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Kumar A, Dutt M, Dehury B, Martinez GS, Singh KP, Kelvin DJ. Formulation of next-generation polyvalent vaccine candidates against three important poxviruses by targeting DNA-dependent RNA polymerase using an integrated immunoinformatics and molecular modeling approach. J Infect Public Health 2024; 17:102470. [PMID: 38865776 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2024.102470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poxviruses comprise a group of large double-stranded DNA viruses and are known to cause diseases in humans, livestock animals, and other animal species. The Mpox virus (MPXV; formerly Monkeypox), variola virus (VARV), and volepox virus (VPXV) are among the prevalent poxviruses of the Orthopoxviridae genera. The ongoing Mpox infectious disease pandemic caused by the Mpox virus has had a major impact on public health across the globe. To date, only limited repurposed antivirals and vaccines are available for the effective treatment of Mpox and other poxviruses that cause contagious diseases. METHODS The present study was conducted with the primary goal of formulating multi-epitope vaccines against three evolutionary closed poxviruses i.e., MPXV, VARV, and VPXV using an integrated immunoinformatics and molecular modeling approach. DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (DdRp), a potential vaccine target of poxviruses, has been used to determine immunodominant B and T-cell epitopes followed by interactions analysis with Toll-like receptor 2 at the atomic level. RESULTS Three multi-epitope vaccine constructs, namely DdRp_MPXV (V1), DdRp_VARV (V2), and DdRp_VPXV (V3) were designed. These vaccine constructs were found to be antigenic, non-allergenic, non-toxic, and soluble with desired physicochemical properties. Protein-protein docking and interaction profiling analysis depicts a strong binding pattern between the targeted immune receptor TLR2 and the structural models of the designed vaccine constructs, and manifested a number of biochemical bonds (hydrogen bonds, salt bridges, and non-bonded contacts). State-of-the-art all-atoms molecular dynamics simulations revealed highly stable interactions of vaccine constructs with TLR2 at the atomic level throughout the simulations on 300 nanoseconds. Additionally, the outcome of the immune simulation analysis suggested that designed vaccines have the potential to induce protective immunity against targeted poxviruses. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, formulated next-generation polyvalent vaccines were found to have good efficacy against closely related poxviruses (MPXV, VARV, and VPXV) as demonstrated by our extensive immunoinformatics and molecular modeling evaluations; however, further experimental investigations are still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuj Kumar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, IWK Health Center, Canadian Centre for Vaccinology CCfV, Halifax, Canada; Laboratory of Immunity, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China; BioForge Canada Limited, Halifax, Canada
| | - Mansi Dutt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, IWK Health Center, Canadian Centre for Vaccinology CCfV, Halifax, Canada; Laboratory of Immunity, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China; BioForge Canada Limited, Halifax, Canada
| | - Budheswar Dehury
- Department of Bioinformatics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Gustavo Sganzerla Martinez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, IWK Health Center, Canadian Centre for Vaccinology CCfV, Halifax, Canada; Laboratory of Immunity, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China; BioForge Canada Limited, Halifax, Canada
| | - Krishna Pal Singh
- Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - David J Kelvin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, IWK Health Center, Canadian Centre for Vaccinology CCfV, Halifax, Canada; Laboratory of Immunity, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China; BioForge Canada Limited, Halifax, Canada.
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Yang CH, Song AL, Qiu Y, Ge XY. Cross-species transmission and host range genes in poxviruses. Virol Sin 2024; 39:177-193. [PMID: 38272237 PMCID: PMC11074647 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2024.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The persistent epidemic of human mpox, caused by mpox virus (MPXV), raises concerns about the future spread of MPXV and other poxviruses. MPXV is a typical zoonotic virus which can infect human and cause smallpox-like symptoms. MPXV belongs to the Poxviridae family, which has a relatively broad host range from arthropods to vertebrates. Cross-species transmission of poxviruses among different hosts has been frequently reported and resulted in numerous epidemics. Poxviruses have a complex linear double-strand DNA genome that encodes hundreds of proteins. Genes related to the host range of poxvirus are called host range genes (HRGs). This review briefly introduces the taxonomy, phylogeny and hosts of poxviruses, and then comprehensively summarizes the current knowledge about the cross-species transmission of poxviruses. In particular, the HRGs of poxvirus are described and their impacts on viral host range are discussed in depth. We hope that this review will provide a comprehensive perspective about the current progress of researches on cross-species transmission and HRG variation of poxviruses, serving as a valuable reference for academic studies and disease control in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Hui Yang
- College of Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410012, China
| | - A-Ling Song
- College of Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410012, China
| | - Ye Qiu
- College of Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410012, China.
| | - Xing-Yi Ge
- College of Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410012, China.
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3
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Subissi L, Stefanelli P, Rezza G. Human mpox: global trends, molecular epidemiology and options for vaccination. Pathog Glob Health 2024; 118:25-32. [PMID: 37715739 PMCID: PMC10769137 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2023.2258641] [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] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The eradication of smallpox and the cessation of vaccination have led to the growth of the susceptible human population to poxviruses. This has led to the increasing detection of zoonotic orthopoxviruses. Among those viruses, monkeypox virus (MPV) is the most commonly detected in Western and Central African regions. Since 2022, MPV is causing local transmission in newly affected countries all over the world. While the virus causing the current outbreak remains part of clade II (historically referred to as West African clade), it has a significant number of mutations as compared to other clade II sequences and is therefore referred to as clade IIb. It remains unclear whether those mutations may have caused a change in the virus phenotype. Vaccine effectiveness data show evidence of a high cross-protection of vaccines designed to prevent smallpox against mpox. These vaccines therefore represent a great opportunity to control human-to-human transmission, provided that their availability has short time-frames and that mistakes from the recent past (vaccine inequity) will not be reiterated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Subissi
- Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Paola Stefanelli
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Rezza
- Health Prevention Directorate, Ministry of Health, Roma, Italy
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Ashton LV, Weishaar KM, Séguin B, MacNeill AL. Oclacitinib and Myxoma Virus Therapy in Dogs with High-Grade Soft Tissue Sarcoma. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2346. [PMID: 37760788 PMCID: PMC10525839 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human rhabdomyosarcomas are rarely cured by surgical resection alone. This is also true for high-grade soft tissue sarcomas in dogs. Dogs with spontaneous sarcoma are good models for clinical responses to new cancer therapies. Strategic combinations of immunotherapy and oncolytic virotherapy (OV) could improve treatment responses in canine and human cancer patients. To develop an appropriate combination of immunotherapy and OV for dogs with soft tissue sarcoma (STS), canine cancer cells were inoculated with myxoma viruses (MYXVs) and gene transcripts were quantified. Next, the cytokine concentrations in the canine cancer cells were altered to evaluate their effect on MYXV replication. These studies indicated that, as in murine and human cells, type I interferons (IFN) play an important role in limiting MYXV replication in canine cancer cells. To reduce type I IFN production during OV, oclacitinib (a JAK1 inhibitor) was administered twice daily to dogs for 14 days starting ~7 days prior to surgery. STS tumors were excised, and MYXV deleted for serp2 (MYXV∆SERP2) was administered at the surgical site at two time points post-operatively to treat any remaining microscopic tumor cells. Tumor regrowth in dogs treated with OV was decreased relative to historical controls. However, regrowth was not further inhibited in patients given combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura V. Ashton
- Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - Kristen M. Weishaar
- Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - Bernard Séguin
- Central Victoria Veterinary Hospital, Victoria, BC V8X 2R3, Canada;
| | - Amy L. MacNeill
- Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
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5
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Qudus MS, Cui X, Tian M, Afaq U, Sajid M, Qureshi S, Liu S, Ma J, Wang G, Faraz M, Sadia H, Wu K, Zhu C. The prospective outcome of the monkeypox outbreak in 2022 and characterization of monkeypox disease immunobiology. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1196699. [PMID: 37533932 PMCID: PMC10391643 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1196699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A new threat to global health re-emerged with monkeypox's advent in early 2022. As of November 10, 2022, nearly 80,000 confirmed cases had been reported worldwide, with most of them coming from places where the disease is not common. There were 53 fatalities, with 40 occurring in areas that had never before recorded monkeypox and the remaining 13 appearing in the regions that had previously reported the disease. Preliminary genetic data suggest that the 2022 monkeypox virus is part of the West African clade; the virus can be transmitted from person to person through direct interaction with lesions during sexual activity. It is still unknown if monkeypox can be transmitted via sexual contact or, more particularly, through infected body fluids. This most recent epidemic's reservoir host, or principal carrier, is still a mystery. Rodents found in Africa can be the possible intermediate host. Instead, the CDC has confirmed that there are currently no particular treatments for monkeypox virus infection in 2022; however, antivirals already in the market that are successful against smallpox may mitigate the spread of monkeypox. To protect against the disease, the JYNNEOS (Imvamune or Imvanex) smallpox vaccine can be given. The spread of monkeypox can be slowed through measures such as post-exposure immunization, contact tracing, and improved case diagnosis and isolation. Final Thoughts: The latest monkeypox epidemic is a new hazard during the COVID-19 epidemic. The prevailing condition of the monkeypox epidemic along with coinfection with COVID-19 could pose a serious condition for clinicians that could lead to the global epidemic community in the form of coinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Suhaib Qudus
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xianghua Cui
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Mingfu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Uzair Afaq
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Muhammad Sajid
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, Chan Medical School, University of Massachusetts Worcester, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Sonia Qureshi
- Krembil Research Institute, University of Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Siyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - June Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Guolei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Muhammad Faraz
- Department of Microbiology, Quaid-I- Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Haleema Sadia
- Department of Biotechnology, Baluchistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS), Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Kailang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chengliang Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Kim HJ, Han CW, Jeong MS, Jang SB. Structural study of novel vaccinia virus E3L and dsRNA-dependent protein kinase complex. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 665:1-9. [PMID: 37146409 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.04.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
E3L (RNA-binding protein E3) is one of the key IFN resistance genes encoded by VV and consists of 190 amino acids with a highly conserved carboxy-terminal double-stranded RNA-binding domain (dsRBD). PKR (dsRNA-dependent protein kinase) is an IFN-induced protein involved in anti-cell and antiviral activity. PKR inhibits the initiation of translation through alpha subunit of the initiation factor eIF2 (eIF2α) and mediates several transcription factors such as NF-κB, p53 or STATs. Activated PKR also induces apoptosis in vaccinia virus infection. E3L is required for viral IFN resistance and directly binds to PKR to block activation of PKR. In this work, we determined the three-dimensional complex structure of E3L and PKR using cryo-EM and determined the important residues involved in the interaction. In addition, PKR peptide binds to E3L and can increase protein levels of phosphorus-PKR and phosphorus-eIF2α-induced cell apoptosis through upregulation of phosphorus-PKR in HEK293 cells. Taken together, structural insights into E3L and PKR will provide a new optimization and development of vaccinia virus drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon Jin Kim
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, 2, Busandaehak-ro 63beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Woo Han
- Insitute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Jangjeon-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Suk Jeong
- Insitute for Plastic Information and Energy Materials and Sustainable Utilization of Photovoltaic Energy Research Center, Pusan National University, Jangjeon-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea; GJMEDI INC., Republic of Korea.
| | - Se Bok Jang
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, 2, Busandaehak-ro 63beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea; Insitute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Jangjeon-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea.
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7
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Khafaga DS, Ibrahim A, El-Kenawy ESM, Abdelhamid AA, Karim FK, Mirjalili S, Khodadadi N, Lim WH, Eid MM, Ghoneim ME. An Al-Biruni Earth Radius Optimization-Based Deep Convolutional Neural Network for Classifying Monkeypox Disease. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12112892. [PMID: 36428952 PMCID: PMC9689640 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12112892] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human skin diseases have become increasingly prevalent in recent decades, with millions of individuals in developed countries experiencing monkeypox. Such conditions often carry less obvious but no less devastating risks, including increased vulnerability to monkeypox, cancer, and low self-esteem. Due to the low visual resolution of monkeypox disease images, medical specialists with high-level tools are typically required for a proper diagnosis. The manual diagnosis of monkeypox disease is subjective, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. Therefore, it is necessary to create a computer-aided approach for the automated diagnosis of monkeypox disease. Most research articles on monkeypox disease relied on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and using classical loss functions, allowing them to pick up discriminative elements in monkeypox images. To enhance this, a novel framework using Al-Biruni Earth radius (BER) optimization-based stochastic fractal search (BERSFS) is proposed to fine-tune the deep CNN layers for classifying monkeypox disease from images. As a first step in the proposed approach, we use deep CNN-based models to learn the embedding of input images in Euclidean space. In the second step, we use an optimized classification model based on the triplet loss function to calculate the distance between pairs of images in Euclidean space and learn features that may be used to distinguish between different cases, including monkeypox cases. The proposed approach uses images of human skin diseases obtained from an African hospital. The experimental results of the study demonstrate the proposed framework's efficacy, as it outperforms numerous examples of prior research on skin disease problems. On the other hand, statistical experiments with Wilcoxon and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests are conducted to evaluate the proposed approach in terms of effectiveness and stability. The recorded results confirm the superiority of the proposed method when compared with other optimization algorithms and machine learning models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa Sami Khafaga
- Department of Computer Sciences, College of Computer and Information Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (D.S.K.); (E.-S.M.E.-K.); (A.A.A.); (F.K.K.)
| | - Abdelhameed Ibrahim
- Computer Engineering and Control Systems Department, Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - El-Sayed M. El-Kenawy
- Department of Communications and Electronics, Delta Higher Institute of Engineering and Technology, Mansoura 35111, Egypt
- Correspondence: (D.S.K.); (E.-S.M.E.-K.); (A.A.A.); (F.K.K.)
| | - Abdelaziz A. Abdelhamid
- Department of Computer Science, College of Computing and Information Technology, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11961, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
- Correspondence: (D.S.K.); (E.-S.M.E.-K.); (A.A.A.); (F.K.K.)
| | - Faten Khalid Karim
- Department of Computer Sciences, College of Computer and Information Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (D.S.K.); (E.-S.M.E.-K.); (A.A.A.); (F.K.K.)
| | - Seyedali Mirjalili
- Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Optimization, Torrens University Australia, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006, Australia
- Yonsei Frontier Lab, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Nima Khodadadi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Wei Hong Lim
- Faculty of Engineering, Technology and Built Environment, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Marwa M. Eid
- Faculty of Artificial Intelligence, Delta University for Science and Technology, Mansoura 35712, Egypt
| | - Mohamed E. Ghoneim
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
- Faculty of Computers and Artificial Intelligence, Damietta University, Damietta 34511, Egypt
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8
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Lum FM, Torres-Ruesta A, Tay MZ, Lin RTP, Lye DC, Rénia L, Ng LFP. Monkeypox: disease epidemiology, host immunity and clinical interventions. Nat Rev Immunol 2022; 22:597-613. [PMID: 36064780 PMCID: PMC9443635 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-022-00775-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 92.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Monkeypox virus (MPXV), which causes disease in humans, has for many years been restricted to the African continent, with only a handful of sporadic cases in other parts of the world. However, unprecedented outbreaks of monkeypox in non-endemic regions have recently taken the world by surprise. In less than 4 months, the number of detected MPXV infections has soared to more than 48,000 cases, recording a total of 13 deaths. In this Review, we discuss the clinical, epidemiological and immunological features of MPXV infections. We also highlight important research questions and new opportunities to tackle the ongoing monkeypox outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fok-Moon Lum
- A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anthony Torres-Ruesta
- A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Matthew Z Tay
- A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Raymond T P Lin
- National Public Health Laboratory, Singapore, Singapore
- National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David C Lye
- National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Laurent Rénia
- A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lisa F P Ng
- A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore.
- National Institute of Health Research, Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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Rahman MM, McFadden G, Ruthel G, Herbert DR, Freedman BD, Greenberg RM, Bais S. Oncolytic Myxoma virus infects and damages the tegument of the human parasitic flatworm Schistosoma mansoni. Exp Parasitol 2022; 239:108263. [PMID: 35598646 PMCID: PMC11003549 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a devastating disease caused by parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma. Praziquantel (PZQ), the current treatment of choice, is ineffective against immature worms and cannot prevent reinfection. The continued reliance on a single drug for treatment increases the risk of the development of PZQ-resistant parasites. Reports of PZQ insusceptibility lends urgency to the need for new therapeutics. Here, we report that Myxoma virus (MYXV), an oncolytic pox virus which is non-pathogenic in all mammals except leporids, infects and replicates in S. mansoni schistosomula, juveniles, and adult male and female worms. MYXV infection results in the shredding of the tegument and reduced egg production in vitro, identifying MYXV as the first viral pathogen of schistosomes. MYXV is currently in preclinical studies to manage multiple human cancers, supporting its use in human therapeutics. Our findings raise the exciting possibility that MYXV virus represents a novel and safe class of potential anthelmintic therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masmudur M Rahman
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Bio design Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Grant McFadden
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Bio design Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Gordon Ruthel
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - De'Broski R Herbert
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bruce D Freedman
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robert M Greenberg
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Swarna Bais
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Aylward FO, Moniruzzaman M. Viral Complexity. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1061. [PMID: 36008955 PMCID: PMC9405923 DOI: 10.3390/biom12081061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although traditionally viewed as streamlined and simple, discoveries over the last century have revealed that viruses can exhibit surprisingly complex physical structures, genomic organization, ecological interactions, and evolutionary histories. Viruses can have physical dimensions and genome lengths that exceed many cellular lineages, and their infection strategies can involve a remarkable level of physiological remodeling of their host cells. Virus-virus communication and widespread forms of hyperparasitism have been shown to be common in the virosphere, demonstrating that dynamic ecological interactions often shape their success. And the evolutionary histories of viruses are often fraught with complexities, with chimeric genomes including genes derived from numerous distinct sources or evolved de novo. Here we will discuss many aspects of this viral complexity, with particular emphasis on large DNA viruses, and provide an outlook for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank O. Aylward
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-Borne Pathogens, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Mohammad Moniruzzaman
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33149, USA;
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11
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Schulz F, Abergel C, Woyke T. Giant virus biology and diversity in the era of genome-resolved metagenomics. Nat Rev Microbiol 2022; 20:721-736. [PMID: 35902763 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-022-00754-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of giant viruses, with capsids as large as some bacteria, megabase-range genomes and a variety of traits typically found only in cellular organisms, was one of the most remarkable breakthroughs in biology. Until recently, most of our knowledge of giant viruses came from ~100 species-level isolates for which genome sequences were available. However, these isolates were primarily derived from laboratory-based co-cultivation with few cultured protists and algae and, thus, did not reflect the true diversity of giant viruses. Although virus co-cultures enabled valuable insights into giant virus biology, many questions regarding their origin, evolution and ecological importance remain unanswered. With advances in sequencing technologies and bioinformatics, our understanding of giant viruses has drastically expanded. In this Review, we summarize our understanding of giant virus diversity and biology based on viral isolates as laboratory cultivation has enabled extensive insights into viral morphology and infection strategies. We then explore how cultivation-independent approaches have heightened our understanding of the coding potential and diversity of the Nucleocytoviricota. We discuss how metagenomics has revolutionized our perspective of giant viruses by revealing their distribution across our planet's biomes, where they impact the biology and ecology of a wide range of eukaryotic hosts and ultimately affect global nutrient cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Schulz
- DOE Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Chantal Abergel
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, IGS UMR7256, IMM FR3479, IM2B, IO, Marseille, France
| | - Tanja Woyke
- DOE Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA. .,University of California Merced, Merced, CA, USA.
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Bukar AM, Jesse FFA, Abdullah CAC, Noordin MM, Lawan Z, Mangga HK, Balakrishnan KN, Azmi MLM. Immunomodulatory Strategies for Parapoxvirus: Current Status and Future Approaches for the Development of Vaccines against Orf Virus Infection. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1341. [PMID: 34835272 PMCID: PMC8624149 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9111341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Orf virus (ORFV), the prototype species of the parapoxvirus genus, is the causative agent of contagious ecthyma, an extremely devastating skin disease of sheep, goats, and humans that causes enormous economic losses in livestock production. ORFV is known for its ability to repeatedly infect both previously infected and vaccinated sheep due to several immunomodulatory genes encoded by the virus that temporarily suppress host immunity. Therefore, the development of novel, safe and effective vaccines against ORFV infection is an important priority. Although, the commercially licensed live-attenuated vaccines have provided partial protection against ORFV infections, the attenuated viruses have been associated with major safety concerns. In addition to safety issues, the persistent reinfection of vaccinated animals warrants the need to investigate several factors that may affect vaccine efficacy. Perhaps, the reason for the failure of the vaccine is due to the long-term adaptation of the virus in tissue culture. In recent years, the development of vaccines against ORFV infection has achieved great success due to technological advances in recombinant DNA technologies, which have opened a pathway for the development of vaccine candidates that elicit robust immunity. In this review, we present current knowledge on immune responses elicited by ORFV, with particular attention to the effects of the viral immunomodulators on the host immune system. We also discuss the implications of strain variation for the development of rational vaccines. Finally, the review will also aim to demonstrate future strategies for the development of safe and efficient vaccines against ORFV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alhaji Modu Bukar
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.M.N.); (Z.L.); (H.K.M.); (K.N.B.)
- Department of Science Laboratory Technology, School Agriculture and Applied Sciences, Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri, Maiduguri 1070, Borno, Nigeria
| | - Faez Firdaus Abdullah Jesse
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | | | - Mustapha M. Noordin
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.M.N.); (Z.L.); (H.K.M.); (K.N.B.)
| | - Zaharaddeen Lawan
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.M.N.); (Z.L.); (H.K.M.); (K.N.B.)
| | - Hassana Kyari Mangga
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.M.N.); (Z.L.); (H.K.M.); (K.N.B.)
| | - Krishnan Nair Balakrishnan
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.M.N.); (Z.L.); (H.K.M.); (K.N.B.)
| | - Mohd-Lila Mohd Azmi
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.M.N.); (Z.L.); (H.K.M.); (K.N.B.)
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Umar BN, Adamu J, Ahmad MT, Ahmad KH, Sada A, Orakpoghenor O. Fowlpox virus: an overview of its classification, morphology and genome, replication mechanisms, uses as vaccine vector and disease dynamics. WORLD POULTRY SCI J 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/00439339.2021.1959278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- B. N. Umar
- Virology and Immunology Unit, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - J Adamu
- Virology and Immunology Unit, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - M. T Ahmad
- Avian and Fish Health Unit, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - K. H. Ahmad
- Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - A. Sada
- Virology and Immunology Unit, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
- Central Diagnostic Unit, National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Nigeria
| | - O. Orakpoghenor
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
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Wale N, Duffy MA. The Use and Underuse of Model Systems in Infectious Disease Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Am Nat 2021; 198:69-92. [PMID: 34143716 DOI: 10.1086/714595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AbstractEver since biologists began studying the ecology and evolution of infectious diseases (EEID), laboratory-based model systems have been important for developing and testing theory. Yet what EEID researchers mean by the term "model systems" and what they want from them is unclear. This uncertainty hinders our ability to maximally exploit these systems, identify knowledge gaps, and establish effective new model systems. Here, we borrow a definition of model systems from the biomolecular sciences to assess how EEID researchers are (and are not) using 10 key model systems. According to this definition, model systems in EEID are not being used to their fullest and, in fact, cannot even be considered model systems. Research using these systems consistently addresses only two of the three fundamental processes that underlie disease dynamics-transmission and disease, but not recovery. Furthermore, studies tend to focus on only a few scales of biological organization that matter for disease ecology and evolution. Moreover, the field lacks an infrastructure to perform comparative analyses. We aim to begin a discussion of what we want from model systems, which would further progress toward a thorough, holistic understanding of EEID.
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15
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Cagliani R, Mozzi A, Pontremoli C, Sironi M. Evolution and Origin of Human Viruses. Virology 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/9781119818526.ch8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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16
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Silva NIO, de Oliveira JS, Kroon EG, Trindade GDS, Drumond BP. Here, There, and Everywhere: The Wide Host Range and Geographic Distribution of Zoonotic Orthopoxviruses. Viruses 2020; 13:E43. [PMID: 33396609 PMCID: PMC7823380 DOI: 10.3390/v13010043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The global emergence of zoonotic viruses, including poxviruses, poses one of the greatest threats to human and animal health. Forty years after the eradication of smallpox, emerging zoonotic orthopoxviruses, such as monkeypox, cowpox, and vaccinia viruses continue to infect humans as well as wild and domestic animals. Currently, the geographical distribution of poxviruses in a broad range of hosts worldwide raises concerns regarding the possibility of outbreaks or viral dissemination to new geographical regions. Here, we review the global host ranges and current epidemiological understanding of zoonotic orthopoxviruses while focusing on orthopoxviruses with epidemic potential, including monkeypox, cowpox, and vaccinia viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Betânia Paiva Drumond
- Laboratório de Vírus, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais: Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil; (N.I.O.S.); (J.S.d.O.); (E.G.K.); (G.d.S.T.)
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17
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Johansson Ö, Ullman K, Lkhagvajav P, Wiseman M, Malmsten J, Leijon M. Detection and Genetic Characterization of Viruses Present in Free-Ranging Snow Leopards Using Next-Generation Sequencing. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:645. [PMID: 33195503 PMCID: PMC7536260 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Snow leopards inhabit the cold, arid environments of the high mountains of South and Central Asia. These living conditions likely affect the abundance and composition of microbes with the capacity to infect these animals. It is important to investigate the microbes that snow leopards are exposed to detect infectious disease threats and define a baseline for future changes that may impact the health of this endangered felid. In this work, next-generation sequencing is used to investigate the fecal (and in a few cases serum) virome of seven snow leopards from the Tost Mountains of Mongolia. The viral species to which the greatest number of sequences reads showed high similarity was rotavirus. Excluding one animal with overall very few sequence reads, four of six animals (67%) displayed evidence of rotavirus infection. A serum sample of a male and a rectal swab of a female snow leopard produced sequence reads identical or closely similar to felid herpesvirus 1, providing the first evidence that this virus infects snow leopards. In addition, the rectal swab from the same female also displayed sequence reads most similar to feline papillomavirus 2, which is the first evidence for this virus infecting snow leopards. The rectal swabs from all animals also showed evidence for the presence of small circular DNA viruses, predominantly Circular Rep-Encoding Single-Stranded (CRESS) DNA viruses and in one case feline anellovirus. Several of the viruses implicated in the present study could affect the health of snow leopards. In animals which are under environmental stress, for example, young dispersing individuals and lactating females, health issues may be exacerbated by latent virus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Örjan Johansson
- Department of Ecology, Grimsö Wildlife Research Station, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Riddarhyttan, Sweden.,Snow Leopard Trust, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Karin Ullman
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Marc Wiseman
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Jonas Malmsten
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mikael Leijon
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
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18
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Ashton LV, Graham B, Afzali MF, Gustafson D, MacNeill AL. Treatment of an Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma Allograft with Recombinant Myxoma Virus and Oclacitinib. Oncolytic Virother 2020; 9:17-29. [PMID: 32548076 PMCID: PMC7266523 DOI: 10.2147/ov.s252727] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) are difficult tumors to treat with conventional therapies. Publications indicate that oncolytic virotherapy (OV) could benefit cancer patients with tumors that are refractory to conventional treatments. It is believed that the efficacy of OV can be enhanced when used in combination with other treatments. This study evaluated the response of mice with aggressive alveolar RMS (ARMS) allografts to treatment with an OV [recombinant myxoma virus (MYXVΔserp2)] in combination with a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor (oclacitinib). Oclacitinib is known to inhibit JAK1 and JAK2 cell signaling pathways, which should limit the antiviral Type I interferon response. However, oclacitinib does not inhibit immune pathways that promote antigen presentation, which help stimulate an anti-cancer immune response. Materials and Methods To determine if MYXVΔserp2 and oclacitinib could improve outcomes in animals with ARMS, nude mice were inoculated subcutaneously with murine ARMS cells to establish tumors. Immune responses, tumor growth, and clinical signs in mice treated with combination therapy were compared to mice given placebo therapy and mice treated with OV alone. Results Combination therapy was safe; no viral DNA was detected in off-target organs, only within tumors. As predicted, viral DNA was detected in tumors of mice given oclacitinib and MYXVΔserp2 for a longer time period than mice treated with OV alone. Although tumor growth rates and median survival times were not significantly different between groups, clinical signs were less severe in mice treated with OV. Conclusion Our data indicate that MYXVΔserp2 treatment benefits mice with ARMS by reducing clinical signs of disease and improving quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura V Ashton
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Barbara Graham
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Maryam F Afzali
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Daniel Gustafson
- Departiment of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Amy L MacNeill
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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19
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Ashton LV, Quackenbush SL, Castle J, Wilson G, McCoy J, Jordan M, MacNeill AL. Recombinant Myxoma Virus Expressing Walleye Dermal Sarcoma Virus orfC Is Attenuated in Rabbits. Viruses 2020; 12:v12050517. [PMID: 32397134 PMCID: PMC7290507 DOI: 10.3390/v12050517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The poxvirus, myxoma virus (MYXV) has shown efficacy as an oncolytic virus (OV) in some cancer models. However, MYXV replication within murine cancer models and spontaneous canine sarcomas is short-lived. In mice, successful treatment of tumors requires frequent injections with MYXV. We hypothesize that treatment of cancer with a recombinant MYXV that promotes apoptosis could improve the efficacy of MYXV. The orfC gene of walleye dermal sarcoma virus (WDSV), which induces apoptosis, was recombined into the MYXV genome (MYXVorfC). A marked increase in apoptosis was observed in cells infected with MYXVorfC. To ensure that expression of WDSV orfC by MYXV does not potentiate the pathogenesis of MYXV, we evaluated the effects of MYXVorfC inoculation in the only known host of MYXV, New Zealand white rabbits. Virus dissemination in rabbit tissues was similar for MYXVorfC and MYXV. Virus titers recovered from tissues were lower in MYXVorfC-infected rabbits as compared to MYXV-infected rabbits. Importantly, rabbits infected with MYXVorfC had a delayed onset of clinical signs and a longer median survival time than rabbits infected with MYXV. This study indicates that MYXVorfC is attenuated and suggests that MYXVorfC will be safe to use as an OV therapy in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura V. Ashton
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (L.V.A.); (S.L.Q.); (G.W.); (J.M.); (M.J.)
| | - Sandra L. Quackenbush
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (L.V.A.); (S.L.Q.); (G.W.); (J.M.); (M.J.)
| | - Jake Castle
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - Garin Wilson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (L.V.A.); (S.L.Q.); (G.W.); (J.M.); (M.J.)
| | - Jasmine McCoy
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (L.V.A.); (S.L.Q.); (G.W.); (J.M.); (M.J.)
| | - Mariah Jordan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (L.V.A.); (S.L.Q.); (G.W.); (J.M.); (M.J.)
| | - Amy L. MacNeill
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (L.V.A.); (S.L.Q.); (G.W.); (J.M.); (M.J.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-970-297-5112
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20
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Carvalho CL, Abade dos Santos FA, Monteiro M, Carvalho P, Mendonça P, Duarte MD. First cases of myxomatosis in Iberian hares (
Lepus granatensis
) in Portugal. VETERINARY RECORD CASE REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1136/vetreccr-2019-001044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carina Luísa Carvalho
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e VeterináriaVirology LaboratoryAv. da República, Quinta do Marquês (edifício sede)OeirasPortugal
| | - Fábio Alexandre Abade dos Santos
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e VeterináriaVirology LaboratoryAv. da República, Quinta do Marquês (edifício sede)OeirasPortugal
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA)Faculdade de Medicina VeterináriaUniversidadede LisboaAvenida da Universidade TécnicaLisboaPortugal
| | - Madelena Monteiro
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV)Pathology LaboratoryAv. da República, Quinta do Marquês (edifício sede)OeirasPortugal
| | - Paulo Carvalho
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV)Pathology LaboratoryAv. da República, Quinta do Marquês (edifício sede)OeirasPortugal
| | - Paula Mendonça
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV)Pathology LaboratoryAv. da República, Quinta do Marquês (edifício sede)OeirasPortugal
| | - Margarida Dias Duarte
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e VeterináriaVirology LaboratoryAv. da República, Quinta do Marquês (edifício sede)OeirasPortugal
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA)Faculdade de Medicina VeterináriaUniversidadede LisboaAvenida da Universidade TécnicaLisboaPortugal
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MacNeill AL. The potential of the combined use of targeted type I interferon pathway inhibitors and oncolytic viruses to treat sarcomas. Vet Comp Oncol 2019; 18:36-42. [PMID: 31618515 DOI: 10.1111/vco.12547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Replicating oncolytic viruses (OVs) are appealing, new, FDA-approved, therapeutic options for humans with head and neck cancers and melanomas. These treatments are not yet available for veterinary patients, but recent clinical trials have shown several OVs to be safe in dogs and cats. Specific viruses being used to treat sarcomas in dogs include modified canine adenovirus 2, myxoma virus, vesicular stomatitis virus and reovirus. In cats with vaccine-associated sarcomas, poxviruses have been injected postoperatively and a reduced rate of tumour recurrence was documented. To date, the response rates of canine and feline patients to OV therapy have been variable (as they are in people). Optimal methods of OV administration and dosing schedules continue to be evaluated. One way to improve outcomes of OV therapy in veterinary patients may be to use OVs in combination with other immunomodulatory therapies. This review discusses the potential utility of concurrent therapy with an OV and an inhibitor of the type I interferon pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L MacNeill
- Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Gillette, Colorodo
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22
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Mitochondrial Heat Shock Response Induced by Ectromelia Virus is Accompanied by Reduced Apoptotic Potential in Murine L929 Fibroblasts. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2019; 67:401-414. [PMID: 31324924 PMCID: PMC6805811 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-019-00554-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Poxviruses utilize multiple strategies to prevent activation of extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways for successful replication. Mitochondrial heat shock proteins (mtHsps), especially Hsp60 and its cofactor Hsp10, are engaged in apoptosis regulation; however, until now, the influence of poxviruses on mtHsps has never been studied. We used highly infectious Moscow strain of ectromelia virus (ECTV) to investigate the mitochondrial heat shock response and apoptotic potential in permissive L929 fibroblasts. Our results show that ECTV-infected cells exhibit mostly mitochondrial localization of Hsp60 and Hsp10, and show overexpression of both proteins during later stages of infection. ECTV infection has only moderate effect on the electron transport chain subunit expression. Moreover, increase of mtHsp amounts is accompanied by lack of apoptosis, and confirmed by reduced level of pro-apoptotic Bax protein and elevated levels of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL proteins. Taken together, we show a positive relationship between increased levels of Hsp60 and Hsp10 and decreased apoptotic potential of L929 fibroblasts, and further hypothesize that Hsp60 and/or its cofactor play important roles in maintaining protein homeostasis in mitochondria for promotion of cell survival allowing efficient replication of ECTV.
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Salem HM, Morsy EA, Hassanen EI, Shehata AA. Outbreaks of myxomatosis in Egyptian domestic rabbit farms. WORLD RABBIT SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.4995/wrs.2019.10585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
<p class="Default">Myxomatosis is an endemic infectious, severe and often fatal disease of rabbit caused by myxoma virus. In the present study, myxomatosis outbreaks were reported in 7 domestic rabbit farms in Egypt. Rabbits showed oedema of the eyelids, facial oedema and blepharoconjunctivitis. The morbidity and lethality rates were 18-100% and 20-80%, respectively. The myxomatosis diagnosis was based on histopathology, virus isolation on rabbit kidney cell line (RK-13), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence analysis. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of epidermal hyperplasia, dermal necrosis and intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion bodies. The virus was isolated on RK-13 cells and induced cytopathic effect. Using PCR, a band of 471 base pair corresponding to the M071L gene was amplified from extracted DNA. Sequence alignment of four out of the 7 isolates revealed that these isolates were 98-99% identical to European and Australian rabbit myxoma reference viruses. In conclusion, rabbit myxomatosis outbreaks and virus isolation procedures are reported herein for the first time in Egypt. Preventive policies against disease circulation should be adopted by the national authorities.</p>
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MacNeill AL, Weishaar KM, Séguin B, Powers BE. Safety of an Oncolytic Myxoma Virus in Dogs with Soft Tissue Sarcoma. Viruses 2018; 10:v10080398. [PMID: 30060548 PMCID: PMC6115854 DOI: 10.3390/v10080398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Many oncolytic viruses that are efficacious in murine cancer models are ineffective in humans. The outcomes of oncolytic virus treatment in dogs with spontaneous tumors may better predict human cancer response and improve treatment options for dogs with cancer. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the safety of treatment with myxoma virus lacking the serp2 gene (MYXVΔserp2) and determine its immunogenicity in dogs. To achieve these objectives, dogs with spontaneous soft tissue sarcomas were treated with MYXVΔserp2 intratumorally (n = 5) or post-operatively (n = 5). In dogs treated intratumorally, clinical scores were recorded and tumor biopsies and swabs (from the mouth and virus injection site) were analyzed for viral DNA at multiple time-points. In all dogs, blood, urine, and feces were frequently collected to evaluate organ function, virus distribution, and immune response. No detrimental effects of MYXVΔserp2 treatment were observed in any canine cancer patients. No clinically significant changes in complete blood profiles, serum chemistry analyses, or urinalyses were measured. Viral DNA was isolated from one tumor swab, but viral dissemination was not observed. Anti-MYXV antibodies were occasionally detected. These findings provide needed safety information to advance clinical trials using MYXVΔserp2 to treat patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L MacNeill
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Kristen M Weishaar
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Bernard Séguin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Barbara E Powers
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
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Khlusevich Y, Matveev A, Baykov I, Bulychev L, Bormotov N, Ilyichev I, Shevelev G, Morozova V, Pyshnyi D, Tikunova N. Phage display antibodies against ectromelia virus that neutralize variola virus: Selection and implementation for p35 neutralizing epitope mapping. Antiviral Res 2018; 152:18-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Oliveira GP, Rodrigues RAL, Lima MT, Drumond BP, Abrahão JS. Poxvirus Host Range Genes and Virus-Host Spectrum: A Critical Review. Viruses 2017; 9:E331. [PMID: 29112165 PMCID: PMC5707538 DOI: 10.3390/v9110331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The Poxviridae family is comprised of double-stranded DNA viruses belonging to nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses (NCLDV). Among the NCLDV, poxviruses exhibit the widest known host range, which is likely observed because this viral family has been more heavily investigated. However, relative to each member of the Poxviridae family, the spectrum of the host is variable, where certain viruses can infect a large range of hosts, while others are restricted to only one host species. It has been suggested that the variability in host spectrum among poxviruses is linked with the presence or absence of some host range genes. Would it be possible to extrapolate the restriction of viral replication in a specific cell lineage to an animal, a far more complex organism? In this study, we compare and discuss the relationship between the host range of poxvirus species and the abundance/diversity of host range genes. We analyzed the sequences of 38 previously identified and putative homologs of poxvirus host range genes, and updated these data with deposited sequences of new poxvirus genomes. Overall, the term host range genes might not be the most appropriate for these genes, since no correlation between them and the viruses' host spectrum was observed, and a change in nomenclature should be considered. Finally, we analyzed the evolutionary history of these genes, and reaffirmed the occurrence of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) for certain elements, as previously suggested. Considering the data presented in this study, it is not possible to associate the diversity of host range factors with the amount of hosts of known poxviruses, and this traditional nomenclature creates misunderstandings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziele Pereira Oliveira
- Laboratório de Vírus, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo Araújo Lima Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Vírus, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - Maurício Teixeira Lima
- Laboratório de Vírus, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - Betânia Paiva Drumond
- Laboratório de Vírus, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - Jônatas Santos Abrahão
- Laboratório de Vírus, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil.
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Villa NY, Rahman MM, McFadden G, Cogle CR. Therapeutics for Graft-versus-Host Disease: From Conventional Therapies to Novel Virotherapeutic Strategies. Viruses 2016; 8:85. [PMID: 27011200 PMCID: PMC4810275 DOI: 10.3390/v8030085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) has a curative potential for many hematologic malignancies and blood diseases. However, the success of allo-HSCT is limited by graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), an immunological syndrome that involves inflammation and tissue damage mediated by donor lymphocytes. Despite immune suppression, GVHD is highly incident even after allo-HSCT using human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched donors. Therefore, alternative and more effective therapies are needed to prevent or control GVHD while preserving the beneficial graft-versus-cancer (GVC) effects against residual disease. Among novel therapeutics for GVHD, oncolytic viruses such as myxoma virus (MYXV) are receiving increased attention due to their dual role in controlling GVHD while preserving or augmenting GVC. This review focuses on the molecular basis of GVHD, as well as state-of-the-art advances in developing novel therapies to prevent or control GVHD while minimizing impact on GVC. Recent literature regarding conventional and the emerging therapies are summarized, with special emphasis on virotherapy to prevent GVHD. Recent advances using preclinical models with oncolytic viruses such as MYXV to ameliorate the deleterious consequences of GVHD, while maintaining or improving the anti-cancer benefits of GVC will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Y Villa
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Masmudur M Rahman
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Grant McFadden
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Christopher R Cogle
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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Lymph Node Macrophages Restrict Murine Cytomegalovirus Dissemination. J Virol 2015; 89:7147-58. [PMID: 25926638 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00480-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) establish chronic infections that spread from a primary entry site to secondary vascular sites, such as the spleen, and then to tertiary shedding sites, such as the salivary glands. Human CMV (HCMV) is difficult to analyze, because its spread precedes clinical presentation. Murine CMV (MCMV) offers a tractable model. It is hypothesized to spread from peripheral sites via vascular endothelial cells and associated monocytes. However, viral luciferase imaging showed footpad-inoculated MCMV first reaching the popliteal lymph nodes (PLN). PLN colonization was rapid and further spread was slow, implying that LN infection can be a significant bottleneck. Most acutely infected PLN cells were CD169(+) subcapsular sinus macrophages (SSM). Replication-deficient MCMV also reached them, indicating direct infection. Many SSM expressed viral reporter genes, but few expressed lytic genes. SSM expressed CD11c, and MCMV with a cre-sensitive fluorochrome switch showed switched infected cells in PLN of CD11c-cre mice but yielded little switched virus. SSM depletion with liposomal clodronate or via a CD169-diphtheria toxin receptor transgene shifted infection to ER-TR7(+) stromal cells, increased virus production, and accelerated its spread to the spleen. Therefore, MCMV disseminated via LN, and SSM slowed this spread by shielding permissive fibroblasts and poorly supporting viral lytic replication. IMPORTANCE HCMV chronically infects most people, and it can cause congenital disability and harm the immunocompromised. A major goal of vaccination is to prevent systemic infection. How this is established is unclear. Restriction to humans makes HCMV difficult to analyze. We show that peripheral MCMV infection spreads via lymph nodes. Here, MCMV infected filtering macrophages, which supported virus replication poorly. When these macrophages were depleted, MCMV infected susceptible fibroblasts and spread faster. The capacity of filtering macrophages to limit MCMV spread argued that their infection is an important bottleneck in host colonization and might be a good vaccine target.
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Weiss RA, Esparza J. The prevention and eradication of smallpox: a commentary on Sloane (1755) 'An account of inoculation'. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2015; 370:20140378. [PMID: 25750241 PMCID: PMC4360126 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2014.0378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sir Hans Sloane's account of inoculation as a means to protect against smallpox followed several earlier articles published in Philosophical Transactions on this procedure. Inoculation (also called 'variolation') involved the introduction of small amounts of infectious material from smallpox vesicles into the skin of healthy subjects, with the goal of inducing mild symptoms that would result in protection against the more severe naturally acquired disease. It began to be practised in England in 1721 thanks to the efforts of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu who influenced Sloane to promote its use, including the inoculation of the royal family's children. When Edward Jenner's inoculation with the cow pox ('vaccination') followed 75 years later as a safer yet equally effective procedure, the scene was set for the eventual control of smallpox epidemics culminating in the worldwide eradication of smallpox in 1977, officially proclaimed by WHO in 1980. Here, we discuss the significance of variolation and vaccination with respect to scientific, public health and ethical controversies concerning these 'weapons of mass protection'. This commentary was written to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin A Weiss
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - José Esparza
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Babkin IV, Babkina IN. The origin of the variola virus. Viruses 2015; 7:1100-12. [PMID: 25763864 PMCID: PMC4379562 DOI: 10.3390/v7031100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Revised: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The question of the origin of smallpox, one of the major menaces to humankind, is a constant concern for the scientific community. Smallpox is caused by the agent referred to as the variola virus (VARV), which belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus. In the last century, smallpox was declared eradicated from the human community; however, the mechanisms responsible for the emergence of new dangerous pathogens have yet to be unraveled. Evolutionary analyses of the molecular biological genomic data of various orthopoxviruses, involving a wide range of epidemiological and historical information about smallpox, have made it possible to date the emergence of VARV. Comparisons of the VARV genome to the genomes of the most closely related orthopoxviruses and the examination of the distribution their natural hosts' ranges suggest that VARV emerged 3000 to 4000 years ago in the east of the African continent. The VARV evolution rate has been estimated to be approximately 2 × 10-6 substitutions/site/year for the central conserved genomic region and 4 × 10-6 substitutions/site/year for the synonymous substitutions in the genome. Presumably, the introduction of camels to Africa and the concurrent changes to the climate were the particular factors that triggered the divergent evolution of a cowpox-like ancestral virus and thereby led to the emergence of VARV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor V Babkin
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia.
| | - Irina N Babkina
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia.
- JSC VECTOR-BEST, Novosibirsk 630559, Russia.
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Orthopoxvirus antibodies in grey squirrels (Sciurus aureogaster) in Mexico City, Mexico. J Wildl Dis 2014; 50:696-8. [PMID: 24807351 DOI: 10.7589/2013-12-320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Serum from Mexican grey squirrels (Sciurus aureogaster) from Mexico City reacted to Orthopoxvirus by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Real-time PCR based on oral swabs and scabs did not detect viral DNA. Antibody prevalence was 30% (n=366), providing the first evidence of Orthopoxvirus antibodies in Mexican wild rodents.
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Baker KS, Murcia PR. Poxviruses in bats … so what? Viruses 2014; 6:1564-77. [PMID: 24704730 PMCID: PMC4014710 DOI: 10.3390/v6041564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Revised: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Poxviruses are important pathogens of man and numerous domestic and wild animal species. Cross species (including zoonotic) poxvirus infections can have drastic consequences for the recipient host. Bats are a diverse order of mammals known to carry lethal viral zoonoses such as Rabies, Hendra, Nipah, and SARS. Consequent targeted research is revealing bats to be infected with a rich diversity of novel viruses. Poxviruses were recently identified in bats and the settings in which they were found were dramatically different. Here, we review the natural history of poxviruses in bats and highlight the relationship of the viruses to each other and their context in the Poxviridae family. In addition to considering the zoonotic potential of these viruses, we reflect on the broader implications of these findings. Specifically, the potential to explore and exploit this newfound relationship to study coevolution and cross species transmission together with fundamental aspects of poxvirus host tropism as well as bat virology and immunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate S Baker
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK.
| | - Pablo R Murcia
- University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Institute of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK.
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Haller SL, Peng C, McFadden G, Rothenburg S. Poxviruses and the evolution of host range and virulence. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2014; 21:15-40. [PMID: 24161410 PMCID: PMC3945082 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2013.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Revised: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Poxviruses as a group can infect a large number of animals. However, at the level of individual viruses, even closely related poxviruses display highly diverse host ranges and virulence. For example, variola virus, the causative agent of smallpox, is human-specific and highly virulent only to humans, whereas related cowpox viruses naturally infect a broad spectrum of animals and only cause relatively mild disease in humans. The successful replication of poxviruses depends on their effective manipulation of the host antiviral responses, at the cellular-, tissue- and species-specific levels, which constitutes a molecular basis for differences in poxvirus host range and virulence. A number of poxvirus genes have been identified that possess host range function in experimental settings, and many of these host range genes target specific antiviral host pathways. Herein, we review the biology of poxviruses with a focus on host range, zoonotic infections, virulence, genomics and host range genes as well as the current knowledge about the function of poxvirus host range factors and how their interaction with the host innate immune system contributes to poxvirus host range and virulence. We further discuss the evolution of host range and virulence in poxviruses as well as host switches and potential poxvirus threats for human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry L Haller
- Laboratory for Host-Specific Virology, Division of Biology, Kansas State University, KS 66506, USA
| | - Chen Peng
- Laboratory for Host-Specific Virology, Division of Biology, Kansas State University, KS 66506, USA
| | - Grant McFadden
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Stefan Rothenburg
- Laboratory for Host-Specific Virology, Division of Biology, Kansas State University, KS 66506, USA.
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Brettschneider H, Voster JH, Lane EP, Van Wilpe E, Biden P, Dalton DL, Kotze A. Molecular detection of Yaba monkey tumour virus from a vervet monkey. J S Afr Vet Assoc 2013. [DOI: 10.4102/jsava.v84i1.978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Yaba monkey tumour virus (YMTV) was first diagnosed in a colony of captive rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) in Yaba, Nigeria. It has been implicated as the cause of cutaneous nodules in wild baboons (Papio species), rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) and cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). This article reports a case of cutaneous pox lesions caused by YMTV in a free-ranging adult female vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) from the Umkomaas coastal area in South Africa. The virus was identified by molecular sequencing from fragments of the insulin metalloprotease-like protein and intracellular mature virion membrane protein as well as the DNA polymerase genes. Phylogenetic analyses of these gene regions revealed a 99% similarity of the sample to YMTV. Although human disease caused by YMTV is normally mild, it is recommended that persons in contact with non-human primates in the area of Umkomaas who develop cutaneous lesions should inform their doctors of the possibility of this infection. The extent and significance of the virus to human and non-human primates in South Africa are not known. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first diagnosis of YMTV in South Africa and in vervet monkeys.
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Chan WM, Rahman MM, McFadden G. Oncolytic myxoma virus: the path to clinic. Vaccine 2013; 31:4252-8. [PMID: 23726825 PMCID: PMC3755036 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.05.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Many common neoplasms are still noncurative with current standards of cancer therapy. More therapeutic modalities need to be developed to significantly prolong the lives of patients and eventually cure a wider spectrum of cancers. Oncolytic virotherapy is one of the promising new additions to clinical cancer therapeutics. Successful oncolytic virotherapy in the clinic will be those strategies that best combine tumor cell oncolysis with enhanced immune responses against tumor antigens. The current candidate oncolytic viruses all share the common property that they are relatively nonpathogenic to humans, yet they have the ability to replicate selectively in human cancer cells and induce cancer regression by direct oncolysis and/or induction of improved anti-tumor immune responses. Many candidate oncolytic viruses are in various stages of clinical and preclinical development. One such preclinical candidate is myxoma virus (MYXV), a member of the Poxviridae family that, in its natural setting, exhibits a very restricted host range and is only pathogenic to European rabbits. Despite its narrow host range in nature, MYXV has been shown to productively infect various classes of human cancer cells. Several preclinical in vivo modeling studies have demonstrated that MYXV is an attractive and safe candidate oncolytic virus, and hence, MYXV is currently being developed as a potential therapeutic for several cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, ovarian cancer, melanoma, and hematologic malignancies. This review highlights the preclinical cancer models that have shown the most promise for translation of MYXV into human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie M. Chan
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Masmudur M. Rahman
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Grant McFadden
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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Peres MG, Bacchiega TS, Appolinário CM, Vicente AF, Allendorf SD, Antunes JMAP, Moreira SA, Legatti E, Fonseca CR, Pituco EM, Okuda LH, Pantoja JCDF, Ferreira F, Megid J. Serological study of vaccinia virus reservoirs in areas with and without official reports of outbreaks in cattle and humans in São Paulo, Brazil. Arch Virol 2013; 158:2433-41. [PMID: 23760628 PMCID: PMC3830743 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-013-1740-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Vaccinia virus (VACV), the etiological agent of an exanthematic disease, has been associated with several bovine outbreaks in Brazil since the end of the global vaccination campaign against smallpox. It was previously believed that the vaccine virus used for the WHO global campaign had adapted to an unknown wild reservoir and was sporadically re-emerging in outbreaks in cattle and milkers. At present, it is known that Brazilian VACV is phylogenetically different from the vaccinia virus vaccinal strain, but its origin remains unknown. This study assessed the seroprevalence of orthopoxviruses in domestic and wild animals and farmers from 47 farms in three cities in the southwest region of the state of São Paulo with or without official reports of outbreaks in cattle or humans. Our data indicate a low seroprevalence of antibodies in wild animals and raise interesting questions about the real potential of wild rodents and marsupials as VACV reservoirs, suggesting other routes through which VACV can be spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Gea Peres
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade Estadual Paulista, Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
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A whole-genome RNA interference screen for human cell factors affecting myxoma virus replication. J Virol 2013; 87:4623-41. [PMID: 23408614 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02617-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Myxoma virus (MYXV) provides an important model for investigating host-pathogen interactions. Recent studies have also highlighted how mutations in transformed human cells can expand the host range of this rabbit virus. Although virus growth depends upon interactions between virus and host proteins, the nature of these interactions is poorly understood. To address this matter, we performed small interfering RNA (siRNA) screens for genes affecting MYXV growth in human MDA-MB-231 cells. By using siRNAs targeting the whole human genome (21,585 genes), a subset of human phosphatases and kinases (986 genes), and also a custom siRNA library targeting selected statistically significant genes ("hits") and nonsignificant genes ("nonhits") of the whole human genome screens (88 genes), we identified 711 siRNA pools that promoted MYXV growth and 333 that were inhibitory. Another 32 siRNA pools (mostly targeting the proteasome) were toxic. The overall overlap in the results was about 25% for the hits and 75% for the nonhits. These pro- and antiviral genes can be clustered into pathways and related groups, including well-established inflammatory and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, as well as clusters relating to β-catenin and the Wnt signaling cascade, the cell cycle, and cellular metabolism. The validity of a subset of these hits was independently confirmed. For example, treating cells with siRNAs that might stabilize cells in G(1), or inhibit passage into S phase, stimulated MYXV growth, and these effects were reproduced by trapping cells at the G(1)/S boundary with an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases 4/6. By using 2-deoxy-D-glucose and plasmids carrying the gene for phosphofructokinase, we also confirmed that infection is favored by aerobic glycolytic metabolism. These studies provide insights into how the growth state and structure of cells affect MYXV growth and how these factors might be manipulated to advantage in oncolytic virus therapy.
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Investigation of cytotoxicity of negative control peptides versus bioactive peptides on skin cancer and normal cells: a comparative study. Future Med Chem 2012; 4:1553-65. [PMID: 22917245 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.12.98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resonant recognition model-myxoma virus (RRM-MV), a bioactive peptide analogue for myxoma virus MV-T5 protein, was computationally designed by the RRM. In this study, the anticancer effects of RRM-MV were assessed in vitro against four negative control peptides on human skin cancer and normal cells. RESULTS & DISCUSSION The effects of RRM-MV versus negative control peptides on cells were evaluated by quantitative and qualitative assays. The RRM-MV treatment was able to induce cell death in cancer cells without triggering similar effects on normal cells. However, the negative control peptides produced no toxic effects on skin cancer and normal cells. No effects on human erythrocytes were detected when treated with all peptides. CONCLUSION It is suggested that the RRM can be applied to design therapeutic anticancer peptides.
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Bratke KA, McLysaght A, Rothenburg S. A survey of host range genes in poxvirus genomes. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2012; 14:406-25. [PMID: 23268114 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2012.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Revised: 12/01/2012] [Accepted: 12/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Poxviruses are widespread pathogens, which display extremely different host ranges. Whereas some poxviruses, including variola virus, display narrow host ranges, others such as cowpox viruses naturally infect a wide range of mammals. The molecular basis for differences in host range are poorly understood but apparently depend on the successful manipulation of the host antiviral response. Some poxvirus genes have been shown to confer host tropism in experimental settings and are thus called host range factors. Identified host range genes include vaccinia virus K1L, K3L, E3L, B5R, C7L and SPI-1, cowpox virus CP77/CHOhr, ectromelia virus p28 and 022, and myxoma virus T2, T4, T5, 11L, 13L, 062R and 063R. These genes encode for ankyrin repeat-containing proteins, tumor necrosis factor receptor II homologs, apoptosis inhibitor T4-related proteins, Bcl-2-related proteins, pyrin domain-containing proteins, cellular serine protease inhibitors (serpins), short complement-like repeats containing proteins, KilA-N/RING domain-containing proteins, as well as inhibitors of the double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase PKR. We conducted a systematic survey for the presence of known host range genes and closely related family members in poxvirus genomes, classified them into subgroups based on their phylogenetic relationship and correlated their presence with the poxvirus phylogeny. Common themes in the evolution of poxvirus host range genes are lineage-specific duplications and multiple independent inactivation events. Our analyses yield new insights into the evolution of poxvirus host range genes. Implications of our findings for poxvirus host range and virulence are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten A Bratke
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
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41
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Urbasic AS, Hynes S, Somrak A, Contakos S, Rahman MM, Liu J, MacNeill AL. Oncolysis of canine tumor cells by myxoma virus lacking the serp2 gene. Am J Vet Res 2012; 73:1252-61. [PMID: 22849686 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.73.8.1252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the oncolytic efficacy of an attenuated form of myxoma virus lacking the serp2 gene in canine tumor cells. SAMPLE Primary cells were isolated from tumors that were surgically removed from dogs and from connective tissue obtained from the cadaver of a dog. Cells of various established cell lines from tumors and nontumorous tissues were obtained. PROCEDURES Experiments were performed with cells in monolayer culture. Cell cultures were inoculated with wild-type myxoma viruses or myxoma viruses lacking the serp2 gene, and measures of cytopathic effects, viral growth kinetics, and cell death and apoptosis were determined. RESULTS Myxoma viruses replicated in cells of many of the primary and established canine tumor cell lines. Canine tumor cells in which expression of activated protein kinase B was upregulated were more permissive to myxoma virus infection than were cells in which expression of activated protein kinase B was not upregulated. Myxoma viruses lacking the serp2 gene caused more cytopathic effects in canine tumor cells because of apoptosis than did wild-type myxoma viruses. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results of the present study indicated myxoma viruses lacking the serp2 gene may be useful for treatment of cancer in dogs. Impact for Human Medicine-Results of the present study may be useful for development of novel oncolytic treatments for tumors in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlee S Urbasic
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
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42
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Rivetti AV, Guedes MIMC, Rehfeld IS, Oliveira TML, Matos ACD, Abrahão JS, Kroon EG, Lobato ZIP. Bovine vaccinia, a systemic infection: evidence of fecal shedding, viremia and detection in lymphoid organs. Vet Microbiol 2012; 162:103-11. [PMID: 23021861 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2012.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Revised: 08/30/2012] [Accepted: 09/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Bovine vaccinia (BV) is a zoonosis caused by Vaccinia virus (VACV) that affects dairy cattle and milkers, causing economic losses and impacting animal and human health. Based on the clinical presentation, BV appears to be a localized disease, with lesions restricted to the skin of affected individuals. However, there are no studies on the pathogenesis of the disease in cows to determine if there is a systemic spread of the virus and if there are different ways of VACV shedding. The objective of this work was to study if there is a systemic spread of VACV in experimentally infected cows and to study the kinetics of VACV circulation in the blood and shedding in the feces of these animals. To this end, eight crossbred lactating cows were used. Three teats of each cow were inoculated with the GP2V strain of VACV. All animals were monitored daily, and blood and fecal samples were collected for 67 days post-infection (dpi). After this period, four of these previously infected cows were immunosuppressed using dexamethasone. Viral DNA was continuously detected and quantified in the blood and feces of these animals in an intermittent way, even after the resolution of the lesions. At slaughter, tissues were collected, and viral DNA was detected and quantified in the mesenteric and retromammary lymph nodes, ileum, spleen and liver. The detection of VACV DNA in the feces for a longer period (67 dpi) and in the lymphatic organs provides new evidence about VACV elimination and suggests that BV could be a systemic infection with a chronic course and viral shedding through the feces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anselmo V Rivetti
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) - Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Caixa Postal 567, Campus da UFMG, CEP 30123-970, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Myxoma virus sensitizes cancer cells to gemcitabine and is an effective oncolytic virotherapeutic in models of disseminated pancreatic cancer. Mol Ther 2012; 20:759-68. [PMID: 22233582 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2011.293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Myxoma virus (MYXV) is a novel oncolytic virus that has been shown to replicate in pancreatic cancer cells, but its efficacy in animal models of pancreatic cancer has not been determined. The efficacy of MYXV as monotherapy or in combination with gemcitabine was evaluated in intraperitoneal dissemination (IPD) models of pancreatic cancer. The effects of an intact immune system on the efficacy of MYXV therapy was tested by comparing immunodeficient versus immunocompetent murine models and combination therapy with gemcitabine was also evaluated. In cell culture, MYXV replication was robust in a broad range of pancreatic cancer cells and also showed increased oncolysis in combination with gemcitabine. In animal models, MYXV treatment conferred survival benefits over control or gemcitabine-treated cohorts regardless of the cell line or animal model used. MYXV monotherapy was most effective in an immunocompetent IPD model, and resulted in 60% long-term survivors. In Pan02 engrafted immunocompetent IPD models, sequential treatment in which MYXV was administered first, followed by gemcitabine, was the most effective and resulted in 100% long-term survivors. MYXV is an effective oncolytic virus for pancreatic cancer and can be combined with gemcitabine to enhance survival, particularly in the presence of an intact host immune system.
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Tack DM, Reynolds MG. Zoonotic Poxviruses Associated with Companion Animals. Animals (Basel) 2011; 1:377-95. [PMID: 26486622 PMCID: PMC4513476 DOI: 10.3390/ani1040377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2011] [Revised: 11/02/2011] [Accepted: 11/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Contemporary enthusiasm for the ownership of exotic animals and hobby livestock has created an opportunity for the movement of poxviruses—such as monkeypox, cowpox, and orf—outside their traditional geographic range bringing them into contact with atypical animal hosts and groups of people not normally considered at risk. It is important that pet owners and practitioners of human and animal medicine develop a heightened awareness for poxvirus infections and understand the risks that can be associated with companion animals and livestock. This article reviews the epidemiology and clinical features of zoonotic poxviruses that are most likely to affect companion animals. Abstract Understanding the zoonotic risk posed by poxviruses in companion animals is important for protecting both human and animal health. The outbreak of monkeypox in the United States, as well as current reports of cowpox in Europe, point to the fact that companion animals are increasingly serving as sources of poxvirus transmission to people. In addition, the trend among hobbyists to keep livestock (such as goats) in urban and semi-urban areas has contributed to increased parapoxvirus exposures among people not traditionally considered at high risk. Despite the historic notoriety of poxviruses and the diseases they cause, poxvirus infections are often missed. Delays in diagnosing poxvirus-associated infections in companion animals can lead to inadvertent human exposures. Delays in confirming human infections can result in inappropriate treatment or prolonged recovery. Early recognition of poxvirus-associated infections and application of appropriate preventive measures can reduce the spread of virus between companion animals and their owners. This review will discuss the epidemiology and clinical features associated with the zoonotic poxvirus infections most commonly associated with companion animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Tack
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
| | - Mary G Reynolds
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
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Kinnunen PM, Henttonen H, Hoffmann B, Kallio ER, Korthase C, Laakkonen J, Niemimaa J, Palva A, Schlegel M, Ali HS, Suominen P, Ulrich RG, Vaheri A, Vapalahti O. Orthopox virus infections in Eurasian wild rodents. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2011; 11:1133-40. [PMID: 21453121 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2010.0170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Orthopoxvirus includes variola (smallpox) virus and zoonotic cowpox virus (CPXV). All orthopoxviruses (OPV) are serologically cross-reactive and cross-protective, and after the cessation of smallpox vaccination, CPXV and other OPV infections represent an emerging threat to human health. In this respect CPXV, with its reservoir in asymptomatically infected wild rodents, is of special importance. In Europe, clinical cowpox has been diagnosed in both humans and animals. The main objective of this study was to elucidate the prevalence of OPV infections in wild rodents in different parts of Eurasia and to compare the performance of three real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods in detecting OPV DNA in wildlife samples. We investigated 962 wild rodents from Northern Europe (Finland), Central Europe (Germany), and Northern Asia (Siberia, Russia) for the presence of OPV antibodies. According to a CPXV antigen-based immunofluorescence assay, animals from 13 of the 17 locations (76%) showed antibodies. Mean seroprevalence was 33% in Finland (variation between locations 0%-69%), 32% in Germany (0%-43%), and 3.2% (0%-15%) in Siberia. We further screened tissue samples from 513 of the rodents for OPV DNA using up to three real-time PCRs. Three rodents from two German and one Finnish location were OPV DNA positive. The amplicons were 96% to 100% identical to available CPXV sequences. Further, we demonstrated OPV infections as far east as the Baikal region and occurring in hamster and two other rodent species, ones previously unnoticed as possible reservoir hosts. Based on serological and PCR findings, Eurasian wild rodents are frequently but nonpersistently infected with OPVs. Results from three real-time PCR methods were highly concordant. This study extends the geographic range and wildlife species diversity in which OPV (or CPXV) viruses are naturally circulating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula M Kinnunen
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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Weli SC, Tryland M. Avipoxviruses: infection biology and their use as vaccine vectors. Virol J 2011; 8:49. [PMID: 21291547 PMCID: PMC3042955 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-8-49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2010] [Accepted: 02/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Avipoxviruses (APVs) belong to the Chordopoxvirinae subfamily of the Poxviridae family. APVs are distributed worldwide and cause disease in domestic, pet and wild birds of many species. APVs are transmitted by aerosols and biting insects, particularly mosquitoes and arthropods and are usually named after the bird species from which they were originally isolated. The virus species Fowlpox virus (FWPV) causes disease in poultry and associated mortality is usually low, but in flocks under stress (other diseases, high production) mortality can reach up to 50%. APVs are also major players in viral vaccine vector development for diseases in human and veterinary medicine. Abortive infection in mammalian cells (no production of progeny viruses) and their ability to accommodate multiple gene inserts are some of the characteristics that make APVs promising vaccine vectors. Although abortive infection in mammalian cells conceivably represents a major vaccine bio-safety advantage, molecular mechanisms restricting APVs to certain hosts are not yet fully understood. This review summarizes the current knowledge relating to APVs, including classification, morphogenesis, host-virus interactions, diagnostics and disease, and also highlights the use of APVs as recombinant vaccine vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon C Weli
- National Veterinary Institute, Ullevålsveien 68, N-0106 Oslo, Norway.
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Frick WF, Pollock JF, Hicks AC, Langwig KE, Reynolds DS, Turner GG, Butchkoski CM, Kunz TH. An emerging disease causes regional population collapse of a common North American bat species. Science 2010; 329:679-82. [PMID: 20689016 DOI: 10.1126/science.1188594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 562] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is an emerging disease affecting hibernating bats in eastern North America that causes mass mortality and precipitous population declines in winter hibernacula. First discovered in 2006 in New York State, WNS is spreading rapidly across eastern North America and currently affects seven species. Mortality associated with WNS is causing a regional population collapse and is predicted to lead to regional extinction of the little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus), previously one of the most common bat species in North America. Novel diseases can have serious impacts on naïve wildlife populations, which in turn can have substantial impacts on ecosystem integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winifred F Frick
- Center for Ecology and Conservation Biology (CECB), Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Street, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Evgin L, Vähä-Koskela M, Rintoul J, Falls T, Le Boeuf F, Barrett JW, Bell JC, Stanford MM. Potent oncolytic activity of raccoonpox virus in the absence of natural pathogenicity. Mol Ther 2010; 18:896-902. [PMID: 20160706 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2010.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of oncolytic virus (OV) candidates currently in clinical trials are human viruses that have been engineered to be safer for patient administration by limiting normal cell targeting and replication. The newest OVs include viruses that cause no disease in humans, yet still have natural tumor tropism. Raccoonpox virus (RCNV) is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus of Poxviridae and closely related to vaccinia virus, yet has no known pathogenicity in any mammalian species. A screen of cells from the NCI-60 cancer cell panel using growth curves demonstrated greater than a log increase in replication of RCNV in nearly 74% of the cell lines tested, similar to other tested OV poxviruses. In normal cell lines, pretreatment with interferon (IFN)-alpha/beta resulted in significant inhibition of RCNV replication. In both xenograft and syngeneic models of solid tumors, injection of RCNV resulted in significantly slower tumor progression and increased survival of mice. RCNV treatment also prolonged survival in treatment-resistant models of brain tumors and decreased tumor burden by systemic administration in models of lung metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Evgin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Ottawa, Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Health Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Pharmacological manipulation of the akt signaling pathway regulates myxoma virus replication and tropism in human cancer cells. J Virol 2010; 84:3287-302. [PMID: 20106927 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02020-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses have evolved an assortment of mechanisms for regulating the Akt signaling pathway to establish a cellular environment more favorable for viral replication. Myxoma virus (MYXV) is a rabbit-specific poxvirus that encodes many immunomodulatory factors, including an ankyrin repeat-containing host range protein termed M-T5 that functions to regulate tropism of MYXV for rabbit lymphocytes and certain human cancer cells. MYXV permissiveness in these human cancer cells is dependent upon the direct interaction between M-T5 and Akt, which has been shown to induce the kinase activity of Akt. In this study, an array of compounds that selectively manipulate Akt signaling was screened and we show that only a subset of Akt inhibitors significantly decreased the ability of MYXV to replicate in previously permissive human cancer cells. Furthermore, reduced viral replication efficiency was correlated with lower levels of phosphorylated Akt. In contrast, the PP2A-specific phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid promoted increased Akt kinase activation and rescued MYXV replication in human cancer cells that did not previously support viral replication. Finally, phosphorylation of Akt at residue Thr308 was shown to dictate the physical interaction between Akt and M-T5, which then leads to phosphorylation of Ser473 and permits productive MYXV replication in these human cancer cells. The results of this study further characterize the mechanism by which M-T5 exploits the Akt signaling cascade and affirms this interaction as a major tropism determinant that regulates the replication efficiency of MYXV in human cancer cells.
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Adipose-derived stem cells as therapeutic delivery vehicles of an oncolytic virus for glioblastoma. Mol Ther 2009; 18:377-85. [PMID: 19904233 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2009.265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) accounts for the majority of primary malignant brain tumors and remains virtually incurable despite extensive surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Treatment difficulty is due to its exceptional infiltrative nature and proclivity to integrate into normal brain tissue. Long-term survivors are rare, and median survival for patients is about 1 year. Use of adult stem cells as cellular delivery vehicles for anticancer agents is a novel attractive therapeutic strategy. We hypothesized that adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) possess the ability to home and deliver myxoma virus to glioma cells and experimental gliomas. We infected ADSCs with vMyxgfp and found them to be permissive for myxoma virus replication. ADSCs supported single and multiple rounds of replication leading to productive infection. Further, we observed no significant impact on ADSC viability. We cocultured fluorescently labeled GBM cells with myxoma virus-infected ADSCs in three-dimensional assay and observed successful cross infection and concomitant cell death almost exclusively in GBM cells. In vivo orthotopic studies injected with vMyxgfp-ADSCs intracranially away from the tumor demonstrated that myxoma virus was delivered by ADSCs resulting in significant survival increase. Our data suggest that ADSCs are promising new carriers of oncolytic viruses, specifically myxoma virus, to brain tumors.
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