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Diallo I, Husseini Z, Guellal S, Vion E, Ho J, Kozak RA, Kobinger GP, Provost P. Ebola Virus Encodes Two microRNAs in Huh7-Infected Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095228. [PMID: 35563619 PMCID: PMC9106010 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important gene regulatory molecules involved in a broad range of cellular activities. Although the existence and functions of miRNAs are clearly defined and well established in eukaryotes, this is not always the case for those of viral origin. Indeed, the existence of viral miRNAs is the subject of intense controversy, especially those of RNA viruses. Here, we characterized the miRNA transcriptome of cultured human liver cells infected or not with either of the two Ebola virus (EBOV) variants: Mayinga or Makona; or with Reston virus (RESTV). Bioinformatic analyses revealed the presence of two EBOV-encoded miRNAs, miR-MAY-251 and miR-MAK-403, originating from the EBOV Mayinga and Makona variants, respectively. From the miRDB database, miR-MAY-251 and miR-MAK-403 displayed on average more than 700 potential human host target candidates, 25% of which had a confidence score higher than 80%. By RT-qPCR and dual luciferase assays, we assessed the potential regulatory effect of these two EBOV miRNAs on selected host mRNA targets. Further analysis of Panther pathways unveiled that these two EBOV miRNAs, in addition to general regulatory functions, can potentially target genes involved in the hemorrhagic phenotype, regulation of viral replication and modulation of host immune defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idrissa Diallo
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec Research Center/CHUL Pavilion, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (I.D.); (Z.H.); (S.G.); (E.V.); (J.H.)
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Zeinab Husseini
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec Research Center/CHUL Pavilion, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (I.D.); (Z.H.); (S.G.); (E.V.); (J.H.)
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Sara Guellal
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec Research Center/CHUL Pavilion, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (I.D.); (Z.H.); (S.G.); (E.V.); (J.H.)
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Elodie Vion
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec Research Center/CHUL Pavilion, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (I.D.); (Z.H.); (S.G.); (E.V.); (J.H.)
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Ho
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec Research Center/CHUL Pavilion, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (I.D.); (Z.H.); (S.G.); (E.V.); (J.H.)
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Robert A. Kozak
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3B 3M9, Canada;
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Molecular Diagnostics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Gary P. Kobinger
- Galveston National Laboratory, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA;
| | - Patrick Provost
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec Research Center/CHUL Pavilion, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (I.D.); (Z.H.); (S.G.); (E.V.); (J.H.)
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-418-525-4444 (ext. 48842)
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Comparison of Aerosol Stability of Different Variants of Ebola Virus and Marburg Virus and Virulence of Aerosolised Ebola Virus in an Immune-Deficient Mouse. Viruses 2022; 14:v14040780. [PMID: 35458510 PMCID: PMC9030064 DOI: 10.3390/v14040780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
During outbreaks of virus diseases, many variants may appear, some of which may be of concern. Stability in an aerosol of several Ebola virus and Marburg virus variants was investigated. Studies were performed measuring aerosol survival using the Goldberg drum but no significant difference in biological decay rates between variants was observed. In addition, historic data on virulence in a murine model of different Ebola virus variants were compared to newly presented data for Ebola virus Kikwit in the A129 Interferon alpha/beta receptor-deficient mouse model. Ebola virus Kikwit was less virulent than Ebola virus Ecran in our mouse model. The mouse model may be a useful tool for studying differences in virulence associated with different variants whereas aerosol stability studies may not need to be conducted beyond the species level.
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Yamaoka S, Ebihara H. Pathogenicity and Virulence of Ebolaviruses with Species- and Variant-specificity. Virulence 2021; 12:885-901. [PMID: 33734027 PMCID: PMC7993122 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1898169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ebola virus (EBOV), belonging to the species Zaire ebolavirus in the genus Ebolavirus, causes a severe febrile illness in humans with case fatality rates (CFRs) up to 90%. While there have been six virus species classified, which each have a single type virus in the genus Ebolavirus, CFRs of ebolavirus infections vary among viruses belonging to each distinct species. In this review, we aim to define the ebolavirus species-specific virulence on the basis of currently available laboratory and experimental findings. In addition, this review will also cover the variant-specific virulence of EBOV by referring to the unique biological and pathogenic characteristics of EBOV variant Makona, a new EBOV variant isolated from the 2013-2016 EBOV disease outbreak in West Africa. A better definition of species-specific and variant-specific virulence of ebolaviruses will facilitate our comprehensive knowledge on genus Ebolavirus biology, leading to the development of therapeutics against well-focused pathogenic mechanisms of each Ebola disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoko Yamaoka
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA
| | - Hideki Ebihara
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA
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Escaffre O, Juelich TL, Neef N, Massey S, Smith J, Brasel T, Smith JK, Kalveram B, Zhang L, Perez D, Ikegami T, Freiberg AN, Comer JE. STAT-1 Knockout Mice as a Model for Wild-Type Sudan Virus (SUDV). Viruses 2021; 13:v13071388. [PMID: 34372594 PMCID: PMC8310124 DOI: 10.3390/v13071388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently there is no FDA-licensed vaccine or therapeutic against Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV) infections. The largest ever reported 2014–2016 West Africa outbreak, as well as the 2021 outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlight the critical need for countermeasures against filovirus infections. A well-characterized small animal model that is susceptible to wild-type filoviruses would greatly add to the screening of antivirals and vaccines. Here, we infected signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 knock out (STAT-1 KO) mice with five different wildtype filoviruses to determine susceptibility. SUDV and Marburg virus (MARV) were the most virulent, and caused 100% or 80% lethality, respectively. Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV), Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV), and Taï Forest ebolavirus (TAFV) caused 40%, 20%, and no mortality, respectively. Further characterization of SUDV in STAT-1 KO mice demonstrated lethality down to 3.1 × 101 pfu. Viral genomic material was detectable in serum as early as 1 to 2 days post-challenge. The onset of viremia was closely followed by significant changes in total white blood cells and proportion of neutrophils and lymphocytes, as well as by an influx of neutrophils in the liver and spleen. Concomitant significant fluctuations in blood glucose, albumin, globulin, and alanine aminotransferase were also noted, altogether consistent with other models of filovirus infection. Finally, favipiravir treatment fully protected STAT-1 KO mice from lethal SUDV challenge, suggesting that this may be an appropriate small animal model to screen anti-SUDV countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Escaffre
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (O.E.); (T.L.J.); (J.K.S.); (B.K.); (L.Z.); (T.I.)
| | - Terry L. Juelich
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (O.E.); (T.L.J.); (J.K.S.); (B.K.); (L.Z.); (T.I.)
| | - Natasha Neef
- XTR Toxicologic Pathology Services LLC, Sterling, VA 20165, USA;
| | - Shane Massey
- Office of Regulated Nonclinical Studies, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (S.M.); (J.S.); (T.B.)
| | - Jeanon Smith
- Office of Regulated Nonclinical Studies, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (S.M.); (J.S.); (T.B.)
| | - Trevor Brasel
- Office of Regulated Nonclinical Studies, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (S.M.); (J.S.); (T.B.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- The Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Jennifer K. Smith
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (O.E.); (T.L.J.); (J.K.S.); (B.K.); (L.Z.); (T.I.)
| | - Birte Kalveram
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (O.E.); (T.L.J.); (J.K.S.); (B.K.); (L.Z.); (T.I.)
| | - Lihong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (O.E.); (T.L.J.); (J.K.S.); (B.K.); (L.Z.); (T.I.)
| | - David Perez
- Texas A&M University Division of Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
| | - Tetsuro Ikegami
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (O.E.); (T.L.J.); (J.K.S.); (B.K.); (L.Z.); (T.I.)
- The Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Alexander N. Freiberg
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (O.E.); (T.L.J.); (J.K.S.); (B.K.); (L.Z.); (T.I.)
- The Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Correspondence: (A.N.F.); (J.E.C.)
| | - Jason E. Comer
- Office of Regulated Nonclinical Studies, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (S.M.); (J.S.); (T.B.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- The Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Institute of Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Correspondence: (A.N.F.); (J.E.C.)
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Brasel T, Comer JE, Massey S, Smith J, Smith J, Hyde M, Kocsis A, Gainey M, Niemuth N, Triplett C, Rudge T. Mucosal Challenge Ferret Models of Ebola Virus Disease. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030292. [PMID: 33806375 PMCID: PMC8001755 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have shown the domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) to be a promising small animal model for the study of Ebola virus (EBOV) disease and medical countermeasure evaluation. To date, most studies have focused on traditional challenge routes, predominantly intramuscular and intranasal administration. Here, we present results from a non-clinical pathogenicity study examining oronasal, oral, and ocular mucosal challenge routes in ferrets. Animals were challenged with 1, 10, or 100 plaque forming units EBOV followed by monitoring of disease progression and biosampling. Ferrets administered virus via oronasal and oral routes met euthanasia criteria due to advanced disease 5–10 days post-challenge. Conversely, all ferrets dosed via the ocular route survived until the scheduled study termination 28-day post-challenge. In animals that succumbed to disease, a dose/route response was not observed; increases in disease severity, febrile responses, serum and tissue viral load, alterations in clinical pathology, and gross/histopathology findings were similar between subjects. Disease progression in ferrets challenged via ocular administration was unremarkable throughout the study period. Results from this study further support the ferret as a model for EBOV disease following oral and nasal mucosa exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Brasel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77573, USA; (J.E.C.); (S.M.); (J.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-409-266-6907
| | - Jason E. Comer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77573, USA; (J.E.C.); (S.M.); (J.S.)
| | - Shane Massey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77573, USA; (J.E.C.); (S.M.); (J.S.)
| | - Jeanon Smith
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77573, USA; (J.E.C.); (S.M.); (J.S.)
| | - Jennifer Smith
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77573, USA;
| | - Matthew Hyde
- Animal Resources Center, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77573, USA; (M.H.); (A.K.)
| | - Andrew Kocsis
- Animal Resources Center, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77573, USA; (M.H.); (A.K.)
| | - Melicia Gainey
- Battelle, 1425 Plain City-Georgesville Road, NE, West Jefferson, OH 43162, USA; (M.G.); (N.N.); (C.T.); (T.R.J.)
| | - Nancy Niemuth
- Battelle, 1425 Plain City-Georgesville Road, NE, West Jefferson, OH 43162, USA; (M.G.); (N.N.); (C.T.); (T.R.J.)
| | - Cheryl Triplett
- Battelle, 1425 Plain City-Georgesville Road, NE, West Jefferson, OH 43162, USA; (M.G.); (N.N.); (C.T.); (T.R.J.)
| | - Thomas Rudge
- Battelle, 1425 Plain City-Georgesville Road, NE, West Jefferson, OH 43162, USA; (M.G.); (N.N.); (C.T.); (T.R.J.)
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Schiffman Z, Yan F, He S, Tierney K, Zhu W, Emeterio K, Zhang H, Banadyga L, Qiu X. Taï Forest Virus Does Not Cause Lethal Disease in Ferrets. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9020213. [PMID: 33494199 PMCID: PMC7909818 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020213] [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: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Filoviruses are zoonotic, negative-sense RNA viruses, most of which are capable of causing severe disease in humans and nonhuman primates, often with high case fatality rates. Among these viruses, those belonging to the Ebolavirus genus—particularly Ebola virus, Sudan virus, and Bundibugyo virus—represent some of the most pathogenic to humans. Taï Forest virus (TAFV) is thought to be among the least pathogenic ebolaviruses; however, only a single non-fatal case has been documented in humans, in 1994. With the recent success of the ferret as a lethal model for a number of ebolaviruses, we set out to evaluate its suitability as a model for TAFV. Our results demonstrate that, unlike other ebolaviruses, TAFV infection in ferrets does not result in lethal disease. None of the intramuscularly inoculated animals demonstrated any overt signs of disease, whereas the intranasally inoculated animals exhibited mild to moderate weight loss during the early stage of infection but recovered quickly. Low levels of viral RNA were detected in the blood and tissues of several animals, particularly the intranasally inoculated animals, and all animals mounted a humoral immune response, with high titers of GP-specific IgG detectable as early as 14 days post-infection. These data provide additional insight into the pathogenesis of TAFV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Schiffman
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada; (Z.S.); (K.E.); (H.Z.)
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3R2, Canada; (S.H.); (K.T.); (W.Z.); (X.Q.)
| | - Feihu Yan
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130122, China;
| | - Shihua He
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3R2, Canada; (S.H.); (K.T.); (W.Z.); (X.Q.)
| | - Kevin Tierney
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3R2, Canada; (S.H.); (K.T.); (W.Z.); (X.Q.)
| | - Wenjun Zhu
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3R2, Canada; (S.H.); (K.T.); (W.Z.); (X.Q.)
| | - Karla Emeterio
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada; (Z.S.); (K.E.); (H.Z.)
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3R2, Canada; (S.H.); (K.T.); (W.Z.); (X.Q.)
| | - Huajun Zhang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada; (Z.S.); (K.E.); (H.Z.)
| | - Logan Banadyga
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3R2, Canada; (S.H.); (K.T.); (W.Z.); (X.Q.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Xiangguo Qiu
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3R2, Canada; (S.H.); (K.T.); (W.Z.); (X.Q.)
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Kikwit Ebola Virus Disease Progression in the Rhesus Monkey Animal Model. Viruses 2020; 12:v12070753. [PMID: 32674252 PMCID: PMC7411891 DOI: 10.3390/v12070753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ongoing Ebola virus disease outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo follow the largest recorded outbreak in Western Africa (2013–2016). To combat outbreaks, testing of medical countermeasures (therapeutics or vaccines) requires a well-defined, reproducible, animal model. Here we present Ebola virus disease kinetics in 24 Chinese-origin rhesus monkeys exposed intramuscularly to a highly characterized, commercially available Kikwit Ebola virus Filovirus Animal Non-Clinical Group (FANG) stock. Until reaching predetermined clinical disease endpoint criteria, six animals underwent anesthesia for repeated clinical sampling and were compared to six that did not. Groups of three animals were euthanized and necropsied on days 3, 4, 5, and 6 post-exposure, respectively. In addition, three uninfected animals served as controls. Here, we present detailed characterization of clinical and laboratory disease kinetics and complete blood counts, serum chemistries, Ebola virus titers, and disease kinetics for future medical countermeasure (MCM) study design and control data. We measured no statistical difference in hematology, chemistry values, or time to clinical endpoint in animals that were anesthetized for clinical sampling during the acute disease compared to those that were not.
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Chan M, Leung A, Griffin BD, Vendramelli R, Tailor N, Tierney K, Audet J, Kobasa D. Generation and Characterization of a Mouse-Adapted Makona Variant of Ebola Virus. Viruses 2019; 11:E987. [PMID: 31717793 PMCID: PMC6893688 DOI: 10.3390/v11110987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ebola virus (EBOV) is a zoonotic pathogen that poses a significant threat to public health, causing sporadic yet devastating outbreaks that have the potential to spread worldwide, as demonstrated during the 2013-2016 West African outbreak. Mouse models of infection are important tools for the development of therapeutics and vaccines. Exposure of immunocompetent mice to clinical isolates of EBOV is nonlethal; consequently, EBOV requires prior adaptation in mice to cause lethal disease. Until now, the only immunocompetent EBOV mouse model was based on the Mayinga variant, which was isolated in 1976. Here, we generated a novel mouse-adapted (MA)-EBOV based on the 2014 Makona isolate by inserting EBOV/Mayinga-MA mutations into the EBOV/Makona genome, followed by serial passaging of the rescued virus in suckling mice. The resulting EBOV/Makona-MA causes lethal disease in adult immunocompetent mice within 6 to 9 days and has a lethal dose (LD50) of 0.004 plaque forming units (PFU). Two additional mutations emerged after mouse-adaptation in the viral nucleoprotein (NP) and membrane-associated protein VP24. Using reverse genetics, we found the VP24 mutation to be critical for EBOV/Makona-MA virulence. EBOV/Makona-MA infected mice that presented with viremia, high viral burden in organs, increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, and lymphopenia. Our mouse model will help advance pre-clinical development of countermeasures against contemporary EBOV variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mable Chan
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 3R2, Canada; (M.C.); (A.L.); (B.D.G.); (R.V.); (N.T.); (K.T.); (J.A.)
| | - Anders Leung
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 3R2, Canada; (M.C.); (A.L.); (B.D.G.); (R.V.); (N.T.); (K.T.); (J.A.)
| | - Bryan D. Griffin
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 3R2, Canada; (M.C.); (A.L.); (B.D.G.); (R.V.); (N.T.); (K.T.); (J.A.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Robert Vendramelli
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 3R2, Canada; (M.C.); (A.L.); (B.D.G.); (R.V.); (N.T.); (K.T.); (J.A.)
| | - Nikesh Tailor
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 3R2, Canada; (M.C.); (A.L.); (B.D.G.); (R.V.); (N.T.); (K.T.); (J.A.)
| | - Kevin Tierney
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 3R2, Canada; (M.C.); (A.L.); (B.D.G.); (R.V.); (N.T.); (K.T.); (J.A.)
| | - Jonathan Audet
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 3R2, Canada; (M.C.); (A.L.); (B.D.G.); (R.V.); (N.T.); (K.T.); (J.A.)
| | - Darwyn Kobasa
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 3R2, Canada; (M.C.); (A.L.); (B.D.G.); (R.V.); (N.T.); (K.T.); (J.A.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada
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Griffin BD, Leung A, Chan M, Warner BM, Ranadheera C, Tierney K, Audet J, Frost KL, Safronetz D, Embury-Hyatt C, Booth SA, Kobasa D. Establishment of an RNA polymerase II-driven reverse genetics system for Nipah virus strains from Malaysia and Bangladesh. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11171. [PMID: 31371748 PMCID: PMC6671980 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47549-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Nipah virus (NiV) has emerged as a highly lethal zoonotic paramyxovirus that is capable of causing a febrile encephalitis and/or respiratory disease in humans for which no vaccines or licensed treatments are currently available. There are two genetically and geographically distinct lineages of NiV: NiV-Malaysia (NiV-M), the strain that caused the initial outbreak in Malaysia, and NiV-Bangladesh (NiV-B), the strain that has been implicated in subsequent outbreaks in India and Bangladesh. NiV-B appears to be both more lethal and have a greater propensity for person-to-person transmission than NiV-M. Here we describe the generation and characterization of stable RNA polymerase II-driven infectious cDNA clones of NiV-M and NiV-B. In vitro, reverse genetics-derived NiV-M and NiV-B were indistinguishable from a wildtype isolate of NiV-M, and both viruses were pathogenic in the Syrian hamster model of NiV infection. We also describe recombinant NiV-M and NiV-B with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) inserted between the G and L genes that enable rapid and sensitive detection of NiV infection in vitro. This panel of molecular clones will enable studies to investigate the virologic determinants of henipavirus pathogenesis, including the pathogenic differences between NiV-M and NiV-B, and the high-throughput screening of candidate therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan D Griffin
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3R2, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Anders Leung
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3R2, Canada
| | - Mable Chan
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3R2, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Bryce M Warner
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3R2, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Charlene Ranadheera
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3R2, Canada
| | - Kevin Tierney
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3R2, Canada
| | - Jonathan Audet
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3R2, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Kathy L Frost
- Molecular Pathobiology, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, R3E 3R2, Manitoba, Canada
| | - David Safronetz
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3R2, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Carissa Embury-Hyatt
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3M4, Canada
| | - Stephanie A Booth
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0J9, Canada.,Molecular Pathobiology, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, R3E 3R2, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Darwyn Kobasa
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3R2, Canada. .,Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0J9, Canada.
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10
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Comer JE, Escaffre O, Neef N, Brasel T, Juelich TL, Smith JK, Smith J, Kalveram B, Perez DD, Massey S, Zhang L, Freiberg AN. Filovirus Virulence in Interferon α/β and γ Double Knockout Mice, and Treatment with Favipiravir. Viruses 2019; 11:v11020137. [PMID: 30717492 PMCID: PMC6410141 DOI: 10.3390/v11020137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The 2014 Ebolavirus outbreak in West Africa highlighted the need for vaccines and therapeutics to prevent and treat filovirus infections. A well-characterized small animal model that is susceptible to wild-type filoviruses would facilitate the screening of anti-filovirus agents. To that end, we characterized knockout mice lacking α/β and γ interferon receptors (IFNAGR KO) as a model for wild-type filovirus infection. Intraperitoneal challenge of IFNAGR KO mice with several known human pathogenic species from the genus Ebolavirus and Marburgvirus, except Bundibugyo ebolavirus and Taï Forest ebolavirus, caused variable mortality rate. Further characterization of the prototype Ebola virus Kikwit isolate infection in this KO mouse model showed 100% lethality down to a dilution equivalent to 1.0 × 10−1 pfu with all deaths occurring between 7 and 9 days post-challenge. Viral RNA was detectable in serum after challenge with 1.0 × 102 pfu as early as one day after infection. Changes in hematology and serum chemistry became pronounced as the disease progressed and mirrored the histological changes in the spleen and liver that were also consistent with those described for patients with Ebola virus disease. In a proof-of-principle study, treatment of Ebola virus infected IFNAGR KO mice with favipiravir resulted in 83% protection. Taken together, the data suggest that IFNAGR KO mice may be a useful model for early screening of anti-filovirus medical countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason E Comer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- Office of Regulated Nonclinical Studies, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Science, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- The Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Olivier Escaffre
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Natasha Neef
- Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc., Sterling, VA 20167, USA.
| | - Trevor Brasel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- Office of Regulated Nonclinical Studies, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Science, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Terry L Juelich
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Jennifer K Smith
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Jeanon Smith
- Office of Regulated Nonclinical Studies, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Birte Kalveram
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - David D Perez
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Shane Massey
- Office of Regulated Nonclinical Studies, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Lihong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Alexander N Freiberg
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Science, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- The Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
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11
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Naturally Occurring Single Mutations in Ebola Virus Observably Impact Infectivity. J Virol 2018; 93:JVI.01098-18. [PMID: 30333174 PMCID: PMC6288345 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01098-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
During the Ebola virus (EBOV) disease outbreak in West Africa in 2014–2016, it was discovered that several mutations in the virus emerged and became prevalent in the human population. This suggests that these mutations may play a role impacting viral fitness. We investigated three of these previously identified mutations (in the glycoprotein [GP], nucleoprotein [NP], or RNA-dependent RNA polymerase [L]) in cell culture, as well as in mice and ferrets, by generating recombinant viruses (based on an early West African EBOV strain) each carrying one of these mutations. The NP and L mutations appear to decrease virulence, whereas the GP mutation slightly increases virulence but mainly impacts viral tropism. Our results show that these single mutations can impact EBOV virulence in animals and have implications for the rational design of efficacious antiviral therapies against these infections. Sequencing of Ebola virus (EBOV) genomes during the 2014–2016 epidemic identified several naturally occurring, dominant mutations potentially impacting virulence or tropism. In this study, we characterized EBOV variants carrying one of the following substitutions: A82V in the glycoprotein (GP), R111C in the nucleoprotein (NP), or D759G in the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L). Compared with the wild-type (WT) EBOV C07 isolate, NP and L mutants conferred a replication advantage in monkey Vero E6, human A549, and insectivorous bat Tb1.Lu cells, while L mutants displayed a disadvantage in human Huh7 cells. The replication of the GP mutant was significantly delayed in Tb1.Lu cells and similar to that of the WT in other cells. The L mutant was less virulent, as evidenced by increased survival for mice and a significantly delayed time to death for ferrets, but increased lengths of the period of EBOV shedding may have contributed to the prolonged epidemic. Our results show that single substitutions can have observable impacts on EBOV pathogenicity and provide a framework for the study of other mutations. IMPORTANCE During the Ebola virus (EBOV) disease outbreak in West Africa in 2014–2016, it was discovered that several mutations in the virus emerged and became prevalent in the human population. This suggests that these mutations may play a role impacting viral fitness. We investigated three of these previously identified mutations (in the glycoprotein [GP], nucleoprotein [NP], or RNA-dependent RNA polymerase [L]) in cell culture, as well as in mice and ferrets, by generating recombinant viruses (based on an early West African EBOV strain) each carrying one of these mutations. The NP and L mutations appear to decrease virulence, whereas the GP mutation slightly increases virulence but mainly impacts viral tropism. Our results show that these single mutations can impact EBOV virulence in animals and have implications for the rational design of efficacious antiviral therapies against these infections.
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12
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Abstract
Ebola virus (EBOV) has been responsible for sporadic outbreaks in Central Africa since 1976 and has the potential of causing social disruption and public panic as illustrated by the 2013-2016 epidemic in West Africa. Transmission of EBOV has been described to occur via contact with infected bodily fluids, supported by data indicating that infectious EBOV could be cultured from blood, semen, saliva, urine, and breast milk. Parameters influencing transmission of EBOV are, however, largely undefined in part due to the lack of an established animal model to study mechanisms of pathogen spread. Here, we investigated EBOV transmissibility in male and female ferrets. After intranasal challenge, an infected animal was placed in direct contact with a naive ferret and in contact with another naive ferret (separated from the infected animal by a metal mesh) that served as the indirect-contact animal. All challenged animals, male direct contacts, and one male indirect contact developed disease and died. The remaining animals were not viremic and remained asymptomatic but developed EBOV-glycoprotein IgM and/or IgG specific antibodies-indicative of virus transmission. EBOV transmission via indirect contact was frequently observed in this model but resulted in less-severe disease compared to direct contact. Interestingly, these observations are consistent with the detection of specific antibodies in humans living in areas of EBOV endemicity.IMPORTANCE Our knowledge regarding transmission of EBOV between individuals is vague and is mostly limited to spreading via direct contact with infectious bodily fluids. Studying transmission parameters such as dose and route of infection is nearly impossible in naturally acquired cases-hence the requirement for a laboratory animal model. Here, we show as a proof of concept that ferrets can be used to study EBOV transmission. We also show that transmission in the absence of direct contact is frequent, as all animals with indirect contact with the infected ferrets had detectable antibodies to the virus, and one succumbed to infection. Our report provides a new small-animal model for studying EBOV transmission that does not require adaptation of the virus, providing insight into virus transmission among humans during epidemics.
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