1
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Leekha A, Saeedi A, Kumar M, Sefat KMSR, Martinez-Paniagua M, Meng H, Fathi M, Kulkarni R, Reichel K, Biswas S, Tsitoura D, Liu X, Cooper LJN, Sands CM, Das VE, Sebastian M, Hurst BL, Varadarajan N. An intranasal nanoparticle STING agonist protects against respiratory viruses in animal models. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6053. [PMID: 39025863 PMCID: PMC11258242 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50234-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory viral infections cause morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite the success of vaccines, vaccination efficacy is weakened by the rapid emergence of viral variants with immunoevasive properties. The development of an off-the-shelf, effective, and safe therapy against respiratory viral infections is thus desirable. Here, we develop NanoSTING, a nanoparticle formulation of the endogenous STING agonist, 2'-3' cGAMP, to function as an immune activator and demonstrate its safety in mice and rats. A single intranasal dose of NanoSTING protects against pathogenic strains of SARS-CoV-2 (alpha and delta VOC) in hamsters. In transmission experiments, NanoSTING reduces the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron VOC to naïve hamsters. NanoSTING also protects against oseltamivir-sensitive and oseltamivir-resistant strains of influenza in mice. Mechanistically, NanoSTING upregulates locoregional interferon-dependent and interferon-independent pathways in mice, hamsters, as well as non-human primates. Our results thus implicate NanoSTING as a broad-spectrum immune activator for controlling respiratory virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Leekha
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Arash Saeedi
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Monish Kumar
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - K M Samiur Rahman Sefat
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Melisa Martinez-Paniagua
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hui Meng
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mohsen Fathi
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rohan Kulkarni
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kate Reichel
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sujit Biswas
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Xinli Liu
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Vallabh E Das
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Brett L Hurst
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Navin Varadarajan
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
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2
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Kumari R, Sharma SD, Kumar A, Ende Z, Mishina M, Wang Y, Falls Z, Samudrala R, Pohl J, Knight PR, Sambhara S. Antiviral Approaches against Influenza Virus. Clin Microbiol Rev 2023; 36:e0004022. [PMID: 36645300 PMCID: PMC10035319 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00040-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Preventing and controlling influenza virus infection remains a global public health challenge, as it causes seasonal epidemics to unexpected pandemics. These infections are responsible for high morbidity, mortality, and substantial economic impact. Vaccines are the prophylaxis mainstay in the fight against influenza. However, vaccination fails to confer complete protection due to inadequate vaccination coverages, vaccine shortages, and mismatches with circulating strains. Antivirals represent an important prophylactic and therapeutic measure to reduce influenza-associated morbidity and mortality, particularly in high-risk populations. Here, we review current FDA-approved influenza antivirals with their mechanisms of action, and different viral- and host-directed influenza antiviral approaches, including immunomodulatory interventions in clinical development. Furthermore, we also illustrate the potential utility of machine learning in developing next-generation antivirals against influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Kumari
- Immunology and Pathogenesis Branch, Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Suresh D. Sharma
- Immunology and Pathogenesis Branch, Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Amrita Kumar
- Immunology and Pathogenesis Branch, Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Zachary Ende
- Immunology and Pathogenesis Branch, Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), CDC Fellowship Program, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Margarita Mishina
- Immunology and Pathogenesis Branch, Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Biotechnology Core Facility Branch, Division of Scientific Resources, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Association of Public Health Laboratories, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Zackary Falls
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Ram Samudrala
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Jan Pohl
- Biotechnology Core Facility Branch, Division of Scientific Resources, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Paul R. Knight
- Department of Anesthesiology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Suryaprakash Sambhara
- Immunology and Pathogenesis Branch, Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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3
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Wang GQ, Gu Y, Wang C, Wang F, Hsu ACY. A Game of Infection - Song of Respiratory Viruses and Interferons. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:937460. [PMID: 35846766 PMCID: PMC9277140 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.937460] [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: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Humanity has experienced four major pandemics since the twentieth century, with the 1918 Spanish flu, the 2002 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), the 2009 swine flu, and the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemics having the most important impact in human health. The 1918 Spanish flu caused unprecedented catastrophes in the recorded human history, with an estimated death toll between 50 – 100 million. While the 2002 SARS and 2009 swine flu pandemics caused approximately 780 and 280,000 deaths, respectively, the current COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in > 6 million deaths globally at the time of writing. COVID-19, instigated by the SARS – coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), causes unprecedented challenges in all facets of our lives, and never before brought scientists of all fields together to focus on this singular topic. While for the past 50 years research have been heavily focused on viruses themselves, we now understand that the host immune responses are just as important in determining the pathogenesis and outcomes of infection. Research in innate immune mechanisms is crucial in understanding all aspects of host antiviral programmes and the mechanisms underpinning virus-host interactions, which can be translated to the development of effective therapeutic avenues. This review summarizes what is known and what remains to be explored in the innate immune responses to influenza viruses and SARS-CoVs, and virus-host interactions in driving disease pathogenesis. This hopefully will encourage discussions and research on the unanswered questions, new paradigms, and antiviral strategies against these emerging infectious pathogens before the next pandemic occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Qiang Wang
- Department of Pathogeny Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yinuo Gu
- Department of Pathogeny Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Pathogeny Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Pathogeny Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Alan Chen-Yu Hsu
- Signature Research Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke - National University of Singapore (NUS) Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Viruses, Infections/Immunity, Vaccines and Asthma, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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4
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Khorramdelazad H, Kazemi MH, Azimi M, Aghamajidi A, Mehrabadi AZ, Shahba F, Aghamohammadi N, Falak R, Faraji F, Jafari R. Type-I interferons in the immunopathogenesis and treatment of Coronavirus disease 2019. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 927:175051. [PMID: 35618037 PMCID: PMC9124632 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175051] [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: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is currently the major global health problem. Still, it continues to infect people globally and up to the end of February 2022, over 436 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 5.95 million deaths, were reported to the world health organization (WHO). No specific treatment is currently available for COVID-19, and the discovery of effective therapeutics requires understanding the effective immunologic and immunopathologic mechanisms behind this infection. Type-I interferons (IFN-Is), as the critical elements of the immediate immune response against viral infections, can inhibit the replication and spread of the viruses. However, the available evidence shows that the antiviral IFN-I response is impaired in patients with the severe form of COVID-19. Moreover, the administration of exogenous IFN-I in different phases of the disease can lead to various outcomes. Therefore, understanding the role of IFN-I molecules in COVID-19 development and its severity can provide valuable information for better management of this disease. This review summarizes the role of IFN-Is in the pathogenesis of COIVD-19 and discusses the importance of autoantibodies against this cytokine in the spreading of SARS-CoV-2 and control of the subsequent excessive inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Khorramdelazad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Kazemi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Azimi
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azin Aghamajidi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Zarezadeh Mehrabadi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faezeh Shahba
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nazanin Aghamohammadi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Falak
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Faraji
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Corresponding author. Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Floor 3, Building No. 3, Hazrat-e Rasool General Hospital, Niyayesh St, Sattar Khan St, 1445613131, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Jafari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran,Corresponding author. Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Shafa St., Ershad Blvd, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, 113857147, Urmia, Iran
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5
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Faist A, Janowski J, Kumar S, Hinse S, Çalışkan DM, Lange J, Ludwig S, Brunotte L. Virus Infection and Systemic Inflammation: Lessons Learnt from COVID-19 and Beyond. Cells 2022; 11:2198. [PMID: 35883640 PMCID: PMC9316821 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory infections with newly emerging zoonotic viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19, often lead to the perturbation of the human innate and adaptive immune responses causing severe disease with high mortality. The responsible mechanisms are commonly virus-specific and often include either over-activated or delayed local interferon responses, which facilitate efficient viral replication in the primary target organ, systemic viral spread, and rapid onset of organ-specific and harmful inflammatory responses. Despite the distinct replication strategies, human infections with SARS-CoV-2 and highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses demonstrate remarkable similarities and differences regarding the mechanisms of immune induction, disease dynamics, as well as the long-term sequelae, which will be discussed in this review. In addition, we will highlight some important lessons about the effectiveness of antiviral and immunomodulatory therapeutic strategies that this pandemic has taught us.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen Faist
- Institute of Virology, University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany; (A.F.); (J.J.); (S.K.); (S.H.); (D.M.Ç.); (J.L.); (S.L.)
- CiM-IMPRS, International Max Planck Research School—Molecular Biomedicine, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Josua Janowski
- Institute of Virology, University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany; (A.F.); (J.J.); (S.K.); (S.H.); (D.M.Ç.); (J.L.); (S.L.)
- SP BioSciences Graduate Program, University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Sriram Kumar
- Institute of Virology, University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany; (A.F.); (J.J.); (S.K.); (S.H.); (D.M.Ç.); (J.L.); (S.L.)
- EvoPAD Research Training Group 2220, University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Saskia Hinse
- Institute of Virology, University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany; (A.F.); (J.J.); (S.K.); (S.H.); (D.M.Ç.); (J.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Duygu Merve Çalışkan
- Institute of Virology, University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany; (A.F.); (J.J.); (S.K.); (S.H.); (D.M.Ç.); (J.L.); (S.L.)
- EvoPAD Research Training Group 2220, University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Julius Lange
- Institute of Virology, University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany; (A.F.); (J.J.); (S.K.); (S.H.); (D.M.Ç.); (J.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Stephan Ludwig
- Institute of Virology, University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany; (A.F.); (J.J.); (S.K.); (S.H.); (D.M.Ç.); (J.L.); (S.L.)
- CiM-IMPRS, International Max Planck Research School—Molecular Biomedicine, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
- EvoPAD Research Training Group 2220, University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Linda Brunotte
- Institute of Virology, University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany; (A.F.); (J.J.); (S.K.); (S.H.); (D.M.Ç.); (J.L.); (S.L.)
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
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6
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Howard FHN, Kwan A, Winder N, Mughal A, Collado-Rojas C, Muthana M. Understanding Immune Responses to Viruses-Do Underlying Th1/Th2 Cell Biases Predict Outcome? Viruses 2022; 14:1493. [PMID: 35891472 PMCID: PMC9324514 DOI: 10.3390/v14071493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging and re-emerging viral diseases have increased in number and geographical extent during the last decades. Examples include the current COVID-19 pandemic and the recent epidemics of the Chikungunya, Ebola, and Zika viruses. Immune responses to viruses have been well-characterised within the innate and adaptive immunity pathways with the outcome following viral infection predominantly attributed to properties of the virus and circumstances of the infection. Perhaps the belief that the immune system is often considered as a reactive component of host defence, springing into action when a threat is detected, has contributed to a poorer understanding of the inherent differences in an individual's immune system in the absence of any pathology. In this review, we focus on how these host factors (age, ethnicity, underlying pathologies) may skew the T helper cell response, thereby influencing the outcome following viral infection but also whether we can use these inherent biases to predict patients at risk of a deviant response and apply strategies to avoid or overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith H. N. Howard
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK; (A.K.); (N.W.); (A.M.); (C.C.-R.); (M.M.)
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7
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Mesic A, Jackson EK, Lalika M, Koelle DM, Patel RC. Interferon-based agents for current and future viral respiratory infections: A scoping literature review of human studies. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000231. [PMID: 36962150 PMCID: PMC10022196 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The interferon (IFN) system is a potent line of defense against viral infections. IFN-based agents already tested may be of use in COVID-19 or future viral respiratory outbreaks. Here we review the comparative efficacy, safety/tolerability, and future potential of IFN-based therapeutics. We reviewed human studies in which IFN or IFN pathway-interacting agents were used for viral respiratory infections. We identified 977 articles, of which 194 were included for full-text review. Of these, we deemed 35 articles to be relevant. The use of IFN-based agents for pre-exposure prophylaxis (n = 19) and treatment (n = 15) were most common, with intranasal (n = 22) as the most common route. We found IFN-α (n = 23) was used most often, and rhinovirus (n = 14) was the most common causative agent. Studies demonstrated mixed efficacy but generally positive safety and tolerability. Host-directed therapies, such as IFN or IFN inducers, are worthy of additional research to target viral respiratory infections lacking direct-acting antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldina Mesic
- Department of Global Health, The Strategic Analysis, Research & Training (START) Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Emahlea K. Jackson
- Department of Global Health, The Strategic Analysis, Research & Training (START) Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Mathias Lalika
- Department of Global Health, The Strategic Analysis, Research & Training (START) Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - David M. Koelle
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Rena C. Patel
- Department of Global Health, The Strategic Analysis, Research & Training (START) Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
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8
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Zhang Q, Chen Z, Huang C, Sun J, Xue M, Feng T, Pan W, Wang K, Dai J. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Membrane (M) and Spike (S) Proteins Antagonize Host Type I Interferon Response. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:766922. [PMID: 34950606 PMCID: PMC8688923 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.766922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread worldwide and has infected more than 250 million people. A typical feature of COVID-19 is the lack of type I interferon (IFN-I)-mediated antiviral immunity in patients. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 evades the IFN-I-mediated antiviral response remain elusive. Here, we performed a comprehensive screening and identified a set of SARS-CoV-2 proteins that antagonize the IFN-I response. Subsequently, we characterized the mechanisms of two viral proteins antagonize IFN-I production and downstream signaling. SARS-CoV-2 membrane protein binds to importin karyopherin subunit alpha-6 (KPNA6) to inhibit interferon regulatory factor 3(IRF3) nuclear translocation. Further, the spike protein interacts with signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) to block its association with Janus kinase 1 (JAK1). This study increases our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and suggests novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Chen
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chenxiao Huang
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiuyuan Sun
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Minfei Xue
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tingting Feng
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wen Pan
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Kezhen Wang
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jianfeng Dai
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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9
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Zhai H, Shi J, Sun R, Tan Z, Swaiba UE, Li W, Zhang L, Zhang L, Guo Y, Huang J. The superposition anti-viral activity of porcine tri-subtype interferon expressed by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Vet Microbiol 2021; 259:109150. [PMID: 34144506 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2021.109150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Interferon (IFN)-mediated antiviral responses are central to host defense against viral infection. Porcine viral infection has emerged as a serious hazard for the pig industry. The construction of an engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain that efficiently produces porcine IFN has demonstrated several advantages. It can be easily fed to pigs, which helps in reducing antibiotic residues in pork and improve meat quality. In this study, the stable expression of several porcine IFN molecules (pIFN-α1, pIFN-β, pIFN-λ1, pIFN-λ1-β, pIFN-λ1-β-α1) were determined using an engineered S. cerevisiae system. With the YeastFab assembly method, the complete transcriptional units containing promoter (GPD), secretory peptide (α-mating factor), target gene (IFN) and terminator (ADH1) were successfully constructed using the characteristics of type II restriction endonuclease, and then integrated into the chromosomes Ⅳ and XVI of ST1814 yeast host strain, respectively. The expression kinetics of recombinant pIFNs were further analyzed. Synergism in the expression level of IFN receptor, antiviral protein, and viral loading was observed in viral-cell infection model treated with different porcine IFN subtypes. The porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viral load and antibody titer in serum decreased significantly after oral administration of IFN expression yeast fermentation broth. These findings indicate the potential efficacy of multi-valent pIFNs expressing S. cerevisiae as a potent feed material to prevent viral infections of pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhai
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Jingxuan Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Ruiqi Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Zheng Tan
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Umm E Swaiba
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Wanqing Li
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Lilin Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Yanyu Guo
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Jinhai Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
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10
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McKellar J, Rebendenne A, Wencker M, Moncorgé O, Goujon C. Mammalian and Avian Host Cell Influenza A Restriction Factors. Viruses 2021; 13:522. [PMID: 33810083 PMCID: PMC8005160 DOI: 10.3390/v13030522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The threat of a new influenza pandemic is real. With past pandemics claiming millions of lives, finding new ways to combat this virus is essential. Host cells have developed a multi-modular system to detect incoming pathogens, a phenomenon called sensing. The signaling cascade triggered by sensing subsequently induces protection for themselves and their surrounding neighbors, termed interferon (IFN) response. This response induces the upregulation of hundreds of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), including antiviral effectors, establishing an antiviral state. As well as the antiviral proteins induced through the IFN system, cells also possess a so-called intrinsic immunity, constituted of antiviral proteins that are constitutively expressed, creating a first barrier preceding the induction of the interferon system. All these combined antiviral effectors inhibit the virus at various stages of the viral lifecycle, using a wide array of mechanisms. Here, we provide a review of mammalian and avian influenza A restriction factors, detailing their mechanism of action and in vivo relevance, when known. Understanding their mode of action might help pave the way for the development of new influenza treatments, which are absolutely required if we want to be prepared to face a new pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe McKellar
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, CEDEX 5, 34293 Montpellier, France; (J.M.); (A.R.)
| | - Antoine Rebendenne
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, CEDEX 5, 34293 Montpellier, France; (J.M.); (A.R.)
| | - Mélanie Wencker
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM/CNRS/UCBL1/ENS de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France;
| | - Olivier Moncorgé
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, CEDEX 5, 34293 Montpellier, France; (J.M.); (A.R.)
| | - Caroline Goujon
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, CEDEX 5, 34293 Montpellier, France; (J.M.); (A.R.)
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11
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Xiao Y, Xu H, Guo W, Zhao Y, Luo Y, Wang M, He Z, Ding Z, Liu J, Deng L, Sha F, Ma X. Update on treatment and preventive interventions against COVID-19: an overview of potential pharmacological agents and vaccines. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2020; 1:16. [PMID: 34765999 PMCID: PMC7711057 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-020-00017-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) triggered by the new member of the coronaviridae family, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has created an unprecedented challenge for global health. In addition to mild to moderate clinical manifestations such as fever, cough, and fatigue, severe cases often developed lethal complications including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute lung injury. Given the alarming rate of infection and increasing trend of mortality, the development of underlying therapeutic and preventive treatment, as well as the verification of its effectiveness, are the top priorities. Current research mainly referred to and evaluated the application of the empirical treatment based on two precedents, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), including antiviral drugs targeting different stages of virus replication, immunotherapy modulating the overactivated inflammation response, and other therapies such as herbal medicine and mesenchymal stem cells. Besides, the ongoing development of inventing prophylactic interventions such as various vaccines by companies and institutions worldwide is crucial to decline morbidity and mortality. This review mainly focused on promising candidates for the treatment of COVID-19 and collected recently updated evidence relevant to its feasibility in clinical practice in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinan Xiao
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
- West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Hanyue Xu
- West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Wen Guo
- West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Yunuo Zhao
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Yuling Luo
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Ming Wang
- Infectious Diseases Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Zhiyao He
- Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Zhenyu Ding
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Jiyan Liu
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Lei Deng
- Jacobi Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, 10465 USA
| | - Fushen Sha
- Department of Internal Medicine, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, 11203 USA
| | - Xuelei Ma
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
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12
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Szkaradkiewicz-Karpińska AK, Szkaradkiewicz A. Towards a more effective strategy for COVID-19 prevention (Review). Exp Ther Med 2020; 21:33. [PMID: 33262819 PMCID: PMC7690340 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.9465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
At the end of 2019, a new disease, similar to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) associated with SARS-CoV was reported in Wuhan, China. It was quickly discovered that the etiological factor of the new disease (COVID-19) was a previously unknown SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The global spread of of COVID-19 has lead to the declaration of a pandemic status in 2019-2020 as declared by the World Health Organization and Public Health Emergency of International Concern. SARS-CoV-2 characterizes with high epidemic potential and is effectively disseminated between humans. SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 are closely related pathogens. Their prime route of distribution is air-droplet transmission. Combating infectious diseases disseminated by inhalation is very difficult, and mainly relies on the use of vaccines. However, despite the lack of an effective anti-SARS-CoV vaccine and specific antiviral drugs, the strict sanitary procedures proved to be sufficient to stop the SARS epidemic in June 2003. However, epidemic research has indicated that SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted in humans significantly more effectively than SARS-CoV; therefore, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to expand. This indicates that the so far anti-epidemic activities to control COVID-19 are insufficient. In the current review, the possibility of using interferon α (IFN-α) as a preventive agent of COVID-19 is discussed. The current data concerning anti-COVID-19 vaccines and specific drugs against SARS-CoV-2 are also discussed. The aim of the current review is to contribute to the introduction of a more efficient strategy in the protection of the human population against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Szkaradkiewicz-Karpińska
- Department of Preclinical Conservative Dentistry and Preclinical Endodontics, University of Medical Sciences, 60-812 Poznań, Poland
| | - Andrzej Szkaradkiewicz
- Institute of Health and Physical Culture, State Higher Vocational School, 64-100 Leszno, Poland
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13
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Roohi A, Soroosh P. May interferon λ be a novel therapeutic approach against COVID-19? Med Hypotheses 2020; 146:110351. [PMID: 33129578 PMCID: PMC7581317 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.110351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Azam Roohi
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR, Iran.
| | - Pejman Soroosh
- Janssen R&D, Immunometabolism Unit, La Jolla, CA 92121, USA
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14
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Aricò E, Bracci L, Castiello L, Gessani S, Belardelli F. Are we fully exploiting type I Interferons in today's fight against COVID-19 pandemic? Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2020; 54:43-50. [PMID: 32665127 PMCID: PMC7334951 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2020.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) first emerged in late 2019 in China. At the time of writing, its causative agent SARS-CoV-2 has spread worldwide infecting over 9 million individuals and causing more than 460,000 deaths. In the absence of vaccines, we are facing the dramatic challenge of controlling COVID-19 pandemic. Among currently available drugs, type I Interferons (IFN-I) - mainly IFN-α and β -represent ideal candidates given their direct and immune-mediated antiviral effects and the long record of clinical use. However, the best modalities of using these cytokines in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients is a matter of debate. Here, we discuss how we can exploit the current knowledge on IFN-I system to tailor the most promising dosing, timing and route of administration of IFN-I to the disease stage, with the final aim of making these cytokines a valuable therapeutic strategy in today's fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Aricò
- FaBioCell, Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Bracci
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Luciano Castiello
- FaBioCell, Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Sandra Gessani
- Center for Gender-specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Belardelli
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy.
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15
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Wu W, Metcalf JP. The Role of Type I IFNs in Influenza: Antiviral Superheroes or Immunopathogenic Villains? J Innate Immun 2020; 12:437-447. [PMID: 32564033 PMCID: PMC7747089 DOI: 10.1159/000508379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The important role of interferons (IFNs) in antiviral innate immune defense is well established. Although recombinant IFN-α was approved for cancer and chronic viral infection treatment by regulatory agencies in many countries starting in 1986, no IFNs are approved for treatment of influenza A virus (IAV) infection. This is partially due to the complex effects of IFNs in acute influenza infection. IAV attacks the human respiratory system and causes significant morbidity and mortality globally. During influenza infection, depending on the strain of IAV and the individual host, type I IFNs can have protective antiviral effects or can contribute to immunopathology. In the context of virus infection, the immune system has complicated mechanisms regulating the expression and effects of type I IFN to maximize the antiviral response by both activating and enhancing beneficial innate cell function, while limiting immunopathological responses that lead to exaggerated tissue damage. In this review, we summarize the complicated, but important, role of type I IFNs in influenza infections. This includes both protective and harmful effects of these important cytokines during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Wu
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA,
| | - Jordan P Metcalf
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Pulmonary Section, Medicine Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
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16
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Mamber SW, Krakowka S, Osborn J, Saberski L, Rhodes RG, Dahlberg AE, Pond-Tor S, Fitzgerald K, Wright N, Beseme S, McMichael J. Can Unconventional Immunomodulatory Agents Help Alleviate COVID-19 Symptoms and Severity? mSphere 2020; 5:e00288-20. [PMID: 32404512 PMCID: PMC7227768 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00288-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of the respiratory infection known as COVID-19. From an immunopathological standpoint, coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2 induce increased levels of a variety of T-helper 1 (Th1) and inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, CCL2 protein, and CXCL10 protein. In the absence of proven antiviral agents or an effective vaccine, substances with immunomodulatory activity may be able to inhibit inflammatory and Th1 cytokines and/or yield an anti-inflammatory and/or Th2 immune response to counteract COVID-19 symptoms and severity. This report briefly describes the following four unconventional but commercially accessible immunomodulatory agents that can be employed in clinical trials to evaluate their effectiveness at alleviating disease symptoms and severity: low-dose oral interferon alpha, microdose DNA, low-dose thimerosal, and phytocannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen W Mamber
- The Institute for Therapeutic Discovery, Delanson, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ryan G Rhodes
- The University of North Carolina-Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | | | - Neal Wright
- CMC Biosciences, Beverly, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - John McMichael
- The Institute for Therapeutic Discovery, Delanson, New York, USA
- Beech Tree Labs, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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17
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Biondo C, Lentini G, Beninati C, Teti G. The dual role of innate immunity during influenza. Biomed J 2019; 42:8-18. [PMID: 30987709 PMCID: PMC6468094 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2018.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the distinguishing features of the 1918 pandemic is the occurrence of massive, potentially detrimental, activation of the innate immune system in critically ill patients. Whether this reflects an intrinsic capacity of the virus to induce an exaggerated inflammatory responses or its remarkable ability to reproduce in vivo is still open to debate. Tremendous progress has recently been made in our understanding of innate immune responses to influenza infection and it is now time to translate this knowledge into therapeutic strategies, particularly in view of the possible occurrence of future outbreaks caused by virulent strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmelo Biondo
- Metchnikoff Laboratory, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Germana Lentini
- Metchnikoff Laboratory, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Teti
- Metchnikoff Laboratory, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
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18
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Comerlato Scotta M, Greff Machado D, Goecks Oliveira S, de Moura A, Rhoden Estorgato G, de Souza APD, Nery Porto B, de Araújo PD, Sarria EE, Pitrez PM, Jones MH, Araújo Pinto L, Tetelbom Stein R, Polack FP, Mattiello R. Evaluation of nasal levels of interferon and clinical severity of influenza in children. J Clin Virol 2019; 114:37-42. [PMID: 30913521 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experimental data show that type I interferon has a key role in innate immune response against influenza infection. OBJECTIVE We compared nasal levels of interferon-α2 and β among inpatients and outpatients with influenza. STUDY DESIGN Children younger than 5 years of age with influenza-like illness seeking care at the emergency department within the first 72 h of disease onset were prospectively included. Clinical and demographic data and secretions through nasal wash were obtained. Influenza infection was assessed through reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and nasal levels of interferon-α2 and β were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All patients followed until the end of the disease. RESULTS One hundred patients were included, of which 24 had confirmed influenza infection, and 5 of them were hospitalized. Subtypes A (H3N2) and B were confirmed in 10 and 14 patients, respectively. Seventy-six patients without influenza, including 48% of outpatients, were recruited as controls. All hospitalized patients were significantly younger regardless of influenza status (age <6 months in 59% vs. 23.2%, p < 0.001). All other data were similar among the groups. Comparing median levels of interferon-α2 among children with influenza, levels were significantly higher in outpatients than in hospitalized patients and were 263.2 pg/mL (25-75 interquartile range: 58.3-634) and detectable in only one patient (90 pg/mL), respectively. The levels of interferon-α2 in controls and those of interferon-β in all groups were not detected. CONCLUSIONS Higher levels of interferon-α2 in patients with less severe influenza reinforce experimental evidence about the protective role of interferon-α2 against influenza infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Denise Greff Machado
- Centro Infant, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Centro Universitário Ritter dos Reis, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Suelen Goecks Oliveira
- Centro Infant, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Angela de Moura
- Centro Infant, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | - Barbara Nery Porto
- Centro Infant, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Edgar Enrique Sarria
- Centro Infant, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul (UNISC), School of Medicine, Department of Biology and Pharmacy, Brazil
| | - Paulo Marcio Pitrez
- Centro Infant, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Hospital Moinhos de Vento, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marcus Herbert Jones
- Centro Infant, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Araújo Pinto
- Centro Infant, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Renato Tetelbom Stein
- Centro Infant, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Rita Mattiello
- Centro Infant, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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19
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Matos ADR, Wunderlich K, Schloer S, Schughart K, Geffers R, Seders M, de Witt M, Christersson A, Wiewrodt R, Wiebe K, Barth P, Hocke A, Hippenstiel S, Hönzke K, Dittmer U, Sutter K, Rescher U, Rodionycheva S, Matera N, Ludwig S, Brunotte L. Antiviral potential of human IFN-α subtypes against influenza A H3N2 infection in human lung explants reveals subtype-specific activities. Emerg Microbes Infect 2019; 8:1763-1776. [PMID: 31826721 PMCID: PMC6913622 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2019.1698271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Influenza is an acute respiratory infection causing high morbidity and mortality in annual outbreaks worldwide. Antiviral drugs are limited and pose the risk of resistance development, calling for new treatment options. IFN-α subtypes are immune-stimulatory cytokines with strong antiviral activities against IAV in vitro and in vivo. However, the clinical use of IFN-α2, the only licensed subtype of this multi-gene family, could not prevent or limit IAV infections in humans. However, the other subtypes were not investigated.Therefore, this study evaluated the induction and antiviral potential of all human IFN-α subtypes during H3N2 IAV infection in human lung explants. We found that subtypes with weak antiviral activities were preferentially induced during IAV infection in human lungs. Intriguingly, non-induced subtypes α16, α5 and α4 suppressed viral replication up to 230-fold more efficiently than α2. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that subtypes with stronger antiviral activities induce higher expression of IAV-specific restriction factors and that MxA expression is a determinant of the subtype-specific antiviral activity towards H3N2 IAV. These results corroborate that IFN-α subtypes exhibit differential antiviral activities and emphasize that subtypes α16, α5 and α4 should be further investigated for the prevention and treatment of severe infections with seasonal H3N2 IAV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline da Rocha Matos
- Institute of Virology Muenster, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany
- Respiratory Viruses and Measles Lab, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Katharina Wunderlich
- Institute of Virology Muenster, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany
| | - Sebastian Schloer
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany
| | - Klaus Schughart
- Department of Infection Genetics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Robert Geffers
- Genome analytics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Martine Seders
- Institute of Virology Muenster, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany
| | - Marlous de Witt
- Institute of Virology Muenster, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany
| | - Anmari Christersson
- Institute of Virology Muenster, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany
| | - Rainer Wiewrodt
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Karsten Wiebe
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Peter Barth
- Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany
| | - Andreas Hocke
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Hippenstiel
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katja Hönzke
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Sutter
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Ursula Rescher
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany
| | | | - Nicoletta Matera
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Stephan Ludwig
- Institute of Virology Muenster, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany
| | - Linda Brunotte
- Institute of Virology Muenster, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany
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20
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Yip TF, Selim ASM, Lian I, Lee SMY. Advancements in Host-Based Interventions for Influenza Treatment. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1547. [PMID: 30042762 PMCID: PMC6048202 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza is a major acute respiratory infection that causes mortality and morbidity worldwide. Two classes of conventional antivirals, M2 ion channel blockers and neuraminidase inhibitors, are mainstays in managing influenza disease to lessen symptoms while minimizing hospitalization and death in patients with severe influenza. However, the development of viral resistance to both drug classes has become a major public health concern. Vaccines are prophylaxis mainstays but are limited in efficacy due to the difficulty in matching predicted dominant viral strains to circulating strains. As such, other potential interventions are being explored. Since viruses rely on host cellular functions to replicate, recent therapeutic developments focus on targeting host factors involved in virus replication. Besides controlling virus replication, potential targets for drug development include controlling virus-induced host immune responses such as the recently suggested involvement of innate lymphoid cells and NADPH oxidases in influenza virus pathogenesis and immune cell metabolism. In this review, we will discuss the advancements in novel host-based interventions for treating influenza disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsz-Fung Yip
- HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Aisha Sami Mohammed Selim
- HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ida Lian
- School of Life Sciences and Chemical Technology, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Suki Man-Yan Lee
- HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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21
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Tyrrell BE, Sayce AC, Warfield KL, Miller JL, Zitzmann N. Iminosugars: Promising therapeutics for influenza infection. Crit Rev Microbiol 2017; 43:521-545. [PMID: 27931136 PMCID: PMC5470110 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2016.1242868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Revised: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Influenza virus causes three to five million severe respiratory infections per year in seasonal epidemics, and sporadic pandemics, three of which occurred in the twentieth century and are a continuing global threat. Currently licensed antivirals exclusively target the viral neuraminidase or M2 ion channel, and emerging drug resistance necessitates the development of novel therapeutics. It is believed that a host-targeted strategy may combat the development of antiviral drug resistance. To this end, a class of molecules known as iminosugars, hydroxylated carbohydrate mimics with the endocyclic oxygen atom replaced by a nitrogen atom, are being investigated for their broad-spectrum antiviral potential. The influenza virus glycoproteins, hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, are susceptible to inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum α-glucosidases by certain iminosugars, leading to reduced virion production or infectivity, demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo studies. In some experiments, viral strain-specific effects are observed. Iminosugars may also inhibit other host and virus targets with antiviral consequences. While investigations of anti-influenza iminosugar activities have been conducted since the 1980s, recent successes of nojirimycin derivatives have re-invigorated investigation of the therapeutic potential of iminosugars as orally available, low cytotoxicity, effective anti-influenza drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Ellen Tyrrell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford Medical Sciences DivisionOxfordUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Andrew Cameron Sayce
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford Medical Sciences DivisionOxfordUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Kelly Lyn Warfield
- Antiviral Research and Development, Emergent BioSolutions IncGaithersburgMDUnited States
| | - Joanna Louise Miller
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford Medical Sciences DivisionOxfordUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Nicole Zitzmann
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford Medical Sciences DivisionOxfordUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Wang BX, Fish EN. Interactions Between NS1 of Influenza A Viruses and Interferon-α/β: Determinants for Vaccine Development. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2017; 37:331-341. [PMID: 28514196 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2017.0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza A viruses (IAVs) cause mild to severe infections in humans with considerable socioeconomic and global health consequences. The host interferon (IFN)-α/β response, critical as the first line of defense against foreign pathogens, is induced upon detection of IAV genomic RNA in infected cells by host innate pattern recognition receptors. IFN-α/β production and subsequent activation of cell signaling result in the expression of antiviral IFN-stimulated genes whose products target various stages of the IAV life cycle to inhibit viral replication and the spread of infection and establish an antiviral state. IAVs, however, encode a multifunctional virulence factor, nonstructural protein 1 (NS1), that directly antagonizes the host IFN-α/β response to support viral replication. In this review, we highlight the mechanisms by which NS1 suppresses IFN-α/β production and subsequent cell signaling, and consider, therefore, the potential for recombinant IAVs lacking NS1 to be used as live-attenuated vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben X Wang
- 1 Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network , Toronto, Ontario, Canada .,2 Department of Immunology, University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eleanor N Fish
- 1 Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network , Toronto, Ontario, Canada .,2 Department of Immunology, University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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23
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Mukherjee PK, Esper F, Buchheit K, Arters K, Adkins I, Ghannoum MA, Salata RA. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the safety and effectiveness of a novel dual-action oral topical formulation against upper respiratory infections. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:74. [PMID: 28088167 PMCID: PMC5237564 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-2177-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Current prevention options for upper respiratory infections (URIs) are not optimal. We conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ARMS-I™ (currently marketed as Halo™) in the prevention of URIs. Methods ARMS-I is patented novel formulation for the prevention and treatment of influenza, comprising a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent (cetylpyridinium chloride, CPC) and components (glycerin and xanthan gum) that form a barrier on the host mucosa, thus preventing viral contact and invasion. Healthy adults (18–45 years of age) were randomized into ARMS-I or placebo group (50 subjects each). The drug was sprayed intra-orally (3× daily) for 75 days. The primary objectives were to establish whether ARMS-I decreased the frequency, severity or duration of URIs. Secondary objectives were to evaluate safety, tolerability, rate of virus detection, acceptability and adherence; effect on URI-associated absenteeism and medical visits; and effect of prior influenza vaccination on study outcomes. Results Of the 94 individuals who completed the study (placebo: n = 44, ARMS-I: n = 50), six presented with confirmed URI (placebo: 4, ARMS-I: 2), representing a 55% relative reduction, albeit this was statistically not significant). Influenza, coronavirus or rhinovirus were detected in three participants; all in the placebo group. Moreover, frequency of post-treatment exit visits was reduced by 55% in ARMS-I compared to the placebo group (N = 4 and 2, respectively). Fever was reported only in the placebo group. ARMS-I significantly reduced the frequency and severity of cough and sore throat, and duration of cough (P ≤ .019 for all comparisons). ARMS-I was safe, well tolerated, had high acceptability and high adherence to medication use. Medical visits occurred only in the placebo group while absenteeism did not differ between the two arms. Prior influenza vaccination had no effect on study outcome. Conclusions This randomized proof-of-concept clinical trial demonstrated that ARMS-I tended to provide protection against URIs in the enrolled study participants, while reducing severity and duration of cough and sore throat. A clinical trial with a larger number of study participants is warranted. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02644135 (retrospectively registered). Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-016-2177-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranab K Mukherjee
- Center for Medical Mycology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Frank Esper
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
| | - Ken Buchheit
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Karen Arters
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Ina Adkins
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Mahmoud A Ghannoum
- Center for Medical Mycology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Robert A Salata
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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Interleukin-24 inhibits influenza A virus replication in vitro through induction of toll-like receptor 3 dependent apoptosis. Antiviral Res 2015; 123:93-104. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2015.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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25
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Passive broad-spectrum influenza immunoprophylaxis. INFLUENZA RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2014; 2014:267594. [PMID: 25328697 PMCID: PMC4190013 DOI: 10.1155/2014/267594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Influenza is a perennial problem affecting millions of people annually with the everpresent threat of devastating pandemics. Active prophylaxis by vaccination against influenza virus is currently the main countermeasure supplemented with antivirals. However, disadvantages of this strategy include the impact of antigenic drift, necessitating constant updating of vaccine strain composition, and emerging antiviral drug resistance. The development of other options for influenza prophylaxis, particularly with broad acting agents able to provide protection in the period between the onset of a pandemic and the development of a strain specific vaccine, is of great interest. Exploitation of broad-spectrum mediators could provide barricade protection in the early critical phase of influenza virus outbreaks. Passive immunity has the potential to provide immediate antiviral effects, inhibiting virus replication, reducing virus shedding, and thereby protecting vulnerable populations in the event of an impending influenza pandemic. Here, we review passive broad-spectrum influenza prophylaxis options with a focus on harnessing natural host defenses, including interferons and antibodies.
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Ludwig S, Zell R, Schwemmle M, Herold S. Influenza, a One Health paradigm--novel therapeutic strategies to fight a zoonotic pathogen with pandemic potential. Int J Med Microbiol 2014; 304:894-901. [PMID: 25220817 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2014.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza virus is a paradigm for a pathogen that frequently crosses the species barrier from animals to humans, causing severe disease in the human population. This ranges from frequent epidemics to occasional pandemic outbreaks with millions of death. All previous pandemics in humans were caused by animal viruses or virus reassortants carrying animal virus genes, underlining that the fight against influenza requires a One Health approach integrating human and veterinary medicine. Furthermore, the fundamental question of what enables a flu pathogen to jump from animals to humans can only be tackled in a transdisciplinary approach between virologists, immunologists and cell biologists. To address this need the German FluResearchNet was established as a first nationwide influenza research network that virtually integrates all national expertise in the field of influenza to unravel viral and host determinants of pathogenicity and species transmission and to explore novel avenues of antiviral intervention. Here we focus on the various novel anti-flu approaches that were developed as part of the FluResearchNet activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Ludwig
- Institute of Molecular Virology (IMV), Centre for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE), University of Muenster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, D-48149 Muenster, Germany.
| | - Roland Zell
- Department of Virology and Antiviral Therapy, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Hans Knoell Str. 2, D-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Schwemmle
- Institute for Virology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Strasse 11, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Herold
- Universities Giessen & Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Department of Internal Medicine II, Section of Infectious Diseases, Klinikstr. 33, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
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Bennett AL, Smith DW, Cummins MJ, Jacoby PA, Cummins JM, Beilharz MW. Low-dose oral interferon alpha as prophylaxis against viral respiratory illness: a double-blind, parallel controlled trial during an influenza pandemic year. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2013; 7:854-62. [PMID: 23398960 PMCID: PMC5781220 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Interferon alpha (IFNα) is a known antiviral agent. A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted investigating the use of low-dose oral interferon alpha for preventing acute viral respiratory illnesses. METHODS Two hundred healthy adults aged 18-75 years were enrolled and completed weekly health data questionnaires to monitor for symptoms and impact of respiratory illness. Serum samples were tested for antibodies against influenza and other common respiratory viruses. RESULTS Low-dose oral IFNα prophylaxis did not reduce the incidence or impact of acute respiratory illness (ARI) or the impact of illness on daily activities. Post hoc analysis of participant subgroups, however, identified significant reductions in the incidence of ARI reported by males, those aged 50 years or more and those who received the 2009 seasonal influenza vaccine. Interferon alpha prophylaxis had a significant impact on the reporting of moderate-to-severe feverishness by the study population. Seropositive participants in the IFN group were more likely to report asymptomatic or mild symptoms compared with those in the placebo group who were more likely to report stronger symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Low-dose oral IFNα prophylaxis was not effective in limiting the overall incidence of ARI in our study population. However, there was evidence that prophylaxis reduced the severity of symptoms and had a beneficial effect in some subpopulations, including those who received the 2009 seasonal trivalent influenza vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alayne L Bennett
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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