Synthetically derived bat influenza A-like viruses reveal a cell type- but not species-specific tropism

Opening another door on influenza entry

In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Karakus et al. find that an influenza virus enters cells by exclusively binding to a protein instead of sugars.

H19 influenza A virus exhibits species-specific MHC class II receptor usage

Avian influenza A virus (IAV) surveillance in Northern California, USA, revealed unique IAV hemagglutinin (HA) genome sequences in cloacal swabs from lesser scaups. We found two closely related HA sequences in the same duck species in 2010 and 2013. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that both sequences belong to the recently discovered H19 subtype, which thus far has remained uncharacterized. We demonstrate that H19 does not bind the canonical IAV receptor sialic acid (Sia). Instead, H19 binds to the major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC class II), which facilitates viral entry. Unlike the broad MHC class II specificity of H17 and H18 from bat IAV, H19 exhibits a species-specific MHC class II usage that suggests a limited host range and zoonotic potential. Using cell lines overexpressing MHC class II, we rescued recombinant H19 IAV. We solved the H19 crystal structure and identified residues within the putative Sia receptor binding site (RBS) that impede Sia-dependent entry.

The antiviral potential of the antiandrogen enzalutamide and the viral-androgen signaling interplay in seasonal coronaviruses

The sex disparity in COVID-19 outcomes with males generally faring worse than females has been associated with the androgen-regulated expression of the protease TMPRSS2 and the cell receptor ACE2 in the lung and fueled interest in antiandrogens as potential antivirals. In this study, we explored enzalutamide, an antiandrogen used commonly to treat prostate cancer, as a potential antiviral against the human coronaviruses which cause seasonal respiratory infections (HCoV-NL63, -229E, and -OC43). Using lentivirus-pseudotyped and authentic HCoV, we report that enzalutamide reduced 229E and NL63 entry and infection in both TMPRSS2- and nonexpressing immortalized cells, suggesting a TMPRSS2-independent mechanism. However, no effect was observed against OC43. To decipher this distinction, we performed RNA-sequencing analysis on 229E- and OC43-infected primary human airway cells. Our results show a significant induction of androgen-responsive genes by 229E compared to OC43 at 24 and 72 h postinfection. The virus-mediated effect on AR-signaling was further confirmed with a consensus androgen response element-driven luciferase assay in androgen-depleted MRC-5 cells. Specifically, 229E induced luciferase-reporter activity in the presence and absence of the synthetic androgen mibolerone, while OC43 inhibited induction. These findings highlight a complex interplay between viral infections and androgen-signaling, offering insights for disparities in viral outcomes and antiviral interventions.

LDLR is an entry receptor for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is the most widespread tick-born zoonotic bunyavirus that causes severe hemorrhagic fever and death in humans. CCHFV enters the cell via clathrin-mediated endocytosis which is dependent on its surface glycoproteins. However, the cellular receptors that are required for CCHFV entry are unknown. Here we show that the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) is an entry receptor for CCHFV. Genetic knockout of LDLR impairs viral infection in various CCHFV-susceptible human, monkey and mouse cells, which is restored upon reconstitution with ectopically-expressed LDLR. Mutagenesis studies indicate that the ligand binding domain (LBD) of LDLR is necessary for CCHFV infection. LDLR binds directly to CCHFV glycoprotein Gc with high affinity, which supports virus attachment and internalization into host cells. Consistently, a soluble sLDLR-Fc fusion protein or anti-LDLR blocking antibodies impair CCHFV infection into various susceptible cells. Furthermore, genetic knockout of LDLR or administration of an LDLR blocking antibody significantly reduces viral loads, pathological effects and death following CCHFV infection in mice. Our findings suggest that LDLR is an entry receptor for CCHFV and pharmacological targeting of LDLR may provide a strategy to prevent and treat Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.

Reverse Genetics of Bat Influenza A Viruses

New World fruit bats were recently found to harbor two distinct and previously unknown influenza A viruses (IAVs) of the subtypes H17N10 and H18N11. Although viral genome sequences were detected in the liver, intestine, lung, and kidney of infected bats and the complete genome sequences have been isolated from their rectal swab samples, all attempts to isolate an infectious virus from bats in nature have failed. The lack of an infectious bat IAV isolate was overcome by reverse genetic approaches that led to the generation of an infectious virus in vitro. Using such synthetic bat IAVs enabled the identification of their unconventional cell entry via major histocompatibility complex II (MCH-II) molecules and their ability to replicate in mice, ferrets, and bats. Importantly, we also showed that these synthetic recombinant bat IAVs are not able to reassort with conventional IAVs, preventing the acquisition of enhanced transmission properties in non-bat species by reassortment with conventional IAVs. As authentic viruses are key for understanding the molecular biology of bat IAVs, in this chapter, we describe our recently established reverse genetics protocol for generating H17N10 and H18N11 in vitro. This step-by-step protocol starts with cloning of cDNA copies of the viral RNA segments into reverse genetics plasmids, followed by the generation of a highly concentrated stock and finally a method to determine viral titers.

The M2 proteins of bat influenza A viruses reveal atypical features compared to conventional M2 proteins

The influenza A virus (IAV) M2 protein has proton channel activity, which plays a role in virus uncoating and may help to preserve the metastable conformation of the IAV hemagglutinin (HA). In contrast to the highly conserved M2 proteins of conventional IAV, the primary sequences of bat IAV H17N10 and H18N11 M2 proteins show remarkable divergence, suggesting that these proteins may differ in their biological function. We, therefore, assessed the proton channel activity of bat IAV M2 proteins and investigated its role in virus replication. Here, we show that the M2 proteins of bat IAV did not fully protect acid-sensitive HA of classical IAV from low pH-induced conformational change, indicating low proton channel activity. Interestingly, the N31S substitution not only rendered bat IAV M2 proteins sensitive to inhibition by amantadine but also preserved the metastable conformation of acid-sensitive HA to a greater extent. In contrast, the acid-stable HA of H18N11 did not rely on such support by M2 protein. When mutant M2(N31S) protein was expressed in the context of chimeric H18N11/H5N1(6:2) encoding HA and NA of avian IAV H5N1, amantadine significantly inhibited virus entry, suggesting that ion channel activity supported virus uncoating. Finally, the cytoplasmic domain of the H18N11 M2 protein mediated rapid internalization of the protein from the plasma membrane leading to low-level expression at the cell surface. However, cell surface levels of H18N11 M2 protein were significantly enhanced in cells infected with the chimeric H18N11/H5N1(6:2) virus. The potential role of the N1 sialidase in arresting M2 internalization is discussed. IMPORTANCE Bat IAV M2 proteins not only differ from the homologous proteins of classical IAV by their divergent primary sequence but are also unable to preserve the metastable conformation of acid-sensitive HA, indicating low proton channel activity. This unusual feature may help to avoid M2-mediated cytotoxic effects and inflammation in bats infected with H17N10 or H18N11. Unlike classical M2 proteins, bat IAV M2 proteins with the N31S substitution mediated increased protection of HA from acid-induced conformational change. This remarkable gain of function may help to understand how single point mutations can modulate proton channel activity. In addition, the cytoplasmic domain was found to be responsible for the low cell surface expression level of bat IAV M2 proteins. Given that the M2 cytoplasmic domain of conventional IAV is well known to participate in virus assembly at the plasma membrane, this atypical feature might have consequences for bat IAV budding and egress.

Evolutionarily conserved amino acids in MHC-II mediate bat influenza A virus entry into human cells

The viral hemagglutinins of conventional influenza A viruses (IAVs) bind to sialylated glycans on host cell surfaces for attachment and subsequent infection. In contrast, hemagglutinins of bat-derived IAVs target major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) for cell entry. MHC-II proteins from various vertebrate species can facilitate infection with the bat IAV H18N11. Yet, it has been difficult to biochemically determine the H18:MHC-II binding. Here, we followed a different approach and generated MHC-II chimeras from the human leukocyte antigen DR (HLA-DR), which supports H18-mediated entry, and the nonclassical MHC-II molecule HLA-DM, which does not. In this context, viral entry was supported only by a chimera containing the HLA-DR α1, α2, and β1 domains. Subsequent modeling of the H18:HLA-DR interaction identified the α2 domain as central for this interaction. Further mutational analyses revealed highly conserved amino acids within loop 4 (N149) and β-sheet 6 (V190) of the α2 domain as critical for virus entry. This suggests that conserved residues in the α1, α2, and β1 domains of MHC-II mediate H18-binding and virus propagation. The conservation of MHC-II amino acids, which are critical for H18N11 binding, may explain the broad species specificity of this virus.

Structural basis for a human broadly neutralizing influenza A hemagglutinin stem-specific antibody including H17/18 subtypes

Influenza infection continues are a persistent threat to public health. The identification and characterization of human broadly neutralizing antibodies can facilitate the development of antibody drugs and the design of universal influenza vaccines. Here, we present structural information for the human antibody PN-SIA28's heterosubtypic binding of hemagglutinin (HA) from circulating and emerging potential influenza A viruses (IAVs). Aside from group 1 and 2 conventional IAV HAs, PN-SIA28 also inhibits membrane fusion mediated by bat-origin H17 and H18 HAs. Crystallographic analyses of Fab alone or in complex with H1, H14, and H18 HA proteins reveal that PN-SIA28 binds to a highly conserved epitope in the fusion domain of different HAs, with the same CDRHs but different CDRLs for different HAs tested, distinguishing it from other structurally characterized anti-stem antibodies. The binding characteristics of PN-SIA28 provides information to support the design of increasingly potent engineered antibodies, antiviral drugs, and/or universal influenza vaccines.

Structural and inhibitor sensitivity analysis of influenza B-like viral neuraminidases derived from Asiatic toad and spiny eel

Influenza virus neuraminidase (NA) is an important target for antiviral development because it plays a crucial role in releasing newly assembled viruses. Two unique influenza-like virus genomes were recently reported in the Wuhan Asiatic toad and Wuhan spiny eel. Their NA genes appear to be highly divergent from all known influenza NAs, raising key questions as to whether the Asiatic toad influenza-like virus NA (tNA) and spiny eel NA (eNA) have canonical NA activities and structures and whether they show sensitivity to NA inhibitors (NAIs). Here, we found that both tNA and eNA have neuraminidase activities. A detailed structural analysis revealed that tNA and eNA present similar overall structures to currently known NAs, with a conserved calcium binding site. Inhibition assays indicated that tNA is resistant to NAIs, while eNA is still sensitive to NAIs. E119 is conserved in canonical NAs. The P119E substitution in tNA can restore sensitivity to NAIs, and, in contrast, the E119P substitution in eNA decreased its sensitivity to NAIs. The structures of NA-inhibitor complexes further provide a detailed insight into NA-inhibitor interactions at the atomic level. Moreover, tNA and eNA have unique N-glycosylation sites compared with canonical NAs. Collectively, the structural features, NA activities, and sensitivities to NAIs suggest that fish- and amphibian-derived influenza-like viruses may circulate in these vertebrates. More attention should be paid to these influenza-like viruses because their NA molecules may play roles in the emergence of NAI resistance.

Molecular Evidence of Orthomyxovirus Presence in Colombian Neotropical Bats

The Orthomyxoviridae family includes the genera Influenzavirus, Isavirus, Quaranjavirus, and Thogotovirus. In turn, Influenzavirus can be classified into four types: α, β, γ, and δ (Formerly A, B, C, and D), from which Alphainfluenzavirus (AIV) has the broadest host range, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Additionally, AIV has shown global epidemiological relevance owing to its pandemic potential. The epidemiological relevance of Chiropteran due to its multiple functional characteristics makes them ideal reservoirs for many viral agents. Recently, new influenza-like subtypes have been reported in Neotropical bats, but little is known about the relevance of bats as natural reservoirs of influenza viruses. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the presence of AIV and new influenza-like subtypes in South American bats. For a better understanding of the drivers and interactions between AIV and bats, we used molecular assays with different gene targets (i.e., M, NP, and PB1) to identify AIV in New World bats. A housekeeping gene (CytB) PCR was used to check for nucleic acid preservation and to demonstrate the bat-origin of the samples. A total of 87 free-living bats belonging to 25 different species of the families Phyllostomidae and Vespertilionidae were collected in Casanare, Colombia. As a result, this study found seven AIV-positive bat species, three of them reported for the first time as AIV prone hosts. Neither of the AIV-like analyzed samples were positive for H₁₇N₁₀/H₁₈/N₁₁ subtypes. Although additional information is needed, the presence of a completely new or divergent AIV subtype in neotropical bats cannot be discarded. Collectively, the results presented here expand the epidemiological knowledge and distribution of AIV in neotropical free-ranging bats and emphasize the need to continue studying these viruses to establish the role they could play as a threat to animal and public health.

Replication and virulence of chimeric bat influenza viruses in mammalian and avian cells and in mice

Previous studies have shown that chimeric bat influenza viruses can be generated by reverse genetic system. However, the roles of the surface or internal genes of chimeric bat influenza viruses in viral replication and virulence in different host species were still not completely understood. In this study, we generated a chimeric H9N2 bat virus with both HA and NA surface genes from the avian A2093/H9N2 virus and compared its replication and virulence with the chimeric H1N1 bat virus with both HA and NA from the PR8/H1N1 virus in vitro and in mice. The chimeric H1N1 virus showed significantly higher replication in mammalian and avian cells and significantly higher virulence in mice than the chimeric H9N2 virus. Moreover, the chimeric H9N2 virus with the bat influenza internal M gene showed a higher replication in mammalian cells than in avian cells. While the chimeric H9N2 virus with the avian-origin viral M gene displayed a higher replication than that with the bat influenza M gene in avian cells, which likely resulted from increased receptor binding ability to α 2,3 sialic acid linked glycans of the former virus. Our study indicates that bat influenza internal genes are permissive in both mammalian and avian cells, and the bat influenza internal M gene shows more compatibility in mammals than in the avian host. Although the surface genes play more critical roles for viral replication in different host substrates, influenza M gene also potentially impacts on replication, virulence and host tropism.

Influenza Reverse Genetics-Historical Perspective

The generation of wild-type, mutant, and reassortant influenza viruses from viral cDNAs (reverse genetics) is now a basic molecular virology technique in many influenza virus laboratories. Here, I describe the original RNA polymerase I reverse genetics system and the modifications that have been developed in past years. Together, these technologies have made possible many advances in basic and applied influenza virology that would not have been otherwise attainable, including the revival and study of extinct influenza viruses, the rapid characterization of emerging influenza viruses, the generation of conventional influenza vaccines, and the development of novel influenza vaccines.

Bat Influenza Viruses: Current Status and Perspective

Bats are natural reservoirs for many viruses, including several that are zoonotic. Two unusual H17N10 and H18N11 influenza viruses have been found in New World bats. Although neither of these viruses have been isolated, infectious clone technology has permitted significant progress to understand their biology, which include unique features compared to all other known influenza A viruses. In addition, an H9N2-like influenza A virus was isolated from Old World bats and it shows similar characteristics of normal influenza A viruses. In this review, current status and perspective on influenza A viruses identified in bats is reviewed and discussed.

Establishment of a Reverse Genetic System from a Bovine Derived Influenza D Virus Isolate

The ruminant-associated influenza D virus (IDV) has a broad host tropism and was shown to have zoonotic potential. To identify and characterize molecular viral determinants influencing the host spectrum of IDV, a reverse genetic system is required. For this, we first performed 5′ and 3′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) of all seven genomic segments, followed by assessment of the 5′ and 3′ NCR activity prior to constructing the viral genomic segments of a contemporary Swiss bovine IDV isolate (D/CN286) into the bidirectional pHW2000 vector. The bidirectional plasmids were transfected in HRT-18G cells followed by viral rescue on the same cell type. Analysis of the segment specific 5′ and 3′ non-coding regions (NCR) highlighted that the terminal 3′ end of all segments harbours an uracil instead of a cytosine nucleotide, similar to other influenza viruses. Subsequent analysis on the functionality of the 5′ and 3′ NCR in a minireplicon assay revealed that these sequences were functional and that the variable sequence length of the 5′ and 3′ NCR influences reporter gene expression. Thereafter, we evaluated the replication efficiency of the reverse genetic clone on conventional cell lines of human, swine and bovine origin, as well as by using an in vitro model recapitulating the natural replication site of IDV in bovine and swine. This revealed that the reverse genetic clone D/CN286 replicates efficiently in all cell culture models. Combined, these results demonstrate the successful establishment of a reverse genetic system from a contemporary bovine IDV isolate that can be used for future identification and characterization of viral determinants influencing the broad host tropism of IDV.

Bat-Borne Influenza A Viruses: An Awakening

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) originating from aquatic waterfowl recurrently cross interspecies barriers, which is greatly facilitated by utilizing cell surface-exposed monosaccharide sialic acids located on vertebrate cells as a universal host cell receptor. These glycan structures are first bound by the viral hemagglutinin (HA) for cell entry and then cleaved by the viral neuraminidase (NA) for particle release. In contrast, viruses of the recently identified bat-borne IAV subtypes H17N10 and H18N11 encode HA and NA homologs unable to interact with sialic acid residues despite a high degree of structural homology with their conventional counterparts. However, the most recent findings show that bat IAV HAs make use of the major histocompatibility complex class II proteins of different vertebrate species to gain entry into host cells, potentially permitting a broader host tropism. This review recapitulates current progress in the field of bat IAV research including the first assessment of the spillover potential of these bat viruses into other mammals.

Inferring the Urban Transmission Potential of Bat Influenza Viruses

Bats are considered natural reservoirs of various, potentially zoonotic viruses, exemplified by the influenza A-like viruses H17N10 and H18N11 in asymptomatic Neotropical bats. These influenza viruses are evolutionarily distinct, are poorly adapted to laboratory mice and ferrets and cannot reassort in vitro with conventional strains to form new influenza subtypes. However, they have attracted renewed attention following reports that their entry in host cells is mediated by the trans-species conserved MHC-II proteins, suggesting that they hold zoonotic potential. Despite the recent studies, the viruses' epidemiology and public health significance remain incompletely understood. Delineating the mechanistic basis of the interactions with their hosts and assessing their global distribution are essential in order to fully assess the zoonotic threat that these strains pose.

Characterization of Experimental Oro-Nasal Inoculation of Seba's Short-Tailed Bats (Carollia perspicillata) with Bat Influenza A Virus H18N11

In 2012 and 2013, the genomic sequences of two novel influenza A virus (IAV) subtypes, designated H17N10 and H18N11, were identified via next-generation sequencing in the feces of the little yellow-shouldered fruit bat (Sturnira lilium) and the flat-faced fruit-eating bat (Artibeus planirostris), respectively. The pathogenesis caused by these viruses in their respective host species is currently insufficiently understood, which is primarily due to the inability to obtain and keep these bat species under appropriate environmental and biosafety conditions. Seba’s short-tailed bats (Carollia perspicillata), in contrast, are close relatives and a natural H18N11 reservoir species, with the advantage of established animal husbandry conditions in academic research. To study viral pathogenesis in more detail, we here oro-nasally inoculated Seba’s short-tailed bats with the bat IAV H18N11 subtype. Following inoculation, bats appeared clinically healthy, but the histologic examination of tissues revealed a mild necrotizing rhinitis. Consistently, IAV-matrix protein and H18-RNA positive cells were seen in lesioned respiratory and olfactory nasal epithelia, as well as in intestinal tissues. A RT-qPCR analysis confirmed viral replication in the conchae and intestines as well as the presence of viral RNA in the excreted feces, without horizontal transmission to naïve contact animals. Moreover, all inoculated animals seroconverted with low titers of neutralizing antibodies.

Mutations in the Neuraminidase-Like Protein of Bat Influenza H18N11 Virus Enhance Virus Replication in Mammalian Cells, Mice, and Ferrets

To characterize bat influenza H18N11 virus, we propagated a reverse genetics-generated H18N11 virus in Madin-Darby canine kidney subclone II cells and detected two mammal-adapting mutations in the neuraminidase (NA)-like protein (NA-F144C and NA-T342A, N2 numbering) that increased the virus titers in three mammalian cell lines (i.e., Madin-Darby canine kidney, Madin-Darby canine kidney subclone II, and human lung adenocarcinoma [Calu-3] cells). In mice, wild-type H18N11 virus replicated only in the lungs of the infected animals, whereas the NA-T342A and NA-F144C/T342A mutant viruses were detected in the nasal turbinates, in addition to the lungs. Bat influenza viruses have not been tested for their virulence or organ tropism in ferrets. We detected wild-type and single mutant viruses each possessing NA-F144C or NA-T342A in the nasal turbinates of one or several infected ferrets, respectively. A mutant virus possessing both the NA-F144C and NA-T342A mutations was isolated from both the lung and the trachea, suggesting that it has a broader organ tropism than the wild-type virus. However, none of the H18N11 viruses caused symptoms in mice or ferrets. The NA-F144C/T342A double mutation did not substantially affect virion morphology or the release of virions from cells. Collectively, our data demonstrate that the propagation of bat influenza H18N11 virus in mammalian cells can result in mammal-adapting mutations that may increase the replicative ability and/or organ tropism of the virus; overall, however, these viruses did not replicate to high titers throughout the respiratory tract of mice and ferrets.IMPORTANCE Bats are reservoirs for several severe zoonotic pathogens. The genomes of influenza A viruses of the H17N10 and H18N11 subtypes have been identified in bats, but no live virus has been isolated. The characterization of artificially generated bat influenza H18N11 virus in mammalian cell lines and animal models revealed that this virus can acquire mammal-adapting mutations that may increase its zoonotic potential; however, the wild-type and mutant viruses did not replicate to high titers in all infected animals.

Unraveling virus relationships by structure-based phylogenetic classification

Delineation of the intricacies of protein function from macromolecular structure constitutes a continual obstacle in the study of cell and pathogen biology. Structure-based phylogenetic analysis has emerged as a powerful tool for addressing this challenge, allowing the detection and quantification of conserved architectural properties between proteins, including those with low or no detectable sequence homology. With a focus on viral protein structure, we highlight how a number of investigations have utilized this powerful method to infer common functionality and ancestry.

Breaking the Convention: Sialoglycan Variants, Coreceptors, and Alternative Receptors for Influenza A Virus Entry

The influenza A virus (IAV) envelope protein hemagglutinin binds α2,6- or α2,3-linked sialic acid as a host cell receptor. Bat IAV subtypes H17N10 and H18N11 form an exception to this rule and do not bind sialic acid but enter cells via major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II. Here, we review current knowledge on IAV receptors with a focus on sialoglycan variants, protein coreceptors, and alternative receptors that impact IAV attachment and internalization beyond the well-described sialic acid binding.

Bat influenza viruses transmit among bats but are poorly adapted to non-bat species

Major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) molecules of multiple species function as cell-entry receptors for the haemagglutinin-like H18 protein of the bat H18N11 influenza A virus, enabling tropism of the viruses in a potentially broad range of vertebrates. However, the function of the neuraminidase-like N11 protein is unknown because it is dispensable for viral infection or the release of H18-pseudotyped viruses. Here, we show that infection of mammalian cells with wild-type H18N11 leads to the emergence of mutant viruses that lack the N11 ectodomain and acquired mutations in H18. An infectious clone of one such mutant virus, designated rP11, appeared to be genetically stable in mice and replicated to higher titres in mice and cell culture compared with wild-type H18N11. In ferrets, rP11 antigen and RNA were detected at low levels in various tissues, including the tonsils, whereas the wild-type virus was not. In Neotropical Jamaican fruit bats, wild-type H18N11 was found in intestinal Peyer's patches and was shed to high concentrations in rectal samples, resulting in viral transmission to naive contact bats. Notably, rP11 also replicated efficiently in bats; however, only restored full-length N11 viruses were transmissible. Our findings suggest that wild-type H18N11 replicates poorly in mice and ferrets and that N11 is a determinant for viral transmission in bats.

Entry of the bat influenza H17N10 virus into mammalian cells is enabled by the MHC class II HLA-DR receptor

Haemagglutinin and neuraminidase surface glycoproteins of the bat influenza H17N10 virus neither bind to nor cleave sialic acid receptors, indicating that this virus employs cell entry mechanisms distinct from those of classical influenza A viruses. We observed that certain human haematopoietic cancer cell lines and canine MDCK II cells are susceptible to H17-pseudotyped viruses. We identified the human HLA-DR receptor as an entry mediator for H17 pseudotypes, suggesting that H17N10 possesses zoonotic potential.

Bat Influenza A(HL18NL11) Virus in Fruit Bats, Brazil

Screening of 533 bats for influenza A viruses showed subtype HL18NL11 in intestines of 2 great fruit-eating bats (Artibeus lituratus). High concentrations suggested fecal shedding. Genomic characterizations revealed conservation of viral genes across different host species, countries, and sampling years, suggesting a conserved cellular receptor and wide-ranging occurrence of bat influenza A viruses.

Human, Nonhuman Primate, and Bat Cells Are Broadly Susceptible to Tibrovirus Particle Cell Entry

In 2012, the genome of a novel rhabdovirus, Bas-Congo virus (BASV), was discovered in the acute-phase serum of a Congolese patient with presumed viral hemorrhagic fever. In the absence of a replicating virus isolate, fulfilling Koch's postulates to determine whether BASV is indeed a human virus and/or pathogen has been impossible. However, experiments with vesiculoviral particles pseudotyped with Bas-Congo glycoprotein suggested that BASV particles can enter cells from multiple animals, including humans. In 2015, genomes of two related viruses, Ekpoma virus 1 (EKV-1) and Ekpoma virus 2 (EKV-2), were detected in human sera in Nigeria. Isolates could not be obtained. Phylogenetic analyses led to the classification of BASV, EKV-1, and EKV-2 in the same genus, Tibrovirus, together with five biting midge-borne rhabdoviruses [i.e., Beatrice Hill virus (BHV), Bivens Arm virus (BAV), Coastal Plains virus (CPV), Sweetwater Branch virus (SWBV), and Tibrogargan virus (TIBV)] not known to infect humans. Using individual recombinant vesiculoviruses expressing the glycoproteins of all eight known tibroviruses and more than 75 cell lines representing different animal species, we demonstrate that the glycoproteins of all tibroviruses can mediate vesiculovirus particle entry into human, bat, nonhuman primate, cotton rat, boa constrictor, and Asian tiger mosquito cells. Using four of five isolated authentic tibroviruses (i.e., BAV, CPV, SWBV, and TIBV), our experiments indicate that many cell types may be partially resistant to tibrovirus replication after virion cell entry. Consequently, experimental data solely obtained from experiments using tibrovirus surrogate systems (e.g., vesiculoviral pseudotypes, recombinant vesiculoviruses) cannot be used to predict whether BASV, or any other tibrovirus, infects humans.

MHC class II proteins mediate cross-species entry of bat influenza viruses

Zoonotic influenza A viruses of avian origin can cause severe disease in individuals, or even global pandemics, and thus pose a threat to human populations. Waterfowl and shorebirds are believed to be the reservoir for all influenza A viruses, but this has recently been challenged by the identification of novel influenza A viruses in bats^1,2. The major bat influenza A virus envelope glycoprotein, haemagglutinin, does not bind the canonical influenza A virus receptor, sialic acid or any other glycan^1,3,4, despite its high sequence and structural homology with conventional haemagglutinins. This functionally uncharacterized plasticity of the bat influenza A virus haemagglutinin means the tropism and zoonotic potential of these viruses has not been fully determined. Here we show, using transcriptomic profiling of susceptible versus non-susceptible cells in combination with genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screening, that the major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) human leukocyte antigen DR isotype (HLA-DR) is an essential entry determinant for bat influenza A viruses. Genetic ablation of the HLA-DR α-chain rendered cells resistant to infection by bat influenza A virus, whereas ectopic expression of the HLA-DR complex in non-susceptible cells conferred susceptibility. Expression of MHC-II from different bat species, pigs, mice or chickens also conferred susceptibility to infection. Notably, the infection of mice with bat influenza A virus resulted in robust virus replication in the upper respiratory tract, whereas mice deficient for MHC-II were resistant. Collectively, our data identify MHC-II as a crucial entry mediator for bat influenza A viruses in multiple species, which permits a broad vertebrate tropism.

Generation of bat-derived influenza viruses and their reassortants

Two novel influenza A virus-like genomes were detected in fruit bats in Central and South America. However, the biological properties of these bat-derived influenza viruses (BatIVs) are still largely unknown since infectious viral particles have never been isolated from the infected host species. In this study, a reverse genetics approach was used to generate infectious BatIV particles entirely from plasmids encoding full-length sequences in eight gene segments. We inoculated BatIV particles into various cell cultures including bat-derived cell lines and found that BatIVs infected particular bat-derived cells efficiently but not the other cell lines tested. Reassortant viruses between the two BatIVs were also successfully generated and their replication in the susceptible bat cell lines was confirmed. These findings suggest a limited host range and reassortment potential of BatIVs in nature, providing fundamental information for understanding of the ecology of BatIVs.

Viruses in bats and potential spillover to animals and humans

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Bats are a very important source of emerging viruses.

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Bat coronavirus, filovirus, paramyxovirus and reovirus are known zoonotic viruses.

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Many of the emergent bat viruses are highly lethal in livestock and humans.

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Past incidents and viral genetic features predict bat coronaviruses as the highest risk.

In the last two decades, several high impact zoonotic disease outbreaks have been linked to bat-borne viruses. These include SARS coronavirus, Hendra virus and Nipah virus. In addition, it has been suspected that ebolaviruses and MERS coronavirus are also linked to bats. It is being increasingly accepted that bats are potential reservoirs of a large number of known and unknown viruses, many of which could spillover into animal and human populations. However, our knowledge into basic bat biology and immunology is very limited and we have little understanding of major factors contributing to the risk of bat virus spillover events. Here we provide a brief review of the latest findings in bat viruses and their potential risk of cross-species transmission.

Identification of two residues within the NS1 of H7N9 influenza A virus that critically affect the protein stability and function

The emerging avian-origin H7N9 influenza A virus, which causes mild to lethal human respiratory disease, continues to circulate in China, posing a great threat to public health. Influenza NS1 protein plays a key role in counteracting host innate immune responses, allowing the virus to efficiently replicate in the host. In this study, we compared NS1 amino acid sequences of H7N9 influenza A virus with those of other strains, and determined NS1 protein variability within the H7N9 virus and then evaluated the impact of amino acid substitutions on ability of the NS1 proteins to inhibit host innate immunity. Interestingly, the amino acid residue S212 was identified to have a profound effect on the primary function of NS1, since S212P substitution disabled H7N9 NS1 in suppressing the host RIG-I-dependent interferon response, as well as the ability to promote the virus replication. In addition, we identified another amino acid residue, I178, serving as a key site to keep NS1 protein high steady-state levels. When the isoleucine was replaced by valine at 178 site (I178V mutation), NS1 of H7N9 underwent rapid degradation through proteasome pathway. Furthermore, we observed that P212S and V178I mutation in NS1 of PR8 virus enhanced virulence and promoted the virus replication in vivo. Together, these results indicate that residues I178 and S212 within H7N9 NS1 protein are critical for stability and functioning of the NS1 protein respectively, and may contribute to the enhanced pathogenicity of H7N9 influenza virus.

Novel Flu Viruses in Bats and Cattle: "Pushing the Envelope" of Influenza Infection

Influenza viruses are among the major infectious disease threats of animal and human health. This review examines the recent discovery of novel influenza viruses in bats and cattle, the evolving complexity of influenza virus host range including the ability to cross species barriers and geographic boundaries, and implications to animal and human health.

Specific Mutations in the PB2 Protein of Influenza A Virus Compensate for the Lack of Efficient Interferon Antagonism of the NS1 Protein of Bat Influenza A-Like Viruses

Recently, two new influenza A-like viruses have been discovered in bats, A/little yellow-shouldered bat/Guatemala/060/2010 (HL17NL10) and A/flat-faced bat/Peru/033/2010 (HL18NL11). The hemagglutinin (HA)-like (HL) and neuraminidase (NA)-like (NL) proteins of these viruses lack hemagglutination and neuraminidase activities, despite their sequence and structural homologies with the HA and NA proteins of conventional influenza A viruses. We have now investigated whether the NS1 proteins of the HL17NL10 and HL18NL11 viruses can functionally replace the NS1 protein of a conventional influenza A virus. For this purpose, we generated recombinant influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (PR8) H1N1 viruses containing the NS1 protein of the PR8 wild-type, HL17NL10, and HL18NL11 viruses. These viruses (r/NS1PR8, r/NS1HL17, and r/NS1HL18, respectively) were tested for replication in bat and nonbat mammalian cells and in mice. Our results demonstrate that the r/NS1HL17 and r/NS1HL18 viruses are attenuated in vitro and in vivo However, the bat NS1 recombinant viruses showed a phenotype similar to that of the r/NS1PR8 virus in STAT1^-/- human A549 cells and mice, both in vitro and in vivo systems being unable to respond to interferon (IFN). Interestingly, multiple mouse passages of the r/NS1HL17 and r/NS1HL18 viruses resulted in selection of mutant viruses containing single amino acid mutations in the viral PB2 protein. In contrast to the parental viruses, virulence and IFN antagonism were restored in the selected PB2 mutants. Our results indicate that the NS1 protein of bat influenza A-like viruses is less efficient than the NS1 protein of its conventional influenza A virus NS1 counterpart in antagonizing the IFN response and that this deficiency can be overcome by the influenza virus PB2 protein.IMPORTANCE Significant gaps in our understanding of the basic features of the recently discovered bat influenza A-like viruses HL17NL10 and HL18NL11 remain. The basic biology of these unique viruses displays both similarities to and differences from the basic biology of conventional influenza A viruses. Here, we show that recombinant influenza A viruses containing the NS1 protein from HL17NL10 and HL18NL11 are attenuated. This attenuation was mediated by their inability to antagonize the type I IFN response. However, this deficiency could be compensated for by single amino acid replacements in the PB2 gene. Our results unravel a functional divergence between the NS1 proteins of bat influenza A-like and conventional influenza A viruses and demonstrate an interplay between the viral PB2 and NS1 proteins to antagonize IFN.

Unexpected Functional Divergence of Bat Influenza Virus NS1 Proteins

Recently, two influenza A virus (FLUAV) genomes were identified in Central and South American bats. These sequences exhibit notable divergence from classical FLUAV counterparts, and functionally, bat FLUAV glycoproteins lack canonical receptor binding and destroying activity. Nevertheless, other features that distinguish these viruses from classical FLUAVs have yet to be explored. Here, we studied the viral nonstructural protein NS1, a virulence factor that modulates host signaling to promote efficient propagation. Like all FLUAV NS1 proteins, bat FLUAV NS1s bind double-stranded RNA and act as interferon antagonists. Unexpectedly, we found that bat FLUAV NS1s are unique in being unable to bind host p85β, a regulatory subunit of the cellular metabolism-regulating enzyme, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K). Furthermore, neither bat FLUAV NS1 alone nor infection with a chimeric bat FLUAV efficiently activates Akt, a PI3K effector. Structure-guided mutagenesis revealed that the bat FLUAV NS1-p85β interaction can be reengineered (in a strain-specific manner) by changing two to four NS1 residues (96L, 99M, 100I, and 145T), thereby creating a hydrophobic patch. Notably, ameliorated p85β-binding is insufficient for bat FLUAV NS1 to activate PI3K, and a chimeric bat FLUAV expressing NS1 with engineered hydrophobic patch mutations exhibits cell-type-dependent, but species-independent, propagation phenotypes. We hypothesize that bat FLUAV hijacking of PI3K in the natural bat host has been selected against, perhaps because genes in this metabolic pathway were differentially shaped by evolution to suit the unique energy use strategies of this flying mammal. These data expand our understanding of the enigmatic functional divergence between bat FLUAVs and classical mammalian and avian FLUAVs.

IMPORTANCE The potential for novel influenza A viruses to establish infections in humans from animals is a source of continuous concern due to possible severe outbreaks or pandemics. The recent discovery of influenza A-like viruses in bats has raised questions over whether these entities could be a threat to humans. Understanding unique properties of the newly described bat influenza A-like viruses, such as their mechanisms to infect cells or how they manipulate host functions, is critical to assess their likelihood of causing disease. Here, we characterized the bat influenza A-like virus NS1 protein, a key virulence factor, and found unexpected functional divergence of this protein from counterparts in other influenza A viruses. Our study dissects the molecular changes required by bat influenza A-like virus NS1 to adopt classical influenza A virus properties and suggests consequences of bat influenza A-like virus infection, potential future evolutionary trajectories, and intriguing virus-host biology in bat species.

Influenza

Influenza is an infectious respiratory disease that, in humans, is caused by influenza A and influenza B viruses. Typically characterized by annual seasonal epidemics, sporadic pandemic outbreaks involve influenza A virus strains of zoonotic origin. The WHO estimates that annual epidemics of influenza result in ~1 billion infections, 3–5 million cases of severe illness and 300,000–500,000 deaths. The severity of pandemic influenza depends on multiple factors, including the virulence of the pandemic virus strain and the level of pre-existing immunity. The most severe influenza pandemic, in 1918, resulted in >40 million deaths worldwide. Influenza vaccines are formulated every year to match the circulating strains, as they evolve antigenically owing to antigenic drift. Nevertheless, vaccine efficacy is not optimal and is dramatically low in the case of an antigenic mismatch between the vaccine and the circulating virus strain. Antiviral agents that target the influenza virus enzyme neuraminidase have been developed for prophylaxis and therapy. However, the use of these antivirals is still limited. Emerging approaches to combat influenza include the development of universal influenza virus vaccines that provide protection against antigenically distant influenza viruses, but these vaccines need to be tested in clinical trials to ascertain their effectiveness.

Role of influenza A virus NP acetylation on viral growth and replication

Lysine acetylation is a post-translational modification known to regulate protein functions. Here we identify several acetylation sites of the influenza A virus nucleoprotein (NP), including the lysine residues K77, K113 and K229. Viral growth of mutant virus encoding K229R, mimicking a non-acetylated NP lysine residue, is severely impaired compared to wildtype or the mutant viruses encoding K77R or K113R. This attenuation is not the result of decreased polymerase activity, altered protein expression or disordered vRNP co-segregation but rather caused by impaired particle release. Interestingly, release deficiency is also observed mimicking constant acetylation at this site (K229Q), whereas virus encoding NP-K113Q could not be generated. However, mimicking NP hyper-acetylation at K77 and K229 severely diminishes viral polymerase activity, while mimicking NP hypo-acetylation at these sites has no effect on viral replication. These results suggest that NP acetylation at K77, K113 and K229 impacts multiple steps in viral replication of influenza A viruses.

Post-translational modifications of influenza A virus proteins can regulate virus replication, but the effect of nucleoprotein (NP) acetylation is not known. Here, Giese et al. identify four NP lysine residues that are acetylated in infected cells and study their role in polymerase activity and virion release.

Loeffler 4.0: Diagnostic Metagenomics

A new world of possibilities for “virus discovery” was opened up with high-throughput sequencing becoming available in the last decade. While scientifically metagenomic analysis was established before the start of the era of high-throughput sequencing, the availability of the first second-generation sequencers was the kick-off for diagnosticians to use sequencing for the detection of novel pathogens. Today, diagnostic metagenomics is becoming the standard procedure for the detection and genetic characterization of new viruses or novel virus variants. Here, we provide an overview about technical considerations of high-throughput sequencing-based diagnostic metagenomics together with selected examples of “virus discovery” for animal diseases or zoonoses and metagenomics for food safety or basic veterinary research.

Novel insights into bat influenza A viruses

In 2012 and 2013, influenza virus genome sequences of two new influenza A virus (IAV) subtypes were discovered in bat specimens, but further characterization was largely impeded by the lack of infectious virus. With the identification of highly susceptible cell lines, reconstitution of infectious bat IAV by reverse genetics recently succeeded and allowed a first insight into the life cycle of these viruses. Although there is a certain degree of functional compatibility between bat and conventional influenza A virus proteins, there are striking differences, including receptor usage, polarity of infection and reassortment potential.

Avian and human influenza virus compatible sialic acid receptors in little brown bats

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) continue to threaten animal and human health globally. Bats are asymptomatic reservoirs for many zoonotic viruses. Recent reports of two novel IAVs in fruit bats and serological evidence of avian influenza virus (AIV) H9 infection in frugivorous bats raise questions about the role of bats in IAV epidemiology. IAVs bind to sialic acid (SA) receptors on host cells, and it is widely believed that hosts expressing both SA α2,3-Gal and SA α2,6-Gal receptors could facilitate genetic reassortment of avian and human IAVs. We found abundant co-expression of both avian (SA α2,3-Gal) and human (SA α2,6-Gal) type SA receptors in little brown bats (LBBs) that were compatible with avian and human IAV binding. This first ever study of IAV receptors in a bat species suggest that LBBs, a widely-distributed bat species in North America, could potentially be co-infected with avian and human IAVs, facilitating the emergence of zoonotic strains.