. However, a P79S ORF2 variant demonstrated reduced RNA copy numbers released in the supernatant and an impairment in the production of infectious particles. Biophysical and biochemical characterization revealed that this SNV caused defective, smaller HEV particles with a loss of infectiousness. Furthermore, the P79S variant displayed an altered subcellular distribution of the ORF2 protein and was able to interfere with antibody-mediated neutralization of HEV in a competition assay. In conclusion, an SNV in the HEV ORF2 could be identified that resulted in altered virus particles that were noninfectious in vitro and in vivo, but could potentially serve as immune decoys. These findings provide insights in understanding the biology of circulating HEV variants and may guide development of personalized antiviral strategies in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toni Luise Meister
- Department for Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, 44801 Germany
| | - Yannick Brüggemann
- Department for Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, 44801 Germany
| | - Maximilian K. Nocke
- Department for Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, 44801 Germany
| | - Rainer G. Ulrich
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Disease, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research, Partner site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Jonas Schuhenn
- University Hospital Essen, Institute for Virology, University Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Sutter
- University Hospital Essen, Institute for Virology, University Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
| | - André Gömer
- Department for Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, 44801 Germany
| | - Verian Bader
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, 44801 Germany
- Department of Biochemistry of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, 44801 Germany
| | - Konstanze F. Winklhofer
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, 44801 Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESOLV, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Ruth Broering
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Transplant Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
| | - Lieven Verhoye
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Philip Meuleman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Florian W. R. Vondran
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research, Partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Charline Camuzet
- Pasteur Institute of Lille, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Lille, CNRS, INSERM, University of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Laurence Cocquerel
- Pasteur Institute of Lille, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Lille, CNRS, INSERM, University of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Daniel Todt
- Department for Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, 44801 Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department for Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, 44801 Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research, External Partner Site, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Gordeychuk I, Kyuregyan K, Kondrashova A, Bayurova E, Gulyaev S, Gulyaeva T, Potemkin I, Karlsen A, Isaeva O, Belyakova A, Lyashenko A, Sorokin A, Chumakov A, Morozov I, Isaguliants M, Ishmukhametov A, Mikhailov M. Immunization with recombinant ORF2 p551 protein protects common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) against homologous and heterologous hepatitis E virus challenge. Vaccine 2022; 40:89-99. [PMID: 34836660 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.11.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major causative agent of acute hepatitis worldwide, prompting continuous HEV vaccine efforts. Vaccine development is hampered by the lack of convenient animal models susceptible to infection with different HEV genotypes. We produced recombinant open reading frame 2 protein (pORF2; p551) of HEV genotype (GT) 3 and assessed its immunogenicity and protectivity against HEV challenge in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus, CM). METHODS p551 with consensus sequence corresponding to amino acid residues 110-660 of HEV GT3 pORF2 was expressed in E. coli and purified by affinity chromatography. CMs were immunized intramuscularly with 20 μg of p551 VLPs with alum adjuvant (n = 4) or adjuvant alone (n = 2) at weeks 0, 3, 7 and 19. At week 27, p551-immunized and control animals were challenged with HEV GT1 or GT3 and thereafter longitudinally screened for markers of liver function, anti-HEV IgG and HEV RNA in feces and sera. RESULTS Purified p551 formed VLPs with particle size of 27.71 ± 2.42 nm. Two immunizations with p551 induced anti-HEV IgG mean titer of 1:1810. Immunized CMs challenged with homologous and heterologous HEV genotype did not develop HEV infection during the follow-up. Control CMs infected with both HEV GT1 and GT3 demonstrated signs of HEV infection with virus shedding and elevation of the levels of liver enzymes. High levels of anti-HEV IgG persisted in vaccinated CMs and control CMs that resolved HEV infection, for up to two years post challenge. CONCLUSIONS CMs are shown to be a convenient laboratory animal model susceptible to infection with HEV GT1 and GT3. Immunization with HEV GT3 ORF2/p551 triggers potent anti-HEV antibody response protecting CMs from homologous and heterologous HEV challenge. This advances p551 in VLPs as a prototype vaccine against HEV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilya Gordeychuk
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 108819, Russia; Institute for Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 127994, Russia.
| | - Karen Kyuregyan
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 108819, Russia; I.I. Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, Moscow 105064, Russia; Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow 125993, Russia.
| | - Alla Kondrashova
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 108819, Russia; Institute for Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 127994, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Bayurova
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 108819, Russia.
| | - Stanislav Gulyaev
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 108819, Russia.
| | - Tatiana Gulyaeva
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 108819, Russia.
| | - Ilya Potemkin
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 108819, Russia; I.I. Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, Moscow 105064, Russia; Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow 125993, Russia.
| | - Anastasia Karlsen
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 108819, Russia; I.I. Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, Moscow 105064, Russia; Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow 125993, Russia; N.F. Gamaleya Federal Research Center for Epidemiology & Microbiology, Moscow 123098, Russia
| | - Olga Isaeva
- I.I. Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, Moscow 105064, Russia; Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow 125993, Russia.
| | - Alla Belyakova
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 108819, Russia.
| | - Anna Lyashenko
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 108819, Russia.
| | - Alexey Sorokin
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 108819, Russia
| | - Alexey Chumakov
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 108819, Russia; Institute for Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 127994, Russia
| | - Igor Morozov
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 108819, Russia.
| | - Maria Isaguliants
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 108819, Russia; N.F. Gamaleya Federal Research Center for Epidemiology & Microbiology, Moscow 123098, Russia; Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Aydar Ishmukhametov
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 108819, Russia; Institute for Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 127994, Russia.
| | - Mikhail Mikhailov
- I.I. Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, Moscow 105064, Russia; Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow 125993, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Cancela F, Noceti O, Arbiza J, Mirazo S. Structural aspects of hepatitis E virus. Arch Virol 2022; 167:2457-2481. [PMID: 36098802 PMCID: PMC9469829 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-022-05575-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a leading cause of acute hepatitis worldwide. Hepatitis E is an enterically transmitted zoonotic disease that causes large waterborne epidemic outbreaks in developing countries and has become an increasing public-health concern in industrialized countries. In this setting, the infection is usually acute and self-limiting in immunocompetent individuals, although chronic cases in immunocompromised patients have been reported, frequently associated with several extrahepatic manifestations. Moreover, extrahepatic manifestations have also been reported in immunocompetent individuals with acute HEV infection. HEV belongs to the alphavirus-like supergroup III of single-stranded positive-sense RNA viruses, and its genome contains three partially overlapping open reading frames (ORFs). ORF1 encodes a nonstructural protein with eight domains, most of which have not been extensively characterized: methyltransferase, Y domain, papain-like cysteine protease, hypervariable region, proline-rich region, X domain, Hel domain, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. ORF2 and ORF3 encode the capsid protein and a multifunctional protein believed to be involved in virion release, respectively. The novel ORF4 is only expressed in HEV genotype 1 under endoplasmic reticulum stress conditions, and its exact function has not yet been elucidated. Despite important advances in recent years, the biological and molecular processes underlying HEV replication remain poorly understood, primarily due to a lack of detailed information about the functions of the viral proteins and the mechanisms involved in host-pathogen interactions. This review summarizes the current knowledge concerning HEV proteins and their biological properties, providing updated detailed data describing their function and focusing in detail on their structural characteristics. Furthermore, we review some unclear aspects of the four proteins encoded by the ORFs, highlighting the current key information gaps and discussing potential novel experimental strategies for shedding light on those issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Cancela
- grid.11630.350000000121657640Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ofelia Noceti
- grid.414402.70000 0004 0469 0889Programa Nacional de Trasplante Hepático y Unidad Docente Asistencial Centro Nacional de Tratamiento Hepatobiliopancreatico. Hospital Central de las Fuerzas Armadas, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Juan Arbiza
- grid.11630.350000000121657640Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Santiago Mirazo
- grid.11630.350000000121657640Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay ,grid.11630.350000000121657640Departamento de Bacteriología y Virología, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay ,Av. Alfredo Navarro 3051, PC 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
The Capsid (ORF2) Protein of Hepatitis E Virus in Feces Is C-Terminally Truncated. Pathogens 2021; 11:pathogens11010024. [PMID: 35055972 PMCID: PMC8779013 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11010024] [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: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a causative agent of hepatitis E. HEV virions in circulating blood and culture media are quasi-enveloped, while those in feces are nonenveloped. The capsid (ORF2) protein associated with an enveloped HEV virion is reported to comprise the translation product of leucine 14/methionine 16 to 660 (C-terminal end). However, the nature of the ORF2 protein associated with fecal HEV remains unclear. In the present study, we compared the molecular size of the ORF2 protein among fecal HEV, cell-culture-generated HEV (HEVcc), and detergent-treated protease-digested HEVcc. The ORF2 proteins associated with fecal HEV were C-terminally truncated and showed the same size as those of the detergent-treated protease-digested HEVcc virions (60 kDa), in contrast to those of the HEVcc (68 kDa). The structure prediction of the ORF2 protein (in line with previous studies) demonstrated that the C-terminal region (54 amino acids) of an ORF2 protein is in flux, suggesting that proteases target this region. The nonenveloped nondigested HEV structure prediction indicates that the C-terminal region of the ORF2 protein moves to the surface of the virion and is unnecessary for HEV infection. Our findings clarify the maturation of nonenveloped HEV and will be useful for studies on the HEV lifecycle.
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
We introduce Viral Phrenology, a new scheme for understanding the genomic composition of spherical viruses based on the locations of their structural protrusions. We used icosahedral point arrays to classify 135 distinct viral capsids collected from over 600 capsids available in the VIPERdb. Using gauge points of point arrays, we found 149 unique structural protrusions. We then show how to use the locations of these protrusions to determine the genetic composition of the virus. We then show that ssDNA, dsDNA, dsRNA and ssRNA viruses use different arrangements for distributing their protrusions. We also found that Triangulation number is also partially dependent on the structural protrusions. This analysis begins to tie together Baltimore Classification and Triangulation number using point arrays.
Collapse
|
21
|
Lu T, Behloul N, Zhou Y, Baha S, Liu Z, Wei W, Shi RH, Meng J. Hepatitis E Virus Capsid as a Carrier of Exogenous Antigens for the Development of Chimeric Virus-Like Particles. Intervirology 2021; 65:37-48. [PMID: 34695827 DOI: 10.1159/000515719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Virus-like particles (VLPs), self-assembled multiprotein structures, can stimulate robust immune responses due to their structural similarity to native virions that allow the presentation of multiple copies of the target epitopes. Utilizing VLPs as vaccine platforms to present exogenous antigens is a promising and challenging approach in the vaccine development field. This study investigates the potential of the truncated hepatitis E virus (HEV) capsid as a VLP platform to present foreign antigens. METHODS The S and M domains of the HEV capsid protein were selected as the optimal carrier (CaSM). The exogenous antigen Seq8 containing 3 neutralizing epitopes from 3 different foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) strains was linked to the C-terminal of CaSM to construct a chimeric VLP (CaSM-Seq8). The chimeric particles were produced in Escherichia coli, and their morphology, physicochemical properties, antigenicity, and immunogenicity were analyzed. RESULTS Morphological analysis showed that CaSM-Seq8 self-assembled into VLPs similar to CaSM VLPs (∼26 nm in diameter) but smaller than native HEV virions. Further, the thermal stability and the resistance to enzymatic proteolysis of Seq8 were enhanced when it was attached to the CaSM carrier. The antigenicity analysis revealed a more robust reactivity against anti-FMDV antibodies when Seq8 was presented on CaSM particles. Upon injection into mice, FMDV-specific IgGs induced by CaSM-Seq8 appeared earlier, increased faster, and maintained higher levels for a longer time than those induced by Seq8 alone or the inactivated FMDV vaccine. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated the potential of utilizing the truncated HEV capsid as an antigen-presenting platform for the development of chimeric VLP immunogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Nouredine Behloul
- College of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sarra Baha
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenzhen Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjuan Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui-Hua Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jihong Meng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zhou Z, Xie Y, Wu C, Nan Y. The Hepatitis E Virus Open Reading Frame 2 Protein: Beyond Viral Capsid. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:739124. [PMID: 34690982 PMCID: PMC8529240 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.739124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen causing hepatitis in both human and animal hosts, which is responsible for acute hepatitis E outbreaks worldwide. The 7.2 kb genome of the HEV encodes three well-defined open reading frames (ORFs), where the ORF2 translation product acts as the major virion component to form the viral capsid. In recent years, besides forming the capsid, more functions have been revealed for the HEV-ORF2 protein, and it appears that HEV-ORF2 plays multiple functions in both viral replication and pathogenesis. In this review, we systematically summarize the recent research advances regarding the function of the HEV-ORF2 protein such as application in the development of a vaccine, regulation of the innate immune response and cellular signaling, involvement in host tropism and participation in HEV pathogenesis as a novel secretory factor. Progress in understanding more of the function of HEV-ORF2 protein beyond the capsid protein would contribute to improved control and treatment of HEV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaobin Zhou
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, China
| | - Yinqian Xie
- Shaanxi Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Xi’an, China
| | - Chunyan Wu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, China
| | - Yuchen Nan
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Cellular Organelles Involved in Hepatitis E Virus Infection. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091206. [PMID: 34578238 PMCID: PMC8469867 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), a major cause of acute hepatitis worldwide, infects approximately 20 million individuals annually. HEV can infect a wide range of mammalian and avian species, and cause frequent zoonotic spillover, increasingly raising public health concerns. To establish a successful infection, HEV needs to usurp host machineries to accomplish its life cycle from initial attachment to egress. However, relatively little is known about the HEV life cycle, especially the functional role(s) of cellular organelles and their associated proteins at different stages of HEV infection. Here, we summarize current knowledge regarding the relation of HEV with the different cell organelles during HEV infection. Furthermore, we discuss the underlying mechanisms by which HEV infection is precisely regulated in infected cells and the modification of host cell organelles and their associated proteins upon HEV infection.
Collapse
|
24
|
Pankovics P, Boros Á, László Z, Szekeres S, Földvári G, Altan E, Delwart E, Reuter G. Genome characterization, prevalence and tissue distribution of astrovirus, hepevirus and norovirus among wild and laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus) and mice (Mus musculus) in Hungary. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021; 93:104942. [PMID: 34044191 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Rodents including rats are reservoir of several pathogens capable of affecting human health. In this study, faecal and different organ specimens from free-living Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) (N = 18) and faecal samples from laboratory rodents (rats N = 21 and mice N = 20) collected from different geographic areas in Hungary between 2017 and 2020 were investigated by viral metagenomics and conventional RT-PCR methods. The complete genome of three different RNA viruses, rat astrovirus, rat norovirus and rat hepevirus were characterized and analysed in detail. Rat norovirus was detected in faecal (17.6%, 3/17) and kidney (7.1%, 1/14) samples; rat astrovirus in faecal (23.5%, 4/17) and spleen (13.3%, 2/15) samples, and rat hepevirus in 43% to 67% the faecal, liver, kidney, lung, heart, muscle, brain and blood samples from Norway rats, respectively. Rat norovirus was also identifiable in 5% (1/21) of laboratory rats and rat astrovirus in 40% (8/20) of faecal samples from laboratory mice. Co-infections were found in 28% (5/18) wild Norway rats. The highest RNA viral load of astrovirus (1.81 × 108 copy/g) and norovirus (3.49 × 107 copy/g) were measured in faecal samples; while the highest RNA viral load of hepevirus (1.16 × 109 copy/g) was found in liver samples of Norway rats, respectively. This study confirms the wide geographic distribution and high prevalence of astrovirus, norovirus and hepevirus among wild rats in Hungary with confirmation of different organ involvement of as well as the detection of norovirus and astrovirus in laboratory rats and mice, respectively. This finding further strengthens the role of rodents in the spread of viral pathogens especially infecting human.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Péter Pankovics
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
| | - Ákos Boros
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zoltán László
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Sándor Szekeres
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Földvári
- Institute of Evolution, Centre for Ecological Research, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eda Altan
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Eric Delwart
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA; University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gábor Reuter
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Gunathilake TMSU, Ching YC, Uyama H, Chuah CH. Nanotherapeutics for treating coronavirus diseases. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2021; 64:102634. [PMID: 34127930 PMCID: PMC8190278 DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2021.102634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Viral diseases have recently become a threat to human health and rapidly become a significant cause of mortality with a continually exacerbated unfavorable socio-economic impact. Coronaviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), have threatened human life, with immense accompanying morbidity rates; the COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2) epidemic has become a severe threat to global public health. In addition, the design process of antiviral medications usually takes years before the treatments can be made readily available. Hence, it is necessary to invest scientifically and financially in a technology platform that can then be quickly repurposed on demand to be adequately positioned for this kind of pandemic situation through lessons learned from the previous pandemics. Nanomaterials/nanoformulations provide such platform technologies, and a proper investigation into their basic science and biological interactions would be of great benefit for potential vaccine and therapeutic development. In this respect, intelligent and advanced nano-based technologies provide specific physico-chemical properties, which can help fix the key issues related to the treatments of viral infections. This review aims to provide an overview of the latest research on the effective use of nanomaterials in the treatment of coronaviruses. Also raised are the problems, perspectives of antiviral nanoformulations, and the possibility of using nanomaterials effectively against current pandemic situations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thennakoon M Sampath U Gunathilake
- Centre of Advanced Materials (CAM), Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yern Chee Ching
- Centre of Advanced Materials (CAM), Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hiroshi Uyama
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Cheng Hock Chuah
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Dogadov DI, Korzaya LI, Kyuregyan KK, Karlsen AA, Mikhailov MI. [Markers of viral hepatitis E (Hepeviridae, Orthohepevirus, Orthohepevirus A) in the imported Old World monkeys]. Vopr Virusol 2021; 66:182-188. [PMID: 34251155 DOI: 10.36233/0507-4088-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Viral hepatitis E is a zooanthroponotic disease that occurs in humans and various animals, including monkeys. It is caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV) (Hepeviridae, Orthohepevirus: Orthohepevirus A), for which 8 genotypes have been described to date. Among them, strains of genotypes 1 and 2 have been isolated from humans, strains of genotypes 3 and 4 from humans and animals, and strains of genotypes 5-8 from animals only. The main threat of the disease is associated with the documented zoonotic transmission of HEV genotypes 3, 4, 7, and 8, to humans through infected meat, blood and milk. Thus, monkeys could be involved in the transmission of HEV.The aim of this work was to study serological and molecular genetic markers of HEV infection in strepsirrhines (Old World monkeys, Cercopithecoidea), imported to the Adler Primate Center from various regions of the world (Tanzania, Vietnam, Mauritius). MATERIAL AND METHODS Fecal (n = 224) and blood serum samples (n = 395) from cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis) and vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) were examined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The data obtained show the high detection rate (51.8%) of IgG antibodies to HEV among 5 groups of cynomolgus monkeys imported from Vietnam, with a predominance of highly reactive sera (84%). High detection rate of IgM antibodies in these animals (10.4%) was observed, with the large number of IgM-reactive sera in one particular group of animals (36.8%). The fact of detection of HEV RNA in two groups of cynomolgus monkeys (11.9% and 5.7%) is of particular importance. All HEV sequences of isolated from monkeys belonged to genotype 4. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that monkeys (in particular, cynomolgus monkeys) can serve as a natural reservoir of HEV genotype 4 for humans. This requires an appropriate set of anti-epidemic measures in a number of situations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D I Dogadov
- FSBRI «Research Institute of Medical Primatology» of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia
| | - L I Korzaya
- FSBRI «Research Institute of Medical Primatology» of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia
| | - K K Kyuregyan
- FSBRI «I.I. Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera»; FSBEI FPE «Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education» of the Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - A A Karlsen
- FSBRI «I.I. Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera»; FSBEI FPE «Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education» of the Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - M I Mikhailov
- FSBRI «I.I. Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera»; FSBEI FPE «Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education» of the Ministry of Health of Russia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ji H, Chen S, He Q, Wang W, Gong S, Qian Z, Zhang Y, Wei D, Yu W, Huang F. The different replication between nonenveloped and quasi-enveloped hepatitis E virus. J Med Virol 2021; 93:6267-6277. [PMID: 34076903 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the major pathogen of viral hepatitis. However, the understanding of the HEV life cycle is limited. In the present study, cells were separately infected with nonenveloped HEV (derived from feces or bile) or quasi-enveloped HEV (derived from the cell culture after serial passages, eHEV) and observed by confocal fluorescence microscopy to investigate the life cycle of HEV. HEV finished its binding and entry into host cells at first 6 h postinoculation (hpi). Cells inoculated with eHEV showed less infectivity than cells inoculated with nonenveloped HEV. Newly synthesized progeny virions were released into the supernatant of cell cultures from 48 hpi. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis results showed that the supernatant's progeny viruses were infectious even after five serial passages. These results show the significant difference between nonenveloped HEV and eHEV, which will provide novel insights into the HEV replication cycle. The efficient cell culture of HEV will promote the development of anti-HEV drugs and vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanbin Ji
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Shuangfeng Chen
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Qiuxia He
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Shilin Gong
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Zhongyao Qian
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Yike Zhang
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Daqiao Wei
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Wenhai Yu
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, PR China
| | - Fen Huang
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China.,Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Kunming, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Tietcheu Galani BR, Ayissi Owona VB, Guemmogne Temdie RJ, Metzger K, Atsama Amougou M, Djamen Chuisseu PD, Fondjo Kouam A, Ngounoue Djuidje M, Aliouat-Denis CM, Cocquerel L, Fewou Moundipa P. In silico and in vitro screening of licensed antimalarial drugs for repurposing as inhibitors of hepatitis E virus. In Silico Pharmacol 2021; 9:35. [PMID: 33959472 PMCID: PMC8093904 DOI: 10.1007/s40203-021-00093-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is emerging in Cameroon and represents one of the most common causes of acute hepatitis and jaundice. Moreover, earlier reports showed evidence of falciparum malaria/HEVcoexistence. Although the Sofosbuvir/Ribavirin combination was recently proposed in the treatment of HEV-infected patients, no specific antiviral drug has been approved so far, thereby urging the search for new therapies. Fortunately, drug repurposing offers a good alternative to this end. In this study, we report the in silico and in vitro activities of 8 licensed antimalarial drugs and two anti-hepatitis C virus agents used as references (Sofosbuvir, and Ribavirin), for repurposing as antiviral inhibitors against HEV. Compounds were docked against five HEV-specific targets including the Zinc-binding non-structural protein (6NU9), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), cryoEM structure of HEV VLP, genotype 1 (6LAT), capsid protein ORF-2, genotype 3 (2ZTN), and the E2s domain of genotype 1 (3GGQ) using the iGEMDOCK software and their pharmacokinetic profiles and toxicities were predicted using ADMETlab2.0. Their in vitro effects were also assessed on a gt 3 p6Gluc replicon system using the luciferase reporter assay. The docking results showed that Sofosbuvir had the best binding affinities with 6NU9 (- 98.22 kcal/mol), RdRp (- 113.86 kcal/mol), 2ZTN (- 106.96 kcal/mol), while Ribavirin better collided with 6LAT (- 99.33 kcal/mol). Interestingly, Lumefantrine showed the best affinity with 3GGQ (-106.05 kcal/mol). N-desethylamodiaquine and Amodiaquine presented higher binding scores with 6NU9 (- 93.5 and - 89.9 kcal/mol respectively vs - 80.83 kcal/mol), while Lumefantrine had the greatest energies with RdRp (- 102 vs - 84.58), and Pyrimethamine and N-desethylamodiaquine had stronger affinities with 2ZTN compared to Ribavirin (- 105.17 and - 102.65 kcal/mol vs - 96.04 kcal/mol). The biological screening demonstrated a significant (P < 0.001) antiviral effect on replication with 1 µM N-desethylamodiaquine, the major metabolite of Amodiaquine. However, Lumefantrine showed no effect at the tested concentrations (1, 5, and 10 µM). The biocomputational analysis of the pharmacokinetic profile of both drugs revealed a low permeability of Lumefantrine and a specific inactivation by CYP3A2 which might partly contribute to the short half-time of this drug. In conclusion, Amodiaquine and Lumefantrine may be good antimalarial drug candidates for repurposing against HEV. Further in vitro and in vivo experiments are necessary to validate these predictions. GRAPHIC ABSTRACT SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-021-00093-y.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Borris Rosnay Tietcheu Galani
- Laboratory of Applied Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Ngaoundere, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty ofScience, University of Yaounde I, P.O. Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Vincent Brice Ayissi Owona
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty ofScience, University of Yaounde I, P.O. Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Romeo Joel Guemmogne Temdie
- Laboratory of Medicinal Plants, Health, and Galenic Formulation, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Ngaoundere, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
| | - Karoline Metzger
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Marie Atsama Amougou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty ofScience, University of Yaounde I, P.O. Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon
- Research Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases (CREMER-IMPM), Virology Unit, P.O. Box 906, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Pascal Dieudonné Djamen Chuisseu
- Department of Medicine, Medical and Biomedical Sciences, Higher Institute of Health Sciences, Université Des Montagnes, P.O. Box 208, Bangangte, Cameroon
| | - Arnaud Fondjo Kouam
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty ofScience, University of Yaounde I, P.O. Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, P.O Box 63, Buea, South West Region Cameroon
| | - Marceline Ngounoue Djuidje
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty ofScience, University of Yaounde I, P.O. Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Cécile-Marie Aliouat-Denis
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Laurence Cocquerel
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Paul Fewou Moundipa
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty ofScience, University of Yaounde I, P.O. Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Le DT, Müller KM. In Vitro Assembly of Virus-Like Particles and Their Applications. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:334. [PMID: 33920215 PMCID: PMC8069851 DOI: 10.3390/life11040334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are increasingly used for vaccine development and drug delivery. Assembly of VLPs from purified monomers in a chemically defined reaction is advantageous compared to in vivo assembly, because it avoids encapsidation of host-derived components and enables loading with added cargoes. This review provides an overview of ex cella VLP production methods focusing on capsid protein production, factors that impact the in vitro assembly, and approaches to characterize in vitro VLPs. The uses of in vitro produced VLPs as vaccines and for therapeutic delivery are also reported.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristian M. Müller
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Technology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Wang B, Meng XJ. Structural and molecular biology of hepatitis E virus. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:1907-1916. [PMID: 33995894 PMCID: PMC8079827 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the most common causes of acute viral hepatitis, mainly transmitted by fecal-oral route but has also been linked to fulminant hepatic failure, chronic hepatitis, and extrahepatic neurological and renal diseases. HEV is an emerging zoonotic pathogen with a broad host range, and strains of HEV from numerous animal species are known to cross species barriers and infect humans. HEV is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus in the family Hepeviridae. The genome typically contains three open reading frames (ORFs): ORF1 encodes a nonstructural polyprotein for virus replication and transcription, ORF2 encodes the capsid protein that elicits neutralizing antibodies, and ORF3, which partially overlaps ORF2, encodes a multifunctional protein involved in virion morphogenesis and pathogenesis. HEV virions are non-enveloped spherical particles in feces but exist as quasi-enveloped particles in circulating blood. Two types of HEV virus-like particles (VLPs), small T = 1 (270 Å) and native virion-sized T = 3 (320-340 Å) have been reported. There exist two distinct forms of capsid protein, the secreted form (ORF2S) inhibits antibody neutralization, whereas the capsid-associated form (ORF2C) self-assembles to VLPs. Four cis-reactive elements (CREs) containing stem-loops from secondary RNA structures have been identified in the non-coding regions and are critical for virus replication. This mini-review discusses the current knowledge and gaps regarding the structural and molecular biology of HEV with emphasis on the virion structure, genomic organization, secondary RNA structures, viral proteins and their functions, and life cycle of HEV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Xiang-Jin Meng
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Ahmad T, Nasir S, Musa TH, AlRyalat SAS, Khan M, Hui J. Epidemiology, diagnosis, vaccines, and bibliometric analysis of the 100 top-cited studies on Hepatitis E virus. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:857-871. [PMID: 32755437 PMCID: PMC7993234 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2020.1795458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In low-income countries, Hepatitis E infection is a common cause of acute hepatitis. So far, only two recombinant vaccines (rHEV and HEV 239) have been developed against Hepatitis E virus (HEV). Of which HEV 239 is licensed in China, but is not yet available in any other country. OBJECTIVE This study aims to discuss epidemiology, diagnosis, available vaccines for HEV, and provides an overview of 100 top-cited studies on HEV. METHODS A bibliometric analysis was conducted on the topic "HEV" through a systematic search of the Web of Science. The keywords used were "Hepatitis E" and retrieved articles were assessed for number of attributes. RESULTS The search returned a total of 3,235 publications, cited 95,858 times with h-index 129. The main finding for the 100 top-cited articles on HEV showed: number of authors ranging from 1 to 23, cited references range from 4 to 304, global citations score per year range from 6.61 to 175, and global citations score range from 148 to 791. Of the 100 top-cited studies, the authors who published most articles are Purcell (n = 18), Meng (n = 17), and Emerson (n = 15). Most The largest share of articles on HEV was contributed by United States of America (n = 49) with 12,795 citations. The National Institute of Allergy andInfectious Diseases was leading institute with greatest number of publications (n = 16), cited 3,950 times. CONCLUSIONS The studies conducted on HEV have increased over time. The information presented would be very useful in decision making for policy makers providing health care, and for academicians in providing a reference point for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tauseef Ahmad
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Saima Nasir
- Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Islamic Republic of Pakistan
| | - Taha Hussein Musa
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Muhammad Khan
- Department of Genetics, Centre for Human Genetics, Hazara University, Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamic Republic of Pakistan
| | - Jin Hui
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Hyman P, Trubl G, Abedon ST. Virus-Like Particle: Evolving Meanings in Different Disciplines. PHAGE (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2021; 2:11-15. [PMID: 36148434 PMCID: PMC9041479 DOI: 10.1089/phage.2020.0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Virus-like particle (VLP) is a term that has been in use for about 80 years. Usually, VLP has meant a particle that is like a virus, generally by appearance, but without either proven or actual virus functionality. Initially VLP referred to particles seen in electron microscope images of tissues. More recently, VLP has come to mean other things to other researchers. A key divergence has been use of VLP in association with vaccine and biotechnology applications versus use of VLP in enumeration of viruses in environmental samples. To these viral ecologists, a VLP is a particle that is virus sized, has nucleic acid, and could be a functional virus. But to vaccine developers and biotechnology researchers a VLP instead is a viral structure that intentionally lacks a viral genome. In this study, we look at the history of use of VLP, following changes in meaning as the technology to study VLPs changed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Hyman
- Department of Biology and Toxicology, Ashland University, Ashland, Ohio, USA
| | - Gareth Trubl
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, USA
| | - Stephen T. Abedon
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Mansfield, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Zahmanova G, Mazalovska M, Takova K, Toneva V, Minkov I, Peyret H, Lomonossoff G. Efficient Production of Chimeric Hepatitis B Virus-Like Particles Bearing an Epitope of Hepatitis E Virus Capsid by Transient Expression in Nicotiana benthamiana. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11010064. [PMID: 33477348 PMCID: PMC7830250 DOI: 10.3390/life11010064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The core antigen of hepatitis B virus (HBcAg) is capable of self-assembly into virus-like particles (VLPs) when expressed in a number of heterologous systems. Such VLPs are potential carriers of foreign antigenic sequences for vaccine design. In this study, we evaluated the production of chimeric HBcAg VLPs presenting a foreign epitope on their surface, the 551–607 amino acids (aa) immunological epitope of the ORF2 capsid protein of hepatitis E virus. A chimeric construct was made by the insertion of 56 aa into the immunodominant loop of the HBcAg. The sequences encoding the chimera were inserted into the pEAQ-HT vector and infiltrated into Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. The plant-expressed chimeric HBcHEV ORF2 551–607 protein was recognized by an anti-HBcAg mAb and anti-HEV IgG positive swine serum. Electron microscopy showed that plant-produced chimeric protein spontaneously assembled into “knobbly” ~34 nm diameter VLPs. This study shows that HBcAg is a promising carrier platform for the neutralizing epitopes of hepatitis E virus (HEV) and the chimeric HBcAg/HEV VLPs could be a candidate for a bivalent vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gergana Zahmanova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.M.); (K.T.); (V.T.)
- Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
- Correspondence: (G.Z.); (G.L.); Tel.: +359-32-261529 (G.Z.); +44-1603-450351 (G.L.)
| | - Milena Mazalovska
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.M.); (K.T.); (V.T.)
| | - Katerina Takova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.M.); (K.T.); (V.T.)
| | - Valentina Toneva
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.M.); (K.T.); (V.T.)
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnologies, 4108 Markovo, Bulgaria
| | - Ivan Minkov
- Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnologies, 4108 Markovo, Bulgaria
| | - Hadrien Peyret
- Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney NR4 7UH, UK;
| | - George Lomonossoff
- Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney NR4 7UH, UK;
- Correspondence: (G.Z.); (G.L.); Tel.: +359-32-261529 (G.Z.); +44-1603-450351 (G.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Zinkhan S, Ogrina A, Balke I, Reseviča G, Zeltins A, de Brot S, Lipp C, Chang X, Zha L, Vogel M, Bachmann MF, Mohsen MO. The impact of size on particle drainage dynamics and antibody response. J Control Release 2021; 331:296-308. [PMID: 33450322 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Vaccine-induced immune response can be greatly enhanced by mimicking pathogen properties. The size and the repetitive geometric shape of virus-like particles (VLPs) influence their immunogenicity by facilitating drainage to secondary lymphoid organs and enhancing interaction with and activation of B cells and innate humoral immune components. VLPs derived from the plant Bromovirus genus, specifically cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV), are T = 3 icosahedral particles. (T) is the triangulation number that refers to the number and arrangements of the subunits (pentamers and hexamers) of the VLPs. CCMV-VLPs can be easily expressed in an E. coli host system and package ssRNA during the expression process. Recently, we have engineered CCMV-VLPs by incorporating the universal tetanus toxin (TT) epitope at the N-terminus. The modified CCMVTT-VLPs successfully form icosahedral particles T = 3, with a diameter of ~30 nm analogous to the parental VLPs. Interestingly, incorporating TT epitope at the C-terminus of CCMVTT-VLPs results in the formation of Rod-shaped VLPs, ~1 μm in length and ~ 30 nm in width. In this study, we have investigated the draining kinetics and immunogenicity of both engineered forms (termed as Round-shaped CCMVTT-VLPs and Rod-shaped CCMVTT-VLPs) as potential B cell immunogens using different in vitro and in vivo assays. Our results reveal that Round-shaped CCMVTT-VLPs are more efficient in draining to secondary lymphoid organs to charge professional antigen-presenting cells as well as B cells. Furthermore, compared to Rod-shaped CCMVTT-VLPs, Round-shaped CCMVTT-VLPs led to more than 100-fold increased systemic IgG and IgA responses accompanied by prominent formation of splenic germinal centers. Round-shaped CCMVTT-VLPs could also polarize the induced T cell response toward Th1. To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating and comparing the draining kinetics and immunogenicity of one and the same VLP monomer forming nano-sized icosahedra or rods in the micrometer size.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Zinkhan
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Department of Immunology RIA, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anete Ogrina
- Latvian Biomedical Research & Study Centre, Ratsupites iela 1, Riga, LV 1067, Latvia
| | - Ina Balke
- Latvian Biomedical Research & Study Centre, Ratsupites iela 1, Riga, LV 1067, Latvia
| | - Gunta Reseviča
- Latvian Biomedical Research & Study Centre, Ratsupites iela 1, Riga, LV 1067, Latvia
| | - Andris Zeltins
- Latvian Biomedical Research & Study Centre, Ratsupites iela 1, Riga, LV 1067, Latvia
| | - Simone de Brot
- COMPATH, Institute of Animal Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Cyrill Lipp
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Department of Immunology RIA, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Xinyue Chang
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Department of Immunology RIA, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lisha Zha
- International Immunology Center, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Monique Vogel
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Department of Immunology RIA, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin F Bachmann
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Department of Immunology RIA, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Mona O Mohsen
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Department of Immunology RIA, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Interim Translational Research Institute "iTRI", National Center for Cancer Care & Research Doha, Qatar.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Cisneros-Martínez AM, Becerra A, Lazcano A. Ancient gene duplications in RNA viruses revealed by protein tertiary structure comparisons. Virus Evol 2021; 7:veab019. [PMID: 33758672 PMCID: PMC7967035 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veab019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
To date only a handful of duplicated genes have been described in RNA viruses. This shortage can be attributed to different factors, including the RNA viruses with high mutation rate that would make a large genome more prone to acquire deleterious mutations. This may explain why sequence-based approaches have only found duplications in their most recent evolutionary history. To detect earlier duplications, we performed protein tertiary structure comparisons for every RNA virus family represented in the Protein Data Bank. We present a list of thirty pairs of possible paralogs with <30 per cent sequence identity. It is argued that these pairs are the outcome of six duplication events. These include the α and β subunits of the fungal toxin KP6 present in the dsRNA Ustilago maydis virus (family Totiviridae), the SARS-CoV (Coronaviridae) nsp3 domains SUD-N, SUD-M and X-domain, the Picornavirales (families Picornaviridae, Dicistroviridae, Iflaviridae and Secoviridae) capsid proteins VP1, VP2 and VP3, and the Enterovirus (family Picornaviridae) 3C and 2A cysteine-proteases. Protein tertiary structure comparisons may reveal more duplication events as more three-dimensional protein structures are determined and suggests that, although still rare, gene duplications may be more frequent in RNA viruses than previously thought. Keywords: gene duplications; RNA viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Arturo Becerra
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Antonio Lazcano
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- El Colegio Nacional, Donceles 104, Centro Histórico, Mexico City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Xu M, Sun L, Wang Y, Gao S, Yang W, Li M. Different mutations at position 562 of the hepatitis E virus capsid proteins exhibit differential effects on viral neutralizing activity. Exp Ther Med 2020; 21:110. [PMID: 33335573 PMCID: PMC7739852 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.9542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) capsid protein pORF2 comprises three potential N-linked glycosylation sites. One site, N562, is located at the cell attachment and neutralizing antigenic regions. The present study performed detailed analyses of the effects of specific amino acid substitutions at position 562 in the homodimerization, glycosylation, antigenicity, immunogenicity and neutralization activities of HEV pORF2. Recombinant HEV pORF2 glycoprotein E1 (amino acids 439-617) and three mutant variants (N562L, N562C and N562K) were expressed in Pichia pastoris (P. pastoris) and SDS-PAGE, Western blot analysis, tunicamycin assay, double-antibody sandwich ELISA and in vitro PCR-based neutralization assay were performed to characterize the different constructs. All proteins were indicated to be secreted by P. pastoris and formed homodimers. Tunicamycin assay revealed the glycosylated status of the wild-type protein, but the mutants were indicated to be non-glycosylated. All proteins were immunoreactive with a neutralizing monoclonal antibody but were not recognized by the antibody after denaturation into monomers. An in vitro PCR-based neutralization assay using mouse antibodies indicated efficient neutralization against N562L, whereas antibodies against N562C and N562K were revealed to be non-neutralizing. Collectively, the present study indicated that specific amino acid substitutions at position 562 serve crucial roles in the activity of the HEV neutralizing epitope.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingjie Xu
- Medical Research and Laboratory Diagnostic Center, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Lizhi Sun
- Medical Research and Laboratory Diagnostic Center, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Yan Wang
- Medical Research and Laboratory Diagnostic Center, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Shuchun Gao
- Department of Liver Disease, Jinan Infectious Disease Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China.,Department of Digestive Disease, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Weihua Yang
- Medical Research and Laboratory Diagnostic Center, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Meng Li
- Medical Research and Laboratory Diagnostic Center, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Boumaiza M, Trabelsi K, Choucha Z, Akrouti I, Leone S, Picone D, Kallel H. Production and characterization of a fusion form of hepatitis E virus tORF2 capsid protein in Escherichia coli. Prep Biochem Biotechnol 2020; 51:562-569. [PMID: 33095097 DOI: 10.1080/10826068.2020.1836656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a nonenveloped virus causing an emerging zoonotic disease posing a severe threat to the public health in the world, especially to pregnant women. In this study, a truncated form (aa 368-606) of the open reading frame 2 of the capsid protein (tORF2-HEV), a major structural protein of HEV, was expressed in Escherichia coli. This work characterizes for the first time, the fused Glutathione-S-Transferase-tagged tORF2 (GST-tORF2) and tORF2-HEV forms in E. coli. The fusion protein was purified by affinity chromatography with a purity higher than 90% and to yield about 27% after thrombin digestion. The purified GST-tORF2 protein was then characterized by western blot, using anti-GST antibodies, and CD spectroscopy. The GST-tORF2 and tORF2-HEV proteins were shown to be efficient to develop an ELISA test to detect anti-HEV IgG in mice sera immunized with a recombinant full length ORF2 protein. Sera showed a significant increase of the absorbance signal at 450 nm, in plate wells coated with a quantity of 0.5, 1 and 2 µg of proteins. ELISA plates coated with the purified GST-tORF2 and tORF2-HEV showed similar response when compared to the HEV ELISA where total insect cell lysate, infected with the recombinant baculovirus expressing full ORF2, was used as positive control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Boumaiza
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Vaccinology and Biotechnology Development, Group of Biotechnology Development, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Khaled Trabelsi
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Vaccinology and Biotechnology Development, Group of Biotechnology Development, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.,Life Science Department, Biotechnology Programme, College of Graduate Studies, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Zeineb Choucha
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Vaccinology and Biotechnology Development, Group of Biotechnology Development, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ines Akrouti
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Vaccinology and Biotechnology Development, Group of Biotechnology Development, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Serena Leone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Delia Picone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Héla Kallel
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Vaccinology and Biotechnology Development, Group of Biotechnology Development, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.,UnivercellsVaccines, Nivelles, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Aslan AT, Balaban HY. Hepatitis E virus: Epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical manifestations, and treatment. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:5543-5560. [PMID: 33071523 PMCID: PMC7545399 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i37.5543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the fifth known form of viral hepatitis and was first recognized as the cause of an epidemic of unexplained acute hepatitis in the early 1980s. Globally, it is one of the most frequent causes of acute viral hepatitis. The majority of HEV infections are asymptomatic and lead to the spontaneous clearance of the virus. Among the eight different genotypes identified to date, HEV genotype 1 (HEV1), HEV2, HEV3, and HEV4 are the most frequent genotypes causing infections in humans. HEV1 and HEV2 are prevalent in developing regions and able to result in large-scale outbreaks originating from contaminated water supplies. They are also responsible for severe hepatitis in pregnant patients and infants. In contrast, HEV3 and HEV4 are zoonotic, and the transmission of these genotypes to humans occurs mainly through the fecal contamination of water and consumption of contaminated meat from infected animals. Their main reservoir is the pig, and they are mostly encountered in developed countries. The major risk groups for HEV infection and its ensuing adverse consequences are pregnant women, infants, older people, immunocompromised individuals, patients with underlying chronic liver diseases, and workers that come into close contact with HEV-infected animals. In the clinical perspective, HEV infections have diverse clinical manifestations including acute and self-limiting hepatitis, acute-on-chronic liver disease, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. Although HEV mainly results in acute self-limiting infection, chronic HEV infection may occur among immunocompromised patients (e.g., solid-organ transplant recipients). Additionally, HEV-associated extrahepatic manifestations involving various organs have been reported in the last decade, although the causal link for many of them still needs to be proven. Ribavirin and interferon-alpha are the most widely used agents for the treatment of HEV infections with a certain level of success. However, ribavirin is contraindicated in pregnant patients, and interferon-alpha cannot be used in most transplant recipients. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel antiviral compounds that are safe and effective particularly for patients having contraindications for ribavirin or interferon-alpha and infected by the ribavirin-resistant HEV. In this review article, a literature search using PubMed and MEDLINE databases was performed, up to March 2020. Only the articles published in English were reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hatice Yasemin Balaban
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections are the main causes for acute hepatitis worldwide. Both viruses had long been considered as nonenveloped viruses. However, recent work has uncovered that both viruses circulate in the bloodstream as membrane-cloaked, "quasi-enveloped" particles that are, surprisingly, infectious and likely the only form mediating virus spread within the host. The discovery of quasi-enveloped HAV and HEV particles has fundamentally changed the traditional view on the life cycle and pathogenesis of these viruses. However, because HAV and HEV are phylogenetically unrelated and their capsid assembly processes are quite distinct, it is not clear whether they use similar or different mechanisms for envelopment and exit. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge about the assembly and exit processes of HAV and HEV and perspectives for future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zongdi Feng
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Parvez MK. Geometric architecture of viruses. World J Virol 2020; 9:5-18. [PMID: 32923381 PMCID: PMC7459239 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v9.i2.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the current SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the structural understanding of new emerging viruses in relation to developing effective treatment and interventions are very necessary. Viruses present remarkable differences in geometric shapes, sizes, molecular compositions and organizations. A detailed structural knowledge of a virion is essential for understanding the mechanisms of capsid assembly/disassembly, antigenicity, cell-receptor interaction, and designing therapeutic strategies. X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy and molecular simulations have elucidated atomic-level structure of several viruses. In view of this, a recently determined crystal structure of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid has revealed its architecture and self-assembly very similar to that of the SARS-CoV-1 and the Middle-East respiratory syndrome virus (MERS-CoV). In structure determination, capsid symmetry is an important factor greatly contributing to its stability and balance between the packaged genome and envelope. Since the capsid protein subunits are asymmetrical, the maximum number of inter-subunit interactions can be established only when they are arranged symmetrically. Therefore, a stable capsid must be in a perfect symmetry and lowest possible free-energy. Isometric virions are spherical but geometrically icosahedrons as compared to complex virions that are both isometric and helical. Enveloped icosahedral or helical viruses are very common in animals but rare in plants and bacteria. Icosahedral capsids are defined by triangulation number (T = 1, 3, 4, 13, etc.), i.e., the identical equilateral-triangles formed of subunits. Biologically significant defective capsids with or without nucleic acids are common in enveloped alpha-, flavi- and hepadnaviruses. The self-assembling, stable and non-infectious virus-like particles have been widely exploited as vaccine candidates and therapeutic molecules delivery vehicles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Khalid Parvez
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 22451, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Virus-Host Cell Interplay during Hepatitis E Virus Infection. Trends Microbiol 2020; 29:309-319. [PMID: 32828646 PMCID: PMC7437515 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The molecular interplay between cellular host factors and viral proteins is a continuous process throughout the viral life cycle determining virus host range and pathogenesis. The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a long-neglected RNA virus and the major causative agent of acute viral hepatitis in humans worldwide. However, the mechanisms of liver pathology and clinical disease remain poorly understood for HEV infection. This review summarizes our current understanding of HEV-host cell interactions and highlights experimental strategies and techniques to identify novel host components required for the viral life cycle as well as restriction factors. Understanding these interactions will provide insight into the viral life cycle of HEV and might further help to devise novel therapeutic strategies and antiviral targets.
Collapse
|
42
|
Bai C, Cai J, Han P, Qi J, Yuen KY, Wang Q. The crystal structure of the emerging human-infecting hepatitis E virus E2s protein. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 532:25-31. [PMID: 32819713 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.07.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a non-enveloped, globular particle that is responsible for acute hepatitis. HEV is classified into the Hepeviridae family and can be divided into four species (A-D). All HEV variants that infect humans are reported to belong to species A (HEV-A), except species C (HEV-C), which was reported to infect humans in December 2018. We determined the crystal structure of the HEV-C E2s domain at 1.8 Å resolution. It contains a classical 12-stranded β-sandwich motif and forms dimers by hydrogen bonding, though the amino acid residues that form hydrogen bonds are quite different from the residues of HEV-A. The HEV-C E2s domain shares the common groove region with other structurally related viruses, and some subtle differences in this region may be related to host adoption or antibody binding. Antibody binding experiments and structural analysis revealed that HEV-C E2s is able to bind to the previously reported broad-spectrum antibody 8G12 but not bind to the antibody 8C11. Meanwhile, the structure analysis shows that HEV-C E2s does not have the key sites for binding to host cells as displayed by HEV-A (Genotype 1) E2s. These structural and biological findings present important implications for understanding the molecular mechanisms of host recognition and entry of HEV-C, as well as provide clues to the development of therapeutic antibodies and vaccines against HEV-C infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chongzhi Bai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, 100101, China; Central Laboratory, Shanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, 030012, China; Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Taiyuan, 030032, China.
| | - Jianpiao Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Pengcheng Han
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 10033, USA.
| | - Jianxun Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Qihui Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, 100101, China.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Wen GP, He L, Tang ZM, Wang SL, Zhang X, Chen YZ, Lin X, Liu C, Chen JX, Ying D, Chen ZH, Wang YB, Luo WX, Huang SJ, Li SW, Zhang J, Zheng ZZ, Zhu J, Xia NS. Quantitative evaluation of protective antibody response induced by hepatitis E vaccine in humans. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3971. [PMID: 32769993 PMCID: PMC7414844 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17737-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Efficacy evaluation through human trials is crucial for advancing a vaccine candidate to clinics. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) can be used to quantify B cell repertoire response and trace antibody lineages during vaccination. Here, we demonstrate this application with a case study of Hecolin®, the licensed vaccine for hepatitis E virus (HEV). Four subjects are administered the vaccine following a standard three-dose schedule. Vaccine-induced antibodies exhibit a high degree of clonal diversity, recognize five conformational antigenic sites of the genotype 1 HEV p239 antigen, and cross-react with other genotypes. Unbiased repertoire sequencing is performed for seven time points over six months of vaccination, with maturation pathways characterize for a set of vaccine-induced antibodies. In addition to dynamic repertoire profiles, NGS analysis reveals differential patterns of HEV-specific antibody lineages and highlights the necessity of the long vaccine boost. Together, our study presents a quantitative strategy for vaccine evaluation in small-scale human studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Ping Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, PR China
| | - Linling He
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Zi-Min Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, PR China
| | - Si-Ling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, PR China
| | - Xu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, PR China
| | - Yuan-Zhi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, PR China
| | - Xiaohe Lin
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Chang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, PR China
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, PR China
| | - Jia-Xin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, PR China
| | - Dong Ying
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, PR China
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, PR China
| | - Zi-Hao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, PR China
| | - Ying-Bin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, PR China
| | - Wen-Xin Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, PR China
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, PR China
| | - Shou-Jie Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, PR China
| | - Shao-Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, PR China
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, PR China
| | - Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, PR China
| | - Zi-Zheng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, PR China.
| | - Jiang Zhu
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
| | - Ning-Shao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, PR China.
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, Fujian, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Progress in the Production of Virus-Like Particles for Vaccination against Hepatitis E Virus. Viruses 2020; 12:v12080826. [PMID: 32751441 PMCID: PMC7472025 DOI: 10.3390/v12080826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), a pathogen that causes acute viral hepatitis, is a small icosahedral, quasi-enveloped, positive ssRNA virus. Its genome has three open reading frames (ORFs), with ORF1 and ORF3 encoding for nonstructural and regulatory proteins, respectively, while ORF2 is translated into the structural, capsid protein. ORF2 is most widely used for vaccine development in viral hepatitis. Hepatitis E virus-like particles (VLPs) are potential vaccine candidates against HEV infection. VLPs are composed of capsid subunits mimicking the natural configuration of the native virus but lack the genetic material needed for replication. As a result, VLPs are unable to replicate and cause disease, constituting safe vaccine platforms. Currently, the recombinant VLP-based vaccine Hecolin® against HEV is only licensed in China. Herein, systematic information about the expression of various HEV ORF2 sequences and their ability to form VLPs in different systems is provided.
Collapse
|
45
|
Kar P, Karna R. A Review of the Diagnosis and Management of Hepatitis E. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2020; 12:310-320. [PMID: 32837339 PMCID: PMC7366488 DOI: 10.1007/s40506-020-00235-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of review We aim to provide the readers an up-to-date knowledge of the structure, epidemiology, and transmission followed by a detailed discussion on testing, diagnostics and management of hepatitis E virus infection. We have also included a comprehensive review of hepatitis E in pregnancy. Recent findings European Association for the Study of the Liver established clinical practice guidelines for testing and treatment of suspected hepatitis E virus infections in 2018. Evidence suggests chronic hepatitis E may follow a course similar to hepatitis B/C with progression to cirrhosis and possibly hepatocellular carcinoma in immunocompromised patients. Summary Hepatitis E virus is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. A combination of serology and nucleic acid amplification testing is the recommended strategy for suspected patients. Ribavirin therapy for a period of 3 months is the drug of choice for severe acute hepatitis, acute-on chronic liver failure, and chronic infections from hepatitis E virus in immunocompromised patients who are unresponsive to decreased immunosuppression. PEGylated interferon α can be used for ribavirin-resistant liver transplant patients with chronic hepatitis E. Further research in therapeutic options is essential considering the stormy course of hepatitis E infection during pregnancy and teratogenicity of all available options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P. Kar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Max Super Specialty Hospital,Ghaziabad, Delhi, New Delhi 110017 India
| | - R. Karna
- Maulana Azad Medical College & Lok Nayak Hospital, Bahadurshah Zafar Road, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Behloul N, Baha S, Liu Z, Wei W, Zhu Y, Rao Y, Shi R, Meng J. Design and development of a chimeric vaccine candidate against zoonotic hepatitis E and foot-and-mouth disease. Microb Cell Fact 2020; 19:137. [PMID: 32653038 PMCID: PMC7352093 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-020-01394-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection emerged as a serious threat in the industrialized countries. The aim of this study is exploring a new approach for the control of zoonotic HEV in its main host (swine) through the design and development of an economically interesting chimeric vaccine against HEV and against a devastating swine infection: the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) infection. Results First, we adopted a computational approach for rational and effective screening of the different HEV-FMDV chimeric proteins. Next, we further expressed and purified the selected chimeric immunogens in Escherichia coli (E. coli) using molecular cloning techniques. Finally, we assessed the antigenicity and immunogenicity profiles of the chimeric vaccine candidates. Following this methodology, we designed and successfully produced an HEV-FMDV chimeric vaccine candidate (Seq 8-P222) that was highly over-expressed in E. coli as a soluble protein and could self-assemble into virus-like particles. Moreover, the vaccine candidate was thermo-stable and exhibited optimal antigenicity and immunogenicity properties. Conclusion This study provides new insights into the vaccine development technology by using bioinformatics for the selection of the best candidates from larger sets prior to experimentation. It also presents the first HEV-FMDV chimeric protein produced in E. coli as a promising chimeric vaccine candidate that could participate in reducing the transmission of zoonotic HEV to humans while preventing the highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease in swine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nouredine Behloul
- College of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, 279 Zhouzhu Highway, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201318, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, 87 Dijiaqiao Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210009, China
| | - Sarra Baha
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, 87 Dijiaqiao Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210009, China
| | - Zhenzhen Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, 87 Dijiaqiao Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210009, China
| | - Wenjuan Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, 87 Dijiaqiao Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210009, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhu
- China Institute of Veterinary Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Yuliang Rao
- College of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, 279 Zhouzhu Highway, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Ruihua Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, 87 Dijiaqiao Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210009, China.
| | - Jihong Meng
- College of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, 279 Zhouzhu Highway, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201318, China. .,Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, 87 Dijiaqiao Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Liu Z, Behloul N, Baha S, Wei W, Tao W, Zhang T, Li W, Shi R, Meng J. Role of the C-terminal cysteines in virus-like particle formation and oligomerization of the hepatitis E virus ORF2 truncated proteins. Virology 2020; 544:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2020.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Revised: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
48
|
Wilson DP. Unveiling the Hidden Rules of Spherical Viruses Using Point Arrays. Viruses 2020; 12:v12040467. [PMID: 32326043 PMCID: PMC7232142 DOI: 10.3390/v12040467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its introduction, the Triangulation number has been the most successful and ubiquitous scheme for classifying spherical viruses. However, despite its many successes, it fails to describe the relative angular orientations of proteins, as well as their radial mass distribution within the capsid. It also fails to provide any critical insight into sites of stability, modifications or possible mutations. We show how classifying spherical viruses using icosahedral point arrays, introduced by Keef and Twarock, unveils new geometric rules and constraints for understanding virus stability and key locations for exterior and interior modifications. We present a modified fitness measure which classifies viruses in an unambiguous and rigorous manner, irrespective of local surface chemistry, steric hinderance, solvent accessibility or Triangulation number. We then use these point arrays to explain the immutable surface loops of bacteriophage MS2, the relative reactivity of surface lysine residues in CPMV and the non-quasi-equivalent flexibility of the HBV dimers. We then explain how point arrays can be used as a predictive tool for site-directed modifications of capsids. This success builds on our previous work showing that viruses place their protruding features along the great circles of the asymmetric unit, demonstrating that viruses indeed adhere to these geometric constraints.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David P Wilson
- Department of Physics, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, MI 49006, USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Nasheri N, Doctor T, Chen A, Harlow J, Gill A. Evaluation of High-Pressure Processing in Inactivation of the Hepatitis E Virus. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:461. [PMID: 32265886 PMCID: PMC7105680 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes acute hepatitis with approximately 20 million cases per year globally. Based on genetic diversity, HEV is classified into different genotypes, with genotype 3 (HEV-3) being most prevalent in Europe and North America. The transmission of HEV-3 has been shown to be zoonotic and mainly associated with the consumption of raw or undercooked pork products. Herein, we investigated the efficacy of high-pressure processing (HPP) in inactivation of HEV-3 using a cell culture system. HPP has been indicated as a promising non-thermal pathogen inactivation strategy for treatment of certain high-risk food commodities, without any noticeable changes in their nature. For this purpose, we treated HEV-3 in media with different conditions of HPP: 400 MPa for 1 and 5 min, as well as 600 MPa for 1 and 5 min, at ambient temperature. All four HPP treatments of HEV in media were observed to result in a 2-log reduction in HEV load, as determined by the amounts of extracellular HEV RNA produced at 14-day post-infection, using the A549/D3 cell culture system. However, application of the same treatments to artificially contaminated pork pâté resulted in 0.5 log reduction in viral load. These results indicate that the efficacy of HPP treatment in the inactivation of HEV-3 is matrix-dependent, and independent of maximum pressure between 400 and 600 MPa and hold time between 1 and 5 min. Based on the obtained results, although the HPP treatment of pork pâté reduces the HEV-3 load, it might not be sufficient to fully mitigate the risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neda Nasheri
- National Food Virology Reference Centre, Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ou X, Ma B, Zhang R, Miao Z, Cheng A, Peppelenbosch MP, Pan Q. A simplified qPCR method revealing tRNAome remodeling upon infection by genotype 3 hepatitis E virus. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:2005-2015. [PMID: 32133647 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The landscape of tRNA-viral codons regulates viral adaption at the translational level, presumably through adapting to host codon usage or modulating the host tRNAome. We found that the major zoonotic genotype of hepatitis E virus (HEV) has not adapted to host codon usage, prompting exploration of the effects of HEV infection on the host tRNAome. However, tRNAome quantification is largely impeded by the extremely short sequences of tRNAs and redundancy of tRNA genes. Here, we present a length-extension and stepwise simplified qPCR method that utilizes a universal DNA/RNA hybrid tRNA adaptor and degenerate primers. Using this novel methodology, we observe that HEV infection dramatically reprograms the hepatic tRNAome, which is likely to facilitate translation of viral RNAs. This tRNAome quantification method bears broad implications for future tRNA research and possibly tRNA-based diagnostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xumin Ou
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Buyun Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ruyi Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Zhijiang Miao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anchun Cheng
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Maikel P Peppelenbosch
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Qiuwei Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|