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Pollard KJ, Traina-Dorge V, Medearis SM, Bosak A, Bix GJ, Moore MJ, Piedimonte G. Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infects Peripheral and Spinal Nerves and Induces Chemokine-Mediated Neuropathy. J Infect Dis 2024; 230:467-479. [PMID: 38135285 PMCID: PMC11326824 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad596] [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: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) primarily infects the respiratory epithelium, but growing evidence suggests that it may also be responsible for neurologic sequelae. In 3-dimensional microphysiologic peripheral nerve cultures, RSV infected neurons, macrophages, and dendritic cells along 2 distinct trajectories depending on the initial viral load. Low-level infection was transient, primarily involved macrophages, and induced moderate chemokine release with transient neural hypersensitivity. Infection with higher viral loads was persistent, infected neuronal cells in addition to monocytes, and induced robust chemokine release followed by progressive neurotoxicity. In spinal cord cultures, RSV infected microglia and dendritic cells but not neurons, producing a moderate chemokine expression pattern. The persistence of infection was variable but could be identified in dendritic cells as long as 30 days postinoculation. This study suggests that RSV can disrupt neuronal function directly through infection of peripheral neurons and indirectly through infection of resident monocytes and that inflammatory chemokines likely mediate both mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vicki Traina-Dorge
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans
- Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington
| | - Stephen M Medearis
- Department of Pediatrics
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
| | | | - Gregory J Bix
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Center
- Department of Neurosurgery
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University
| | - Michael J Moore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University
- Axosim, Inc, New Orleans, Louisiana
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2
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Cheng WH, Chang PL, Wu YC, Wang SA, Chen CL, Hsu FL, Neoh MM, Lin LY, Yuliani FS, Lin CH, Chen BC. Neutralization of CX3CL1 Attenuates TGF-β-Induced Fibroblast Differentiation Through NF-κB Activation and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Airway Fibrosis. Lung 2024; 202:343-356. [PMID: 38678499 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-024-00701-6] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe asthma, characterized by inflammation and airway remodeling, involves fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblasts expressing α-SMA. This process leads to the production of fibronectin and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), driven by factors such as transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. Furthermore, the persistent presence of myofibroblasts is associated with resistance to apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. The chemokine (C-X3-C motif) ligand 1 (CX3CL1) plays a role in tissue fibrosis. However, it is currently unknown whether neutralization of CX3CL1 decreases TGF-β-induced fibroblast differentiation and mitochondrial dysfunction in normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLFs). METHODS CX3CL1/C-X3-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1), CX3CL1 was analyzed by immunofluorescence (IF) or immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of ovalbumin-challenged mice. CX3CL1 release was detected by ELISA. TGF-β-induced CTGF, fibronectin, and α-SMA expression were evaluated in NHLFs following neutralization of CX3CL1 (TP213) treatment for the indicated times by Western blotting or IF staining. Mitochondrion function was detected by a JC-1 assay and seahorse assay. Cell apoptosis was observed by a terminal uridine nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. RESULTS An increase in CX3CL1 expression was observed in lung tissues from mice with ovalbumin-induced asthma by IF staining. CX3CR1 was increased in the subepithelial layer of the airway by IHC staining. Moreover, CX3CR1 small interfering (si)RNA downregulated TGF-β-induced CTGF and fibronectin expression in NHLFs. CX3CL1 induced CTGF and fibronectin expression in NHLFs. TGF-β-induced CX3CL1 secretion from NHLFs. Furthermore, TP213 decreased TGF-β-induced CTGF, fibronectin, and α-SMA expression in NHLFs. Mitochondrion-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were examined after CX3CL1 neutralization in TGF-β-treated NHLFs. TP213 alleviated TGF-β-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis resistance in NHLFs. CX3CL1 induced p65, IκBα, and IKKα phosphorylation in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, CX3CL1-induced fibronectin expression and JC-1 monomer were decreased by p65 siRNA. TP213 reduced TGF-β-induced p65 and α-SMA expression in NHLFs. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that neutralizing CX3CL1 attenuates lung fibroblast activation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Understanding the impacts of CX3CL1 neutralization on fibroblast mitochondrial function could contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies for managing airway remodeling in severe asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wun-Hao Cheng
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Respiratory Therapy, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Thoracic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pao-Lung Chang
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chih Wu
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Division of Thoracic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shao-An Wang
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Division of Thoracic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ling Chen
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Division of Thoracic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Lin Hsu
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Mei-May Neoh
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Lee-Yuan Lin
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fara Silvia Yuliani
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Chien-Huang Lin
- Division of Thoracic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
| | - Bing-Chang Chen
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
- Division of Thoracic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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3
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Zhang C, Zhang Y, Zhuang R, Yang K, Chen L, Jin B, Ma Y, Zhang Y, Tang K. Alterations in CX3CL1 Levels and Its Role in Viral Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4451. [PMID: 38674036 PMCID: PMC11050295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084451] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
CX3CL1, also named fractalkine or neurotactin, is the only known member of the CX3C chemokine family that can chemoattract several immune cells. CX3CL1 exists in both membrane-anchored and soluble forms, with each mediating distinct biological activities. CX3CL1 signals are transmitted through its unique receptor, CX3CR1, primarily expressed in the microglia of the central nervous system (CNS). In the CNS, CX3CL1 acts as a regulator of microglia activation in response to brain disorders or inflammation. Recently, there has been a growing interest in the role of CX3CL1 in regulating cell adhesion, chemotaxis, and host immune response in viral infection. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the changes and function of CX3CL1 in various viral infections, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, to highlight the emerging roles of CX3CL1 in viral infection and associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yun Zhang
- Department of Immunology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (C.Z.); (Y.Z.); (R.Z.); (K.Y.); (L.C.); (B.J.); (Y.M.)
| | - Kang Tang
- Department of Immunology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (C.Z.); (Y.Z.); (R.Z.); (K.Y.); (L.C.); (B.J.); (Y.M.)
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4
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Sake SM, Zhang X, Rajak MK, Urbanek-Quaing M, Carpentier A, Gunesch AP, Grethe C, Matthaei A, Rückert J, Galloux M, Larcher T, Le Goffic R, Hontonnou F, Chatterjee AK, Johnson K, Morwood K, Rox K, Elgaher WAM, Huang J, Wetzke M, Hansen G, Fischer N, Eléouët JF, Rameix-Welti MA, Hirsch AKH, Herold E, Empting M, Lauber C, Schulz TF, Krey T, Haid S, Pietschmann T. Drug repurposing screen identifies lonafarnib as respiratory syncytial virus fusion protein inhibitor. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1173. [PMID: 38332002 PMCID: PMC10853176 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45241-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection in infants, older adults and the immunocompromised. Effective directly acting antivirals are not yet available for clinical use. To address this, we screen the ReFRAME drug-repurposing library consisting of 12,000 small molecules against RSV. We identify 21 primary candidates including RSV F and N protein inhibitors, five HSP90 and four IMPDH inhibitors. We select lonafarnib, a licensed farnesyltransferase inhibitor, and phase III candidate for hepatitis delta virus (HDV) therapy, for further follow-up. Dose-response analyses and plaque assays confirm the antiviral activity (IC50: 10-118 nM). Passaging of RSV with lonafarnib selects for phenotypic resistance and fixation of mutations in the RSV fusion protein (T335I and T400A). Lentiviral pseudotypes programmed with variant RSV fusion proteins confirm that lonafarnib inhibits RSV cell entry and that these mutations confer lonafarnib resistance. Surface plasmon resonance reveals RSV fusion protein binding of lonafarnib and co-crystallography identifies the lonafarnib binding site within RSV F. Oral administration of lonafarnib dose-dependently reduces RSV virus load in a murine infection model using female mice. Collectively, this work provides an overview of RSV drug repurposing candidates and establishes lonafarnib as a bona fide fusion protein inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja M Sake
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Manoj Kumar Rajak
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Center of Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Melanie Urbanek-Quaing
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Arnaud Carpentier
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Antonia P Gunesch
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christina Grethe
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alina Matthaei
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jessica Rückert
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marie Galloux
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UVSQ, VIM, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Ronan Le Goffic
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UVSQ, VIM, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Katharina Rox
- Department of Chemical Biology, Helmholtz Center of Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research, Partner site Braunschweig-Hannover, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Walid A M Elgaher
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)-HZI, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jiabin Huang
- Insitute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Wetzke
- Department for Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research, Partner Site Hannover, BREATH, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gesine Hansen
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department for Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research, Partner Site Hannover, BREATH, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nicole Fischer
- Insitute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Marie-Anne Rameix-Welti
- Université Paris-Saclay, Université de Versailles St. Quentin; UMR 1173 (2I), INSERM; Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Ambroise Paré, Laboratoire de Microbiologie, DMU15, Versailles, France
| | - Anna K H Hirsch
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)-HZI, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-infectives, HZI, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Herold
- Center of Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Martin Empting
- German Centre for Infection Research, Partner site Braunschweig-Hannover, Braunschweig, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)-HZI, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Chris Lauber
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas F Schulz
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research, Partner site Braunschweig-Hannover, Braunschweig, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Krey
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Center of Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel-Riems, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Sibylle Haid
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Thomas Pietschmann
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany.
- German Centre for Infection Research, Partner site Braunschweig-Hannover, Braunschweig, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
- Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-infectives, HZI, Braunschweig, Germany.
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5
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Faivre N, Verollet C, Dumas F. The chemokine receptor CCR5: multi-faceted hook for HIV-1. Retrovirology 2024; 21:2. [PMID: 38263120 PMCID: PMC10807162 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-024-00634-1] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemokines are cytokines whose primary role is cellular activation and stimulation of leukocyte migration. They perform their various functions by interacting with G protein-coupled cell surface receptors (GPCRs) and are involved in the regulation of many biological processes such as apoptosis, proliferation, angiogenesis, hematopoiesis or organogenesis. They contribute to the maintenance of the homeostasis of lymphocytes and coordinate the function of the immune system. However, chemokines and their receptors are sometimes hijacked by some pathogens to infect the host organism. For a given chemokine receptor, there is a wide structural, organizational and conformational diversity. In this review, we describe the evidence for structural variety reported for the chemokine receptor CCR5, how this variability can be exploited by HIV-1 to infect its target cells and what therapeutic solutions are currently being developed to overcome this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natacha Faivre
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UPS), Toulouse, France
- International Research Laboratory (IRP) CNRS "IM-TB/HIV", Toulouse, France
- International Research Laboratory (IRP) CNRS "IM-TB/HIV", Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Christel Verollet
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UPS), Toulouse, France
- International Research Laboratory (IRP) CNRS "IM-TB/HIV", Toulouse, France
- International Research Laboratory (IRP) CNRS "IM-TB/HIV", Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fabrice Dumas
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UPS), Toulouse, France.
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6
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Agac A, Kolbe SM, Ludlow M, Osterhaus ADME, Meineke R, Rimmelzwaan GF. Host Responses to Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection. Viruses 2023; 15:1999. [PMID: 37896776 PMCID: PMC10611157 DOI: 10.3390/v15101999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections are a constant public health problem, especially in infants and older adults. Virtually all children will have been infected with RSV by the age of two, and reinfections are common throughout life. Since antigenic variation, which is frequently observed among other respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 or influenza viruses, can only be observed for RSV to a limited extent, reinfections may result from short-term or incomplete immunity. After decades of research, two RSV vaccines were approved to prevent lower respiratory tract infections in older adults. Recently, the FDA approved a vaccine for active vaccination of pregnant women to prevent severe RSV disease in infants during their first RSV season. This review focuses on the host response to RSV infections mediated by epithelial cells as the first physical barrier, followed by responses of the innate and adaptive immune systems. We address possible RSV-mediated immunomodulatory and pathogenic mechanisms during infections and discuss the current vaccine candidates and alternative treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Guus F. Rimmelzwaan
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (A.A.); (S.M.K.); (M.L.); (A.D.M.E.O.); (R.M.)
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7
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Bergeron HC, Murray J, Juarez MG, Nangle SJ, DuBois RM, Tripp RA. Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of an RSV G S177Q central conserved domain nanoparticle vaccine. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1215323. [PMID: 37457705 PMCID: PMC10338877 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1215323] [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: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause lower respiratory tract disease in infants and elderly populations. Despite decades of research, there remains no safe and approved RSV vaccine. Previously, we showed that an RSV G glycoprotein subunit vaccine candidate with a single point mutation within the central conserved domain (CCD), i.e. S177Q, considerably improved immunogenicity. Methods Here, we examine the development of nanoparticle (NP) vaccines having either an RSV G protein CCD with wild-type sequence (NPWT) or an S177Q mutation (NP-S177Q). The NP vaccine immunogens were adjuvanted with monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA), a TLR4 agonist to improve Th1- type responses. BALB/c mice were primed with 10 μg of NP-WT vaccine, NPS177Q, or vehicle, rested, and then boosted with a high (25 μg) or low (10 μg) dose of the NP-WT or NP-S177Q homologous candidate and subsequently challenged with RSV A2. Results The results showed that mice boosted with NP-S177Q developed superior immunogenicity and neutralizing antibodies compared to NP-WT boosting. IgG from either NP-S177Q or NP-WT vaccinated mice did not interfere with fractalkine (CX3CL1) binding to CX3CR1 and effectively blocked G protein CX3C-CX3CR1 binding. Both NP-WT and NP-S177Q vaccination induced similar neutralizing antibodies to RSV in challenged mice compared to vehicle control. NP-S177Q boosting improved correlates of protection including reduced BAL cell infiltration following RSV challenge. However, the NP vaccine platform will require improvement due to the poor solubility and the unexpectedly weaker Th1-type IgG2a response. Discussion The results from this study support further NP-S177Q vaccine candidate development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison C. Bergeron
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Jackelyn Murray
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Maria G. Juarez
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
| | - Samuel J. Nangle
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
| | - Rebecca M. DuBois
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
| | - Ralph A. Tripp
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
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8
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Blanco JCG, Cullen LM, Kamali A, Sylla FYD, Boukhvalova MS, Morrison TG. Development of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine Candidates for the Elderly. Viruses 2023; 15:1305. [PMID: 37376605 PMCID: PMC10304043 DOI: 10.3390/v15061305] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a significant threat to elderly populations and repeated infections that occur throughout life are poorly protective. To assess the role of prior RSV infections as well as elderly immune senescence on vaccine efficacy, we compared immune responses after virus-like particle (VLP) immunization of elderly cotton rats and young cotton rats, both previously RSV infected, in order to mimic the human population. We show that immunization of RSV-experienced young or elderly animals resulted in the same levels of anti-pre-F IgG, anti-G IgG, neutralizing antibody titers, and protection from challenge indicating that the delivery of F and G proteins in a VLP is equally effective in activation of protective responses in both elderly and young populations. Our results suggest that F and G protein-containing VLPs induce anti-RSV memory established in prior RSV infections equally well in both young and elderly animals and thus can be an effective vaccine for the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lori M. Cullen
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Arash Kamali
- Sigmovir Biosystems Inc., Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | | | | | - Trudy G. Morrison
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
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Bergeron HC, Murray J, Arora A, Nuñez Castrejon AM, DuBois RM, Anderson LJ, Kauvar LM, Tripp RA. Immune Prophylaxis Targeting the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) G Protein. Viruses 2023; 15:1067. [PMID: 37243153 PMCID: PMC10221658 DOI: 10.3390/v15051067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes significant respiratory disease in young infants and the elderly. Immune prophylaxis in infants is currently limited to palivizumab, an anti-RSV fusion (F) protein monoclonal antibody (mAb). While anti-F protein mAbs neutralize RSV, they are unable to prevent aberrant pathogenic responses provoked by the RSV attachment (G) protein. Recently, the co-crystal structures of two high-affinity anti-G protein mAbs that bind the central conserved domain (CCD) at distinct non-overlapping epitopes were solved. mAbs 3D3 and 2D10 are broadly neutralizing and block G protein CX3C-mediated chemotaxis by binding antigenic sites γ1 and γ2, respectively, which is known to reduce RSV disease. Previous studies have established 3D3 as a potential immunoprophylactic and therapeutic; however, there has been no similar evaluation of 2D10 available. Here, we sought to determine the differences in neutralization and immunity to RSV Line19F infection which recapitulates human RSV infection in mouse models making it useful for therapeutic antibody studies. Prophylactic (24 h prior to infection) or therapeutic (72 h post-infection) treatment of mice with 3D3, 2D10, or palivizumab were compared to isotype control antibody treatment. The results show that 2D10 can neutralize RSV Line19F both prophylactically and therapeutically, and can reduce disease-causing immune responses in a prophylactic but not therapeutic context. In contrast, 3D3 was able to significantly (p < 0.05) reduce lung virus titers and IL-13 in a prophylactic and therapeutic regimen suggesting subtle but important differences in immune responses to RSV infection with mAbs that bind distinct epitopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison C. Bergeron
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Jackelyn Murray
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Aakash Arora
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Ana M. Nuñez Castrejon
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA; (A.M.N.C.)
| | - Rebecca M. DuBois
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA; (A.M.N.C.)
| | - Larry J. Anderson
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | | | - Ralph A. Tripp
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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McGinnes Cullen L, Luo B, Wen Z, Zhang L, Durr E, Morrison TG. The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) G Protein Enhances the Immune Responses to the RSV F Protein in an Enveloped Virus-Like Particle Vaccine Candidate. J Virol 2023; 97:e0190022. [PMID: 36602367 PMCID: PMC9888267 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01900-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a serious human respiratory pathogen, but no RSV vaccine has been licensed. Many vaccine candidates are focused on the viral F protein since the F protein is more conserved than the viral G protein across RSV strains and serotypes; thus, the F protein is thought more likely to induce a broader range of protection from infection. However, it is the G protein that binds the likely receptor, CX3CR1, in lung ciliated epithelial cells, raising the question of the importance of the G protein in vaccine candidates. Using virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine candidates, we have directly compared VLPs containing only the prefusion F protein (pre-F), only the G protein, or both glycoproteins. We report that VLPs containing both glycoproteins bind to anti-F-protein-specific monoclonal antibodies differently than do VLPs containing only the prefusion F protein. In RSV-naive cotton rats, VLPs assembled with only the pre-F protein stimulated extremely weak neutralizing antibody (NAb) titers, as did VLPs assembled with G protein. However, VLPs assembled with both glycoproteins stimulated quite robust neutralizing antibody titers, induced improved protection of the animals from RSV challenge compared to pre-F VLPs, and induced significantly higher levels of antibodies specific for F protein antigenic site 0, site III, and the AM14 binding site than did VLPs containing only the pre-F protein. These results indicate that assembly of pre-F protein with G protein in VLPs further stabilized the prefusion conformation or otherwise altered the conformation of the F protein, increasing the induction of protective antibodies. IMPORTANCE Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) results in significant disease in infants, young children, and the elderly. Thus, development of an effective vaccine for these populations is a priority. Most ongoing efforts in RSV vaccine development have focused on the viral fusion (F) protein; however, the importance of the inclusion of G in vaccine candidates is unclear. Here, using virus-like particles (VLPs) assembled with only the F protein, only the G protein, or both glycoproteins, we show that VLPs assembled with both glycoproteins are a far superior vaccine in a cotton rat model compared with VLPs containing only F protein or only G protein. The results show that the presence of G protein in the VLPs influences the conformation of the F protein and the immune responses to F protein, resulting in significantly higher neutralizing antibody titers and better protection from RSV challenge. These results suggest that inclusion of G protein in a vaccine candidate may improve its effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori McGinnes Cullen
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, Program in Immunology and Microbiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bin Luo
- Pharmacology, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Zhiyun Wen
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lan Zhang
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Eberhard Durr
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Trudy G. Morrison
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, Program in Immunology and Microbiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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Bergeron HC, Kauvar LM, Tripp RA. Anti-G protein antibodies targeting the RSV G protein CX3C chemokine region improve the interferon response. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2023; 10:20499361231161157. [PMID: 36938145 PMCID: PMC10017941 DOI: 10.1177/20499361231161157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a poor inducer of antiviral interferon (IFN) responses which result in incomplete immunity and RSV disease. Several RSV proteins alter antiviral responses, including the non-structural proteins (NS1, NS2) and the major viral surface proteins, that is, fusion (F) and attachment (G) proteins. The G protein modifies the host immune response to infection linked in part through a CX3 C chemokine motif. Anti-G protein monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), that is, clones 3D3 and 2D10 that target the G protein CX3C chemokine motif can neutralize RSV and inhibit G protein-CX3CR1 mediated chemotaxis. Objectives Determine how monoclonal antibodies against the RSV F and G proteins modify the type I and III IFN responses to RSV infection. Design As the G protein CX3 C motif is implicated in IFN antagonism, we evaluated two mAbs that block G protein CX3C-CX3CR1 interaction and compared responses to isotype mAb control using a functional cellular assay and mouse model. Methods Mouse lung epithelial cells (MLE-15 cells) and BALB/c mice were infected with RSV Line19 F following prophylactic mAb treatment. Cell supernatant or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were assayed for types I and III IFNs. Cells were interrogated for changes in IFN-related gene expression. Results Treatment with an anti-G protein mAb (3D3) resulted in improved IFN responses compared with isotype control following infection with RSV, partially independently of neutralization, and this was linked to upregulated SOCS1 expression. Conclusions These findings show that anti-G protein antibodies improve the protective early antiviral response, which has important implications for vaccine and therapeutic design. Plain Language Summary RSV is a leading cause of respiratory disease in infants and the elderly. The only Food and Drug Administration-approved prophylactic treatment is limited to an anti-F protein monoclonal antibody (mAb), that is, palivizumab which has modest efficacy against RSV disease. Accumulating evidence suggests that targeting the RSV attachment (G) protein may provide improved protection from RSV disease. It is known that the G protein is an IFN antagonist, and IFN has been shown to be protective against RSV disease. In this study, we compared IFN responses in mouse lung epithelial (MLE-15) cells and in mice infected with RSV Line19 F treated with anti-G protein or anti-F protein mAbs. The levels of type I and III IFNs were determined. Anti-G protein mAbs improved the levels of IFNs compared with isotype-treated controls. These findings support the concept that anti-G protein mAbs mediate improved IFN responses against RSV disease, which may enable improved treatment of RSV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison C. Bergeron
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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12
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Brakel KA, Ma Y, Binjawadagi R, Harder O, Watts M, Li J, Binjawadagi B, Niewiesk S. Codon-optimization of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) G protein expressed in a vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) vector improves immune responses in a cotton rat model. Virology 2022; 575:101-110. [PMID: 36096069 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2022.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus is an important cause of pneumonia in children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. The attachment (G) protein of RSV generates neutralizing antibodies in natural RSV infection which correlate with protection against disease. The immune response to RSV is typically short-lived, which may be related to the heavy glycosylation of RSV-G. In order to improve its immunogenicity, we expressed G protein mutants in a vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) vector system and tested their ability to protect cotton rats from RSV challenge. We found that the most protective construct was codon-optimized RSV-G, followed by wild-type G and membrane-bound G. Constructs which expressed the G protein with reduced glycosylation or the secreted G protein provided either partial or no protection. Our results demonstrate that modifications to the G protein are not advantageous in a VSV vector system, and that an intact, codon-optimized G is a superior vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey A Brakel
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Yuanmei Ma
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Rashmi Binjawadagi
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Olivia Harder
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Mauria Watts
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jianrong Li
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Basavaraj Binjawadagi
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; Ceva Sante Animale, Lenexa, KS, United States
| | - Stefan Niewiesk
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.
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Feng Z, Xu L, Xie Z. Receptors for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection and Host Factors Regulating the Life Cycle of Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:858629. [PMID: 35281439 PMCID: PMC8913501 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.858629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of lower respiratory tract infections and responsible for a large proportion of mortality in children and the elderly. There are no licensed vaccines available to date. Prophylaxis and therapeutic RSV-specific antibodies are limited to populations at high risk owing to high cost and uncertain clinical value. Receptors and host factors are two determinants important for virus entry and establishment of infection in vivo. The identification and understanding of viral receptors and host factors can help us to gain insight into the pathogenesis of RSV infection. Herein, we reviewed receptors and host factors that have been reported thus far. RSV could bind to CX3C chemokine receptor 1 and heparan sulfate proteoglycans via the G protein, and to nucleolin, insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor, epidermal growth factor, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 via the F protein. Seven host restriction factors and 13 host factors essential for RSV infection were reviewed. We characterized the functions and their roles in the life cycle of RSV, trying to provide an update on the information of RSV-related receptors and host factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziheng Feng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Infection Diseases, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, National Key Discipline of Pediatrics (Capital Medical University), Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Critical Infection in Children, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Infection Diseases, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, National Key Discipline of Pediatrics (Capital Medical University), Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Critical Infection in Children, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Lili Xu,
| | - Zhengde Xie
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Infection Diseases, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, National Key Discipline of Pediatrics (Capital Medical University), Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Critical Infection in Children, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Immunopathology of RSV: An Updated Review. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122478. [PMID: 34960746 PMCID: PMC8703574 DOI: 10.3390/v13122478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
RSV is a leading cause of respiratory tract disease in infants and the elderly. RSV has limited therapeutic interventions and no FDA-approved vaccine. Gaps in our understanding of virus-host interactions and immunity contribute to the lack of biological countermeasures. This review updates the current understanding of RSV immunity and immunopathology with a focus on interferon responses, animal modeling, and correlates of protection.
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