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Omler A, Mutso M, Vaher M, Freitas JR, Taylor A, David CT, Moseley GW, Liu X, Merits A, Mahalingam S. Exploring Barmah Forest virus pathogenesis: molecular tools to investigate non-structural protein 3 nuclear localization and viral genomic determinants of replication. mBio 2024; 15:e0099324. [PMID: 38953633 PMCID: PMC11323547 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00993-24] [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: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Barmah Forest virus (BFV) is a mosquito-borne virus that causes arthralgia with accompanying rash, fever, and myalgia in humans. The virus is mainly found in Australia and has caused outbreaks associated with significant health concerns. As the sole representative of the Barmah Forest complex within the genus Alphavirus, BFV is not closely related genetically to other alphaviruses. Notably, basic knowledge of BFV molecular virology has not been well studied due to a lack of critical investigative tools such as an infectious clone. Here we describe the construction of an infectious BFV cDNA clone based on Genbank sequence and demonstrate that the clone-derived virus has in vitro and in vivo properties similar to naturally occurring virus, BFV field isolate 2193 (BFV2193-FI). A substitution in nsP4, V1911D, which was identified in the Genbank reference sequence, was found to inhibit virus rescue and replication. T1325P substitution in nsP2 selected during virus passaging was shown to be an adaptive mutation, compensating for the inhibitory effect of nsP4-V1911D. The two mutations were associated with changes in viral non-structural polyprotein processing and type I interferon (IFN) induction. Interestingly, a nuclear localization signal, active in mammalian but not mosquito cells, was identified in nsP3. A point mutation abolishing nsP3 nuclear localization attenuated BFV replication. This effect was more prominent in the presence of type I interferon signaling, suggesting nsP3 nuclear localization might be associated with IFN antagonism. Furthermore, abolishing nsP3 nuclear localization reduced virus replication in mice but did not significantly affect disease.IMPORTANCEBarmah Forest virus (BFV) is Australia's second most prevalent arbovirus, with approximately 1,000 cases reported annually. The clinical symptoms of BFV infection include rash, polyarthritis, arthralgia, and myalgia. As BFV is not closely related to other pathogenic alphaviruses or well-studied model viruses, our understanding of its molecular virology and mechanisms of pathogenesis is limited. There is also a lack of molecular tools essential for corresponding studies. Here we describe the construction of an infectious clone of BFV, variants harboring point mutations, and sequences encoding marker protein. In infected mammalian cells, nsP3 of BFV was located in the nuclei. This finding extends our understanding of the diverse mechanisms used by alphavirus replicase proteins to interact with host cells. Our novel observations highlight the complex synergy through which the viral replication machinery evolves to correct mutation errors within the viral genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailar Omler
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Institute of Bioengineering, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Margit Mutso
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mihkel Vaher
- The Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Joseph R. Freitas
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Global Virus Network (GVN) Centre for Excellence in Arboviruses, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Adam Taylor
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Global Virus Network (GVN) Centre for Excellence in Arboviruses, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Cassandra T. David
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gregory W. Moseley
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Xiang Liu
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Global Virus Network (GVN) Centre for Excellence in Arboviruses, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andres Merits
- Institute of Bioengineering, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Suresh Mahalingam
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Global Virus Network (GVN) Centre for Excellence in Arboviruses, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Fongsaran C, Jirakanwisal K, Peng BH, Fracassi A, Taglialatela G, Dineley KT, Paessler S, Cisneros IE. Arbovirus infection increases the risk for the development of neurodegenerative disease pathology in the murine model. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 38:100780. [PMID: 38706571 PMCID: PMC11067009 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is classified as a progressive disorder resulting from protein misfolding, also known as proteinopathies. Proteinopathies include synucleinopathies triggered by misfolded amyloid α-synuclein, tauopathies triggered by misfolded tau, and amyloidopathies triggered by misfolded amyloid of which Alzheimer's disease (β-amyloid) is most prevalent. Most neurodegenerative diseases (>90%) are not due to dominantly inherited genetic causes. Instead, it is thought that the risk for disease is a complicated interaction between inherited and environmental risk factors that, with age, drive pathology that ultimately results in neurodegeneration and disease onset. Since it is increasingly appreciated that encephalitic viral infections can have profoundly detrimental neurological consequences long after the acute infection has resolved, we tested the hypothesis that viral encephalitis exacerbates the pathological profile of protein-misfolding diseases. Using a robust, reproducible, and well-characterized mouse model for β-amyloidosis, Tg2576, we studied the contribution of alphavirus-induced encephalitis (TC-83 strain of VEEV to model alphavirus encephalitis viruses) on the progression of neurodegenerative pathology. We longitudinally evaluated neurological, neurobehavioral, and cognitive levels, followed by a post-mortem analysis of brain pathology focusing on neuroinflammation. We found more severe cognitive deficits and brain pathology in Tg2576 mice inoculated with TC-83 than in their mock controls. These data set the groundwork to investigate sporadic Alzheimer's disease and treatment interventions for this infectious disease risk factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanida Fongsaran
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Neuroinfectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Krit Jirakanwisal
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Neuroinfectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Bi-Hung Peng
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Anna Fracassi
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Giulio Taglialatela
- Neuroinfectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Kelly T. Dineley
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Irma E. Cisneros
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Neuroinfectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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Kafai NM, Janova H, Cain MD, Alippe Y, Muraro S, Sariol A, Elam-Noll M, Klein RS, Diamond MS. Entry receptor LDLRAD3 is required for Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus peripheral infection and neurotropism leading to pathogenesis in mice. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112946. [PMID: 37556325 PMCID: PMC10529316 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an encephalitic alphavirus responsible for epidemics of neurological disease across the Americas. Low-density lipoprotein receptor class A domain-containing 3 (LDLRAD3) is a recently reported entry receptor for VEEV. Here, using wild-type and Ldlrad3-deficient mice, we define a critical role for LDLRAD3 in controlling steps in VEEV infection, pathogenesis, and neurotropism. Our analysis shows that LDLRAD3 is required for efficient VEEV infection and pathogenesis prior to and after central nervous system invasion. Ldlrad3-deficient mice survive intranasal and intracranial VEEV inoculation and show reduced infection of neurons in different brain regions. As LDLRAD3 is a determinant of pathogenesis and an entry receptor required for VEEV infection of neurons of the brain, receptor-targeted therapies may hold promise as countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha M Kafai
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Hana Janova
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Matthew D Cain
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Yael Alippe
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Stefanie Muraro
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Alan Sariol
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Michelle Elam-Noll
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Robyn S Klein
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Michael S Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; The Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Kong J, Bie Y, Ji W, Xu J, Lyu B, Xiong X, Qiu Y, Zhou X. Alphavirus infection triggers antiviral RNAi immunity in mammals. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112441. [PMID: 37104090 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a well-established antiviral immunity. However, for mammalian somatic cells, antiviral RNAi becomes evident only when viral suppressors of RNAi (VSRs) are disabled by mutations or VSR-targeting drugs, thereby limiting its scope as a mammalian immunity. We find that a wild-type alphavirus, Semliki Forest virus (SFV), triggers the Dicer-dependent production of virus-derived small interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs) in both mammalian somatic cells and adult mice. These SFV-vsiRNAs are located at a particular region within the 5' terminus of the SFV genome, Argonaute loaded, and active in conferring effective anti-SFV activity. Sindbis virus, another alphavirus, also induces vsiRNA production in mammalian somatic cells. Moreover, treatment with enoxacin, an RNAi enhancer, inhibits SFV replication dependent on RNAi response in vitro and in vivo and protects mice from SFV-induced neuropathogenesis and lethality. These findings show that alphaviruses trigger the production of active vsiRNA in mammalian somatic cells, highlighting the functional importance and therapeutic potential of antiviral RNAi in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuanyuan Bie
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenting Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Jiuyue Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bao Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaobei Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yang Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Xi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China.
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Krokovsky L, Lins CRB, Guedes DRD, Wallau GDL, Ayres CFJ, Paiva MHS. Dynamic of Mayaro Virus Transmission in Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus Mosquitoes, and a Mice Model. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030799. [PMID: 36992508 PMCID: PMC10053307 DOI: 10.3390/v15030799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Mayaro virus (MAYV) is transmitted by Haemagogus spp. mosquitoes and has been circulating in Amazon areas in the North and Central West regions of Brazil since the 1980s, with an increase in human case notifications in the last 10 years. MAYV introduction in urban areas is a public health concern as infections can cause severe symptoms similar to other alphaviruses. Studies with Aedes aegypti have demonstrated the potential vector competence of the species and the detection of MAYV in urban populations of mosquitoes. Considering the two most abundant urban mosquito species in Brazil, we investigated the dynamics of MAYV transmission by Ae. aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus in a mice model. Mosquito colonies were artificially fed with blood containing MAYV and infection (IR) and dissemination rates (DR) were evaluated. On the 7th day post-infection (dpi), IFNAR BL/6 mice were made available as a blood source to both mosquito species. After the appearance of clinical signs of infection, a second blood feeding was performed with a new group of non-infected mosquitoes. RT-qPCR and plaque assays were carried out with animal and mosquito tissues to determine IR and DR. For Ae. aegypti, we found an IR of 97.5-100% and a DR reached 100% in both 7 and 14 dpi. While IR and DR for Cx. quinquefasciatus was 13.1-14.81% and 60% to 80%, respectively. A total of 18 mice were used (test = 12 and control = 6) for Ae. aegypti and 12 (test = 8 and control = 4) for Cx. quinquefasciatus to evaluate the mosquito-mice transmission rate. All mice that were bitten by infected Ae. aegypti showed clinical signs of infection while all mice exposed to infected Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes remained healthy. Viremia in the mice from Ae. aegypti group ranged from 2.5 × 108 to 5 × 109 PFU/mL. Ae. aegypti from the second blood feeding showed a 50% IR. Our study showed the applicability of an efficient model to complete arbovirus transmission cycle studies and suggests that the Ae. aegypti population evaluated is a competent vector for MAYV, while highlighting the vectorial capacity of Ae. aegypti and the possible introduction into urban areas. The mice model employed here is an important tool for arthropod-vector transmission studies with laboratory and field mosquito populations, as well as with other arboviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Krokovsky
- Departamento de Entomologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Professor Moraes Rego, S/N, Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife 50740-465, PE, Brazil
| | - Carlos Ralph Batista Lins
- Biotério de Criação, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Professor Moraes Rego, S/N, Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife 50740-465, PE, Brazil
| | - Duschinka Ribeiro Duarte Guedes
- Departamento de Entomologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Professor Moraes Rego, S/N, Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife 50740-465, PE, Brazil
| | - Gabriel da Luz Wallau
- Departamento de Entomologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Professor Moraes Rego, S/N, Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife 50740-465, PE, Brazil
| | - Constância Flávia Junqueira Ayres
- Departamento de Entomologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Professor Moraes Rego, S/N, Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife 50740-465, PE, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Henrique Santos Paiva
- Departamento de Entomologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Professor Moraes Rego, S/N, Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife 50740-465, PE, Brazil
- Núcleo de Ciências da Vida, Centro Acadêmico do Agreste, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Rodovia BR-104, km 59-Nova Caruaru, Caruaru 55002-970, PE, Brazil
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EGR1 Upregulation during Encephalitic Viral Infections Contributes to Inflammation and Cell Death. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061210. [PMID: 35746681 PMCID: PMC9227295 DOI: 10.3390/v14061210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Early growth response 1 (EGR1) is an immediate early gene and transcription factor previously found to be significantly upregulated in human astrocytoma cells infected with Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV). The loss of EGR1 resulted in decreased cell death but had no significant impact on viral replication. Here, we extend these studies to determine the impacts of EGR1 on gene expression following viral infection. Inflammatory genes CXCL3, CXCL8, CXCL10, TNF, and PTGS2 were upregulated in VEEV-infected cells, which was partially dependent on EGR1. Additionally, transcription factors, including EGR1 itself, as well as ATF3, FOS, JUN, KLF4, EGR2, and EGR4 were found to be partially transcriptionally dependent on EGR1. We also examined the role of EGR1 and the changes in gene expression in response to infection with other alphaviruses, including eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), Sindbis virus (SINV), and chikungunya virus (CHIKV), as well as Zika virus (ZIKV) and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), members of the Flaviviridae and Phenuiviridae families, respectively. EGR1 was significantly upregulated to varying degrees in EEEV-, CHIKV-, RVFV-, SINV-, and ZIKV-infected astrocytoma cells. Genes that were identified as being partially transcriptionally dependent on EGR1 in infected cells included ATF3 (EEEV, CHIKV, ZIKV), JUN (EEEV), KLF4 (SINV, ZIKV, RVFV), CXCL3 (EEEV, CHIKV, ZIKV), CXCL8 (EEEV, CHIKV, ZIKV, RVFV), CXCL10 (EEEV, RVFV), TNF-α (EEEV, ZIKV, RVFV), and PTGS2 (EEEV, CHIKV, ZIKV). Additionally, inhibition of the inflammatory gene PTGS2 with Celecoxib, a small molecule inhibitor, rescued astrocytoma cells from VEEV-induced cell death but had no impact on viral titers. Collectively, these results suggest that EGR1 induction following viral infection stimulates multiple inflammatory mediators. Managing inflammation and cell death in response to viral infection is of utmost importance, especially during VEEV infection where survivors are at-risk for neurological sequalae.
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Lucas CJ, Morrison TE. Animal models of alphavirus infection and human disease. Adv Virus Res 2022; 113:25-88. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.aivir.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Abstract
Infection with mosquito-borne arthritogenic alphaviruses, such as Ross River virus (RRV) and Barmah Forest virus (BFV), can lead to long-lasting rheumatic disease. Existing mouse models that recapitulate the disease signs and immunopathogenesis of acute RRV and BFV infection have consistently shown relevance to human disease. However, these mouse models, which chiefly model hindlimb dysfunction, may be prone to subjective interpretation when scoring disease. Assessment is therefore time-consuming and requires experienced users. The DigiGait system provides video-based measurements of movement, behavior, and gait dynamics in mice and small animals. Previous studies have shown DigiGait to be a reliable system to objectively quantify changes in gait in other models of pain and inflammation. Here, for the first time, we determine measurable differences in the gait of mice with infectious arthritis using the DigiGait system. Statistically significant differences in paw area and paw angle were detected during peak disease in RRV-infected mice. Significant differences in temporal gait parameters were also identified during the period of peak disease in RRV-infected mice. These trends were less obvious or absent in BFV-infected mice, which typically present with milder disease signs than RRV-infected mice. The DigiGait system therefore provides an objective model of variations in gait dynamics in mice acutely infected with RRV. DigiGait is likely to have further utility for murine models that develop severe forms of infectious arthritis resulting in hindlimb dysfunction like RRV. IMPORTANCE Mouse models that accurately replicate the immunopathogenesis and clinical disease of alphavirus infection are vital to the preclinical development of therapeutic strategies that target alphavirus infection and disease. Current models rely on subjective scoring made through experienced observation of infected mice. Here, we demonstrate how the DigiGait system, and interventions on mice to use this system, can make an efficient objective assessment of acute disease progression and changes in gait in alphavirus-infected mice. Our study highlights the importance of measuring gait parameters in the assessment of models of infectious arthritis.
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Guerrero-Arguero I, Tellez-Freitas CM, Weber KS, Berges BK, Robison RA, Pickett BE. Alphaviruses: Host pathogenesis, immune response, and vaccine & treatment updates. J Gen Virol 2021; 102. [PMID: 34435944 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human pathogens belonging to the Alphavirus genus, in the Togaviridae family, are transmitted primarily by mosquitoes. The signs and symptoms associated with these viruses include fever and polyarthralgia, defined as joint pain and inflammation, as well as encephalitis. In the last decade, our understanding of the interactions between members of the alphavirus genus and the human host has increased due to the re-appearance of the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in Asia and Europe, as well as its emergence in the Americas. Alphaviruses affect host immunity through cytokines and the interferon response. Understanding alphavirus interactions with both the innate immune system as well as the various cells in the adaptive immune systems is critical to developing effective therapeutics. In this review, we summarize the latest research on alphavirus-host cell interactions, underlying infection mechanisms, and possible treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Guerrero-Arguero
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA.,Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - K Scott Weber
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Bradford K Berges
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Richard A Robison
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Brett E Pickett
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
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Cerebral Organoids Derived from a Parkinson's Patient Exhibit Unique Pathogenesis from Chikungunya Virus Infection When Compared to a Non-Parkinson's Patient. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10070913. [PMID: 34358063 PMCID: PMC8308834 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Arboviruses of medical and veterinary significance have been identified on all seven continents, with every human and animal population at risk for exposure. Like arboviruses, chronic neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, are found wherever there are humans. Significant differences in baseline gene and protein expression have been determined between human-induced pluripotent stem cell lines derived from non-Parkinson’s disease individuals and from individuals with Parkinson’s disease. It was hypothesized that these inherent differences could impact cerebral organoid responses to viral infection. (2) Methods: In this study, cerebral organoids from a non-Parkinson’s and Parkinson’s patient were infected with Chikungunya virus and observed for two weeks. (3) Results: Parkinson’s organoids lost mass and exhibited a differential antiviral response different from non-Parkinson’s organoids. Neurotransmission data from both infected non-Parkinson’s and Parkinson’s organoids had dysregulation of IL-1, IL-10, and IL-6. These cytokines are associated with mood and could be contributing to persistent depression seen in patients following CHIKV infection. Both organoid types had increased expression of CXCL10, which is linked to demyelination. (4) Conclusions: The differential antiviral response of Parkinson’s organoids compared with non-Parkinson’s organoids highlights the need for more research in neurotropic infections in a neurologically compromised host.
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Visualization of the Oncolytic Alphavirus M1 Life Cycle in Cancer Cells. Virol Sin 2021; 36:655-666. [PMID: 33481190 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-020-00339-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic alphavirus M1 has been shown to selectively target and kill cancer cells, but cytopathic morphologies induced by M1 virus and the life cycle of the M1 strain in cancer cells remain unclear. Here, we study the key stages of M1 virus infection and replication in the M1 virus-sensitive HepG2 liver cancer cell line by transmission electron microscopy, specifically examining viral entry, assembly, maturation and release. We found that M1 virus induces vacuolization of cancer cells during infection and ultimately nuclear marginalization, a typical indicator of apoptosis. Specifically, our results suggest that the endoplasmic reticulum participates in the assembly of nucleocapsids. In the early and late stage of infection, three kinds of special cytopathic vacuoles are formed and appear to be involved in the replication, maturation and release of the virus. Taken together, our data displayed the process of M1 virus infection of tumor cells and provide the structural basis for the study of M1 virus-host interactions.
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Zaid A, Burt FJ, Liu X, Poo YS, Zandi K, Suhrbier A, Weaver SC, Texeira MM, Mahalingam S. Arthritogenic alphaviruses: epidemiological and clinical perspective on emerging arboviruses. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2020; 21:e123-e133. [PMID: 33160445 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(20)30491-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mosquito-borne viruses, or arboviruses, have been part of the infectious disease landscape for centuries, and are often, but not exclusively, endemic to equatorial and subtropical regions of the world. The past two decades saw the re-emergence of arthritogenic alphaviruses, a genus of arboviruses that includes several members that cause severe arthritic disease. Recent outbreaks further highlight the substantial public health burden caused by these viruses. Arthritogenic alphaviruses are often reported in the context of focused outbreaks in specific regions (eg, Caribbean, southeast Asia, and Indian Ocean) and cause debilitating acute disease that can extend to chronic manifestations for years after infection. These viruses are classified among several antigenic complexes, span a range of hosts and mosquito vectors, and can be distributed along specific geographical locations. In this Review, we highlight key features of alphaviruses that are known to cause arthritic disease in humans and outline the present findings pertaining to classification, immunogenicity, pathogenesis, and experimental approaches aimed at limiting disease manifestations. Although the most prominent alphavirus outbreaks in the past 15 years featured chikungunya virus, and a large body of work has been dedicated to understanding chikungunya disease mechanisms, this Review will instead focus on other arthritogenic alphaviruses that have been identified globally and provide a comprehensive appraisal of present and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Zaid
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation, and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Felicity J Burt
- Division of Virology, National Health Laboratory Services, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Division of Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Xiang Liu
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation, and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Yee Suan Poo
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation, and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Keivan Zandi
- Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Andreas Suhrbier
- Inflammation Biology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Mauro M Texeira
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Suresh Mahalingam
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation, and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
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Modulation of Monocyte-Driven Myositis in Alphavirus Infection Reveals a Role for CX 3CR1 + Macrophages in Tissue Repair. mBio 2020; 11:mBio.03353-19. [PMID: 32127460 PMCID: PMC7064784 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03353-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Arthritogenic alphaviruses cause debilitating inflammatory disease, and current therapies are restricted to palliative approaches. Here, we show that following monocyte-driven muscle inflammation, tissue recovery is associated with the accumulation of CX3CR1+ macrophages in the muscle. Modulating inflammatory monocyte infiltration using immune-modifying microparticles (IMP) reduced tissue damage and inflammation and enhanced the formation of tissue repair-associated CX3CR1+ macrophages in the muscle. This shows that modulating key effectors of viral inflammation using microparticles can alter the outcome of disease by facilitating the accumulation of macrophage subsets associated with tissue repair. Arthritogenic alphaviruses such as Ross River and Chikungunya viruses cause debilitating muscle and joint pain and pose significant challenges in the light of recent outbreaks. How host immune responses are orchestrated after alphaviral infections and lead to musculoskeletal inflammation remains poorly understood. Here, we show that myositis induced by Ross River virus (RRV) infection is driven by CD11bhi Ly6Chi inflammatory monocytes and followed by the establishment of a CD11bhi Ly6Clo CX3CR1+ macrophage population in the muscle upon recovery. Selective modulation of CD11bhi Ly6Chi monocyte migration to infected muscle using immune-modifying microparticles (IMP) reduced disease score, tissue damage, and inflammation and promoted the accumulation of CX3CR1+ macrophages, enhancing recovery and resolution. Here, we detail the role of immune pathology, describing a poorly characterized muscle macrophage subset as part of the dynamics of alphavirus-induced myositis and tissue recovery and identify IMP as an effective immunomodulatory approach. Given the lack of specific treatments available for alphavirus-induced pathologies, this study highlights a therapeutic potential for simple immune modulation by IMP in infected individuals in the event of large alphavirus outbreaks.
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da Silva Caetano CC, Camini FC, Almeida LT, Ferraz AC, da Silva TF, Lima RLS, de Freitas Carvalho MM, de Freitas Castro T, Carneiro CM, de Mello Silva B, de Queiroz Silva S, de Magalhães JC, de Brito Magalhães CL. Mayaro Virus Induction of Oxidative Stress is Associated With Liver Pathology in a Non-Lethal Mouse Model. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15289. [PMID: 31653913 PMCID: PMC6814867 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51713-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mayaro virus (MAYV) causes Mayaro fever in humans, a self-limiting acute disease, with persistent arthralgia and arthritis. Although MAYV has a remerging potential, its pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we characterized a model of MAYV infection in 3-4-week BALB/c mice. We investigated whether the liver acts as a site of viral replication and if the infection could cause histopathological alterations and an imbalance in redox homeostasis, culminating with oxidative stress. MAYV-infected mice revealed lower weight gain; however, the disease was self-resolving. High virus titre, neutralizing antibodies, and increased levels of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases were detected in the serum. Infectious viral particles were recovered in the liver of infected animals and the histological examination of liver tissues revealed significant increase in the inflammatory infiltrate. MAYV induced significant oxidative stress in the liver of infected animals, as well as a deregulation of enzymatic antioxidant components. Collectively, this is the first study to report that oxidative stress occurs in MAYV infection in vivo, and that it may be crucial in virus pathogenesis. Future studies are warranted to address the alternative therapeutic strategies for Mayaro fever, such as those based on antioxidant compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Carla da Silva Caetano
- Postgraduate Program of Biological Science, Biological Sciences Research Center, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Caetano Camini
- Postgraduate Program of Biological Science, Biological Sciences Research Center, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Letícia Trindade Almeida
- Postgraduate Program of Biological Science, Biological Sciences Research Center, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ariane Coelho Ferraz
- Postgraduate Program of Biological Science, Biological Sciences Research Center, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tales Fernando da Silva
- Postgraduate Program of Biological Science, Biological Sciences Research Center, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Mayara Medeiros de Freitas Carvalho
- Postgraduate Program of Biological Science, Biological Sciences Research Center, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thalles de Freitas Castro
- Postgraduate Program of Biological Science, Biological Sciences Research Center, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Martins Carneiro
- Postgraduate Program of Biological Science, Biological Sciences Research Center, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Clinical Analysis Departament, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program of Biotechnology, Biological Sciences Research Center, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Breno de Mello Silva
- Postgraduate Program of Biological Science, Biological Sciences Research Center, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Biological Science Departament, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program of Biotechnology, Biological Sciences Research Center, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Silvana de Queiroz Silva
- Biological Science Departament, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program of Biotechnology, Biological Sciences Research Center, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - José Carlos de Magalhães
- Department of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Ouro Branco, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Cintia Lopes de Brito Magalhães
- Postgraduate Program of Biological Science, Biological Sciences Research Center, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
- Biological Science Departament, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Figueiredo CM, Neris RLDS, Gavino-Leopoldino D, da Silva MOL, Almeida JS, Dos-Santos JS, Figueiredo CP, Bellio M, Bozza MT, Assunção-Miranda I. Mayaro Virus Replication Restriction and Induction of Muscular Inflammation in Mice Are Dependent on Age, Type-I Interferon Response, and Adaptive Immunity. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2246. [PMID: 31632368 PMCID: PMC6779782 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an emergent arbovirus first described in forest regions of the American continent, with recent and increasing notification of urban area circulation. Similar to Chikungunya (CHIKV) and other arthritogenic Alphavirus, MAYV-induced disease shows a high prevalence of persistent arthralgia, and myalgia. Despite this, knowledge regarding pathogenesis and characteristics of host immune response of MAYV infections are still limited. Here, using different ages of wild-type (WT), adult Type I Interferon receptor deficient (IFNAR-/-), and adult recombination activation gene-1 deficient (RAG-/-) mice, we have investigated the dependence of age, innate and adaptive immunity for the control of MAYV replication, tissue damage, and inflammation in mice. We have found that MAYV induces clinical signal and replicates in young WT mice, which gain the ability to restrict MAYV replication with aging. In addition, we observed that mice age and type I interferon response are related to restriction of MAYV infection and muscular inflammation in mice. Moreover, MAYV continues to replicate persistently in RAG-/- mice, being detected at blood and tissues 40 days post infection, indicating that adaptive immunity is essential to MAYV clearance. Despite chronic replication, infected adult RAG-/- mice did not develop an apparent signal of muscle damage in early and late infection. On the other hand, MAYV infection in young WT and adult IFNAR-/- mice triggers an increase in the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as TNF, IL-6, KC, IL-1β, MCP-1, and RANTES, in muscle tissue, and decreases TGF-β expression, that were not significantly modulated in adult WT and RAG-/- mice. Taken together, our data demonstrated that age, innate and adaptive immunity are important to restrict MAYV replication and that adaptive immunity is also involved in MAYV-induced tissue damage. These results contribute to the comprehension of MAYV pathogenesis, and describe translational mice models for further studies of MAYV infection, vaccine tests, and therapeutic strategies against this virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Menezes Figueiredo
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Romulo Leão da Silva Neris
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniel Gavino-Leopoldino
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Juliana Silva Almeida
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Julio Souza Dos-Santos
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Bellio
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Torres Bozza
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Iranaia Assunção-Miranda
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Towards development of plasmacytoma cells-based expression systems utilizing alphavirus vectors: An NS0-VEE model. J Virol Methods 2019; 274:113734. [PMID: 31525396 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2019.113734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Plasmacytoma (myeloma) cells have a large protein expression capacity, although their industrial use is confined to stable expression systems. Vectors derived from genomes of viruses from the genus Alphavirus allow obtaining of high yields of target proteins but their use is limited to transient expression. Little information has been published to date on attempts to combine the myeloma cells as hosts with alphaviruses as expression vectors. A plasmid construct which allows rescue of a model alphavirus Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEE) upon transfection of a cell culture was created. Mutations in the capsid and nsP2 genes allow for less cytopathogenic propagation of the virus. A cDNA-copy of the genome was placed in a plasmid under the control of the CMV promoter for virus rescue following DNA transfection. Parameters for the virus rescue by electroporating of the infectious clone in murine myeloma cells (NS0) were optimized. The highest FFU counts (1.2 × 105 FFU per 10 ug DNA) were produced with 2 pulses (voltage 250 V, capacitance 960 u F) and the best electroporation buffer was selected from eight buffers. Self-sustained VEE infection was established in NS0 cultures with high titers (8 × 108 FFU/ml) of the virus, despite a fraction of infected cells dying during 5-days observation. Further development of the NS0-VEE expression system may require addressing of apoptosis induced by VEE.
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Santos FM, Dias RS, de Oliveira MD, Costa ICTA, Fernandes LDS, Pessoa CR, da Matta SLP, Costa VV, Souza DG, da Silva CC, de Paula SO. Animal model of arthritis and myositis induced by the Mayaro virus. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007375. [PMID: 31050676 PMCID: PMC6519846 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an endemic arbovirus in South American countries, where it is responsible for sporadic outbreaks of Mayaro fever. Clinical manifestations include fever, headache, ocular pain, rash, myalgia, and debilitating and persistent polyarthralgia. Understanding the mechanisms associated with MAYV-induced arthritis is of great importance due to the potential for its emergence, urbanization and dispersion to other regions. METHODS 15-day old Balb/c mice were infected by two distinct pathways, below the forelimb and in the rear footpad. Animals were observed for a period of 21 days. During this time, they were monitored every 24 hours for disease signs, such as weight loss and muscle weakness. Histological damage in the muscles and joints was evaluated 3, 7, 10, 15 and 20 days post-infection. The cytokine profile in serum and muscles during MAYV infection was evaluated by flow cytometry at different post-infection times. For pain analysis, the animals were submitted to the von Frey test and titre in different organs was evaluated throughout the study to obtain viral kinetics. FINDINGS Infection by two distinct pathways, below the forelimb and in the rear footpad, resulted in a homogeneous viral spread and the development of acute disease in animals. Clinical signs were observed such as ruffled fur, hunched posture, eye irritation and slight gait alteration. In the physical test, both groups presented loss of resistance, which was associated with histopathological damage, including myositis, arthritis, tenosynovitis and periostitis. The immune response was characterized by a strong inflammatory response mediated by the cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and INF-γ and chemokine MCP-1, followed by the action of IL-10 and IL-4 cytokines. INTERPRETATION The results showed that Balb/c mice represent a promising model to study mechanisms involved in MAYV pathogenesis and for future antiviral testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franciele Martins Santos
- Molecular Immunovirology Laboratory, Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Roberto Sousa Dias
- Molecular Immunovirology Laboratory, Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Michelle Dias de Oliveira
- Molecular Immunovirology Laboratory, Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Luciana de Souza Fernandes
- Molecular Immunovirology Laboratory, Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carine Ribeiro Pessoa
- Molecular Immunovirology Laboratory, Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sérgio Luis Pinto da Matta
- Structural Biology Laboratory, Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Danielle G. Souza
- Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Sérgio Oliveira de Paula
- Molecular Immunovirology Laboratory, Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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18
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Abstract
Chikungunya is a clinically and economically important arbovirus that has spread globally in the twenty-first century. While uncommonly fatal, infection with the virus can lead to incapacitating arthralgia that can persist for months to years. The adverse impacts of viral spread are most severe in developing low- and middle-income countries in which medical infrastructure is insufficient and manual labor is an economic driver. Unfortunately, no prophylactic or therapeutic treatments are approved for human use to combat the virus. Historically, vaccination has proven to be the most efficient and successful strategy for protecting populations and eradicating infectious disease. A large and diverse range of promising vaccination approaches for use against Chikungunya has emerged in recent years and been shown to safely elicit protective immune responses in animal models and humans. Importantly, many of these are based on technologies that have been clinically approved for use against other pathogens. Furthermore, clinical trials are currently ongoing for a subset of these. The purpose of this review is to provide a description of the relevant immunobiology of Chikungunya infection, to present immune-stimulating technologies that have been successfully employed to protect against infection, and discuss priorities and challenges regarding the future development of a vaccine for clinical use.
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19
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Gall B, Pryke K, Abraham J, Mizuno N, Botto S, Sali TM, Broeckel R, Haese N, Nilsen A, Placzek A, Morrison T, Heise M, Streblow D, DeFilippis V. Emerging Alphaviruses Are Sensitive to Cellular States Induced by a Novel Small-Molecule Agonist of the STING Pathway. J Virol 2018; 92:e01913-17. [PMID: 29263267 PMCID: PMC5827377 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01913-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The type I interferon (IFN) system represents an essential innate immune response that renders cells resistant to virus growth via the molecular actions of IFN-induced effector proteins. IFN-mediated cellular states inhibit growth of numerous and diverse virus types, including those of known pathogenicity as well as potentially emerging agents. As such, targeted pharmacologic activation of the IFN response may represent a novel therapeutic strategy to prevent infection or spread of clinically impactful viruses. In light of this, we employed a high-throughput screen to identify small molecules capable of permeating the cell and of activating IFN-dependent signaling processes. Here we report the identification and characterization of N-(methylcarbamoyl)-2-{[5-(4-methylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl]sulfanyl}-2-phenylacetamide (referred to as C11), a novel compound capable of inducing IFN secretion from human cells. Using reverse genetics-based loss-of-function assays, we show that C11 activates the type I IFN response in a manner that requires the adaptor protein STING but not the alternative adaptors MAVS and TRIF. Importantly, treatment of cells with C11 generated a cellular state that potently blocked replication of multiple emerging alphavirus types, including chikungunya, Ross River, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, Mayaro, and O'nyong-nyong viruses. The antiviral effects of C11 were subsequently abrogated in cells lacking STING or the type I IFN receptor, indicating that they are mediated, at least predominantly, by way of STING-mediated IFN secretion and subsequent autocrine/paracrine signaling. This work also allowed characterization of differential antiviral roles of innate immune signaling adaptors and IFN-mediated responses and identified MAVS as being crucial to cellular resistance to alphavirus infection.IMPORTANCE Due to the increase in emerging arthropod-borne viruses, such as chikungunya virus, that lack FDA-approved therapeutics and vaccines, it is important to better understand the signaling pathways that lead to clearance of virus. Here we show that C11 treatment makes human cells refractory to replication of a number of these viruses, which supports its value in increasing our understanding of the immune response and viral pathogenesis required to establish host infection. We also show that C11 depends on signaling through STING to produce antiviral type I interferon, which further supports its potential as a therapeutic drug or research tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Gall
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Kara Pryke
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jinu Abraham
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Nobuyo Mizuno
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Sara Botto
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Tina M Sali
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Rebecca Broeckel
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Nicole Haese
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Aaron Nilsen
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | | | - Thomas Morrison
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Mark Heise
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Daniel Streblow
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Victor DeFilippis
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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20
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Specific inhibition of NLRP3 in chikungunya disease reveals a role for inflammasomes in alphavirus-induced inflammation. Nat Microbiol 2017; 2:1435-1445. [DOI: 10.1038/s41564-017-0015-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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21
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Zhang H, Lin Y, Li K, Liang J, Xiao X, Cai J, Tan Y, Xing F, Mai J, Li Y, Chen W, Sheng L, Gu J, Zhu W, Yin W, Qiu P, Su X, Lu B, Tian X, Liu J, Lu W, Dou Y, Huang Y, Hu B, Kang Z, Gao G, Mao Z, Cheng SY, Lu L, Bai XT, Gong S, Yan G, Hu J. Naturally Existing Oncolytic Virus M1 Is Nonpathogenic for the Nonhuman Primates After Multiple Rounds of Repeated Intravenous Injections. Hum Gene Ther 2016; 27:700-11. [PMID: 27296553 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2016.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancers figure among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The number of new cases is expected to rise by about 70% over the next 2 decades. Development of novel therapeutic agents is urgently needed for clinical cancer therapy. Alphavirus M1 is a Getah-like virus isolated from China with a genome of positive single-strand RNA. We have previously identified that alphavirus M1 is a naturally existing oncolytic virus with significant anticancer activity against different kinds of cancer (e.g., liver cancer, bladder cancer, and colon cancer). To support the incoming clinical trial of intravenous administration of alphavirus M1 to cancer patients, we assessed the safety of M1 in adult nonhuman primates. We previously presented the genome sequencing data of the cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis), which was demonstrated as an ideal animal species for virus infection study. Therefore, we chose cynomolgus macaques of either sex for the present safety study of oncolytic virus M1. In the first round of administration, five experimental macaques were intravenously injected with six times of oncolytic virus M1 (1 × 10(9) pfu/dose) in 1 week, compared with five vehicle-injected control animals. The last two rounds of injections were further completed in the following months in the same way as the first round. Body weight, temperature, complete blood count, clinical biochemistries, cytokine profiles, lymphocytes subsets, neutralizing antibody, and clinical symptoms were closely monitored at different time points. Magnetic resonance imaging was also performed to assess the possibility of encephalitis or arthritis. As a result, no clinical, biochemical, immunological, or medical imaging or other pathological evidence of toxicity was found during the whole process of the study. Our results in cynomolgus macaques suggested the safety of intravenous administration of oncolytic virus M1 in cancer patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haipeng Zhang
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China.,2 Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Lin
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China.,3 Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai Li
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiankai Liang
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Cai
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaqian Tan
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Fan Xing
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Jialuo Mai
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Li
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenli Chen
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Longxiang Sheng
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiayu Gu
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenbo Zhu
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Yin
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China.,4 Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Pengxin Qiu
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Xingwen Su
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Bingzheng Lu
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuyan Tian
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinhui Liu
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanjun Lu
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunling Dou
- 5 Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Yijun Huang
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Bing Hu
- 6 Diagnostic Imaging Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuang Kang
- 6 Diagnostic Imaging Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangping Gao
- 7 Horae Gene Therapy Center, Department of Microbiology and Physiology Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Zixu Mao
- 8 Department of Pharmacology and Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Shi-Yuan Cheng
- 9 Department of Neurology & Northwestern Brain Tumor Institute, Center for Genetic Medicine, H. Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ling Lu
- 10 The Laboratory for Hepatology Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China.,11 Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center , Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Xue-Tao Bai
- 11 Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center , Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Shoufang Gong
- 7 Horae Gene Therapy Center, Department of Microbiology and Physiology Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Guangmei Yan
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China.,12 Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center , Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Hu
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China.,13 Department of Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
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22
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Atkins GJ, Sheahan BJ. Molecular determinants of alphavirus neuropathogenesis in mice. J Gen Virol 2016; 97:1283-1296. [PMID: 27028153 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.000467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses are enveloped viruses with a positive-stranded RNA genome, of the family Togaviridae. In mammals and birds they are mosquito-transmitted and are of veterinary and medical importance. They cause primarily two types of disease: encephalitis and polyarthritis. Here we review attempts to understand the molecular basis of encephalitis and virulence for the central nervous system (CNS) in mouse models. Sindbis virus (SINV) was the first virus to be studied in this way. Other viruses analysed are Semliki Forest virus (SFV), Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, Eastern equine encephalitis virus and Western equine encephalitis virus. Neurovirulence was found to be associated with damage to neurons in the CNS. It mapped mainly to the E2 region of the genome, and to the nsP3 gene. Also, avirulent natural isolates of both SINV and SFV have been found to have more rapid cleavage of nonstructural proteins due to mutations in the nsP1-nsP2 cleavage site. Immune-mediated demyelination for avirulent SFV has been shown to be associated with infection of oligodendrocytes. For Chikungunya virus, an emerging alphavirus that uncommonly causes encephalitis, analysis of the molecular basis of CNS pathogenicity is beginning. Experiments on SINV and SFV have indicated that virulence may be related to the resistance of virulent virus to interferon action. Although the E2 protein may be involved in tropism for neurons and passage across the blood-brain barrier, the role of the nsP3 protein during infection of neurons is unknown. More information in these areas may help to further explain the neurovirulence of alphaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory J Atkins
- Department of Microbiology, Moyne Institute, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Brian J Sheahan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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