The paramyxoviruses simian virus 5 and mumps virus recruit host cell CD46 to evade complement-mediated neutralization

CD46 inhibits the replication of swine influenza viruses by promoting the production of type I IFNs in PK-15 cells

Swine flu caused by swine influenza A virus (swIAV) is an acute respiratory viral disease that is spreading in swine herds worldwide. Although the effect of some host factors on replication of swIAV has been identified, the role of CD46 in this process is unclear. Here, we report that CD46 inhibits the replication of swIAV by promoting the production of type I interferons (IFNs) in porcine kidney (PK-15) cells. CD46 knockout (CD46-KO) and stably expressing (CD46-overexpression) PK-15 cells were prepared using lentivirus-mediated CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and seamless cloning technology. The results of virus infection in CD46-overexpression PK-15 cells showed that the replication of H1N1 and H3N2 swIAVs were inhibited, and the production of type I IFNs (IFN-α, IFN-β), interferon regulatory factor (IRF) 3, and mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS) was enhanced. Virus infection in CD46-KO PK-15 cells showed the opposite results. Further results showed that CD46-KO PK-15 cells have a favorable ability to proliferate influenza viruses compared to Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) and PK-15 cells. These findings indicate that CD46 acts as promising target regulating the replication of swIAV, and help to develop new agents against infection and replication of the virus.

How much (evil) intelligence can be encoded by 30 kb?

Genomes of most RNA viruses are rarely larger than the size of an average human gene (10-15 kb) and still code for a number of biologically active polypeptides that modify the immune system and metabolism of the host organism in an amazingly complex way. Prolonged coevolution developed tricks by which viruses can dodge many protective mechanisms of the host and lead to the formation of molecular mimicry patterns. Some viruses inhibit the interferon response, interfere with the membrane destroying effects of the activated complement cascade. They can replicate in cellular compartments formed by inner membranes of the cell hiding their characteristic features from diverse pattern recognition receptors. In many cases-and in this respect, the new coronavirus is a champion-they can exploit our own defensive mechanisms to cause serious harm, severe symptoms and frequently deadly disease.

Complement Inhibitors Vitronectin and Clusterin Are Recruited from Human Serum to the Surface of Coronavirus OC43-Infected Lung Cells through Antibody-Dependent Mechanisms

Little is known about the role of complement (C’) in infections with highly prevalent circulating human coronaviruses such as OC43, a group of viruses of major public health concern. Treatment of OC43-infected human lung cells with human serum resulted in C3 deposition on their surfaces and generation of C5a, indicating robust C’ activation. Real-time cell viability assays showed that in vitro C’-mediated lysis of OC43 infected cells requires C3, C5 and C6 but not C7, and was substantially delayed as compared to rapid C’-mediated killing of parainfluenza virus type 5 (PIV5)-infected cells. In cells co-infected with OC43 and PIV5, C’-mediated lysis was delayed, similar to OC43 infected cells alone, suggesting that OC43 infection induced dominant inhibitory signals. When OC43-infected cells were treated with human serum, their cell surfaces contained both Vitronectin (VN) and Clusterin (CLU), two host cell C’ inhibitors that can alter membrane attack complex (MAC) formation and C’-mediated killing. VN and CLU were not bound to OC43-infected cells after treatment with antibody-depleted serum. Reconstitution experiments with purified IgG and VN showed that human antibodies are both necessary and sufficient for VN recruitment to OC43-infected lung cells–novel findings with implications for CoV pathogenesis.

Incorporation of CD55 into the Zika Viral Envelope Contributes to Its Stability against Human Complement

The rapid spread of the virus in Latin America and the association of the infection with microcephaly in newborns or Guillain–Barré Syndrome in adults prompted the WHO to declare the Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic to be an international public health emergency in 2016. As the virus was first discovered in monkeys and is spread not only by mosquitos but also from human to human, we investigated the stability to the human complement of ZIKV derived from mosquito (ZIKVInsect), monkey (ZIKVVero), or human cells (ZIKVA549 and ZIKVFibro), respectively. At a low serum concentration (10%), which refers to complement concentrations found on mucosal surfaces, the virus was relatively stable at 37 °C. At higher complement levels (up to 50% serum concentration), ZIKV titers differed significantly depending on the cell line used for the propagation of the virus. While the viral titer of ZIKVInsect decreased about two orders in magnitude, when incubated with human serum, the virus derived from human cells was more resistant to complement-mediated lysis (CML). By virus-capture assay and Western blots, the complement regulator protein CD55 was identified to be incorporated into the viral envelope. Blocking of CD55 by neutralizing Abs significantly increased the sensitivity to human complement. Taken together, these data indicate that the incorporation of CD55 from human cells contributes to the stability of ZIKV against complement-mediated virolysis.

Functional Dissection of the Dominant Role of CD55 in Protecting Vesicular Stomatitis Virus against Complement-Mediated Neutralization

The human complement system is an important part of the innate immune system. Its effector pathways largely mediate virus neutralization. Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) activates the classical pathway of the complement, leading to virus neutralization by lysis. Two host-derived membrane-associated regulators of complement activation (RCA), CD55 and CD46, which are incorporated into the VSV envelope during egress, confer protection by delaying/resisting complement-mediated neutralization. We showed previously that CD55 is more effective than CD46 in the inhibition of neutralization. In this study, we identified that, at the protein level, VSV infection resulted in the down-regulation of CD46 but not CD55. The mRNA of both the RCAs was significantly down-regulated by VSV, but it was delayed in the case of CD55. The immunoblot analysis of the levels of RCAs in the progeny virion harvested at three specific time intervals, points to an equal ratio of its distribution relative to viral proteins. Besides reconfirming the dominant role of CD55 over CD46 in shielding VSV from complement, our results also highlight the importance of the subtle modulation in the expression pattern of RCAs in a system naturally expressing them.

Enhancement of infectivity of insect cell-derived La Crosse Virus by human serum

Given the dual life cycle of arboviruses in insect and animal hosts and the importance of serum factors as a first line antiviral defense, we have examined the outcome of interactions between the arbovirus La Crosse Virus (LACV) and human serum. To mimic the life cycle between species, we used LACV derived from insect (I-LACV) and human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. Incubation of I-LACV with normal human serum did not result in neutralization, but instead stabilized I-LACV virions and enhanced the amount of infectious virus. Enhanced infectivity was also seen with heat-inactivated serum devoid of complement activity and with serum from a range of animals including mouse, ferret, and non-human primates. Depletion of antibodies from serum resulted in loss of enhancement of infectivity and sucrose gradient sedimentation assays showed IgG co-sedimenting with I-LACV particles. In agreement with our results with I-LACV, HaCaT-derived LACV was not neutralized by complement or antibodies in normal human serum. However, in contrast to I-LACV, HaCaT-derived LACV infectivity was stable when incubated alone and treatment with serum did not enhance infectivity. Our results indicate that LACV derived from insect cells differs substantially from virus derived from human cells, with I-LACV being dependent on serum factors to enhance infectivity. These findings suggest that understanding differential composition of insect versus animal cell-derived LACV may form the foundation for potential new antiviral approaches.

In the Crosshairs: RNA Viruses OR Complement?

Complement, a part of the innate arm of the immune system, is integral to the frontline defense of the host against innumerable pathogens, which includes RNA viruses. Among the major groups of viruses, RNA viruses contribute significantly to the global mortality and morbidity index associated with viral infection. Despite multiple routes of entry adopted by these viruses, facing complement is inevitable. The initial interaction with complement and the nature of this interaction play an important role in determining host resistance versus susceptibility to the viral infection. Many RNA viruses are potent activators of complement, often resulting in virus neutralization. Yet, another facet of virus-induced activation is the exacerbation in pathogenesis contributing to the overall morbidity. The severity in disease and death associated with RNA virus infections shows a tip in the scale favoring viruses. Growing evidence suggest that like their DNA counterparts, RNA viruses have co-evolved to master ingenious strategies to remarkably restrict complement. Modulation of host genes involved in antiviral responses contributed prominently to the adoption of unique strategies to keep complement at bay, which included either down regulation of activation components (C3, C4) or up regulation of complement regulatory proteins. All this hints at a possible “hijacking” of the cross-talk mechanism of the host immune system. Enveloped RNA viruses have a selective advantage of not only modulating the host responses but also recruiting membrane-associated regulators of complement activation (RCAs). This review aims to highlight the significant progress in the understanding of RNA virus–complement interactions.

Viral Evasion of the Complement System and Its Importance for Vaccines and Therapeutics

The complement system is a key component of innate immunity which readily responds to invading microorganisms. Activation of the complement system typically occurs via three main pathways and can induce various antimicrobial effects, including: neutralization of pathogens, regulation of inflammatory responses, promotion of chemotaxis, and enhancement of the adaptive immune response. These can be vital host responses to protect against acute, chronic, and recurrent viral infections. Consequently, many viruses (including dengue virus, West Nile virus and Nipah virus) have evolved mechanisms for evasion or dysregulation of the complement system to enhance viral infectivity and even exacerbate disease symptoms. The complement system has multifaceted roles in both innate and adaptive immunity, with both intracellular and extracellular functions, that can be relevant to all stages of viral infection. A better understanding of this virus-host interplay and its contribution to pathogenesis has previously led to: the identification of genetic factors which influence viral infection and disease outcome, the development of novel antivirals, and the production of safer, more effective vaccines. This review will discuss the antiviral effects of the complement system against numerous viruses, the mechanisms employed by these viruses to then evade or manipulate this system, and how these interactions have informed vaccine/therapeutic development. Where relevant, conflicting findings and current research gaps are highlighted to aid future developments in virology and immunology, with potential applications to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

A Factor I-Like Activity Associated with Chikungunya Virus Contributes to Its Resistance to the Human Complement System

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an emerging pathogen capable of causing explosive outbreaks. Prior studies showed that exacerbation in arthritogenic alphavirus-induced pathogenesis is attributed to its interaction with multiple immune components, including the complement system. Viremia concomitant to CHIKV infection makes exposure of the virus to complement unavoidable, yet very little is known about CHIKV-complement interactions. Here, we show that CHIKV activated serum complement to modest levels in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, but the virus effectively resisted complement-mediated neutralization. Heat-inactivated serum from seropositive donors could actively neutralize CHIKV due to the presence of potent anti-CHIKV antibodies. Deposition of key complement components C3 and C4 did not alter the resistance of CHIKV to complement. Further, we identified a factor I-like activity in CHIKV that limited complement by inactivating C3b into inactive C3b (iC3b), the complement component known to significantly contribute to disease severity in vivo, but this activity had no effect on C4b. Inactivation of C3b by CHIKV was largely dependent on the concentration of the soluble host cofactor factor H and the virus concentration. A factor I function-blocking antibody had only a negligible effect on the factor I-like activity associated with CHIKV, suggesting that this activity is independent of host factor I and could be of viral origin. Thus, our findings suggest a complement modulatory action of CHIKV which not only helps the virus to evade human complement but may also have implications in alphavirus-induced arthritogenic symptoms.IMPORTANCE Chikungunya virus is a vector-borne pathogen of global significance. The morbidity associated with chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection, neurovirulence and adaptability to Aedes albopictus, necessitates a deeper understanding of the interaction of CHIKV with the host immune system. Here, we demonstrate that CHIKV is resistant to neutralization by one of the potent barriers of the innate immune arm, the complement system. Chikungunya virus showed marked resistance to complement despite activation and deposition of complement proteins. Interestingly the C3 component associated with the virion was found to be inactive C3b (iC3b), a key factor implicated in the pathogenesis and disease severity in the mouse model of Ross River virus infection. CHIKV also had an associated unique factor I-like activity that mediated the inactivation of C3b into iC3b. We have unraveled a smart strategy adopted by CHIKV to limit complement which has serious implications in viral dissemination, pathogenesis, and disease.

Dengue virus and the complement alternative pathway

Dengue disease is an inflammatory-driven pathology, and complement overactivation is linked to disease severity and vascular leakage. Additionally, dysregulation of complement alternative pathway (AP) components has been described, such as upregulation of complement factor D and downregulation of complement factor H (FH), which activate and inhibit the AP, respectively. Thus, the pathology of severe dengue could in part result from AP dysfunction, even though complement and AP activation usually provide protection against viral infections. In dengue virus-infected macrophages and endothelial cells (ECs), the site of replication and target for vascular pathology, respectively, the AP is activated. The AP activation, reduced FH and vascular leakage seen in dengue disease in part parallels other complement AP pathologies associated with FH deficiency, such as atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS). aHUS can be therapeutically targeted with inhibitors of complement terminal activity, raising the idea that strategies such as inhibition of complement or delivery of FH or other complement regulatory components to EC may be beneficial to combat the vascular leakage seen in severe dengue.

Alternative pathway of complement activation has a beneficial role against Chandipura virus infection

The complement system is a critical component of both innate and adaptive immune responses. It has both protective and pathogenic roles in viral infections. There are no studies regarding the role of complement system in Chandipura virus (CHPV) infection. The current study has investigated the role of complement pathways in the in vitro neutralization of CHPV in Vero E6 cells. Using normal human serum (NHS), heat-inactivated serum (HIS), human serum deficient of complement factor, respective reconstituted serum, assays like in vitro neutralization, real-time PCR, and flow cytometry-based tissue culture-based limited dose assay (TC-LDA) were carried out for assessing the activation of different complement pathways. NHS from 9/10 donors showed complement dependent neutralization, reduction in viral load and decrease in percentage of CHPV-positive cells compared to their HIS counterparts. EGTA or EDTA pretreatment experiments indicated that CHPV neutralization proceeds through the alternative pathway of the complement activation. Our data showed a strong dependence on C3 for the in vitro neutralization of CHPV. Disparity in CHPV neutralization levels between factor B-deficient and reconstituted sera could be attributed to amplification loop/“tick-over” mechanism. Assays using C3, C5, and C8 deficient sera indicated that complement-mediated CHPV neutralization and suppression of CHPV infectivity are primarily through C3 and C5, and not dependent on downstream complement factor C8. With no specific anti-viral treatment/vaccine against Chandipura, the current data, elucidating role of human complement system in the neutralization of CHPV, may help in designing effective therapeutics.

Relative Contribution of Cellular Complement Inhibitors CD59, CD46, and CD55 to Parainfluenza Virus 5 Inhibition of Complement-Mediated Neutralization

The complement system is a part of the innate immune system that viruses need to face during infections. Many viruses incorporate cellular regulators of complement activation (RCA) to block complement pathways and our prior work has shown that Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) incorporates CD55 and CD46 to delay complement-mediated neutralization. In this paper, we tested the role of a third individual RCA inhibitor CD59 in PIV5 interactions with complement pathways. Using a cell line engineered to express CD59, we show that small levels of functional CD59 are associated with progeny PIV5, which is capable of blocking assembly of the C5b-C9 membrane attack complex (MAC). PIV5 containing CD59 (PIV5-CD59) showed increased resistance to complement-mediated neutralization in vitro comparing to PIV5 lacking regulators. Infection of A549 cells with PIV5 and RSV upregulated CD59 expression. TGF-beta treatment of PIV5-infected cells also increased cell surface CD59 expression and progeny virions were more resistant to complement-mediated neutralization. A comparison of individual viruses containing only CD55, CD46, or CD59 showed a potency of inhibiting complement-mediated neutralization, which followed a pattern of CD55 > CD46 > CD59.

Complement Evasion Strategies of Viruses: An Overview

Being a major first line of immune defense, the complement system keeps a constant vigil against viruses. Its ability to recognize large panoply of viruses and virus-infected cells, and trigger the effector pathways, results in neutralization of viruses and killing of the infected cells. This selection pressure exerted by complement on viruses has made them evolve a multitude of countermeasures. These include targeting the recognition molecules for the avoidance of detection, targeting key enzymes and complexes of the complement pathways like C3 convertases and C5b-9 formation - either by encoding complement regulators or by recruiting membrane-bound and soluble host complement regulators, cleaving complement proteins by encoding protease, and inhibiting the synthesis of complement proteins. Additionally, viruses also exploit the complement system for their own benefit. For example, they use complement receptors as well as membrane regulators for cellular entry as well as their spread. Here, we provide an overview on the complement subversion mechanisms adopted by the members of various viral families including Poxviridae, Herpesviridae, Adenoviridae, Flaviviridae, Retroviridae, Picornaviridae, Astroviridae, Togaviridae, Orthomyxoviridae and Paramyxoviridae.

Parainfluenza virus 5 upregulates CD55 expression to produce virions with enhanced resistance to complement-mediated neutralization

Many enveloped RNA viruses recruit host cell proteins during assembly as a mechanism to limit antiviral effects of complement. Using viruses which incorporated CD46 alone, CD55 alone or both CD46 and CD55, we addressed the role of these two host cell regulators in limiting complement-mediated neutralization of Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5). PIV5 incorporated functional forms of both CD55 and CD46 into virions. PIV5 containing CD55 was highly resistant to complement-mediated neutralization, whereas CD46-containing PIV5 was as sensitive to neutralization as virus lacking both regulators. PIV5 infected cells had increased levels of cell surface CD55, which was further upregulated by exogenous treatment with tumor necrosis factor alpha. PIV5 derived from cells with higher CD55 levels was more resistant to complement-mediated neutralization in vitro than virus from control cells. We propose a role for virus induction of host cell complement inhibitors in defining virus growth and tissue tropism.

Adeno-associated virus mediated delivery of an engineered protein that combines the complement inhibitory properties of CD46, CD55 and CD59

BACKGROUND

A variety of disorders are associated with the activation of complement. CD46, CD55 and CD59 are the major membrane associated regulators of complement on human cells. Previously, we have found that independent expression of CD55, CD46 or CD59 through gene transfer protects murine tissues against human complement mediated attack. In the present study, we investigated the potential of combining the complement regulatory properties of CD46, CD55 and CD59 into single gene products expressed from an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector in a soluble non-membrane anchored form.

METHODS

Minigenes encoding the complement regulatory domains from CD46, CD55 and CD59 (SACT) or CD55 and CD59 (DTAC) were cloned into an AAV vector. The specific regulatory activity of each component of SACT and DTAC was measured in vitro. The recombinant AAV vectors were injected into the peritoneum of mice and the efficacy of the transgene products for being able to protect murine liver vasculature against human complement, specifically the membrane attack complex (MAC), was measured.

RESULTS

SACT and DTAC exhibited properties similar to CD46, CD55 and CD59 or CD55 and CD59, respectively, in vitro. AAV mediated delivery of SACT or DTAC protected murine liver vasculature from human MAC deposition by 63.2% and 56.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

When delivered to mice in vivo via an AAV vector, SACT and DTAC are capable of limiting human complement mediated damage. SACT and DTAC merit further study as potential therapies for complement mediated disorders when delivered via a gene therapy approach.

Cellular proteins associated with the interior and exterior of vesicular stomatitis virus virions

Virus particles (virions) often contain not only virus-encoded but also host-encoded proteins. Some of these host proteins are enclosed within the virion structure, while others, in the case of enveloped viruses, are embedded in the host-derived membrane. While many of these host protein incorporations are likely accidental, some may play a role in virus infectivity, replication and/or immunoreactivity in the next host. Host protein incorporations may be especially important in therapeutic applications where large numbers of virus particles are administered. Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is the prototypic rhabdovirus and a candidate vaccine, gene therapy and oncolytic vector. Using mass spectrometry, we previously examined cell type dependent host protein content of VSV virions using intact (“whole”) virions purified from three cell lines originating from different species. Here we aimed to determine the localization of host proteins within the VSV virions by analyzing: i) whole VSV virions; and ii) whole VSV virions treated with Proteinase K to remove all proteins outside the viral envelope. A total of 257 proteins were identified, with 181 identified in whole virions and 183 identified in Proteinase K treated virions. Most of these proteins have not been previously shown to be associated with VSV. Functional enrichment analysis indicated the most overrepresented categories were proteins associated with vesicles, vesicle-mediated transport and protein localization. Using western blotting, the presence of several host proteins, including some not previously shown in association with VSV (such as Yes1, Prl1 and Ddx3y), was confirmed and their relative quantities in various virion fractions determined. Our study provides a valuable inventory of virion-associated host proteins for further investigation of their roles in the replication cycle, pathogenesis and immunoreactivity of VSV.

Viral regulators of complement activation: structure, function and evolution

The complement system surveillance in the host is effective in controlling viral propagation. Consequently, to subvert this effector mechanism, viruses have developed a series of adaptations. One among these is encoding mimics of host regulators of complement activation (RCA) which help viruses to avoid being labeled as 'foreign' and protect them from complement-mediated neutralization and complement-enhanced antiviral adaptive immunity. In this review, we provide an overview on the structure, function and evolution of viral RCA proteins.

Estimates of mumps seroprevalence may be influenced by antibody specificity and serologic method

Neutralizing antibodies are assumed to be essential for protection against mumps virus infection, but their measurement is labor- and time-intensive. For this reason, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are typically used to measure mumps-specific IgG levels. However, since there is poor correlation between mumps neutralization titers and ELISAs that measure the presence of mumps-specific IgG levels, ELISAs that better correlate with neutralization are needed. To address this issue, we measured mumps antibody levels by plaque reduction neutralization, by a commercial ELISA (whole-virus antigen), and by ELISAs specific for the mumps nucleoprotein and hemagglutinin. The results indicate that differences in the antibody response to the individual mumps proteins could partially explain the lack of correlation among various serologic tests. Furthermore, the data indicate that some seropositive individuals have low levels of neutralizing antibody. If neutralizing antibody is important for protection, this suggests that previous estimates of immunity based on whole-virus ELISAs may be overstated.

Paramyxovirus activation and inhibition of innate immune responses

Paramyxoviruses represent a remarkably diverse family of enveloped nonsegmented negative-strand RNA viruses, some of which are the most ubiquitous disease-causing viruses of humans and animals. This review focuses on paramyxovirus activation of innate immune pathways, the mechanisms by which these RNA viruses counteract these pathways, and the innate response to paramyxovirus infection of dendritic cells (DC). Paramyxoviruses are potent activators of extracellular complement pathways, a first line of defense that viruses must face during natural infections. We discuss mechanisms by which these viruses activate and combat complement to delay neutralization. Once cells are infected, virus replication drives type I interferon (IFN) synthesis that has the potential to induce a large number of antiviral genes. Here we describe four approaches by which paramyxoviruses limit IFN induction: by limiting synthesis of IFN-inducing aberrant viral RNAs, through targeted inhibition of RNA sensors, by providing viral decoy substrates for cellular kinase complexes, and through direct blocking of the IFN promoter. In addition, paramyxoviruses have evolved diverse mechanisms to disrupt IFN signaling pathways. We describe three general mechanisms, including targeted proteolysis of signaling factors, sequestering cellular factors, and upregulation of cellular inhibitors. DC are exceptional cells with the capacity to generate adaptive immunity through the coupling of innate immune signals and T cell activation. We discuss the importance of innate responses in DC following paramyxovirus infection and their consequences for the ability to mount and maintain antiviral T cells.

Point mutations in the paramyxovirus F protein that enhance fusion activity shift the mechanism of complement-mediated virus neutralization

Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) activates and is neutralized by the alternative pathway (AP) in normal human serum (NHS) but not by heat-inactivated (HI) serum. We have tested the relationship between the fusion activity within the PIV5 F protein, the activation of complement pathways, and subsequent complement-mediated virus neutralization. Recombinant PIV5 viruses with enhanced fusion activity were generated by introducing point mutations in the F fusogenic peptide (G3A) or at a distal site near the F transmembrane domain (S443P). In contrast to wild-type (WT) PIV5, the mutant G3A and S443P viruses were neutralized by both NHS and HI serum. Unlike WT PIV5, hyperfusogenic G3A and S443P viruses were potent C4 activators, C4 was deposited on NHS-treated mutant virions, and the mutants were neutralized by factor B-depleted serum but not by C4-depleted serum. Antibodies purified from HI human serum were sufficient to neutralize both G3A and S443P viruses in vitro but were ineffective against WT PIV5. Electron microscopy data showed greater deposition of purified human antibodies on G3A and S443P virions than on WT PIV5 particles. These data indicate that single amino acid changes that enhance the fusion activity of the PIV5 F protein shift the mechanism of complement activation in the context of viral particles or on the surface of virus-infected cells, due to enhanced binding of antibodies. We present general models for the relationship between enhanced fusion activity in the paramyxovirus F protein and increased susceptibility to antibody-mediated neutralization.

Assembly and budding of negative-strand RNA viruses

Assembly of negative-strand RNA viruses occurs by budding from host plasma membranes. The budding process involves association of the viral core or nucleocapsid with a region of cellular membrane that will become the virus budding site, which contains the envelope glycoproteins and matrix protein. This region of membrane then buds out and pinches off to become the virus envelope. This review will address the questions of what are the mechanisms that bring the nucleocapsid and envelope glycoproteins together to form the virus budding site, and how does this lead to release of progeny virions? Recent evidence supports the idea that viral envelope glycoproteins and matrix proteins are organized into membrane microdomains that coalesce to form virus budding sites. There has also been substantial progress in understanding the last step in virus release, referred to as the "late budding function," which often involves host proteins of the vacuolar protein sorting apparatus. Key questions are raised as to the mechanism of the initial steps in formation of virus budding sites: How are membrane microdomains brought together and how are nucleocapsids selected for incorporation into these budding sites, particularly in the case of viruses for which genome RNA sequences are important for envelopment of nucleocapsids?

Incorporation of host complement regulatory proteins into Newcastle disease virus enhances complement evasion

Newcastle disease virus (NDV), an avian paramyxovirus, is inherently tumor selective and is currently being considered as a clinical oncolytic virus and vaccine vector. In this study, we analyzed the effect of complement on the neutralization of NDV purified from embryonated chicken eggs, a common source for virus production. Fresh normal human serum (NHS) neutralized NDV by multiple pathways of complement activation, independent of neutralizing antibodies. Neutralization was associated with C3 deposition and the activation of C2, C3, C4, and C5 components. Interestingly, NDV grown in mammalian cell lines was resistant to complement neutralization by NHS. To confirm whether the incorporation of regulators of complement activity (RCA) into the viral envelope afforded complement resistance, we grew NDV in CHO cells stably transfected with CD46 or HeLa cells, which strongly express CD46 and CD55. NDV grown in RCA-expressing cells was resistant to complement by incorporating CD46 and CD55 on virions. Mammalian CD46 and CD55 molecules on virions exhibited homologous restriction, since chicken sera devoid of neutralizing antibodies to NDV were able to effectively neutralize these virions. The incorporation of chicken RCA into NDV produced in embryonated eggs similarly provided species specificity toward chicken sera.

Activation of innate anti-viral immune response genes in symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common urologic disease in men over age 50. Symptoms include acute urinary retention, urgency to urinate and nocturia. For patients with severe symptoms, surgical treatment is used to remove the affected tissue. Interestingly, the presence of histologic BPH does not always correlate with symptoms. The molecular basis of symptomatic BPH and how it differs from asymptomatic BPH is unknown. Investigation into the molecular players involved in symptomatic BPH will likely give insight into novel therapeutic, and potentially preventative, targets. We determined the expression of genes involved in the innate anti-viral immune response in tissues from patients undergoing surgery to alleviate the symptoms of BPH, and compared the results with prostate tissue with histologic BPH, but from patients with few urinary issues (asymptomatic BPH). We found that expression of complement factor I, apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-like protein 3G, oligoadenylate synthetase 2 and interferon-induced tetratricopeptide 1, four genes whose protein products are involved in the innate anti-viral immune response, was significantly transcriptionally upregulated in symptomatic BPH. Additionally, we observe hypomethylation and concomitant expression of ancient retroviral-like sequences, the long interspersed nuclear element 1 retrotransposons, in symptomatic BPH when compared with normal prostate tissue. These findings merit further investigation into the anti-viral immune response in symptomatic BPH.

Virion-associated complement regulator CD55 is more potent than CD46 in mediating resistance of mumps virus and vesicular stomatitis virus to neutralization

Enveloped viruses can incorporate host cell membrane proteins during the budding process. Here we demonstrate that mumps virus (MuV) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) assemble to include CD46 and CD55, two host cell regulators which inhibit propagation of complement pathways through distinct mechanisms. Using viruses which incorporated CD46 alone, CD55 alone, or both CD46 and CD55, we have tested the relative contribution of these regulators in resistance to complement-mediated neutralization. Virion-associated CD46 and CD55 were biologically active, with VSV showing higher levels of activity of both cofactors, which promoted factor I-mediated cleavage of C3b into iC3b as well as decay-accelerating factor (DAF) activity against the C3 convertase, than MuV. Time courses of in vitro neutralization with normal human serum (NHS) showed that both regulators could delay neutralization, but viruses containing CD46 alone were neutralized faster and more completely than viruses containing CD55 alone. A dominant inhibitory role for CD55 was most evident for VSV, where virus containing CD55 alone was not substantially different in neutralization kinetics from virus harboring both regulators. Electron microscopy showed that VSV neutralization proceeded through virion aggregation followed by lysis, with virion-associated CD55 providing a delay in both aggregation and lysis more substantial than that conferred by CD46. Our results demonstrate the functional significance of incorporation of host cell factors during virion envelope assembly. They also define pathways of virus complement-mediated neutralization and suggest the design of more effective viral vectors.

Interactions of human complement with virus particles containing the Nipah virus glycoproteins

Complement is an innate immune response system that most animal viruses encounter during natural infections. We have tested the role of human complement in the neutralization of virus particles harboring the Nipah virus (NiV) glycoproteins. A luciferase-expressing vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) pseudotype that contained the NiV fusion (F) and attachment (G) glycoproteins (NiVpp) showed dose- and time-dependent activation of human complement through the alternative pathway. In contrast to our findings with other paramyxoviruses, normal human serum (NHS) alone did not neutralize NiVpp infectivity in vitro, and electron microscopy demonstrated no significant deposition of complement component C3 on particles. This lack of NiVpp neutralization by NHS was not due to a global inhibition of complement pathways, since complement was found to significantly enhance neutralization by antibodies specific for the NiV F and G glycoproteins. Complement components C4 and C1q were necessary but not sufficient by themselves for the enhancement of antibody neutralization. Human complement also enhanced NiVpp neutralization by a soluble version of the NiV receptor EphrinB2, and this depended on components in the classical pathway. The ability of complement to enhance neutralization fell into one of two profiles: (i) anti-F monoclonal antibodies showed enhancement only at high and not low antibody concentrations, and (ii) anti-G monoclonal antibodies and EphrinB2 showed enhancement at both high and very low levels of antibody (e.g., 3.1 ng) or EphrinB2 (e.g., 2.5 ng). Together, these data establish the importance of human complement in the neutralization of particles containing the NiV glycoproteins and will help guide the design of more effective therapeutics that harness the potency of complement pathways.

Complement and viral pathogenesis

The complement system functions as an immune surveillance system that rapidly responds to infection. Activation of the complement system by specific recognition pathways triggers a protease cascade, generating cleavage products that function to eliminate pathogens, regulate inflammatory responses, and shape adaptive immune responses. However, when dysregulated, these powerful functions can become destructive and the complement system has been implicated as a pathogenic effector in numerous diseases, including infectious diseases. This review highlights recent discoveries that have identified critical roles for the complement system in the pathogenesis of viral infection.

Olfactory nerve--a novel invasion route of Neisseria meningitidis to reach the meninges

Neisseria meningitidis is a human-specific pathogen with capacity to cause septic shock and meningitis. It has been hypothesized that invasion of the central nervous system (CNS) is a complication of a bacteremic condition. In this study, we aimed to characterize the invasion route of N. meningitidis to the CNS. Using an intranasally challenged mouse disease model, we found that twenty percent of the mice developed lethal meningitis even though no bacteria could be detected in blood. Upon bacterial infection, epithelial lesions and redistribution of intracellular junction protein N-cadherin were observed at the nasal epithelial mucosa, especially at the olfactory epithelium, which is functionally and anatomically connected to the CNS. Bacteria were detected in the submucosa of the olfactory epithelium, along olfactory nerves in the cribriform plate, at the olfactory bulb and subsequently at the meninges and subarachnoid space. Furthermore, our data suggest that a threshold level of bacteremia is required for the development of meningococcal sepsis. Taken together, N. meningitidis is able to pass directly from nasopharynx to meninges through the olfactory nerve system. This study enhances our understanding how N. meningitidis invades the meninges. The nasal olfactory nerve system may be a novel target for disease prevention that can improve outcome and survival.

Virus–complement interactions: an assiduous struggle for dominance

The complement system is a major component of the innate immune system that recognizes invading pathogens and eliminates them by means of an array of effector mechanisms, in addition to using direct lytic destruction. Viruses, in spite of their small size and simple composition, are also deftly recognized and neutralized by the complement system. In turn, as a result of years of coevolution with the host, viruses have developed multiple mechanisms to evade the host complement. These complex interactions between the complement system and viruses have been an area of focus for over three decades. In this article, we provide a broad overview of the field using key examples and up-to-date information on the complement-evasion strategies of viruses.

Influence of electrostatics on the complement regulatory functions of Kaposica, the complement inhibitor of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus

Kaposica, the complement regulator of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, inhibits complement by supporting factor I-mediated inactivation of the proteolytically activated form of C3 (C3b) and C4 (C4b) (cofactor activity [CFA]) and by accelerating the decay of classical and alternative pathway C3-convertases (decay-accelerating activity [DAA]). Previous data suggested that electrostatic interactions play a critical role in the binding of viral complement regulators to their targets, C3b and C4b. We therefore investigated how electrostatic potential on Kaposica influences its activities. We built a homology structure of Kaposica and calculated the electrostatic potential of the molecule, using the Poisson-Boltzmann equation. Mutants were then designed to alter the overall positive potential of the molecule or of each of its domains and linkers by mutating Lys/Arg to Glu/Gln, and the functional activities of the expressed mutants were analyzed. Our data indicate that 1) positive potential at specific sites and not the overall positive potential on the molecule guides the CFAs and classical pathway DAA; 2) positive potential around the linkers between complement control protein domains (CCPs) 1-2 and 2-3 is more important for DAAs than for CFAs; 3) positive potential in CCP1 is crucial for binding to C3b and C4b, and thereby its functional activities; 4) conversion to negative or enhancement of negative potential for CCPs 2-4 has a marked effect on C3b-linked activities as opposed to C4b-linked activities; and 5) reversal of the electrostatic potential of CCP4 to negative has a differential effect on classical and alternative pathway DAAs. Together, our data provide functional relevance to conservation of positive potential in CCPs 1 and 4 and the linkers of viral complement regulators.