1
|
Bestion E, Halfon P, Mezouar S, Mège JL. Cell and Animal Models for SARS-CoV-2 Research. Viruses 2022; 14:1507. [PMID: 35891487 PMCID: PMC9319816 DOI: 10.3390/v14071507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last two years following the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, development of potent antiviral drugs and vaccines has been a global health priority. In this context, the understanding of virus pathophysiology, the identification of associated therapeutic targets, and the screening of potential effective compounds have been indispensable advancements. It was therefore of primary importance to develop experimental models that recapitulate the aspects of the human disease in the best way possible. This article reviews the information concerning available SARS-CoV-2 preclinical models during that time, including cell-based approaches and animal models. We discuss their evolution, their advantages, and drawbacks, as well as their relevance to drug effectiveness evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eloïne Bestion
- Microbe Evolution Phylogeny Infection, Institut pour la Recherche et le Developpement, Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Marseille, Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France; (E.B.); (P.H.)
- Institue Hospitalo, Universitaire Mediterranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- Genoscience Pharma, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Halfon
- Microbe Evolution Phylogeny Infection, Institut pour la Recherche et le Developpement, Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Marseille, Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France; (E.B.); (P.H.)
- Institue Hospitalo, Universitaire Mediterranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- Genoscience Pharma, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Soraya Mezouar
- Microbe Evolution Phylogeny Infection, Institut pour la Recherche et le Developpement, Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Marseille, Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France; (E.B.); (P.H.)
- Institue Hospitalo, Universitaire Mediterranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- Genoscience Pharma, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Louis Mège
- Microbe Evolution Phylogeny Infection, Institut pour la Recherche et le Developpement, Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Marseille, Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France; (E.B.); (P.H.)
- Institue Hospitalo, Universitaire Mediterranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Baselga M, Güemes A, Alba JJ, Schuhmacher AJ. SARS-CoV-2 Droplet and Airborne Transmission Heterogeneity. J Clin Med 2022; 11:2607. [PMID: 35566733 PMCID: PMC9099777 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11092607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The spread dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have not yet been fully understood after two years of the pandemic. The virus's global spread represented a unique scenario for advancing infectious disease research. Consequently, mechanistic epidemiological theories were quickly dismissed, and more attention was paid to other approaches that considered heterogeneity in the spread. One of the most critical advances in aerial pathogens transmission was the global acceptance of the airborne model, where the airway is presented as the epicenter of the spread of the disease. Although the aerodynamics and persistence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the air have been extensively studied, the actual probability of contagion is still unknown. In this work, the individual heterogeneity in the transmission of 22 patients infected with COVID-19 was analyzed by close contact (cough samples) and air (environmental samples). Viral RNA was detected in 2/19 cough samples from patient subgroups, with a mean Ct (Cycle Threshold in Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction analysis) of 25.7 ± 7.0. Nevertheless, viral RNA was only detected in air samples from 1/8 patients, with an average Ct of 25.0 ± 4.0. Viral load in cough samples ranged from 7.3 × 105 to 8.7 × 108 copies/mL among patients, while concentrations between 1.1-4.8 copies/m3 were found in air, consistent with other reports in the literature. In patients undergoing follow-up, no viral load was found (neither in coughs nor in the air) after the third day of symptoms, which could help define quarantine periods in infected individuals. In addition, it was found that the patient's Ct should not be considered an indicator of infectiousness, since it could not be correlated with the viral load disseminated. The results of this work are in line with proposed hypotheses of superspreaders, which can attribute part of the heterogeneity of the spread to the oversized emission of a small percentage of infected people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Baselga
- Institute for Health Research Aragon (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.B.); (A.G.); (J.J.A.)
| | - Antonio Güemes
- Institute for Health Research Aragon (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.B.); (A.G.); (J.J.A.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Juan J. Alba
- Institute for Health Research Aragon (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.B.); (A.G.); (J.J.A.)
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Alberto J. Schuhmacher
- Institute for Health Research Aragon (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.B.); (A.G.); (J.J.A.)
- Fundación Agencia Aragonesa para la Investigación y el Desarrollo (ARAID), 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mathavarajah S, Melin A, Dellaire G. SARS-CoV-2 and wastewater: What does it mean for non-human primates? Am J Primatol 2022; 84:e23340. [PMID: 34662463 PMCID: PMC8646409 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In most of our lifetimes, we have not faced a global pandemic such as the novel coronavirus disease 2019. The world has changed as a result. However, it is not only humans who are affected by a pandemic of this scale. Our closest relatives, the non-human primates (NHPs) who encounter researchers, sanctuary/zoo employees, and tourists, are also potentially at risk of contracting the virus from humans due to similar genetic susceptibility. "Anthropozoonosis"-the transmission of diseases from humans to other species-has occurred historically, resulting in infection of NHPs with human pathogens that have led to disastrous outbreaks. Recent studies have assessed the susceptibility of NHPs and predict that catarrhine primates and some lemurs are potentially highly susceptible to infection by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. There is accumulating evidence that a new factor to consider with the spread of the virus is fecal-oral transmission. The virus has been detected in the watersheds of countries with underdeveloped infrastructure where raw sewage enters the environment directly without processing. This may expose NHPs, and other animals, to SARS-CoV-2 through wastewater contact. Here, we address these concerns and discuss recent evidence. Overall, we suggest that the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 via wastewater is low. Nonetheless, tracking of viral RNA in wastewater does provide a unique testing approach to help protect NHPs at zoos and wildlife sanctuaries. A One Health approach going forward is perhaps the best way to protect these animals from a novel virus, the same way that we would protect ourselves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda Melin
- Department of Anthropology and ArchaeologyUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - Graham Dellaire
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of MedicineDalhousie UniversityHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of MedicineDalhousie UniversityHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu Z, Skowron K, Grudlewska-Buda K, Wiktorczyk-Kapischke N. The existence, spread, and strategies for environmental monitoring and control of SARS-CoV-2 in environmental media. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 795:148949. [PMID: 34252782 PMCID: PMC8262394 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the most influential infectious disease to emerge in the early 21st century. The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused a great many deaths and has had a negative impact on the world's economic development. The etiological agent of COVID-19 is severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2, which is highly infectious and variable, can be transmitted through different environmental media (gaseous, liquid, and solid). There are many unanswered questions surrounding this virus. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the latest global COVID-19 epidemic situation, SARS-CoV-2 variants, the progress in SARS-CoV-2 vaccine use, and the existence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 in gaseous, liquid, and solid media, with particular emphasis on the prevention and control of further spread of the disease. This review aims to help people worldwide to become more familiar with the transmission characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 in environmental media, so as targeted measures to fight the epidemic, reduce deaths, and restore the economy can be implemented under the pressure of global SARS-CoV-2 vaccine shortages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongchuang Liu
- Green Intelligence Environmental School, Yangtze Normal University, 16 Juxian Rd. Lidu, Fuling District of Chongqing, China; Chongqing Multiple-source Technology Engineering Research Center for Ecological Environment Monitoring, Yangtze Normal University, 16 Juxian Rd. Lidu, Fuling District of Chongqing, China.
| | - Krzysztof Skowron
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum of L. Rydygier in Bydgoszcz, 9 M. Skłodowskiej-Curie Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Grudlewska-Buda
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum of L. Rydygier in Bydgoszcz, 9 M. Skłodowskiej-Curie Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Natalia Wiktorczyk-Kapischke
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum of L. Rydygier in Bydgoszcz, 9 M. Skłodowskiej-Curie Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
A SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody with extensive Spike binding coverage and modified for optimal therapeutic outcomes. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2623. [PMID: 33976198 PMCID: PMC8113581 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22926-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 constitutes a global public health crisis with enormous economic consequences. Monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 can provide an important treatment option to fight COVID-19, especially for the most vulnerable populations. In this work, potent antibodies binding to SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein were identified from COVID-19 convalescent patients. Among them, P4A1 interacts directly with and covers majority of the Receptor Binding Motif of the Spike Receptor-Binding Domain, shown by high-resolution complex structure analysis. We further demonstrate the binding and neutralizing activities of P4A1 against wild type and mutant Spike proteins or pseudoviruses. P4A1 was subsequently engineered to reduce the potential risk for Antibody-Dependent Enhancement of infection and to extend its half-life. The engineered antibody exhibits an optimized pharmacokinetic and safety profile, and it results in complete viral clearance in a rhesus monkey model of COVID-19 following a single injection. These data suggest its potential against SARS-CoV-2 related diseases.
Collapse
|
6
|
Karimzadeh S, Bhopal R, Nguyen Tien H. Review of infective dose, routes of transmission and outcome of COVID-19 caused by the SARS-COV-2: comparison with other respiratory viruses. Epidemiol Infect 2021; 149:e96. [PMID: 33849679 DOI: 10.20944/preprints202007.0613.v3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is pandemic. Prevention and control strategies require an improved understanding of SARS-CoV-2 dynamics. We did a rapid review of the literature on SARS-CoV-2 viral dynamics with a focus on infective dose. We sought comparisons of SARS-CoV-2 with other respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-1 and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus. We examined laboratory animal and human studies. The literature on infective dose, transmission and routes of exposure was limited specially in humans, and varying endpoints were used for measurement of infection. Despite variability in animal studies, there was some evidence that increased dose at exposure correlated with higher viral load clinically, and severe symptoms. Higher viral load measures did not reflect coronavirus disease 2019 severity. Aerosol transmission seemed to raise the risk of more severe respiratory complications in animals. An accurate quantitative estimate of the infective dose of SARS-CoV-2 in humans is not currently feasible and needs further research. Our review suggests that it is small, perhaps about 100 particles. Further work is also required on the relationship between routes of transmission, infective dose, co-infection and outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sedighe Karimzadeh
- School of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Raj Bhopal
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, EdinburghEH3 9AG, UK
| | - Huy Nguyen Tien
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Karimzadeh S, Bhopal R, Nguyen Tien H. Review of infective dose, routes of transmission and outcome of COVID-19 caused by the SARS-COV-2: comparison with other respiratory viruses. Epidemiol Infect 2021; 149:e96. [PMID: 33849679 PMCID: PMC8082124 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268821000790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is pandemic. Prevention and control strategies require an improved understanding of SARS-CoV-2 dynamics. We did a rapid review of the literature on SARS-CoV-2 viral dynamics with a focus on infective dose. We sought comparisons of SARS-CoV-2 with other respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-1 and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus. We examined laboratory animal and human studies. The literature on infective dose, transmission and routes of exposure was limited specially in humans, and varying endpoints were used for measurement of infection. Despite variability in animal studies, there was some evidence that increased dose at exposure correlated with higher viral load clinically, and severe symptoms. Higher viral load measures did not reflect coronavirus disease 2019 severity. Aerosol transmission seemed to raise the risk of more severe respiratory complications in animals. An accurate quantitative estimate of the infective dose of SARS-CoV-2 in humans is not currently feasible and needs further research. Our review suggests that it is small, perhaps about 100 particles. Further work is also required on the relationship between routes of transmission, infective dose, co-infection and outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sedighe Karimzadeh
- School of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Raj Bhopal
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, EdinburghEH3 9AG, UK
| | - Huy Nguyen Tien
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hancock JT, Rouse RC, Stone E, Greenhough A. Interacting Proteins, Polymorphisms and the Susceptibility of Animals to SARS-CoV-2. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:797. [PMID: 33809265 PMCID: PMC8000148 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a world-wide problem for the human population. It is known that some animal species, such as mink, can become infected and transmit the virus. However, the susceptibility of most animals is not known. Here, we review the use of sequence analysis of the proteins which are known to interact with SARS-CoV-2 as a way to estimate an animal's susceptibility. Although most such work concentrates on the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor (ACE2), here TMPRSS2 (Transmembrane Serine Protease 2), neuropilin-1 and furin are also considered. Polymorphisms, especially ones which are known to alter viral/host interactions are also discussed. Analysis of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 protein sequences across species suggests this approach may be of some utility in predicting susceptibility; however, this analysis fails to highlight some susceptible animals such as mink. However, combined with observational data which emerges over time about which animals actually become infected, this may, in the future, be a useful tool to assist the management of risks associated with human/animal contact and support conservation and animal welfare measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John T. Hancock
- Department of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK; (E.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Ros C. Rouse
- Research, Business and Innovation, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK;
| | - Emma Stone
- Department of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK; (E.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Alexander Greenhough
- Department of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK; (E.S.); (A.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
McGonagle D, Ramanan AV, Bridgewood C. Immune cartography of macrophage activation syndrome in the COVID-19 era. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2021; 17:145-157. [PMID: 33547426 PMCID: PMC7863615 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-020-00571-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A hyperinflammatory 'cytokine storm' state termed macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), culminating from a complex interplay of genetics, immunodeficiency, infectious triggers and dominant innate immune effector responses, can develop across disparate entities including systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) and its counterpart adult-onset Still disease (AOSD), connective tissue diseases, sepsis, infection, cancers and cancer immunotherapy. Classifying MAS using the immunological disease continuum model, with strict boundaries that define the limits of innate and adaptive immunity, at one boundary is MAS with loss of immune function, as occurs in the 'perforinopathies' and some cases of sJIA-AOSD. Conversely, at the other boundary, immune hypersensitivity with gain of immune function in MHC class II-associated sJIA-AOSD and with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy also triggers MAS. This provides a benchmark for evaluating severe inflammation in some patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, which cripples primary type I interferon immunity and usually culminates in a lung-centric 'second wave' cytokine-driven alveolitis with associated immunothrombosis; this phenomenon is generally distinct from MAS but can share features with the proposed 'loss of immune function' MAS variant. This loss and gain of function MAS model offers immune cartography for a novel mechanistic classification of MAS with therapeutic implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dennis McGonagle
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Leeds, UK.
| | - Athimalaipet V Ramanan
- University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust & Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Charlie Bridgewood
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Khoury DS, Wheatley AK, Ramuta MD, Reynaldi A, Cromer D, Subbarao K, O'Connor DH, Kent SJ, Davenport MP. Measuring immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection: comparing assays and animal models. Nat Rev Immunol 2020; 20:727-738. [PMID: 33139888 PMCID: PMC7605490 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-020-00471-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The rapid scale-up of research on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spawned a large number of potential vaccines and immunotherapies, accompanied by a commensurately large number of in vitro assays and in vivo models to measure their effectiveness. These assays broadly have the same end-goal - to predict the clinical efficacy of prophylactic and therapeutic interventions in humans. However, the apparent potency of different interventions can vary considerably between assays and animal models, leading to very different predictions of clinical efficacy. Complete harmonization of experimental methods may be intractable at the current pace of research. However, here we analyse a selection of existing assays for measuring antibody-mediated virus neutralization and animal models of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and provide a framework for comparing results between studies and reconciling observed differences in the effects of interventions. Finally, we propose how we might optimize these assays for better comparison of results from in vitro and animal studies to accelerate progress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David S Khoury
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adam K Wheatley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mitchell D Ramuta
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Arnold Reynaldi
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Deborah Cromer
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kanta Subbarao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David H O'Connor
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Stephen J Kent
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre and Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- ARC Centre for Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Miles P Davenport
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Melin AD, Janiak MC, Marrone F, Arora PS, Higham JP. Comparative ACE2 variation and primate COVID-19 risk. Commun Biol 2020; 3:641. [PMID: 33110195 PMCID: PMC7591510 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01370-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has caused over a million human deaths and massive global disruption. The viral infection may also represent a threat to our closest living relatives, nonhuman primates. The contact surface of the host cell receptor, ACE2, displays amino acid residues that are critical for virus recognition, and variations at these critical residues modulate infection susceptibility. Infection studies have shown that some primate species develop COVID-19-like symptoms; however, the susceptibility of most primates is unknown. Here, we show that all apes and African and Asian monkeys (catarrhines), exhibit the same set of twelve key amino acid residues as human ACE2. Monkeys in the Americas, and some tarsiers, lemurs and lorisoids, differ at critical contact residues, and protein modeling predicts that these differences should greatly reduce SARS-CoV-2 binding affinity. Other lemurs are predicted to be closer to catarrhines in their susceptibility. Our study suggests that apes and African and Asian monkeys, and some lemurs, are likely to be highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. Urgent actions have been undertaken to limit the exposure of great apes to humans, and similar efforts may be necessary for many other primate species. Amanda Melin et al. compare variation in 29 primate species at 12 amino acid residue sites coded by the ACE2 gene and show that apes and African and Asian monkeys exhibit the same set of twelve key amino acid residues as human ACE2. These results suggest that these primates are likely to be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, whereas ACE2 gene sequences and protein-protein interaction models suggest reduced susceptibility for platyrrhines, tarsiers, lorisoids, and some lemurs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda D Melin
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada. .,Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada. .,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr, NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
| | - Mareike C Janiak
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr, NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Frank Marrone
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, 10th Floor, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Paramjit S Arora
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, 10th Floor, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - James P Higham
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, 25 Waverly Place, New York, NY, 10003, USA. .,New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cross RW, Agans KN, Prasad AN, Borisevich V, Woolsey C, Deer DJ, Dobias NS, Geisbert JB, Fenton KA, Geisbert TW. Intranasal exposure of African green monkeys to SARS-CoV-2 results in acute phase pneumonia with shedding and lung injury still present in the early convalescence phase. Virol J 2020; 17:125. [PMID: 32811514 PMCID: PMC7431901 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-020-01396-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently reported the development of the first African green monkey (AGM) model for COVID-19 based on a combined liquid intranasal (i.n.) and intratracheal (i.t.) exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Here, we followed up on this work by assessing an i.n. particle only route of exposure using the LMA mucosal atomization device (MAD). Six AGMs were infected with SARS-CoV-2; three animals were euthanized near the peak stage of virus replication (day 5) and three animals were euthanized during the early convalescence period (day 34). All six AGMs supported robust SARS-CoV-2 replication and developed respiratory disease. Evidence of coagulation dysfunction as noted by a transient increases in aPTT and circulating levels of fibrinogen was observed in all AGMs. The level of SARS-CoV-2 replication and lung pathology was not quite as pronounced as previously reported with AGMs exposed by the combined i.n. and i.t. routes; however, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in nasal swabs of some animals as late as day 15 and rectal swabs as late as day 28 after virus challenge. Of particular importance to this study, all three AGMs that were followed until the early convalescence stage of COVID-19 showed substantial lung pathology at necropsy as evidenced by multifocal chronic interstitial pneumonia and increased collagen deposition in alveolar walls despite the absence of detectable SARS-CoV-2 in any of the lungs of these animals. These findings are consistent with human COVID-19 further demonstrating that the AGM faithfully reproduces the human condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Cross
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Krystle N Agans
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Abhishek N Prasad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Viktoriya Borisevich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Courtney Woolsey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Daniel J Deer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Natalie S Dobias
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Joan B Geisbert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Karla A Fenton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Thomas W Geisbert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Melin AD, Janiak MC, Marrone F, Arora PS, Higham JP. Comparative ACE2 variation and primate COVID-19 risk. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2020:2020.04.09.034967. [PMID: 32511330 PMCID: PMC7239060 DOI: 10.1101/2020.04.09.034967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which in humans is highly infectious and leads to the potentially fatal disease COVID-19, has caused hundreds of thousands of deaths and huge global disruption. The viral infection may also represent an existential threat to our closest living relatives, the nonhuman primates, many of which are endangered and often reduced to small populations. The virus engages the host cell receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), through the receptor binding domain (RBD) on the spike protein. The contact surface of ACE2 displays amino acid residues that are critical for virus recognition, and variations at these critical residues are likely to modulate infection susceptibility across species. While infection studies are emerging and have shown that some primates, such as rhesus macaques and vervet monkeys, develop COVID-19-like symptoms when exposed to the virus, the susceptibility of many other nonhuman primates is unknown. Here, we show that all apes, including chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans, and all African and Asian monkeys (catarrhines), exhibit the same set of twelve key amino acid residues as human ACE2. Monkeys in the Americas, and some tarsiers, lemurs and lorisoids, differ at significant contact residues, and protein modeling predicts that these differences should greatly reduce the binding affinity of the ACE2 for the virus, hence moderating their susceptibility for infection. Other lemurs are predicted to be closer to catarrhines in their susceptibility. Our study suggests that apes and African and Asian monkeys, as well as some lemurs are all likely to be highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, representing a critical threat to their survival. Urgent actions have been undertaken to limit the exposure of Great Apes to humans, and similar efforts may be necessary for many other primate species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda D Melin
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, CA
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, CA
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, CA
| | - Mareike C Janiak
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, CA
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, CA
| | | | | | - James P Higham
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, US
- New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, US
| |
Collapse
|