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de Oliveira Souza R, Duarte Júnior JWB, Della Casa VS, Santoro Rosa D, Renia L, Claser C. Unraveling the complex interplay: immunopathology and immune evasion strategies of alphaviruses with emphasis on neurological implications. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1421571. [PMID: 39211797 PMCID: PMC11358129 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1421571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Arthritogenic alphaviruses pose a significant public health concern due to their ability to cause joint inflammation, with emerging evidence of potential neurological consequences. In this review, we examine the immunopathology and immune evasion strategies employed by these viruses, highlighting their complex mechanisms of pathogenesis and neurological implications. We delve into how these viruses manipulate host immune responses, modulate inflammatory pathways, and potentially establish persistent infections. Further, we explore their ability to breach the blood-brain barrier, triggering neurological complications, and how co-infections exacerbate neurological outcomes. This review synthesizes current research to provide a comprehensive overview of the immunopathological mechanisms driving arthritogenic alphavirus infections and their impact on neurological health. By highlighting knowledge gaps, it underscores the need for research to unravel the complexities of virus-host interactions. This deeper understanding is crucial for developing targeted therapies to address both joint and neurological manifestations of these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel de Oliveira Souza
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Victória Simões Della Casa
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniela Santoro Rosa
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Laurent Renia
- ASTAR Infectious Diseases Labs (ASTAR ID Labs), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Carla Claser
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
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Yang P, Li W, Fan X, Pan J, Mann CJ, Varnum H, Clark LE, Clark SA, Coscia A, Basu H, Smith KN, Brusic V, Abraham J. Structural basis for VLDLR recognition by eastern equine encephalitis virus. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6548. [PMID: 39095394 PMCID: PMC11297306 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50887-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) is the most virulent alphavirus that infects humans, and many survivors develop neurological sequelae, including paralysis and intellectual disability. Alphavirus spike proteins comprise trimers of heterodimers of glycoproteins E2 and E1 that mediate binding to cellular receptors and fusion of virus and host cell membranes during entry. We recently identified very-low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) and apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (ApoER2) as cellular receptors for EEEV and a distantly related alphavirus, Semliki Forest virus (SFV). Here, we use single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to determine structures of the EEEV and SFV spike glycoproteins bound to the VLDLR ligand-binding domain and found that EEEV and SFV interact with the same cellular receptor through divergent binding modes. Our studies suggest that the ability of LDLR-related proteins to interact with viral spike proteins through very small footprints with flexible binding modes results in a low evolutionary barrier to the acquisition of LDLR-related proteins as cellular receptors for diverse sets of viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wanyu Li
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiaoyi Fan
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Junhua Pan
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Biomedical Research Institute and School of Life and Health Sciences, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Colin J Mann
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Haley Varnum
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lars E Clark
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah A Clark
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adrian Coscia
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Himanish Basu
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine Nabel Smith
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vesna Brusic
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan Abraham
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Center for Integrated Solutions in Infectious Diseases, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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3
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Yang P, Li W, Fan X, Pan J, Mann CJ, Varnum H, Clark LE, Clark SA, Coscia A, Smith KN, Brusic V, Abraham J. Structural basis for VLDLR recognition by eastern equine encephalitis virus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.14.567065. [PMID: 38014066 PMCID: PMC10680694 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.14.567065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Alphaviruses are arthropod-borne enveloped RNA viruses that include several important human pathogens with outbreak potential. Among them, eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) is the most virulent, and many survivors develop neurological sequelae, including paralysis and intellectual disability. The spike proteins of alphaviruses comprise trimers of heterodimers of their envelope glycoproteins E2 and E1 that mediate binding to cellular receptors and fusion of virus and host cell membranes during entry. We recently identified very-low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) and apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (ApoER2), two closely related proteins that are expressed in the brain, as cellular receptors for EEEV and a distantly related alphavirus, Semliki forest virus (SFV) 1 . The EEEV and SFV spike glycoproteins have low sequence homology, and how they have evolved to bind the same cellular receptors is unknown. Here, we used single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to determine structures of the EEEV and SFV spike glycoproteins bound to the VLDLR ligand-binding domain. The structures reveal that EEEV and SFV use distinct surfaces to bind VLDLR; EEEV uses a cluster of basic residues on the E2 subunit of its spike glycoprotein, while SFV uses two basic residues at a remote site on its E1 glycoprotein. Our studies reveal that different alphaviruses interact with the same cellular receptor through divergent binding modes. They further suggest that the ability of LDLR-related proteins to interact with viral spike proteins through very small footprints with flexible binding modes results in a low evolutionary barrier to the acquisition of LDLR-related proteins as cellular receptors for diverse sets of viruses.
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4
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Tur-Planells V, García-Sastre A, Cuadrado-Castano S, Nistal-Villan E. Engineering Non-Human RNA Viruses for Cancer Therapy. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1617. [PMID: 37897020 PMCID: PMC10611381 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11101617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alongside the development and progress in cancer immunotherapy, research in oncolytic viruses (OVs) continues advancing novel treatment strategies to the clinic. With almost 50 clinical trials carried out over the last decade, the opportunities for intervention using OVs are expanding beyond the old-fashioned concept of "lytic killers", with promising breakthrough therapeutic strategies focused on leveraging the immunostimulatory potential of different viral platforms. This review presents an overview of non-human-adapted RNA viruses engineered for cancer therapy. Moreover, we describe the diverse strategies employed to manipulate the genomes of these viruses to optimize their therapeutic capabilities. By focusing on different aspects of this particular group of viruses, we describe the insights into the promising advancements in the field of virotherapy and its potential to revolutionize cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicent Tur-Planells
- Microbiology Section, Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Health, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Spain;
| | - Adolfo García-Sastre
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Sara Cuadrado-Castano
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Icahn Genomics Institute (IGI), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Estanislao Nistal-Villan
- Microbiology Section, Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Health, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Spain;
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Instituto de Medicina Molecular Aplicada (IMMA) Nemesio Díez, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Spain
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Hu R, Li M, Fan H. Multiple LDLR class A repeats on very-low-density lipoprotein receptor promote the cross-species transmission of Semliki Forest virus. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e351. [PMID: 37614966 PMCID: PMC10442473 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple LDLR class A (LA) repeats around LA3 promote synergistic binding to Semliki Forest virus (SFV) E1-DIII near the 2-fold and 5-fold symmetry axes. Meanwhile, the multiple consecutive LAs concatemer shows approximately 1000 times higher binding affinity than that of LA3s, which can help to effectively and synergistically bind with E1-DIII of viral envelope protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruolan Hu
- College of Life Science and TechnologyBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Maochen Li
- College of Life Science and TechnologyBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Huahao Fan
- College of Life Science and TechnologyBeijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
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Yuan Y, Fang A, Wang Z, Wang Z, Sui B, Zhu Y, Zhang Y, Wang C, Zhang R, Zhou M, Chen H, Fu ZF, Zhao L. The CH24H metabolite, 24HC, blocks viral entry by disrupting intracellular cholesterol homeostasis. Redox Biol 2023; 64:102769. [PMID: 37285742 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102769] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol-24-hydroxylase (CH24H or Cyp46a1) is a reticulum-associated membrane protein that plays an irreplaceable role in cholesterol metabolism in the brain and has been well-studied in several neuro-associated diseases in recent years. In the present study, we found that CH24H expression can be induced by several neuroinvasive viruses, including vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), rabies virus (RABV), Semliki Forest virus (SFV) and murine hepatitis virus (MHV). The CH24H metabolite, 24-hydroxycholesterol (24HC), also shows competence in inhibiting the replication of multiple viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). 24HC can increase the cholesterol concentration in multivesicular body (MVB)/late endosome (LE) by disrupting the interaction between OSBP and VAPA, resulting in viral particles being trapped in MVB/LE, ultimately compromising VSV and RABV entry into host cells. These findings provide the first evidence that brain cholesterol oxidation products may play a critical role in viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueming Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - An Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Zongmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Zhihui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Baokun Sui
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yunkai Zhu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Caiqian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Huanchun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Zhen F Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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7
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Skidmore AM, Bradfute SB. The life cycle of the alphaviruses: From an antiviral perspective. Antiviral Res 2023; 209:105476. [PMID: 36436722 PMCID: PMC9840710 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105476] [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: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The alphaviruses are a widely distributed group of positive-sense, single stranded, RNA viruses. These viruses are largely arthropod-borne and can be found on all populated continents. These viruses cause significant human disease, and recently have begun to spread into new populations, such as the expansion of Chikungunya virus into southern Europe and the Caribbean, where it has established itself as endemic. The study of alphaviruses is an active and expanding field, due to their impacts on human health, their effects on agriculture, and the threat that some pose as potential agents of biological warfare and terrorism. In this systematic review we will summarize both historic knowledge in the field as well as recently published data that has potential to shift current theories in how alphaviruses are able to function. This review is comprehensive, covering all parts of the alphaviral life cycle as well as a brief overview of their pathology and the current state of research in regards to vaccines and therapeutics for alphaviral disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Skidmore
- Center for Global Health, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, 915 Camino de Salud, IDTC Room 3245, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
| | - Steven B Bradfute
- Center for Global Health, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, 915 Camino de Salud, IDTC Room 3330A, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
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Epidemiological and Genomic Characterisation of Middelburg and Sindbis Alphaviruses Identified in Horses with Febrile and Neurological Infections, South Africa (2014-2018). Viruses 2022; 14:v14092013. [PMID: 36146819 PMCID: PMC9501102 DOI: 10.3390/v14092013] [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: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Old World alphaviruses, Middelburg- (MIDV) and Sindbis virus (SINV), have previously been detected in horses and wildlife with neurologic disease in South Africa, the pathogenesis and clinical presentation of MIDV and SINV infections in animals are not well documented. Clinical samples from horses across South Africa with acute or fatal neurologic and febrile infections submitted between 2014-2018 were investigated. In total, 69/1084 (6.36%) and 11/1084 (1.01%) horses tested positive for MIDV and SINV, respectively, by real-time reverse transcription (RT) PCR. Main signs/outcomes for MIDV (n = 69): 73.91% neurological, 75.36% fever, 28.99% icterus and anorexia, respectively, 8.70% fatalities; SINV (n = 11): 54.54% neurological, 72.73% fever, 36.36% anorexia and 18.18% fatalities. MIDV cases peaked in the late summer/autumn across most South African provinces while SINV cases did not show a clear seasonality and were detected in fewer South African provinces. MIDV could still be detected in blood samples via RT-PCR for up to 71,417 and 21 days after onset of signs in 4 horses respectively, suggesting prolonged replication relative to SINV which could only be detected in the initial sample. Phylogenetic analyses based on partial sequences of the nsP4 (MIDV n = 59 and SINV n = 7) and E1 (MIDV n = 45) genes, as well as full genome sequences (MIDV n = 6), clustered the MIDV and SINV strains from the present study with previously detected strains. MIDV infection appears to be more prevalent in horses than SINV infection based on RT-PCR results, however, prevalence estimates might be different when also considering serological surveillance data.
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Dynamics of natural product Lupenone as a potential fusion inhibitor against the spike complex of novel Semliki Forest Virus. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263853. [PMID: 35213606 PMCID: PMC8880844 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Semliki Forest Virus (SFV) is an RNA virus with a positive-strand that belongs to the Togaviridae family’s Alphavirus genus. An epidemic was observed among French troops stationed in the Central African Republic, most likely caused by the SFV virus. The two transmembrane proteins El and E2 and the peripheral protein E3 make up the viral spike protein. The virus binds to the host cell and is internalized via endocytosis; endosome acidification causes the E1/E2 heterodimer to dissociate and the E1 subunits to trimerize. Lupenone was evaluated against the E1 spike protein of SFV in this study based on state-of-the-art cheminformatics approaches, including molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and binding free energy calculation. The molecular docking study envisaged major interactions of Lupenone with binding cavity residues involved non-bonded van der Waal’s and Pi-alkyl interactions. Molecular dynamic simulation of a time scale 200 ns corroborated interaction pattern with molecular docking studies between Lupenone and E1 spike protein. Nevertheless, Lupenone intearcation with the E1 spike protein conforming into a stable complex substantiated by free energy landscape (FEL), PCA analysis. Free energy decomposition of the binding cavity resdiues of E1 spike protein also ensured the efficient non-bonded van der Waal’s interaction contributing most energy to interact with the Lupenone. Therefore, Lupenone interacted strongly at the active site conforming into higher structural stability throughout the dynamic evolution of the complex. Thus, this study perhaps comprehend the efficiency of Lupenone as lead molecule against SFV E1 spike protein for future therapeutic purpose.
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Clark LE, Clark SA, Lin C, Liu J, Coscia A, Nabel KG, Yang P, Neel DV, Lee H, Brusic V, Stryapunina I, Plante KS, Ahmed AA, Catteruccia F, Young-Pearse TL, Chiu IM, Llopis PM, Weaver SC, Abraham J. VLDLR and ApoER2 are receptors for multiple alphaviruses. Nature 2021; 602:475-480. [PMID: 34929721 PMCID: PMC8808280 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04326-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Alphaviruses, like many other arthropod-borne viruses, infect vertebrate species and insect vectors separated by hundreds of millions of years of evolutionary history. Entry into evolutionarily divergent host cells can be accomplished by recognition of different cellular receptors in different species, or by binding to receptors that are highly conserved across species. Although multiple alphavirus receptors have been described1–3, most are not shared among vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Here we identify the very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) as a receptor for the prototypic alphavirus Semliki forest virus. We show that the E2 and E1 glycoproteins (E2–E1) of Semliki forest virus, eastern equine encephalitis virus and Sindbis virus interact with the ligand-binding domains (LBDs) of VLDLR and apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (ApoER2), two closely related receptors. Ectopic expression of either protein facilitates cellular attachment, and internalization of virus-like particles, a VLDLR LBD–Fc fusion protein or a ligand-binding antagonist block Semliki forest virus E2–E1-mediated infection of human and mouse neurons in culture. The administration of a VLDLR LBD–Fc fusion protein has protective activity against rapidly fatal Semliki forest virus infection in mouse neonates. We further show that invertebrate receptor orthologues from mosquitoes and worms can serve as functional alphavirus receptors. We propose that the ability of some alphaviruses to infect a wide range of hosts is a result of their engagement of evolutionarily conserved lipoprotein receptors and contributes to their pathogenesis. Studies using viral coat glycoproteins show that alphaviruses can enter cells via the very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) and apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (ApoER2), members of an evolutionarily conserved family of lipoprotein receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars E Clark
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah A Clark
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - ChieYu Lin
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jianying Liu
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Adrian Coscia
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine G Nabel
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pan Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dylan V Neel
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hyo Lee
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vesna Brusic
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Iryna Stryapunina
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kenneth S Plante
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Asim A Ahmed
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Flaminia Catteruccia
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tracy L Young-Pearse
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Isaac M Chiu
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paula Montero Llopis
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,MicRoN Core, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan Abraham
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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11
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Contu L, Balistreri G, Domanski M, Uldry AC, Mühlemann O. Characterisation of the Semliki Forest Virus-host cell interactome reveals the viral capsid protein as an inhibitor of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009603. [PMID: 34019569 PMCID: PMC8174725 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The positive-sense, single-stranded RNA alphaviruses pose a potential epidemic threat. Understanding the complex interactions between the viral and the host cell proteins is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms underlying successful virus replication strategies and for developing specific antiviral interventions. Here we present the first comprehensive protein-protein interaction map between the proteins of Semliki Forest Virus (SFV), a mosquito-borne member of the alphaviruses, and host cell proteins. Among the many identified cellular interactors of SFV proteins, the enrichment of factors involved in translation and nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) was striking, reflecting the virus' hijacking of the translation machinery and indicating viral countermeasures for escaping NMD by inhibiting NMD at later time points during the infectious cycle. In addition to observing a general inhibition of NMD about 4 hours post infection, we also demonstrate that transient expression of the SFV capsid protein is sufficient to inhibit NMD in cells, suggesting that the massive production of capsid protein during the SFV reproduction cycle is responsible for NMD inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Contu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppe Balistreri
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Michal Domanski
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Christine Uldry
- Proteomics & Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Mühlemann
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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12
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Libbey JE, Fujinami RS. Viral mouse models used to study multiple sclerosis: past and present. Arch Virol 2021; 166:1015-1033. [PMID: 33582855 PMCID: PMC7882042 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-021-04968-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Although the etiology of MS is unknown, genetics and environmental factors, such as infections, play a role. Viral infections of mice have been used as model systems to study this demyelinating disease of humans. Three viruses that have long been studied in this capacity are Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus, mouse hepatitis virus, and Semliki Forest virus. This review describes the viruses themselves, the infection process, the disease caused by infection and its accompanying pathology, and the model systems and their usefulness in studying MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Libbey
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, 15 North Medical Drive East, 2600 EEJMRB, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - R S Fujinami
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, 15 North Medical Drive East, 2600 EEJMRB, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
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Abstract
Alphaviruses, members of the enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA Togaviridae family, represent a reemerging public health threat as mosquito vectors expand into new geographic territories. The Old World alphaviruses, which include chikungunya virus, Ross River virus, and Sindbis virus, tend to cause a clinical syndrome characterized by fever, rash, and arthritis, whereas the New World alphaviruses, which consist of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, eastern equine encephalitis virus, and western equine encephalitis virus, induce encephalomyelitis. Following recovery from the acute phase of infection, many patients are left with debilitating persistent joint and neurological complications that can last for years. Clues from human cases and studies using animal models strongly suggest that much of the disease and pathology induced by alphavirus infection, particularly atypical and chronic manifestations, is mediated by the immune system rather than directly by the virus. This review discusses the current understanding of the immunopathogenesis of the arthritogenic and neurotropic alphaviruses accumulated through both natural infection of humans and experimental infection of animals, particularly mice. As treatment following alphavirus infection is currently limited to supportive care, understanding the contribution of the immune system to the disease process is critical to developing safe and effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria K Baxter
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Mark T Heise
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
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Nyaruaba R, Mwaliko C, Mwau M, Mousa S, Wei H. Arboviruses in the East African Community partner states: a review of medically important mosquito-borne Arboviruses. Pathog Glob Health 2019; 113:209-228. [PMID: 31664886 PMCID: PMC6882432 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2019.1678939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases, including arbovirus-related diseases, make up a large proportion of infectious disease cases worldwide, causing a serious global public health burden with over 700,000 deaths annually. Mosquito-borne arbovirus outbreaks can range from global to regional. In the East African Community (EAC) region, these viruses have caused a series of emerging and reemerging infectious disease outbreaks. Member states in the EAC share a lot in common including regional trade and transport, some of the factors highlighted to be the cause of mosquito-borne arbovirus disease outbreaks worldwide. In this review, characteristics of 24 mosquito-borne arboviruses indigenous to the EAC are reviewed, including lesser or poorly understood viruses, like Batai virus (BATV) and Ndumu virus (NDUV), which may escape their origins under perfect conditions to establish a foothold in new geographical locations. Factors that may influence the future spread of these viruses within the EAC are addressed. With the continued development observed in the EAC, strategies should be developed by the Community in improving mosquito and mosquito-borne arbovirus surveillance to prevent future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Nyaruaba
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- International college, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Caroline Mwaliko
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- International college, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Matilu Mwau
- Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Control Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Busia, Kenya
| | - Samar Mousa
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- International college, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongping Wei
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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15
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Sánchez D, Cesarman-Maus G, Amador-Molina A, Lizano M. Oncolytic Viruses for Canine Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10110404. [PMID: 30373251 PMCID: PMC6266482 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10110404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic virotherapy has been investigated for several decades and is emerging as a plausible biological therapy with several ongoing clinical trials and two viruses are now approved for cancer treatment in humans. The direct cytotoxicity and immune-stimulatory effects make oncolytic viruses an interesting strategy for cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the results of in vitro and in vivo published studies of oncolytic viruses in different phases of evaluation in dogs, using PubMed and Google scholar as search platforms, without time restrictions (to date). Natural and genetically modified oncolytic viruses were evaluated with some encouraging results. The most studied viruses to date are the reovirus, myxoma virus, and vaccinia, tested mostly in solid tumors such as osteosarcomas, mammary gland tumors, soft tissue sarcomas, and mastocytomas. Although the results are promising, there are issues that need addressing such as ensuring tumor specificity, developing optimal dosing, circumventing preexisting antibodies from previous exposure or the development of antibodies during treatment, and assuring a reasonable safety profile, all of which are required in order to make this approach a successful therapy in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Sánchez
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 14080, Mexico.
| | - Gabriela Cesarman-Maus
- Department of Hematology, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City 14080, Mexico.
| | - Alfredo Amador-Molina
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 14080, Mexico.
| | - Marcela Lizano
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 14080, Mexico.
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Abstract
Alphaviruses, members of the positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus family Togaviridae, represent a re-emerging public health concern worldwide as mosquito vectors expand into new geographic ranges. Members of the alphavirus genus tend to induce clinical disease characterized by rash, arthralgia, and arthritis (chikungunya virus, Ross River virus, and Semliki Forest virus) or encephalomyelitis (eastern equine encephalitis virus, western equine encephalitis virus, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus), though some patients who recover from the initial acute illness may develop long-term sequelae, regardless of the specific infecting virus. Studies examining the natural disease course in humans and experimental infection in cell culture and animal models reveal that host genetics play a major role in influencing susceptibility to infection and severity of clinical disease. Genome-wide genetic screens, including loss of function screens, microarrays, RNA-sequencing, and candidate gene studies, have further elucidated the role host genetics play in the response to virus infection, with the immune response being found in particular to majorly influence the outcome. This review describes the current knowledge of the mechanisms by which host genetic factors influence alphavirus pathogenesis and discusses emerging technologies that are poised to increase our understanding of the complex interplay between viral and host genetics on disease susceptibility and clinical outcome.
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Sahu SK, Kumar M. Application of Oncolytic Virus as a Therapy of Cancer. Microb Biotechnol 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-7140-9_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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18
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Atkins GJ, Sheahan BJ. Molecular determinants of alphavirus neuropathogenesis in mice. J Gen Virol 2016; 97:1283-1296. [PMID: 27028153 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.000467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses are enveloped viruses with a positive-stranded RNA genome, of the family Togaviridae. In mammals and birds they are mosquito-transmitted and are of veterinary and medical importance. They cause primarily two types of disease: encephalitis and polyarthritis. Here we review attempts to understand the molecular basis of encephalitis and virulence for the central nervous system (CNS) in mouse models. Sindbis virus (SINV) was the first virus to be studied in this way. Other viruses analysed are Semliki Forest virus (SFV), Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, Eastern equine encephalitis virus and Western equine encephalitis virus. Neurovirulence was found to be associated with damage to neurons in the CNS. It mapped mainly to the E2 region of the genome, and to the nsP3 gene. Also, avirulent natural isolates of both SINV and SFV have been found to have more rapid cleavage of nonstructural proteins due to mutations in the nsP1-nsP2 cleavage site. Immune-mediated demyelination for avirulent SFV has been shown to be associated with infection of oligodendrocytes. For Chikungunya virus, an emerging alphavirus that uncommonly causes encephalitis, analysis of the molecular basis of CNS pathogenicity is beginning. Experiments on SINV and SFV have indicated that virulence may be related to the resistance of virulent virus to interferon action. Although the E2 protein may be involved in tropism for neurons and passage across the blood-brain barrier, the role of the nsP3 protein during infection of neurons is unknown. More information in these areas may help to further explain the neurovirulence of alphaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory J Atkins
- Department of Microbiology, Moyne Institute, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Brian J Sheahan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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19
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Dissecting the Role of E2 Protein Domains in Alphavirus Pathogenicity. J Virol 2015; 90:2418-33. [PMID: 26676771 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02792-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Alphaviruses represent a diverse set of arboviruses, many of which are important pathogens. Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an arthritis-inducing alphavirus, is the cause of a massive ongoing outbreak in the Caribbean and South America. In contrast to CHIKV, other related alphaviruses, such as Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) and Semliki Forest virus (SFV), can cause encephalitic disease. E2, the receptor binding protein, has been implicated as a determinant in cell tropism, host range, pathogenicity, and immunogenicity. Previous reports also have demonstrated that E2 contains residues important for host range expansions and monoclonal antibody binding; however, little is known about what role each protein domain (e.g., A, B, and C) of E2 plays on these factors. Therefore, we constructed chimeric cDNA clones between CHIKV and VEEV or SFV to probe the effect of each domain on pathogenicity in vitro and in vivo. CHIKV chimeras containing each of the domains of the E2 (ΔDomA, ΔDomB, and ΔDomC) from SFV, but not VEEV, were successfully rescued. Interestingly, while all chimeric viruses were attenuated compared to CHIKV in mice, ΔDomB virus showed similar rates of infection and dissemination in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, suggesting differing roles for the E2 protein in different hosts. In contrast to CHIKV; ΔDomB, and to a lesser extent ΔDomA, caused neuron degeneration and demyelination in mice infected intracranially, suggesting a shift toward a phenotype similar to SFV. Thus, chimeric CHIKV/SFV provide insights on the role the alphavirus E2 protein plays on pathogenesis. IMPORTANCE Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) has caused large outbreaks of acute and chronic arthritis throughout Africa and Southeast Asia and has now become a massive public health threat in the Americas, causing an estimated 1.2 million human cases in just over a year. No approved vaccines or antivirals exist for human use against CHIKV or any other alphavirus. Despite the threat, little is known about the role the receptor binding protein (E2) plays on disease outcome in an infected host. To study this, our laboratory generated chimeric CHIKV containing corresponding regions of the Semliki Forest virus (SFV) E2 (domains A, B, and C) substituted into the CHIKV genome. Our results demonstrate that each domain of E2 likely plays a critical, but dissimilar role in the viral life cycle. Our experiments show that manipulation of E2 domains can be useful for studies on viral pathogenesis and potentially the production of vaccines and/or antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Greenlee
- Department of Neurology, George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Utah Health Sciences, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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21
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Ong RY, Lum FM, Ng LFP. The fine line between protection and pathology in neurotropic flavivirus and alphavirus infections. Future Virol 2014. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl.14.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT: Flavivirus and alphavirus are two families of medically important arboviruses known to cause devastating neurologic disease. Exciting knowledge regarding epidemiology, disease and host immune responses are constantly unraveling. In this review, we aim to piece existing knowledge of neurotropic flavi- and alpha-viruses into a general, coherent picture of host–pathogen interactions. Special interest lies in the protective and pathologic host immunity to flavi- and alpha-viral infections, with a strong focus on West Nile virus, Japanese Encephalitis virus and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus as representatives of their family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruo-Yan Ong
- Laboratory of Chikungunya Virus Immunity, Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, #04–06 Immunos Biopolis, 138648, Singapore
| | - Fok-Moon Lum
- Laboratory of Chikungunya Virus Immunity, Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, #04–06 Immunos Biopolis, 138648, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Lisa FP Ng
- Laboratory of Chikungunya Virus Immunity, Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, #04–06 Immunos Biopolis, 138648, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117597, Singapore
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Abstract
Alphaviruses are enveloped single-stranded positive sense RNA viruses of the family Togaviridae. The genus alphavirus contains nine viruses, which are of medical, theoretical, or economic importance, and which will be considered. Sindbis virus (SINV) and Semliki Forest (SFV), although of some medical importance, have largely been studied as models of viral pathogenicity. In mice, SINV and SFV infect neurons in the central nervous system and virulent strains induce lethal encephalitis, whereas avirulent strains of SFV induce demyelination. SFV infects the developing foetus and can be teratogenic. Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus, and Western Equine Encephalitis virus can induce encephalitis in horses and humans. They are prevalent in the Americas and are mosquito transmitted. Ross River virus, Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), and O’nyong-nyong virus (ONNV) are prevalent in Australasia, Africa and Asia, and Africa, respectively. ONNV virus is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, while the other alphaviruses are transmitted by culicine mosquitoes. CHIKV has undergone adaptation to a new mosquito host which has increased its host range beyond Africa. Salmonid alphavirus is of economic importance in the farmed salmon and trout industry. It is postulated that future advances in research on alphavirus pathogenicity will come in the field of innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory J. Atkins
- Department of Microbiology, Moyne Institute, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
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Phares TW, Stohlman SA, Bergmann CC. Intrathecal humoral immunity to encephalitic RNA viruses. Viruses 2013; 5:732-52. [PMID: 23435240 PMCID: PMC3640523 DOI: 10.3390/v5020732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2013] [Revised: 02/10/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The nervous system is the target for acute encephalitic viral infections, as well as a reservoir for persisting viruses. Intrathecal antibody (Ab) synthesis is well documented in humans afflicted by infections associated with neurological complications, as well as the demyelinating disease, multiple sclerosis. This review focuses on the origin, recruitment, maintenance, and biological relevance of Ab-secreting cells (ASC) found in the central nervous system (CNS) following experimental neurotropic RNA virus infections. We will summarize evidence for a highly dynamic, evolving humoral response characterized by temporal alterations in B cell subsets, proliferation, and differentiation. Overall local Ab plays a beneficial role via complement-independent control of virus replication, although cross or self-reactive Ab to CNS antigens may contribute to immune-mediated pathogenesis during some infections. Importantly, protective Ab exert anti-viral activity not only by direct neutralization, but also by binding to cell surface-expressed viral glycoproteins. Ab engagement of viral glycoproteins blocks budding and mediates intracellular signaling leading to restored homeostatic and innate functions. The sustained Ab production by local ASC, as well as chemokines and cytokines associated with ASC recruitment and retention, are highlighted as critical components of immune control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy W Phares
- Departments of Neurosciences NC30, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
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Attenuation of Semliki Forest virus neurovirulence by microRNA-mediated detargeting. J Virol 2012; 87:335-44. [PMID: 23077310 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01940-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial target sequences for tissue-specific miRNAs have recently been introduced as a new means for altering the tissue tropism of viral replication. This approach can be used to improve the safety of oncolytic viruses for cancer virotherapy by restricting their replication in unwanted tissues, such as the liver. Semliki Forest virus (SFV) is a positive-strand RNA virus and, similar to the related alphaviruses, like Sindbis virus, has potential as a gene therapy vector and an oncolytic virotherapy agent, but this potential is limited by the neurovirulence of these alphaviruses. Here, we have generated a replicative SFV4 carrying six tandem targets for the neuron-specific miR124 between the viral nonstructural protein 3 and 4 (nsp3 and nsp4) genes. When administered intraperitoneally into adult BALB/c mice, SFV4-miRT124 displayed an attenuated spread into the central nervous system (CNS) and greatly increased survival. Peripheral replication was not affected, indicating neuron-specific attenuation. Moreover, a strong protective SFV immunity was elicited in these animals. Intracranial infection of adult mice with SFV4-miRT124 showed greatly reduced infection of neurons in the brain but led to the infection of oligodendrocytes in the corpus callosum. Taken together, our data show that miR124-mediated attenuation of neurovirulence is a feasible and promising strategy for generating safer oncolytic alphavirus virotherapy agents.
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Venkatesan G, Balamuruga V, Gandhale P, Singh R, Bhanupraka V. Viral Zoonosis: A Comprehensive Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.3923/ajava.2010.77.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Crabtree M, Sang R, Lutomiah J, Richardson J, Miller B. Arbovirus surveillance of mosquitoes collected at sites of active Rift Valley fever virus transmission: Kenya, 2006-2007. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2009; 46:961-964. [PMID: 19658258 DOI: 10.1603/033.046.0431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes collected during an outbreak of Rift Valley fever in Kenya from December 2006 to February 2007 were tested to isolate other mosquito-borne arboviruses circulating in the region. Twenty-seven virus isolations were made comprising seven viruses from three arbovirus families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Crabtree
- Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 3150 Rampart Road, Foothills Campus, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA.
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27
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Abstract
Alphavirus vectors are high-level, transient expression vectors for therapeutic and prophylactic use. These positive-stranded RNA vectors, derived from Semliki Forest virus, Sindbis virus and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, multiply and are expressed in the cytoplasm of most vertebrate cells, including human cells. Part of the genome encoding the structural protein genes, which is amplified during a normal infection, is replaced by a transgene. Three types of vector have been developed: virus-like particles, layered DNA-RNA vectors and replication-competent vectors. Virus-like particles contain replicon RNA that is defective since it contains a cloned gene in place of the structural protein genes, and thus are able to undergo only one cycle of expression. They are produced by transfection of vector RNA, and helper RNAs encoding the structural proteins. Layered DNA-RNA vectors express the Semliki Forest virus replicon from a cDNA copy via a cytomegalovirus promoter. Replication-competent vectors contain a transgene in addition to the structural protein genes. Alphavirus vectors are used for three main applications: vaccine construction, therapy of central nervous system disease, and cancer therapy.
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Ketola A, Hinkkanen A, Yongabi F, Furu P, Määttä AM, Liimatainen T, Pirinen R, Björn M, Hakkarainen T, Mäkinen K, Wahlfors J, Pellinen R. Oncolytic Semliki forest virus vector as a novel candidate against unresectable osteosarcoma. Cancer Res 2008; 68:8342-50. [PMID: 18922906 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-08-0251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses are a promising tool for treatment of cancer. We studied an oncolytic Semliki Forest virus (SFV) vector, VA7, carrying the enhanced green fluorescent protein gene (EGFP), as a novel virotherapy candidate against unresectable osteosarcoma. The efficiency and characteristics of the VA7-EGFP treatment were compared with a widely studied oncolytic adenovirus, Ad5Delta24, both in vitro and in vivo. VA7-EGFP resulted in more rapid oncolysis and was more efficient at low multiplicities of infection (MOI) when compared with Ad5Delta24 in vitro. Yet, in MG-63 cells, a subpopulation resistant to the VA7-EGFP vector emerged. In subcutaneous human osteosarcoma xenografts in nude mice treatment with either vector reduced tumor size, whereas tumors in control mice expanded quickly. The VA7-EGFP-treated tumors were either completely abolished or regressed to pinpoint size. The efficacy of VA7-EGFP vector was studied also in an orthotopic osteosarcoma nude mouse model characterized by highly aggressive tumor growth. Treatment with oncolytic SFV extended survival of the animals significantly (P < 0.01), yet none of the animals were finally cured. Sera from SFV-treated mice contained neutralizing antibodies, and as nude mice are not able to establish IgG response, the result points out the role of IgM class antibodies in clearance of virus from peripheral tumors. Furthermore, biodistribution analysis at the survival end point verified the presence of virus in some of the brain samples, which is in line with previous studies demonstrating that IgG is required for clearance of SFV from central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ketola
- Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, AI Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland.
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Holbrook MR, Gowen BB. Animal models of highly pathogenic RNA viral infections: encephalitis viruses. Antiviral Res 2007; 78:69-78. [PMID: 18031836 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2007.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2007] [Revised: 10/09/2007] [Accepted: 10/11/2007] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The highly pathogenic RNA viruses that cause encephalitis include a significant number of emerging or re-emerging viruses that are also considered potential bioweapons. Many of these viruses, including members of the family Flaviviridae, the genus Alphavirus in the family Togaviridae, and the genus Henipavirus in the family Paramyxoviridae, circulate widely in their endemic areas, where they are transmitted by mosquitoes or ticks. They use a variety of vertebrate hosts, ranging from birds to bats, in their natural life cycle. As was discovered in the United States, the introduction of a mosquito-borne encephalitis virus such as West Nile virus can cause significant health and societal concerns. There are no effective therapeutics for treating diseases caused by any of these viruses and there is limited, if any, vaccine availability for most. In this review we provide a brief summary of the current status of animal models used to study highly pathogenic encephalitic RNA viruses for the development of antiviral therapeutics and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Holbrook
- Department of Pathology, 301 University Boulevard, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, United States.
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Rulli NE, Melton J, Wilmes A, Ewart G, Mahalingam S. The molecular and cellular aspects of arthritis due to alphavirus infections: lesson learned from Ross River virus. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2007; 1102:96-108. [PMID: 17470914 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1408.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alphaviruses such as the Sindbis-group viruses, Scandinavian Ockelbo virus, the African Asian chikungunya virus, the African O'nyong-nyong virus, the South American Mayaro virus, and the Australasian Barmah Forest and Ross River viruses, are commonly associated with outbreaks of acute and persistent arthritis and arthralgia in humans. The mechanisms by which these viruses cause arthritis/arthralgia are poorly understood. This chapter summarizes our current understanding of viral arthritides using our newly developed mouse model of Ross River virus-induced joint and muscle inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nestor E Rulli
- Centre for Virus Research, School of Health Sciences, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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31
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Diatta A, Piver E, Collin C, Vaudin P, Pagès JC. Semliki Forest virus-derived virus-like particles: characterization of their production and transduction pathways. J Gen Virol 2006; 86:3129-3136. [PMID: 16227236 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.81103-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A procedure for the mobilization of Semliki Forest virus (SFV)-derived replicons using virus-like particles (VLPs) has been recently proposed. VLPs were obtained from 293T cells co-expressing the vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSV-G) and a modified SFV replicon. Advantages of SFV VLPs include improved safety with a lack of sequence homology between components and reducing the risk of recombination events that could lead to the formation of autonomous particles. Characterization of SFV VLPs reveals a discrepancy in their ability to infect cells reported to be permissive. Furthermore, it was noted that not all viral envelopes were able to promote VLP release equally from transfected cells. These observations encouraged the examination of the molecular mechanisms supporting the different steps of VLP assembly and transduction. The use of a VSV-G related pathway for VLP entry into target cells was demonstrated; it was also observed that an internal ribosome entry site may not be adapted to control transgene expression in all cells. Finally, the need for a membrane-binding domain to obtain a fully active SFV replication complex and VLP formation was documented.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Diatta
- The Vector Group, EA 3856, Faculté de Médecine, 2 Bd Tonnellé, 37000 Tours, France
| | - E Piver
- The Vector Group, EA 3856, Faculté de Médecine, 2 Bd Tonnellé, 37000 Tours, France
| | - C Collin
- Biochemistry, Tours University Hospital, 37000 Tours, France
| | - P Vaudin
- The Vector Group, EA 3856, Faculté de Médecine, 2 Bd Tonnellé, 37000 Tours, France
| | - J-C Pagès
- The Vector Group, EA 3856, Faculté de Médecine, 2 Bd Tonnellé, 37000 Tours, France
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Abstract
The last decade of the 20th Century saw the introduction of an unprecedented number of encephalitic viruses emerge or spread in the Southeast Asian and Western Pacific regions (Mackenzie et al, 2001; Solomon, 2003a). Most of these viruses are zoonotic, either being arthropod-borne viruses or bat-borne viruses. Thus Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, has spread through the Indonesian archipelago to Papua New Guinea (PNG) and to the islands of the Torres Strait of northern Australia, to Pakistan, and to new areas in the Indian subcontinent; a strain of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) was described for the first time in Hokkaido, Japan; and a novel mosquito-borne alphavirus, Me Tri virus, was described from Vietnam. Three novel bat-borne viruses emerged in Australia and Malaysia; two, Hendra and Nipah viruses, represent the first examples of a new genus in the family Paramyxoviridae, the genus Henipaviruses, and the third, Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) is new lyssavirus closely related to classical rabies virus. These viruses will form the body of this brief review.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S Mackenzie
- Australian Biosecurity CRC, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
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Briolant S, Garin D, Scaramozzino N, Jouan A, Crance JM. In vitro inhibition of Chikungunya and Semliki Forest viruses replication by antiviral compounds: synergistic effect of interferon-alpha and ribavirin combination. Antiviral Res 2004; 61:111-7. [PMID: 14670584 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2003.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Semliki Forest virus (SFV) were used in our laboratory to screen active antiviral compounds against viruses of the Alphavirus genus. Antiviral activity was estimated by the reduction of the cytopathic effect of each alphavirus on infected Vero cells and by virus titer reduction. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by determining the inhibition of Trypan blue exclusion in confluent cell cultures and by the evaluation of the inhibitory effect on cell growth. With CHIKV and SFV, the selectivity indices of human recombinant interferon-alpha and iota-carrageenan were much higher than that of ribavirin, which has been previously investigated for its inhibitory effect on alphavirus infections. Compared to ribavirin, 6-azauridine was more effective against CHIKV and showed a similar antiviral activity against SFV. IFN-alpha2b, glycyrrhizin, 6-azauridine, and ribavirin caused a concentration-dependent reduction in the virus yield with CHIKV and SFV. Moreover, the combination of IFN-alpha2b and ribavirin had a subsynergistic antiviral effect on these two alphaviruses and should be evaluated for the treatment of these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Briolant
- Département de biologie des agents transmissibles, Centre de Recherches du Service de Santé des Armées, BP 87, 24, av. des Maquis du Grésivaudan, 38702 Cedex, La Tronche, France.
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Abstract
The therapeutic effects of melatonin against viral infections, with emphasis on the Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE), are reviewed. Melatonin has been shown to prevent paralysis and death in mice infected with the encephalomyocarditis virus and to decrease viremia. Melatonin also postpones the onset of the disease produced by Semliki Forest virus inoculation and reduces the mortality of West Nile virus-infected mice stressed by either isolation or dexamethasone injection. An increase in the host resistance to the virus via a peripheral immunostimulatory activity is considered responsible for these effects. It has also been demonstrated that melatonin protects some strains of mink against Aleutian disease, and prevents the reduction of B- and T-cells as well as Th1 cytokine secretion in mice infected with leukemia retrovirus. In VEE-infected mice, melatonin postpones the onset of the disease and death for several days and reduces the mortality rate. This protective effect seems to be due to the increase in the production of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), as 100% of the infected mice treated with melatonin die when IL-1beta is blocked with antimurine IL-1beta antibodies. Although melatonin administration raises serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), the mortality observed in neutralization experiments with the corresponding anticytokine antibodies, suggests that neither TNF-alpha nor IFN-gamma are essential for the protective effect of melatonin on murine VEE virus infection. Melatonin treatment also enhances the efficiency of immunization against the VEE virus. Reactive oxygen species have been implicated in the dissemination of this virus, and their deleterious effects may be diminished by melatonin. This indole inhibits nitric oxide synthetase activity and it is a potent scavenger of nitric oxide, which also plays an important role in the spread of the VEE virus. In conclusion, the immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects of melatonin suggest that this indole must be considered as an additional therapeutic alternative to fight viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Bonilla
- Instituto de Investigaciones Clínicas 'Dr. Américo Negrette', Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela.
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35
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Fazakerley JK. Semliki forest virus infection of laboratory mice: a model to study the pathogenesis of viral encephalitis. ARCHIVES OF VIROLOGY. SUPPLEMENTUM 2004:179-90. [PMID: 15119773 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-7091-0572-6_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Semliki Forest virus (SFV) infection of the laboratory mouse provides an experimental system to study the pathogenesis of viral encephalitis. Following extraneural inoculation the virus is efficiently neuroinvasive and crosses the blood-brain barrier to initiate perivascular foci of infection in neurons and oligodendrocytes. The outcome of infection ranges from clinically unapparent mild encephalitis to fatal panencephalitis. SFV infections of the developing nervous system are always highly destructive and are generally fatal. In contrast, SFV infections of the mature nervous system can result in persistent infection with no apparent cell loss. This dramatic difference is attributable to developmental changes in the interactions between virus and CNS cells. Antibody responses clear the systemic infection and control the CNS infection. CD8+ T-cells are required to generate the lesions of inflammatory demyelination which can be a feature of the neuropathology. This article reviews the pathogenesis of SFV encephalitis, describing the neuropathology and the mechanisms which underlie it and which may be fundamental to many viral encephalitides.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K Fazakerley
- Center for Infectious Diseases, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Summerhall, Edinburgh, UK.
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Abstract
Sagiyama virus (SAGV), a strain of Getah virus in the genus Alphavirus in the family Togaviridae, has a broad host range in vertebrates and invertebrates but is not pathogenic for humans. We engineered the SAGV genome as an efficient transient expression vector using the full-length infectious cDNA clone pSAG2 as the background. A green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene was used as a reporter gene and expressed from a subgenomic mRNA. When the GFP gene was placed downstream of the intact capsid protein gene or an internally deleted capsid protein gene encoding the N-terminal 9 amino acids and C-terminal 149 amino acids, autoproteolysis occurred efficiently at the boundary site to release GFP from the N-terminally-fused capsid-protease domain. GFP was also expressed efficiently without the 5'-terminal region of the capsid protein gene, suggesting that SAGV capsid protein gene does not have a translation enhancer sequence. To provide structural proteins for pseudovirion formation, a nonviable mutant construct, pSAG2.3L, which contains a Gly-to-Leu substitution at the - 2 position of the nsP3/4 cleavage site, was used as a helper. GFP was expressed up to 50 pg from 1 X 10(6) BHK21 cells after inoculation of pseudovirions. The C6/36 mosquito cell was also a suitable host for a large scale expression of GFP using pseudovirions. In addition to high-level transient expression, safeness of SAGV should give an advantage over other alphavirus expression vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Yamaguchi
- Graduate School of Agricultural Life Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
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37
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Atkins GJ, Sheahan BJ, Liljeström P. The molecular pathogenesis of Semliki Forest virus: a model virus made useful? J Gen Virol 1999; 80 ( Pt 9):2287-2297. [PMID: 10501479 DOI: 10.1099/0022-1317-80-9-2287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory J Atkins
- Department of Microbiology, Moyne Institute of Preventive Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland1
| | - Brian J Sheahan
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland2
| | - Peter Liljeström
- Department of Vaccine Research, Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control, S-171 82 Solna, Sweden4
- Microbiology and Tumorbiology Center, Karolinska Institute, S-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden3
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38
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Pushko P, Parker M, Ludwig GV, Davis NL, Johnston RE, Smith JF. Replicon-helper systems from attenuated Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus: expression of heterologous genes in vitro and immunization against heterologous pathogens in vivo. Virology 1997; 239:389-401. [PMID: 9434729 DOI: 10.1006/viro.1997.8878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 340] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A replicon vaccine vector system was developed from an attenuated strain of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEE). The replicon RNA consists of the cis-acting 5' and 3' ends of the VEE genome, the complete nonstructural protein gene region, and the subgenomic 26S promoter. The genes encoding the VEE structural proteins were replaced with the influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) or the Lassa virus nucleocapsid (N) gene, and upon transfection into eukaryotic cells by electroporation, these replicon RNAs directed the efficient, high-level synthesis of the HA or N proteins. For packaging of replicon RNAs into VEE replicon particles (VRP), the VEE capsid and glycoproteins were supplied in trans by expression from helper RNA(s) coelectroporated with the replicon. A number of different helper constructs, expressing the VEE structural proteins from a single or two separate helper RNAs, were derived from attenuated VEE strains Regeneration of infectious virus was not detected when replicons were packaged using a bipartite helper system encoding the VEE capsid protein and glycoproteins on two separate RNAs. Subcutaneous immunization of BALB/c mice with VRP expressing the influenza HA or Lassa virus N gene (HA-VRP or N-VRP, respectively) induced antibody responses to the expressed protein. After two inoculations of HA-VRP, complete protection against intranasal challenge with influenza was observed. Furthermore, sequential immunization of mice with two inoculations of N-VRP prior to two inoculations of HA-VRP induced an immune response to both HA and N equivalent to immunization with either VRP construct alone. Protection against influenza challenge was unaffected by previous N-VRP immunization. Therefore, the VEE replicon system was characterized by high-level expression of heterologous genes in cultured cells, little or no regeneration of plaque-forming virus particles, the capability for sequential immunization to multiple pathogens in the same host, and induction of protective immunity against a mucosal pathogen.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Viral/biosynthesis
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Antibody Specificity
- Capsid/biosynthesis
- Capsid/genetics
- Capsid/immunology
- Capsid Proteins
- Cell Line
- Chick Embryo
- Chlorocebus aethiops
- Cricetinae
- Defective Viruses/physiology
- Ducks
- Encephalitis Virus, Venezuelan Equine/genetics
- Encephalitis Virus, Venezuelan Equine/immunology
- Encephalitis Virus, Venezuelan Equine/physiology
- Fibroblasts
- Gene Expression Regulation, Viral
- Genetic Vectors/genetics
- Helper Viruses/physiology
- Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/biosynthesis
- Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/genetics
- Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/immunology
- Influenza A virus/genetics
- Influenza A virus/immunology
- Lassa virus/genetics
- Lassa virus/immunology
- Mesocricetus
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections/prevention & control
- RNA/genetics
- RNA, Viral/genetics
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/biosynthesis
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/immunology
- Replicon
- Vaccination
- Vaccines, Attenuated/immunology
- Vaccines, Combined/genetics
- Vaccines, Combined/immunology
- Vaccines, Synthetic/genetics
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
- Vero Cells
- Viral Structural Proteins/biosynthesis
- Viral Structural Proteins/genetics
- Viral Vaccines/genetics
- Viral Vaccines/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- P Pushko
- Virology Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA
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39
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Atkins GJ, Sheahan BJ, Liljeström P. Manipulation of the Semliki Forest virus genome and its potential for vaccine construction. Mol Biotechnol 1996; 5:33-8. [PMID: 8853014 DOI: 10.1007/bf02762410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The Semliki Forest virus (SFV) expression vector consists of a plasmid based on the SFV infectious clone. Foreign genes may be inserted into the structural coding region, transcribed as RNA, and expressed in cell culture after transfection. RNA containing inserted sequences may be packaged into virions using a helper systems. This allows efficient infection and expression without chemical transfection, but only one round of multiplication is possible. The biosafety of the system has been increased by the introduction of multiple mutations, specifying a maturation defect, into the helper. Potential vaccines can be constructed by insertion of genes coding for antigenic proteins into the vector. Following insertion of the influenza virus nucleoprotein (NP) into the SFV vector, immunity was induced following injection of packaged or naked RNA into mice. The SFV vector is a "suicide" expression vector that has great potential for the construction of vaccines for both human and veterinary use.
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Affiliation(s)
- G J Atkins
- Department of Microbiology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
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40
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Ben-Nathan D, Maestroni GJ, Lustig S, Conti A. Protective effects of melatonin in mice infected with encephalitis viruses. Arch Virol 1995; 140:223-30. [PMID: 7710351 DOI: 10.1007/bf01309858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
We examined the effect of the pineal neurohormone melatonin (MLT) on protection from viral encephalitis. The antiviral activity of MLT was evaluated in normal mice inoculated with Semliki Forest virus (SFV) and in stressed mice injected with the attenuated non-invasive West Nile virus (WN-25). Administration of MLT (s.c.) daily from 3 days before through 10 days after virus inoculation reduced viremia and significantly postponed the onset of disease and death by 7 to 10 days. Moreover, MLT injection reduced mortality of SFV (10 PFU) inoculated mice from 100% to 44%. In mice inoculated with high dose of SFV (100 PFU), MLT postponed death and reduced mortality by 20%. In all of the surviving mice anti-SFV antibodies were detected 22 days after virus inoculation. Infection of mice stressed by either isolation or dexamethasone injection with WN-25 induced mortality of 75% and 50% respectively, which was reduced by MLT administration to 31% and 25%, respectively. The efficiency of MLT in protecting from lethal viral infections warrants further investigations on its mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Ben-Nathan
- Department of Virology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona
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41
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Abstract
The alphaviruses are a genus of 26 enveloped viruses that cause disease in humans and domestic animals. Mosquitoes or other hematophagous arthropods serve as vectors for these viruses. The complete sequences of the +/- 11.7-kb plus-strand RNA genomes of eight alphaviruses have been determined, and partial sequences are known for several others; this has made possible evolutionary comparisons between different alphaviruses as well as comparisons of this group of viruses with other animal and plant viruses. Full-length cDNA clones from which infectious RNA can be recovered have been constructed for four alphaviruses; these clones have facilitated many molecular genetic studies as well as the development of these viruses as expression vectors. From these and studies involving biochemical approaches, many details of the replication cycle of the alphaviruses are known. The interactions of the viruses with host cells and host organisms have been exclusively studied, and the molecular basis of virulence and recovery from viral infection have been addressed in a large number of recent papers. The structure of the viruses has been determined to about 2.5 nm, making them the best-characterized enveloped virus to date. Because of the wealth of data that has appeared, these viruses represent a well-characterized system that tell us much about the evolution of RNA viruses, their replication, and their interactions with their hosts. This review summarizes our current knowledge of this group of viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Strauss
- Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena 91125
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42
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Abstract
DNA viruses and retroviruses are well established as vectors for the expression of heterologous genes, but there is increasing interest in the possibilities of using RNA viruses, which do not replicate through a DNA intermediate, for this purpose. This article summarizes some of the general properties of RNA viruses and concentrates on one class of RNA viruses--the alphaviruses--and their potential as expression vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Schlesinger
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110-1093
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43
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Abstract
Demyelination is a component of several viral diseases of humans. The best known of these are subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). There are a number of naturally occurring virus infections of animals that involve demyelination and many of these serve as instructive models for human demyelinating diseases. In addition to the naturally occurring diseases, many viruses have been shown to be capable of producing demyelination in experimental situations. In discussing virus-associated demyelinating disease, the chapter reviews the architecture and functional organization of the CNS and considers what is known of the interaction of viruses with CNS cells. It also discusses the immunology of the CNS that differs in several important aspects from that of the rest of the body. Experimental models of viral-induced demyelination have also been considered. Viruses capable of producing demyelinating disease have no common taxonomic features; they include both DNA and RNA viruses, enveloped and nonenveloped viruses. The chapter attempts to summarize the important factors influencing viral demyelination, their common features, and possible mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K Fazakerley
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, England
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44
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Kaluza G, Lell G, Reinacher M, Stitz L, Willems WR. Neurogenic spread of Semliki Forest virus in mice. Arch Virol 1987; 93:97-110. [PMID: 2434064 DOI: 10.1007/bf01313896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
We present evidence that in SFV-infected mice the virus invades the brain via nervous tracts, and that in the early stage of infection of the brain itself dissemination is restricted to neurons. After intranasal (i.n.) application, migration along the neuronal route appeared to be the principle mechanism of spread irrespective of the virulence of the strain used. After subcutaneous (s.c.) infection, neuronal spread could also be demonstrated, however the pattern and time course of brain invasion were different. The LD50 of strain Hd depended significantly on the route of virus application: compared with the i.n. route, its value increased after s.c. infection. This increase was correlated with high plasma interferon induction and natural killer cell activation. In contrast, these activities were virtually absent during the early course after i.n. infection.
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