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Wang X, Tang XE, Zheng H, Gao R, Lu X, Yang W, Zhou L, Chen Y, Gu M, Hu J, Liu X, Hu S, Liu K, Liu X. Amino acid mutations PB1-V719M and PA-N444D combined with PB2-627K contribute to the pathogenicity of H7N9 in mice. Vet Res 2024; 55:86. [PMID: 38970119 PMCID: PMC11227215 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-024-01342-6] [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: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
H7N9 subtype avian influenza viruses (AIVs) cause 1567 human infections and have high mortality, posing a significant threat to public health. Previously, we reported that two avian-derived H7N9 isolates (A/chicken/Eastern China/JTC4/2013 and A/chicken/Eastern China/JTC11/2013) exhibit different pathogenicities in mice. To understand the genetic basis for the differences in virulence, we constructed a series of mutant viruses based on reverse genetics. We found that the PB2-E627K mutation alone was not sufficient to increase the virulence of H7N9 in mice, despite its ability to enhance polymerase activity in mammalian cells. However, combinations with PB1-V719M and/or PA-N444D mutations significantly enhanced H7N9 virulence. Additionally, these combined mutations augmented polymerase activity, thereby intensifying virus replication, inflammatory cytokine expression, and lung injury, ultimately increasing pathogenicity in mice. Overall, this study revealed that virulence in H7N9 is a polygenic trait and identified novel virulence-related residues (PB2-627K combined with PB1-719M and/or PA-444D) in viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) complexes. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying AIV pathogenesis in mammals, with implications for pandemic preparedness and intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoquan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Xin-En Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Huafen Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Ruyi Gao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Xiaolong Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Wenhao Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Le Zhou
- Yangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Yu Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Min Gu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Jiao Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Xiaowen Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Shunlin Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Kaituo Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
| | - Xiufan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
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Durairaj K, Trinh TTT, Yun SY, Yeo SJ, Sung HW, Park H. Molecular Characterization and Pathogenesis of H6N6 Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses Isolated from Mallard Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) in South Korea. Viruses 2022; 14:v14051001. [PMID: 35632743 PMCID: PMC9143286 DOI: 10.3390/v14051001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The subtype H6N6 has been identified worldwide following the increasing frequency of avian influenza viruses (AIVs). These AIVs also have the ability to bind to human-like receptors, thereby increasing the risk of animal-human transmission. In September 2019, an H6N6 avian influenza virus—KNU2019-48 (A/Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)/South Korea/KNU 2019-48/2019(H6N6))—was isolated from Anas platyrhynchos in South Korea. Phylogenetic analysis results revealed that the hemagglutinin (HA) gene of this strain belongs to the Korean lineage, whereas the neuraminidase (NA) and polymerase basic protein 1 (PB1) genes belong to the Chinese lineage. Outstanding internal proteins such as PB2, polymerase acidic protein, nucleoprotein, matrix protein, and non-structural protein belong to the Vietnamese lineage. Additionally, a monobasic amino acid (PRIETR↓GLF) at the HA cleavage site; non-deletion of the stalk region (residue 59–69) in the NA gene; and E627 in the PB2 gene indicate that the KNU2019-48 isolate is a typical low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus. The nucleotide sequence similarity analysis of HA revealed that the highest homology (97.18%) of this isolate is to that of A/duck/Jiangxi/01.14 NCJD125-P/2015(H6N6), and the amino acid sequence of NA (97.38%) is closely related to that of A/duck/Fujian/10.11_FZHX1045-C/2016 (H6N6). An in vitro analysis of the KNU2019-48 virus shows a virus titer of not more than 2.8 Log10 TCID 50/mL until 72 h post-infection, whereas in the lungs, the virus is detected at 3 dpi (days post-infection). The isolated KNU2019-48 (H6N6) strain is the first reported AIV in Korea, and the H6 subtype virus has co-circulated in China, Vietnam, and Korea for half a decade. Overall, our study demonstrates that Korean H6N6 strain PB1-S375N, PA-A404S, and S409N mutations are infectious in humans and might contribute to the enhanced pathogenicity of this strain. Therefore, we emphasize the importance of continuous and intensive surveillance of the H6N6 virus not only in Korea but also worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaliannan Durairaj
- Zoonosis Research Center, Department of Infection Biology, School of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan 570-749, Korea; (K.D.); (S.-Y.Y.)
| | - Thuy-Tien Thi Trinh
- Institute of Endemic Diseases, Medical Research Center, Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea;
| | - Su-Yeon Yun
- Zoonosis Research Center, Department of Infection Biology, School of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan 570-749, Korea; (K.D.); (S.-Y.Y.)
| | - Seon-Ju Yeo
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Correspondence: (S.-J.Y.); (H.-W.S.); (H.P.)
| | - Haan-Woo Sung
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
- Correspondence: (S.-J.Y.); (H.-W.S.); (H.P.)
| | - Hyun Park
- Zoonosis Research Center, Department of Infection Biology, School of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan 570-749, Korea; (K.D.); (S.-Y.Y.)
- Correspondence: (S.-J.Y.); (H.-W.S.); (H.P.)
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Nguyen TQ, Rollon R, Choi YK. Animal Models for Influenza Research: Strengths and Weaknesses. Viruses 2021; 13:1011. [PMID: 34071367 PMCID: PMC8228315 DOI: 10.3390/v13061011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza remains one of the most significant public health threats due to its ability to cause high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although understanding of influenza viruses has greatly increased in recent years, shortcomings remain. Additionally, the continuous mutation of influenza viruses through genetic reassortment and selection of variants that escape host immune responses can render current influenza vaccines ineffective at controlling seasonal epidemics and potential pandemics. Thus, there is a knowledge gap in the understanding of influenza viruses and a corresponding need to develop novel universal vaccines and therapeutic treatments. Investigation of viral pathogenesis, transmission mechanisms, and efficacy of influenza vaccine candidates requires animal models that can recapitulate the disease. Furthermore, the choice of animal model for each research question is crucial in order for researchers to acquire a better knowledge of influenza viruses. Herein, we reviewed the advantages and limitations of each animal model-including mice, ferrets, guinea pigs, swine, felines, canines, and non-human primates-for elucidating influenza viral pathogenesis and transmission and for evaluating therapeutic agents and vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi-Quyen Nguyen
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (T.-Q.N.); (R.R.)
| | - Rare Rollon
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (T.-Q.N.); (R.R.)
| | - Young-Ki Choi
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (T.-Q.N.); (R.R.)
- Zoonotic Infectious Diseases Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
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Reshamwala SMS, Likhite V, Degani MS, Deb SS, Noronha SB. Mutations in SARS-CoV-2 nsp7 and nsp8 proteins and their predicted impact on replication/transcription complex structure. J Med Virol 2021; 93:4616-4619. [PMID: 33433004 PMCID: PMC8012999 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) has been identified to be a mutation hot spot, with the P323L mutation being commonly observed in viral genomes isolated from North America. RdRp forms a complex with nonstructural proteins nsp7 and nsp8 to form the minimal replication/transcription machinery required for genome replication. As mutations in RdRp may affect formation of the RdRp–nsp7–nsp8 supercomplex, we analyzed viral genomes to identify mutations in nsp7 and nsp8 protein sequences. Based on in silico analysis of predicted structures of the supercomplex comprising of native and mutated proteins, we demonstrate that specific mutations in nsp7 and nsp8 proteins may have a role in stabilization of the replication/transcription complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamlan M S Reshamwala
- DBT-ICT Centre for Energy Biosciences, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vishakha Likhite
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mariam S Degani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shalini S Deb
- DBT-ICT Centre for Energy Biosciences, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Santosh B Noronha
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Laleye AT, Abolnik C. Emergence of highly pathogenic H5N2 and H7N1 influenza A viruses from low pathogenic precursors by serial passage in ovo. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240290. [PMID: 33031421 PMCID: PMC7544131 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly pathogenic (HPAI) strains emerge from their low pathogenic (LPAI) precursors and cause severe disease in poultry with enormous economic losses, and zoonotic potential. Understanding the mechanisms involved in HPAI emergence is thus an important goal for risk assessments. In this study ostrich-origin H5N2 and H7N1 LPAI progenitor viruses were serially passaged seventeen times in 14-day old embryonated chicken eggs and Ion Torrent ultra-deep sequencing was used to monitor the incremental changes in the consensus genome sequences. Both virus strains increased in virulence with successive passages, but the H7N1 virus attained a virulent phenotype sooner. Mutations V63M, E228V and D272G in the HA protein, Q357K in the nucleoprotein (NP) and H155P in the neuraminidase protein correlated with the increased pathogenicity of the H5N2 virus; whereas R584H and L589I substitutions in the polymerase B2 protein, A146T and Q220E in HA plus D231N in the matrix 1 protein correlated with increased pathogenicity of the H7N1 virus in embryos. Enzymatic cleavage of HA protein is the critical virulence determinant, and HA cleavage site motifs containing multibasic amino acids were detected at the sub-consensus level. The motifs PQERRR/GLF and PQRERR/GLF were first detected in passages 11 and 15 respectively of the H5N2 virus, and in the H7N1 virus the motifs PELPKGKK/GLF and PELPKRR/GLF were detected as early as passage 7. Most significantly, a 13 nucleotide insert of unknown origin was identified at passage 6 of the H5N2 virus, and at passage 17 a 42 nucleotide insert derived from the influenza NP gene was identified. This is the first report of non-homologous recombination at the HA cleavage site in an H5 subtype virus. This study provides insights into how HPAI viruses emerge from low pathogenic precursors and demonstrated the pathogenic potential of H5N2 and H7N1 strains that have not yet been implicated in HPAI outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Tinuke Laleye
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Celia Abolnik
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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