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Chumbe A, Grobben M, Capella-Pujol J, Koekkoek SM, Zon I, Slamanig S, Merat SJ, Beaumont T, Sliepen K, Schinkel J, van Gils MJ. A panel of hepatitis C virus glycoproteins for the characterization of antibody responses using antibodies with diverse recognition and neutralization patterns. Virus Res 2024; 341:199308. [PMID: 38171391 PMCID: PMC10821612 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
A vaccine against Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is urgently needed to limit the spread of HCV. The large antigenic diversity of the HCV glycoprotein E1E2 makes it difficult to design a vaccine but also to fully understand the antibody response after infection or vaccination. Here we designed a panel of HCV pseudoparticles (HCVpps) that cover a wide range of genetically and antigenically diverse E1E2s. We validate our panel using neutralization and a binding antibody multiplex assay (BAMA). The panel of HCVpps includes E1E2 glycoproteins from acute and chronically infected cases in the Netherlands, as well as E1E2 glycoproteins from previously reported HCVs. Using eight monoclonal antibodies targeting multiple antigenic regions on E1E2, we could categorize four groups of neutralization sensitive viruses with viruses showing neutralization titers over a 100-fold range. One HCVpp (AMS0230) was extremely neutralization resistant and only neutralized by AR4-targeting antibodies. In addition, using binding antibody multiplex competition assay, we delineated mAb epitopes and their interactions. The binding and neutralization sensitivity of the HCVpps were confirmed using patient sera. At the end, eleven HCVpps with unique antibody binding and neutralization profiles were selected as the final panel for standardized HCV antibody assessments. In conclusion, this HCVpp panel can be used to evaluate antibody binding and neutralization breadth and potency as well as delineate the epitopes targeted in sera from patients or candidate vaccine trials. The HCVpp panel in combination with the established antibody competition assay present highly valuable tools for HCV vaccine development and evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Chumbe
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marloes Grobben
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joan Capella-Pujol
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sylvie M Koekkoek
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ian Zon
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan Slamanig
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Tim Beaumont
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; AIMM Therapeutics, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kwinten Sliepen
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Janke Schinkel
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Marit J van Gils
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Gömer A, Dinkelborg K, Klöhn M, Jagst M, Wißing MH, Frericks N, Nörenberg P, Behrendt P, Cornberg M, Wedemeyer H, Steinmann E, Maasoumy B, Todt D. Dynamic evolution of the sofosbuvir-associated variant A1343V in HEV-infected patients under concomitant sofosbuvir-ribavirin treatment. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:100989. [PMID: 38434938 PMCID: PMC10906529 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims In the absence of a hepatitis E virus (HEV)-specific antiviral treatment, sofosbuvir has recently been shown to have antiviral activity against HEV in vivo. However, a variant, A1343V, that is strongly associated with viral relapse impedes treatment success. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of variants during sofosbuvir and ribavirin treatment in vivo and assessed the sensitivity of resistance-associated variants to concurrent treatment in cell culture. Methods Two patients with chronic HEV infection that did not clear infection under ribavirin treatment were subsequently treated with a combination of sofosbuvir and ribavirin. We determined response to treatment by measuring liver enzymes and viral load in blood and stool. Moreover, we analyzed viral evolution using polymerase-targeted high-throughput sequencing and assessed replication fitness of resistance-associated variants using a HEV replicon system. Results Combination treatment was successful in decreasing viral load towards the limit of quantification. However, during treatment sustained virological response was not achieved. Variants associated with sofosbuvir or ribavirin treatment emerged during treatment, including A1343V and G1634R. Moreover, A1343V, as a single or double mutation with G1634R, was associated with sofosbuvir resistance during concomitant treatment in vitro. Conclusions These results highlight the importance of variant profiling during antiviral treatment of patients with chronic infection. Understanding how intra-host viral evolution impedes treatment success will help guide the design of next-generation antivirals. Impact and implications The lack of hepatitis E virus (HEV)-specific antivirals to treat chronic infection remains a serious health burden. Although ribavirin, interferon and sofosbuvir have been reported as anti-HEV drugs, not all patients are eligible for treatment or clear infection, since resistant-associated variants can rapidly emerge. In this study, we analyzed the efficacy of sofosbuvir and ribavirin combination treatment in terms of HEV suppression, the emergence of resistance-associated variants and their ability to escape treatment inhibition in vitro. Our results provide novel insights into evolutionary dynamics of HEV during treatment and thus will help guide the design of next-generation antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Gömer
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Katja Dinkelborg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
- TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a Joint Venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infectious Disease Research (DZIF); Partner Sites Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Mara Klöhn
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Michelle Jagst
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Nicola Frericks
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Pia Nörenberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
- TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a Joint Venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover, Germany
| | - Patrick Behrendt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
- TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a Joint Venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infectious Disease Research (DZIF); Partner Sites Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Markus Cornberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
- German Center for Infectious Disease Research (DZIF); Partner Sites Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
- Excellence Cluster 2155 RESIST, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
- German Center for Infectious Disease Research (DZIF); Partner Sites Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
- Excellence Cluster 2155 RESIST, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), External Partner Site, Bochum, Germany
| | - Benjamin Maasoumy
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
- German Center for Infectious Disease Research (DZIF); Partner Sites Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), Jena, Germany
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Gömer A, Klöhn M, Jagst M, Nocke MK, Pischke S, Horvatits T, Schulze zur Wiesch J, Müller T, Hardtke S, Cornberg M, Wedemeyer H, Behrendt P, Steinmann E, Todt D. Emergence of resistance-associated variants during sofosbuvir treatment in chronically infected hepatitis E patients. Hepatology 2023; 78:1882-1895. [PMID: 37334496 PMCID: PMC10653298 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Chronic HEV infections remain a serious problem in immunocompromised patients, as specifically approved antiviral drugs are unavailable. In 2020, a 24-week multicenter phase II pilot trial was carried out, evaluating the nucleotide analog sofosbuvir by treating nine chronically HEV-infected patients with sofosbuvir (Trial Number NCT03282474). During the study, antiviral therapy reduced virus RNA levels initially but did not lead to a sustained virologic response. Here, we characterize the changes in HEV intrahost populations during sofosbuvir treatment to identify the emergence of treatment-associated variants. APPROACH AND RESULTS We performed high-throughput sequencing on RNA-dependent RNA polymerase sequences to characterize viral population dynamics in study participants. Subsequently, we used an HEV-based reporter replicon system to investigate sofosbuvir sensitivity in high-frequency variants. Most patients had heterogenous HEV populations, suggesting high adaptability to treatment-related selection pressures. We identified numerous amino acid alterations emerging during treatment and found that the EC 50 of patient-derived replicon constructs was up to ~12-fold higher than the wild-type control, suggesting that variants associated with lower drug sensitivity were selected during sofosbuvir treatment. In particular, a single amino acid substitution (A1343V) in the finger domain of ORF1 could reduce susceptibility to sofosbuvir significantly in 8 of 9 patients. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, viral population dynamics played a critical role during antiviral treatment. High population diversity during sofosbuvir treatment led to the selection of variants (especially A1343V) with lower sensitivity to the drug, uncovering a novel mechanism of resistance-associated variants during sofosbuvir treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Gömer
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Mara Klöhn
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Michelle Jagst
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maximilian K. Nocke
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sven Pischke
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, University Medical Centre Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
| | - Thomas Horvatits
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, University Medical Centre Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
- Gastromedics Health Center, Eisenstadt, Austria
| | - Julian Schulze zur Wiesch
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, University Medical Centre Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
| | - Tobias Müller
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Charité Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK), Berlin, Germany
| | - Svenja Hardtke
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF); HepNet Study-House/German Liver Foundation (DLS), Hannover, Germany
- Institute for Infections Research and Vaccine, University Medical Centre Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Cornberg
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF); HepNet Study-House/German Liver Foundation (DLS), Hannover, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF); Partner Site Hannover Braunschweig, Germany
- Center for Individualized Infection Medicine (CiiM), Hannover, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF); HepNet Study-House/German Liver Foundation (DLS), Hannover, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF); Partner Site Hannover Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Patrick Behrendt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF); Partner Site Hannover Braunschweig, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Bochum, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), Jena, Germany
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Wolfisberg R, Holmbeck K, Billerbeck E, Thorselius CE, Batista MN, Fahnøe U, Lundsgaard EA, Kennedy MJ, Nielsen L, Rice CM, Bukh J, Scheel TKH. Molecular Determinants of Mouse Adaptation of Rat Hepacivirus. J Virol 2023; 97:e0181222. [PMID: 36971565 PMCID: PMC10134885 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01812-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The lack of robust immunocompetent animal models for hepatitis C virus (HCV) impedes vaccine development and studies of immune responses. Norway rat hepacivirus (NrHV) infection in rats shares HCV-defining characteristics, including hepatotropism, chronicity, immune responses, and aspects of liver pathology. To exploit genetic variants and research tools, we previously adapted NrHV to prolonged infection in laboratory mice. Through intrahepatic RNA inoculation of molecular clones of the identified variants, we here characterized four mutations in the envelope proteins responsible for mouse adaptation, including one disrupting a glycosylation site. These mutations led to high-titer viremia, similar to that observed in rats. In 4-week-old mice, infection was cleared after around 5 weeks compared to 2 to 3 weeks for nonadapted virus. In contrast, the mutations led to persistent but attenuated infection in rats, and they partially reverted, accompanied by an increase in viremia. Attenuated infection in rat but not mouse hepatoma cells demonstrated that the characterized mutations were indeed mouse adaptive rather than generally adaptive across species and that species determinants and not immune interactions were responsible for attenuation in rats. Unlike persistent NrHV infection in rats, acute resolving infection in mice was not associated with the development of neutralizing antibodies. Finally, infection of scavenger receptor B-I (SR-BI) knockout mice suggested that adaptation to mouse SR-BI was not a primary function of the identified mutations. Rather, the virus may have adapted to lower dependency on SR-BI, thereby potentially surpassing species-specific differences. In conclusion, we identified specific determinants of NrHV mouse adaptation, suggesting species-specific interactions during entry. IMPORTANCE A prophylactic vaccine is required to achieve the World Health Organization's objective for hepatitis C virus elimination as a serious public health threat. However, the lack of robust immunocompetent animal models supporting hepatitis C virus infection impedes vaccine development as well as studies of immune responses and viral evasion. Hepatitis C virus-related hepaciviruses were discovered in a number of animal species and provide useful surrogate infection models. Norway rat hepacivirus is of particular interest, as it enables studies in rats, an immunocompetent and widely used small laboratory animal model. Its adaptation to robust infection also in laboratory mice provides access to a broader set of mouse genetic lines and comprehensive research tools. The presented mouse-adapted infectious clones will be of utility for reverse genetic studies, and the Norway rat hepacivirus mouse model will facilitate studies of hepacivirus infection for in-depth characterization of virus-host interactions, immune responses, and liver pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Wolfisberg
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- CO-HEP, Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Kenn Holmbeck
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- CO-HEP, Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Eva Billerbeck
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Caroline E. Thorselius
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- CO-HEP, Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Mariana N. Batista
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ulrik Fahnøe
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- CO-HEP, Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Emma A. Lundsgaard
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- CO-HEP, Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Matthew J. Kennedy
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- CO-HEP, Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Louise Nielsen
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- CO-HEP, Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Charles M. Rice
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jens Bukh
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- CO-HEP, Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Troels K. H. Scheel
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- CO-HEP, Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
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Gömer A, Delarocque J, Puff C, Nocke MK, Reinecke B, Baumgärtner W, Cavalleri JMV, Feige K, Steinmann E, Todt D. Dose-Dependent Hepacivirus Infection Reveals Linkage between Infectious Dose and Immune Response. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0168622. [PMID: 35993785 PMCID: PMC9602444 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01686-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 70 million people worldwide are still infected with the hepatitis C virus 30 years after its discovery, underscoring the need for a vaccine. To develop an effective prophylactic vaccine, detailed knowledge of the correlates of protection and an immunocompetent surrogate model are needed. In this study, we describe the minimum dose required for robust equine hepacivirus (EqHV) infection in equids and examined how this relates to duration of infection, seroconversion, and transcriptomic responses. To investigate mechanisms of hepaciviral persistence, immune response, and immune-mediated pathology, we inoculated eight EqHV naive horses with doses ranging from 1-2 copies to 1.3 × 106 RNA copies per inoculation. We characterized infection kinetics, pathology, and transcriptomic responses via next generation sequencing. The minimal infectious dose of EqHV in horses was estimated at 13 RNA copies, whereas 6 to 7 copies were insufficient to cause infection. Peak viremia did not correlate with infectious dose, while seroconversion and duration of infection appeared to be affected. Notably, seroconversion was undetectable in the low-dose infections within the surveillance period (40 to 50 days). In addition, transcriptomic analysis revealed a nearly dose-dependent effect, with greater immune activation and inflammatory response observed in high-dose infections than in low-dose infections. Interestingly, inoculation with 6-7 copies of RNA that did not result in productive infection, but was associated with a strong immune response, similar to that observed in the high-dose infections. IMPORTANCE We demonstrate that the EqHV dose of infection plays an important role for inducing immune responses, possibly linked to early clearance in high-dose and prolonged viremia in low-dose infections. In particular, pathways associated with innate and adaptive immune responses, as well as inflammatory responses, were more strongly upregulated in high-dose infections than in lower doses. Hence, inoculation with low doses may enable EqHV to evade strong immune responses in the early phase and therefore promote robust, long-lasting infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Gömer
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Julien Delarocque
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Christina Puff
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Maximilian K. Nocke
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Birthe Reinecke
- Institute of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hanover, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Jessika M. V. Cavalleri
- Clinical Section of Equine Internal Medicine, Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karsten Feige
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), Jena, Germany
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6
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Meister TL, Arroyo LG, Shanahan R, Papapetrou MA, Reinecke B, Brüggemann Y, Todt D, Stang A, Hazlett M, Baird JD, Steinmann E. Infection of young foals with Equine Parvovirus-Hepatitis following a fatal non-biologic case of Theiler's disease. Vet Microbiol 2022; 274:109557. [PMID: 36088712 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2022.109557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Theiler's disease (TD) is a (sub-)acute hepatitis in adult horses and one of the most common causes of acute hepatic failure. Recent findings indicate that equine parvovirus hepatitis (EqPV-H) likely causes TD and that its transmission occurs via iatrogenic and/or natural routes. Following the death of an EqPV-H positive mare with TD, close-contact mares and foals in the same paddock were monitored to evaluate if there was any evidence of EqPV-H. For this purpose, the serum of close contact horses was examined 6 and 42 days after the mare's death for the presence of EqPV-H DNA and changes in liver-associated serum biochemical parameters. The foals had higher EqPV-H viral loads than the mares. Apart from the mare that was euthanized, none of the horses included in this study showed signs of severe disease and nor did they have particularly elevated liver enzymes. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed no major differences between the viral DNA detected in the serum of the dead mare and any of the in-contact horses. In conclusion, our data confirmed previous findings that horizontal transmission of EqPV-H may occur through close contact between horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni Luise Meister
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Luis G Arroyo
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Rachel Shanahan
- Port Perry Veterinary Services, 1589 King Street, Prince Albert, Ontario L9L 1C2, Canada
| | - Maria A Papapetrou
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Birthe Reinecke
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Yannick Brüggemann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany; European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Alexander Stang
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Murray Hazlett
- Animal Health Laboratory, Laboratory Services, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - John D Baird
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany.
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7
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Zhou Z, Zhang J, Zhou E, Ren C, Wang J, Wang Y. Small molecule NS5B RdRp non-nucleoside inhibitors for the treatment of HCV infection: A medicinal chemistry perspective. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 240:114595. [PMID: 35868125 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has become a global health problem with enormous risks. Nonstructural protein 5B (NS5B) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is a component of HCV, which can promote the formation of the viral RNA replication complex and is also an essential part of the replication complex itself. It plays a vital role in the synthesis of the positive and negative strands of HCV RNA. Therefore, the development of small-molecule inhibitors targeting NS5B RdRp is of great value for treating HCV infection-related diseases. Compared with NS5B RdRp nucleoside inhibitors, non-nucleoside inhibitors have more flexible structures, simpler mechanisms of action, and more predictable efficacy and safety of drugs in humans. Technological advances over the past decade have led to remarkable achievements in developing NS5B RdRp inhibitors. This review will summarize the non-nucleoside inhibitors targeting NS5B RdRp developed in the past decade and describe their structure optimization process and structure-activity relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilan Zhou
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Enda Zhou
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Changyu Ren
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, 38163, Tennessee, United States
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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An Equine Model for Vaccination against a Hepacivirus: Insights into Host Responses to E2 Recombinant Protein Vaccination and Subsequent Equine Hepacivirus Inoculation. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071401. [PMID: 35891381 PMCID: PMC9318657 DOI: 10.3390/v14071401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine hepacivirus (EqHV) is the closest known genetic homologue of hepatitis C virus. An effective prophylactic vaccine is currently not available for either of these hepaciviruses. The equine as potential surrogate model for hepacivirus vaccine studies was investigated, while equine host responses following vaccination with EqHV E2 recombinant protein and subsequent EqHV inoculation were elucidated. Four ponies received prime and booster vaccinations (recombinant protein, adjuvant) four weeks apart (day −55 and −27). Two control ponies received adjuvant only. Ponies were inoculated with EqHV RNA-positive plasma on day 0. Blood samples and liver biopsies were collected over 26 weeks (day −70 to +112). Serum analyses included detection of EqHV RNA, isotypes of E2-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG), nonstructural protein 3-specific IgG, haematology, serum biochemistry, and metabolomics. Liver tissue analyses included EqHV RNA detection, RNA sequencing, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescent in situ hybridization. Al-though vaccination did not result in complete protective immunity against experimental EqHV inoculation, the majority of vaccinated ponies cleared the serum EqHV RNA earlier than the control ponies. The majority of vaccinated ponies appeared to recover from the EqHV-associated liver insult earlier than the control ponies. The equine model shows promise as a surrogate model for future hepacivirus vaccine research.
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Gömer A, Puff C, Reinecke B, Bracht S, Conze M, Baumgärtner W, Steinmann J, Feige K, Cavalleri JMV, Steinmann E, Todt D. Experimental cross-species infection of donkeys with equine hepacivirus and analysis of host immune signatures. ONE HEALTH OUTLOOK 2022; 4:9. [PMID: 35527255 PMCID: PMC9082851 DOI: 10.1186/s42522-022-00065-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Equine Hepacivirus (EqHV) is an equine-specific and liver-tropic virus belonging to the diverse genus of Hepaciviruses. It was recently found in a large donkey (Equus asinus) cohort with a similar seroprevalence (30%), but lower rate of RNA-positive animals (0.3%) compared to horses. These rare infection events indicate either a lack of adaptation to the new host or a predominantly acute course of infection. METHODS In order to analyze the susceptibility and the course of EqHV infection in donkeys, we inoculated two adult female donkeys and one control horse intravenously with purified EqHV from a naturally infected horse. Liver biopsies were taken before and after inoculation to study changes in the transcriptome. RESULTS Infection kinetics were similar between the equids. All animals were EqHV PCR-positive from day three. EqHV RNA-levels declined when the animals seroconverted and both donkeys cleared the virus from the blood by week 12. Infection did not have an impact on the clinical findings and no significant histopathological differences were seen. Blood biochemistry revealed a mild increase in GLDH at the time of seroconversion in horses, which was less pronounced in donkeys. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a distinct set of differentially expressed genes, including viral host factors and immune genes. CONCLUSION To summarize, our findings indicate that donkeys are a natural host of EqHV, due to the almost identical infection kinetics. The different immune responses do however suggest different mechanisms in reacting to hepaciviral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Gömer
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christina Puff
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Birthe Reinecke
- Institute of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Center for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stephanie Bracht
- Institute of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Center for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maria Conze
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jörg Steinmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Hygiene, Medical Microbiology and Infectiology, General Hospital Nürnberg, Paracelsus Medical University, Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Karsten Feige
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jessika M V Cavalleri
- Clinical Unit of Equine Internal Medicine, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni), Vienna, Austria
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), Jena, Germany.
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