1
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Naskar S, Harsukhbhai Chandpa H, Agarwal S, Meena J. Super epitope dengue vaccine instigated serotype independent immune protection in-silico. Vaccine 2024; 42:3857-3873. [PMID: 38616437 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.04.009] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Dengue becomes the most common life-threatening infectious arbovirus disease globally, with prevalence in the tropical and subtropical areas. The major clinical features include dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS), a condition of hypovolemic shock. Four different serotypes of the dengue virus, known as dengue virus serotype (DENV)- 1, 2, 3 and 4 can infect humans. Only one vaccine is available in the market, named Dengvaxia by Sanofi Pasteur, but there is no desired outcome of this treatment due the antibody dependent enhancement (ADE) of the multiple dengue serotypes. As of now, there is no cure against dengue disease. Our goal in this work was to create a subunit vaccine based on several epitopes that would be effective against every serotype of the dengue virus. Here, computational methods like- immunoinformatics and bioinformatics were implemented to find out possible dominant epitopes. A total of 21 epitopes were chosen using various in-silico techniques from the expected 133 major histocompatibility complex (MHC)- I and major histocompatibility complex (MHC)- II epitopes, along with 95 B-cell epitopes which were greatly conserved. Immune stimulant, non-allergenic and non-toxic immunodominant epitopes (super epitopes) with a suitable adjuvant (Heparin-Binding Hemagglutinin Adhesin, HBHA) were used to construct the vaccine. Following the physicochemical analysis, vaccine construct was docked with Toll-like receptors (TLRs) to predict the immune stimulation. Consequently, the optimal docked complex that demonstrated the least amount of ligand-receptor complex deformability was used to conduct the molecular dynamics analysis. By following the codon optimization, the final vaccine molecule was administered into an expressing vector to perform in-silico cloning. The robust immune responses were generated in the in-silico immune simulation analysis. Hence, this study provides a hope to control the dengue infections. For validation of the immune outcomes, in-vitro as well as in-vivo investigations are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shovan Naskar
- ImmunoEngineering and Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Hitesh Harsukhbhai Chandpa
- ImmunoEngineering and Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Shalini Agarwal
- ImmunoEngineering and Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Jairam Meena
- ImmunoEngineering and Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, India.
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2
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Nilchan N, Kraivong R, Luangaram P, Phungsom A, Tantiwatcharakunthon M, Traewachiwiphak S, Prommool T, Punyadee N, Avirutnan P, Duangchinda T, Malasit P, Puttikhunt C. An Engineered N-Glycosylated Dengue Envelope Protein Domain III Facilitates Epitope-Directed Selection of Potently Neutralizing and Minimally Enhancing Antibodies. ACS Infect Dis 2024. [PMID: 38943594 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
The envelope protein of dengue virus (DENV) is a primary target of the humoral immune response. The domain III of the DENV envelope protein (EDIII) is known to be the target of multiple potently neutralizing antibodies. One such antibody is 3H5, a mouse antibody that binds strongly to EDIII and potently neutralizes DENV serotype 2 (DENV-2) with unusually minimal antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). To selectively display the binding epitope of 3H5, we strategically modified DENV-2 EDIII by shielding other known epitopes with engineered N-glycosylation sites. The modifications resulted in a glycosylated EDIII antigen termed "EDIII mutant N". This antigen was successfully used to sift through a dengue-immune scFv-phage library to select for scFv antibodies that bind to or closely surround the 3H5 epitope. The selected scFv antibodies were expressed as full-length human antibodies and showed potent neutralization activity to DENV-2 with low or negligible ADE resembling 3H5. These findings not only demonstrate the capability of the N-glycosylated EDIII mutant N as a tool to drive an epitope-directed antibody selection campaign but also highlight its potential as a dengue immunogen. This glycosylated antigen shows promise in focusing the antibody response toward a potently neutralizing epitope while reducing the risk of antibody-dependent enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Napon Nilchan
- Molecular Biology of Dengue and Flaviviruses Research Team, Medical Molecular Biotechnology Research Group National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Dengue and Emerging Pathogens Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Romchat Kraivong
- Molecular Biology of Dengue and Flaviviruses Research Team, Medical Molecular Biotechnology Research Group National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Dengue and Emerging Pathogens Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Prasit Luangaram
- Molecular Biology of Dengue and Flaviviruses Research Team, Medical Molecular Biotechnology Research Group National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Dengue and Emerging Pathogens Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Anunyaporn Phungsom
- Molecular Biology of Dengue and Flaviviruses Research Team, Medical Molecular Biotechnology Research Group National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Dengue and Emerging Pathogens Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Mongkhonphan Tantiwatcharakunthon
- Molecular Biology of Dengue and Flaviviruses Research Team, Medical Molecular Biotechnology Research Group National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Dengue and Emerging Pathogens Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Somchoke Traewachiwiphak
- Molecular Biology of Dengue and Flaviviruses Research Team, Medical Molecular Biotechnology Research Group National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Dengue and Emerging Pathogens Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Tanapan Prommool
- Molecular Biology of Dengue and Flaviviruses Research Team, Medical Molecular Biotechnology Research Group National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Dengue and Emerging Pathogens Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Nuntaya Punyadee
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Dengue and Emerging Pathogens Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
- Division of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Panisadee Avirutnan
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Dengue and Emerging Pathogens Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
- Division of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Thaneeya Duangchinda
- Molecular Biology of Dengue and Flaviviruses Research Team, Medical Molecular Biotechnology Research Group National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
- Medical Biotechnology Research Unit, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Prida Malasit
- Molecular Biology of Dengue and Flaviviruses Research Team, Medical Molecular Biotechnology Research Group National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Dengue and Emerging Pathogens Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
- Division of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Chunya Puttikhunt
- Molecular Biology of Dengue and Flaviviruses Research Team, Medical Molecular Biotechnology Research Group National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
- Medical Biotechnology Research Unit, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
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3
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Allen T, Castellanos ME, Giacomin P, Karunaweera ND, Kupz A, Lol JC, Sharma D, Sikder S, Tedla B, van Eijk L, Vojisavljevic D, Zhao G, Pai S. Next-generation vaccines for tropical infectious diseases. Int J Infect Dis 2024; 143:107014. [PMID: 38499058 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107014] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Tropical infectious diseases inflict an unacceptable burden of disease on humans living in developing countries. Although anti-pathogenic drugs have been widely used, they carry a constant threat of selecting for resistance. Vaccines offer a promising means by which to enhance the global control of tropical infectious diseases; however, these have been difficult to develop, mostly because of the complex nature of the pathogen lifecycles. Here, we present recently developed vaccine candidates for five tropical infectious diseases in the form of a catalog that have either entered clinical trials or have been licensed for use. We deliberate on recently licensed dengue vaccines, provide evidence why combination vaccination could have a synergistic impact on schistosomiasis, critically appraise the value of typhoid conjugate vaccines, and discuss the potential of vaccines in the efforts to eliminate vivax malaria and hookworms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammy Allen
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Maria Eugenia Castellanos
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia; Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
| | - Paul Giacomin
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
| | | | - Andreas Kupz
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
| | - Juan Carlos Lol
- Centro de Estudios en Salud, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Dileep Sharma
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia; College of Medicine & Dentistry, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia; School of Health Sciences, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, Australia
| | - Suchandan Sikder
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
| | - Bemnet Tedla
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia; Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Liza van Eijk
- Department of Psychology, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Danica Vojisavljevic
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia; Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
| | - Guangzu Zhao
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
| | - Saparna Pai
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia.
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Zhou XJ, Lickliter J, Montrond M, Ishak L, Pietropaolo K, James D, Belanger B, Horga A, Hammond J. First-in-human trial evaluating safety and pharmacokinetics of AT-752, a novel nucleotide prodrug with pan-serotype activity against dengue virus. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0161523. [PMID: 38526047 PMCID: PMC11064583 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01615-23] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
AT-752 is a novel guanosine nucleotide prodrug inhibitor of the dengue virus (DENV) polymerase with sub-micromolar, pan-serotype antiviral activity. This phase 1, double-blind, placebo-controlled, first-in-human study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of ascending single and multiple oral doses of AT-752 in healthy subjects. AT-752 was well tolerated when administered as a single dose up to 1,500 mg or when administered as multiple doses up to 750 mg three times daily (TID). No serious adverse events occurred, and the majority of treatment-emergent adverse events were mild in severity and resolved by the end of the study. In those receiving single ascending doses of AT-752, no pharmacokinetic sensitivity was observed in Asian subjects, and no food effect was observed. Plasma exposure of the guanosine nucleoside metabolite AT-273, the surrogate of the active triphosphate metabolite of the drug, increased with increasing dose levels of AT-752 and exhibited a long half-life of approximately 15-25 h. Administration of AT-752 750 mg TID led to a rapid increase in plasma levels of AT-273 exceeding the target in vitro 90% effective concentration (EC90) of 0.64 µM in inhibiting DENV replication, and maintained this level over the treatment period. The favorable safety and pharmacokinetic results support the evaluation of AT-752 as an antiviral for the treatment of dengue in future clinical studies.Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04722627).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Laura Ishak
- Atea Pharmaceuticals Inc, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Dayle James
- Atea Pharmaceuticals Inc, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Arantxa Horga
- Atea Pharmaceuticals Inc, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Janet Hammond
- Atea Pharmaceuticals Inc, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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5
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Sarker R, Roknuzzaman ASM, Haque MA, Islam MR, Kabir ER. Upsurge of dengue outbreaks in several WHO regions: Public awareness, vector control activities, and international collaborations are key to prevent spread. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e2034. [PMID: 38655420 PMCID: PMC11035754 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Dengue, the world's fastest-growing vector-borne disease, has skyrocketed in the 21st century. Dengue has harmed human health since its first known cases among Spanish soldiers in the Philippines to its 21st-century outbreaks in Southeast Asia, the Pacific, and the Americas. In light of the current circumstances, it is imperative to investigate its origin and prevalence, enabling the implementation of effective interventions to curb the upsurge. Methods Our study examines the history of dengue outbreaks, and evolving impact on public health, aiming to offer valuable insights for a more resilient public health response worldwide. In this comprehensive review, we incorporated data from renowned databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus to provide a thorough analysis of dengue outbreaks. Results Recent dengue outbreaks are associated with rapid urbanization, international travel, climatic change, and socioeconomic factors. Rapid urbanization and poor urban design and sanitation have created mosquito breeding places for dengue vectors. Also, international travel and trade have spread the pathogen. Climate change in the past two decades has favored mosquito habitats and outbreaks. Socioeconomic differences have also amplified the impact of dengue outbreaks on vulnerable communities. Dengue mitigation requires vector control, community engagement, healthcare strengthening, and international cooperation. Conclusion Climate change adaptation and urban planning are crucial. Although problems remain, a comprehensive vector control and community involvement plan may reduce dengue epidemics and improve public health in our interconnected world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rapty Sarker
- Department of PharmacyUniversity of Asia PacificDhakaBangladesh
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6
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Srisawat N, Gubler DJ, Pangestu T, Limothai U, Thisyakorn U, Ismail Z, Goh D, Capeding MR, Bravo L, Yoksan S, Tantawichien T, Hadinegoro SR, Rafiq K, Picot VS, Ooi EE. Proceedings of the 6th Asia Dengue Summit, June 2023. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012060. [PMID: 38551892 PMCID: PMC10980189 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The 6th Asia Dengue Summit (ADS) themed "Road Map to Zero Dengue Death" was held in Thailand from 15th-16th June 2023. The summit was hosted by Tropical Medicine Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand in conjunction with Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, The Thai Red Cross Society; Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University; and the Ministry of Public Health. The 6th ADS was convened by Asia Dengue Voice and Action (ADVA); Global Dengue and Aedes Transmitted Diseases Consortium (GDAC); Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Tropical Medicine and Public Health Network (SEAMEO TROPMED); Fondation Mérieux (FMx) and the International Society for Neglected Tropical Diseases (ISNTD). Dengue experts from academia and research, and representatives from the Ministries of Health, Regional and Global World Health Organization (WHO) and International Vaccine Institute (IVI) participated in the three-day summit. With more than 51 speakers and 451 delegates from over 24 countries, 10 symposiums, and 2 full days, the 6th ADS highlighted the growing threat of dengue and its antigenic evolution, flagged the urgent need to overcome vaccine hesitancy and misinformation crisis, and focused on dengue control policies, newer diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines, travel-associated dengue, and strategies to improve community involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nattachai Srisawat
- Tropical Medicine Cluster, Center of Excellence in Critical Care Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Excellence Center for Critical Care Nephrology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thailand
| | - Duane J. Gubler
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Tikki Pangestu
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Umaporn Limothai
- Tropical Medicine Cluster, Center of Excellence in Critical Care Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Excellence Center for Critical Care Nephrology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thailand
| | - Usa Thisyakorn
- Tropical Medicine Cluster, Chulalongkorn University and Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Zulkifli Ismail
- Department of Pediatrics, KPJ Selangor Specialist Hospital, Malaysia
| | - Daniel Goh
- Division of Paediatric Pulmonary Medicine and Sleep, Khoo Teck Puat National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Lulu Bravo
- University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, the Philippines
| | - Sutee Yoksan
- Center for Vaccine Development, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Terapong Tantawichien
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine and Tropical Medicine Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sri Rezeki Hadinegoro
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Kamran Rafiq
- International Society of Neglected Tropical Diseases, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Eng Eong Ooi
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
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7
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Akter R, Tasneem F, Das S, Soma MA, Georgakopoulos-Soares I, Juthi RT, Sazed SA. Approaches of dengue control: vaccine strategies and future aspects. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1362780. [PMID: 38487527 PMCID: PMC10937410 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1362780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Dengue, caused by the dengue virus (DENV), affects millions of people worldwide every year. This virus has two distinct life cycles, one in the human and another in the mosquito, and both cycles are crucial to be controlled. To control the vector of DENV, the mosquito Aedes aegypti, scientists employed many techniques, which were later proved ineffective and harmful in many ways. Consequently, the attention shifted to the development of a vaccine; researchers have targeted the E protein, a surface protein of the virus and the NS1 protein, an extracellular protein. There are several types of vaccines developed so far, such as live attenuated vaccines, recombinant subunit vaccines, inactivated virus vaccines, viral vectored vaccines, DNA vaccines, and mRNA vaccines. Along with these, scientists are exploring new strategies of developing improved version of the vaccine by employing recombinant DNA plasmid against NS1 and also aiming to prevent the infection by blocking the DENV life cycle inside the mosquitoes. Here, we discussed the aspects of research in the field of vaccines until now and identified some prospects for future vaccine developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runa Akter
- Department of Pharmacy, Independent University Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Faria Tasneem
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shuvo Das
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Ilias Georgakopoulos-Soares
- Institute for Personalized Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Rifat Tasnim Juthi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Saiful Arefeen Sazed
- Institute for Personalized Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
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8
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Wang Y, Troutman MC, Hofmann C, Gonzalez A, Song L, Levin R, Pixley HY, Kearns K, DePhillips P, Loughney JW. Fully automated high-throughput immuno-µPlaque assay for live-attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine development. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1356600. [PMID: 38410513 PMCID: PMC10895029 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1356600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Dengue fever has remained a continuing global medical threat that impacts half of the world's population. Developing a highly effective dengue vaccine, with live-attenuated tetravalent vaccines as leading candidates, remains essential in preventing this disease. For the development of live virus vaccines (LVVs), potency measurements play a vital role in quantifying the active components of vaccine drug substance as well as drug product during various stages of research, development, and post-licensure evaluations. Traditional plaque-based assays are one of the most common potency test methods, but they generally take up to weeks to complete. Less labor and time-intensive potency assays are thus called for to aid in the acceleration of vaccine development, especially for multivalent LVVs. Here, we introduce a fully automated, 96-well format µPlaque assay that has been optimized as a high-throughput tool to evaluate process and formulation development of a live-attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a miniaturized viral plaque method for dengue with full automation via an integrated robotic system. Compared to the traditional manual plaque assay, this newly developed method substantially reduces testing time by approximately half and allows for the evaluation of over ten times more samples per run. The fully automated workflow, from cell culture to plaque counting, significantly minimizes analyst hands-on time and improves assay repeatability. The study presents a pioneering solution for the rapid measurement of LVV viral titers, offering promising prospects for advancing vaccine development through high-throughput analytics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States
| | - Matthew C. Troutman
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States
| | - Carl Hofmann
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States
| | - Ariel Gonzalez
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States
| | - Liping Song
- Biostatistics, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States
| | - Robert Levin
- Vaccine Drug Product Development, Merck & Co., Inc, Rahway, NJ, United States
| | - Heidi Yoder Pixley
- Vaccine Drug Product Development, Merck & Co., Inc, Rahway, NJ, United States
| | - Kristine Kearns
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States
| | - Pete DePhillips
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States
| | - John W. Loughney
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States
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9
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Shoushtari M, Rismani E, Salehi-Vaziri M, Azadmanesh K. Structure-based evaluation of the envelope domain III-nonstructural protein 1 (EDIII-NS1) fusion as a dengue virus vaccine candidate. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-19. [PMID: 38319049 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2311350] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The lack of effective medicines or vaccines, combined with climate change and other environmental factors, annually subjects a significant proportion of the world's inhabitants to the risk of dengue virus (DENV) infection. These conditions increase the likelihood of exposure to mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever. Hence, many research approaches tend to develop efficient vaccine candidates against the dengue virus. Therefore, we used immunoinformatics and bioinformatics to design a construction for developing a candidate vaccine against dengue virus serotypes. In this study, the in silico structure, containing the non-structural protein 1 region (NS1) (consensus and epitope), the envelope domain III protein (EDIII) as the structural part of the virus construction, and the bc-loop of envelope domain II (EDII) as the neutralizing and protected epitope, were employed. We utilized in silico tools to enhance the immunogenicity and effectiveness of dengue virus vaccine candidates. Evaluations included refining and validating physicochemical characteristics, B and T-cell epitopes, homology modeling, and the three-dimensional structure to assess the designed vaccine's quality. In silico results for tertiary structure prediction and validation revealed high-quality modeling for all vaccine constructs. Additionally, the instructed model demonstrated stability throughout molecular dynamics simulation. The results of the immune simulation suggested that the titers of IgG and IgM could be raised to desirable values following injection into in vivo models. It can be concluded that the designed construct effectively induce humoral and cellular immunity and can be proposed as effective vaccine candidate against four dengue serotypes.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elham Rismani
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Salehi-Vaziri
- Department of Arboviruses and Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (National Reference Laboratory), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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10
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Tejo AM, Hamasaki DT, Menezes LM, Ho YL. Severe dengue in the intensive care unit. JOURNAL OF INTENSIVE MEDICINE 2024; 4:16-33. [PMID: 38263966 PMCID: PMC10800775 DOI: 10.1016/j.jointm.2023.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Dengue fever is considered the most prolific vector-borne disease in the world, with its transmission rate increasing more than eight times in the last two decades. While most cases present mild to moderate symptoms, 5% of patients can develop severe disease. Although the mechanisms are yet not fully comprehended, immune-mediated activation leading to excessive cytokine expression is suggested as a cause of the two main findings in critical patients: increased vascular permeability that may shock and thrombocytopenia, and coagulopathy that can induce hemorrhage. The risk factors of severe disease include previous infection by a different serotype, specific genotypes associated with more efficient replication, certain genetic polymorphisms, and comorbidities such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. The World Health Organization recommends careful monitoring and prompt hospitalization of patients with warning signs or propensity for severe disease to reduce mortality. This review aims to update the diagnosis and management of patients with severe dengue in the intensive care unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Mestre Tejo
- Intensive Care Unit, Department of Intensive Medicine of the Cancer Institute of the State of São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Debora Toshie Hamasaki
- Transfusion Medicine and Cell Therapy Department, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Letícia Mattos Menezes
- Intensive Care Unit of Infectious Disease Department, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Yeh-Li Ho
- Intensive Care Unit of Infectious Disease Department, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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11
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Li C, Lin L, Tang Y, Huang S. Molecular mechanism of ChaiShi JieDu granule in treating dengue based on network pharmacology and molecular docking: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e36773. [PMID: 38206728 PMCID: PMC10754559 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Dengue fever is a frequently occurring infectious disease caused by the Dengue virus, prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. Chaishi Jiedu Granules (CSJD) is an empirical prescription of the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University in the treatment of dengue fever, which has been widely used in the treatment of dengue fever, and has shown good efficacy in improving the clinical symptoms of patients. This study aims to explore the molecular mechanism of CSJD in treating dengue fever using network pharmacology, molecular docking techniques, and virtual screening methods. The results showed that luteolin, quercetin and other compounds in CSJD could target important targets related to dengue virus, including STAT3, AKT1, TNF, IL-6, and other key genes, thus playing an antiviral role. Among them, luteolin and wogonin in CSJD also inhibited dengue virus replication and reduced inflammation, and showed good binding force with IL-6 and TNF. Therefore, this study provides an important reference for the development of CSJD as a potential drug for dengue fever treatment and a new perspective for research and development in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Li
- Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Luping Lin
- Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yexiao Tang
- Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sanqi Huang
- Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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12
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Ould Lemrabott MA, Briolant S, Gomez N, Basco L, Ould Mohamed Salem Boukhary A. First report of kdr mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel gene in the arbovirus vector, Aedes aegypti, from Nouakchott, Mauritania. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:464. [PMID: 38115092 PMCID: PMC10731742 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06066-8] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since 2014, dengue epidemics have occurred almost annually in Nouakchott, the capital city of Mauritania, coinciding with the recent establishment of Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of dengue, in the city. Anopheles arabiensis, the primary vector of malaria, is also abundant not only in Nouakchott but also in most areas of the country. Resistance to insecticides has been studied in An. arabiensis but not in Ae. aegypti in Mauritania. The objective of the present study was to establish the baseline data on the frequencies of knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (vgsc) gene in Ae. aegypti collected in Nouakchott to improve vector control. METHODS Resting Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were collected in 2017 and 2018 in Teyarett and Dar Naim districts in Nouakchott using a battery-powered aspirator. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing were performed to detect the presence of five kdr mutations known to be associated with pyrethroid resistance: L982W, S989P, I1011M/G, V1016G/I, and F1534C. RESULTS A total of 100 female Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were identified among collected resting culicid fauna, of which 60% (60/100) were unfed, 12% (12/100) freshly blood-fed, and 28% (28/100) gravid. Among the mutations investigated in this study, 989P, 1016G, and 1534C were found to be widespread, with the frequencies of 0.43, 0.44, and 0.55, respectively. Mutations were not found in codons 982 and 1011. No other mutations were detected within the fragments analyzed in this study. Genotype distribution did not deviate from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The most frequent co-occurring point mutation patterns among Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were the heterozygous individuals 989SP/1016VG/1534FC detected in 45.1% of mosquitoes. In addition, homozygous mutant 1534CC co-occurred simultaneously with homozygous wild type 989SS and 1016VV in 30.5% of mosquito specimens. Inversely, homozygous wild-type 1534FF co-occurred simultaneously with homozygous mutant 989PP and 1016GG in 19.5% of the mosquitoes. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the presence of three point mutations in the vgsc gene of Ae. aegypti in Mauritania. The findings of the present study are alarming because they predict a high level of resistance to pyrethroid insecticides which are commonly used in vector control in the country. Therefore, further studies are urgently needed, in particular phenotypic characterization of insecticide resistance using the standardized test.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sébastien Briolant
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
- Unité de Parasitologie Entomologie, Département de Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), Marseille, France.
| | - Nicolas Gomez
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Unité de Parasitologie Entomologie, Département de Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), Marseille, France
| | - Leonardo Basco
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Ali Ould Mohamed Salem Boukhary
- Université de Nouakchott, UR-GEMI, Nouveau Campus Universitaire, BP 5026, Nouakchott, Mauritania.
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.
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13
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Lai JH, Wu DW, Wu CH, Hung LF, Huang CY, Ka SM, Chen A, Ho LJ. USP18 enhances dengue virus replication by regulating mitochondrial DNA release. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20126. [PMID: 37978268 PMCID: PMC10656416 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47584-w] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) infection remains a challenging health threat worldwide. Ubiquitin-specific protease 18 (USP18), which preserves the anti-interferon (IFN) effect, is an ideal target through which DENV mediates its own immune evasion. However, much of the function and mechanism of USP18 in regulating DENV replication remains incompletely understood. In addition, whether USP18 regulates DENV replication merely by causing IFN hyporesponsiveness is not clear. In the present study, by using several different approaches to block IFN signaling, including IFN neutralizing antibodies (Abs), anti-IFN receptor Abs, Janus kinase inhibitors and IFN alpha and beta receptor subunit 1 (IFNAR1)knockout cells, we showed that USP18 may regulate DENV replication in IFN-associated and IFN-unassociated manners. Localized in mitochondria, USP18 regulated the release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to the cytosol to affect viral replication, and mechanisms such as mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) production, changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, mobilization of calcium into mitochondria, 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1) expression, oxidation and fragmentation of mtDNA, and opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) were involved in USP18-regulated mtDNA release to the cytosol. We therefore identify mitochondrial machineries that are regulated by USP18 to affect DENV replication and its association with IFN effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenn-Haung Lai
- Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Lin-Kou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - De-Wei Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Lin-Kou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chien-Hsiang Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Lin-Kou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Li-Feng Hung
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institute, Zhunan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chuan-Yueh Huang
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institute, Zhunan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shuk-Man Ka
- Graduate Institute of Aerospace and Undersea Medicine, Department of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ann Chen
- Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ling-Jun Ho
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institute, Zhunan, Taiwan, ROC.
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14
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Villalaín J. Phospholipid binding of the dengue virus envelope E protein segment containing the conserved His residue. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2023; 1865:184198. [PMID: 37437754 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2023.184198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Flaviviruses encompass many important human pathogens, including Dengue, Zika, West Nile, Yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, and Tick-borne encephalitis viruses as well as several emerging viruses that affect millions of people worldwide. They enter cells by endocytosis, fusing their membrane with the late endosomal one in a pH-dependent manner, so membrane fusion is one of the main targets for obtaining new antiviral inhibitors. The envelope E protein, a class II membrane fusion protein, is responsible for fusion and contains different domains involved in the fusion mechanism, including the fusion peptide. However, other segments, apart from the fusion peptide, have been implicated in the mechanism of membrane fusion, in particular a segment containing a His residue supposed to act as a specific pH sensor. We have used atomistic molecular dynamics to study the binding of the envelope E protein segment containing the conserved His residue in its three different tautomer forms with a complex membrane mimicking the late-endosomal one. We show that this His-containing segment is capable of spontaneous membrane binding, preferentially binds electronegatively charged phospholipids and does not bind cholesterol. Since Flaviviruses have caused epidemics in the past, continue to do so and will undoubtedly continue to do so, this specific segment could characterise a new target that would allow finding effective antiviral molecules against DENV virus in particular and Flaviviruses in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Villalaín
- Institute of Research, Development, and Innovation in Healthcare Biotechnology (IDiBE), Universitas "Miguel Hernández", E-03202 Elche, Alicante, Spain.
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15
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Ooi EE, Kalimuddin S. Insights into dengue immunity from vaccine trials. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadh3067. [PMID: 37437017 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adh3067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The quest for an effective dengue vaccine has culminated in two approved vaccines and another that has completed phase 3 clinical trials. However, shortcomings exist in each, suggesting that the knowledge on dengue immunity used to develop these vaccines was incomplete. Vaccine trial findings could refine our understanding of dengue immunity, because these are experimentally derived, placebo-controlled data. Results from these trials suggest that neutralizing antibody titers alone are insufficient to inform protection against symptomatic infection, implicating a role for cellular immunity in protection. These findings have relevance for both future dengue vaccine development and application of current vaccines for maximal public health benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eng Eong Ooi
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Viral Research and Experimental Medicine Centre, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117549, Singapore
| | - Shirin Kalimuddin
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169856, Singapore
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