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Wu K, Hou YJ, Makrinos D, Liu R, Zhu A, Koch M, Yu WH, Paila YD, Chandramouli S, Panther L, Henry C, DiPiazza A, Carfi A. Characterization of humoral and cellular immunologic responses to an mRNA-based human cytomegalovirus vaccine from a phase 1 trial of healthy adults. J Virol 2024; 98:e0160323. [PMID: 38526054 PMCID: PMC11019844 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01603-23] [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: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
mRNA-1647 is an investigational mRNA-based vaccine against cytomegalovirus (CMV) that contains sequences encoding the CMV proteins glycoprotein B and pentamer. Humoral and cellular immune responses were evaluated in blood samples collected from healthy CMV-seropositive and CMV-seronegative adults who participated in a phase 1 trial of a three-dose series of mRNA-1647 (NCT03382405). Neutralizing antibody (nAb) titers against fibroblast and epithelial cell infection in sera from CMV-seronegative mRNA-1647 recipients were higher than those in sera from control CMV-seropositive samples and remained elevated up to 12 months after dose 3. nAb responses elicited by mRNA-1647 were comparable across 14 human CMV (HCMV) strains. Frequencies of antigen-specific memory B cells increased in CMV-seropositive and CMV-seronegative participants after each mRNA-1647 dose and remained elevated for up to 6 months after dose 3. mRNA-1647 elicited robust increases in frequencies and polyfunctionality of CD4+ T helper type 1 and effector CD8+ T cells in samples from CMV-seronegative and CMV-seropositive participants after stimulation with HCMV-specific peptides. The administration of three doses of mRNA-1647 to healthy adults elicited high nAb titers with wide-breadth, long-lasting memory B cells, and strong polyfunctional T-cell responses. These findings support further clinical development of the mRNA-1647 vaccine against CMV.IMPORTANCECytomegalovirus (CMV), a common virus that can infect people of all ages, may lead to serious health problems in unborn babies and those with a weakened immune system. Currently, there is no approved vaccine available to prevent CMV infection; however, the investigational messenger RNA (mRNA)-based CMV vaccine, mRNA-1647, is undergoing evaluation in clinical trials. The current analysis examined samples from a phase 1 trial of mRNA-1647 in healthy adults to better understand how the immune system reacts to vaccination. Three doses of mRNA-1647 produced a long-lasting immune response, thus supporting further investigation of the vaccine in the prevention of CMV infection.CLINICAL TRIALSRegistered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03382405).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wu
- Infectious Disease Research, Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yixuan Jacob Hou
- Infectious Disease Research, Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dan Makrinos
- Infectious Disease Research, Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Runxia Liu
- Infectious Disease Research, Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alex Zhu
- Infectious Disease Research, Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew Koch
- Infectious Disease Research, Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wen-Han Yu
- Infectious Disease Research, Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yamuna D. Paila
- Infectious Disease Development, Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Lori Panther
- Infectious Disease Development, Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carole Henry
- Infectious Disease Research, Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anthony DiPiazza
- Infectious Disease Research, Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrea Carfi
- Infectious Disease Research, Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Ye X, Shih DJH, Ku Z, Hong J, Barrett DF, Rupp RE, Zhang N, Fu TM, Zheng WJ, An Z. Transcriptional signature of durable effector T cells elicited by a replication defective HCMV vaccine. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:70. [PMID: 38561339 PMCID: PMC10984989 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00860-w] [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: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a leading infectious cause of birth defects and the most common opportunistic infection that causes life-threatening diseases post-transplantation; however, an effective vaccine remains elusive. V160 is a live-attenuated replication defective HCMV vaccine that showed a 42.4% efficacy against primary HCMV infection among seronegative women in a phase 2b clinical trial. Here, we integrated the multicolor flow cytometry, longitudinal T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing, and single-cell RNA/TCR sequencing approaches to characterize the magnitude, phenotype, and functional quality of human T cell responses to V160. We demonstrated that V160 de novo induces IE-1 and pp65 specific durable polyfunctional effector CD8 T cells that are comparable to those induced by natural HCMV infection. We identified a variety of V160-responsive T cell clones which exhibit distinctive "transient" and "durable" expansion kinetics, and revealed a transcriptional signature that marks durable CD8 T cells post-vaccination. Our study enhances the understanding of human T-cell immune responses to V160 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Ye
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - David J H Shih
- School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Zhiqiang Ku
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Junping Hong
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Diane F Barrett
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Richard E Rupp
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Ningyan Zhang
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tong-Ming Fu
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - W Jim Zheng
- School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
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Barry PA, Iyer SS, Gibson L. Re-Evaluating Human Cytomegalovirus Vaccine Design: Prediction of T Cell Epitopes. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1629. [PMID: 38005961 PMCID: PMC10674879 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111629] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
HCMV vaccine development has traditionally focused on viral antigens identified as key targets of neutralizing antibody (NAb) and/or T cell responses in healthy adults with chronic HCMV infection, such as glycoprotein B (gB), the glycoprotein H-anchored pentamer complex (PC), and the unique long 83 (UL83)-encoded phosphoprotein 65 (pp65). However, the protracted absence of a licensed HCMV vaccine that reduces the risk of infection in pregnancy regardless of serostatus warrants a systematic reassessment of assumptions informing vaccine design. To illustrate this imperative, we considered the hypothesis that HCMV proteins infrequently detected as targets of T cell responses may contain important vaccine antigens. Using an extant dataset from a T cell profiling study, we tested whether HCMV proteins recognized by only a small minority of participants encompass any T cell epitopes. Our analyses demonstrate a prominent skewing of T cell responses away from most viral proteins-although they contain robust predicted CD8 T cell epitopes-in favor of a more restricted set of proteins. Our findings raise the possibility that HCMV may benefit from evading the T cell recognition of certain key proteins and that, contrary to current vaccine design approaches, including them as vaccine antigens could effectively take advantage of this vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A. Barry
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Smita S. Iyer
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA;
| | - Laura Gibson
- Departments of Medicine and of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
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Wang D, Chen YH, Ventresca M. Optimizing age specific strategies of vaccination for prevention of cytomegalovirus infection in the US using agent-based simulation. Epidemics 2023; 44:100698. [PMID: 37354657 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2023.100698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an urgent need to develop a cytomegalovirus (CMV) vaccine as it remains the leading cause of birth defects in the United States. While several CMV vaccine candidates are currently in late-stage clinical trials, the most effective vaccination program remains an open research question. METHODS To take into account the critical uncertainties when evaluating the vaccine impact on both vertical (congenital) and horizontal CMV transmissions, we developed a CMV agent-based model representative of the US population and contact network structures. RESULTS We evaluated 648 vaccination scenarios under various assumptions of vaccination age, vaccine efficacy, protection duration, and vaccination coverage. The optimal age of vaccination under all scenarios is shown to be during early childhood. However, a relatively modest benefit was also seen with vaccination of females of reproduction age (around age of 25) assuming near universal coverage and long vaccine-mediated protection. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the important need for a pediatric vaccination program in mitigating CMV in the United States. Our model is poised to investigate further location-based vaccine effectiveness questions in future planning of both clinical trials as well as eventual program implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Wang
- Health Economic and Decision Sciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA.
| | - Yao-Hsuan Chen
- Health Economic and Decision Sciences, MSD, Kings Cross, London, UK
| | - Mario Ventresca
- School of Industrial Engineering, Purdue University, 315 Grant St, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
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Hansen SG, Womack JL, Perez W, Schmidt KA, Marshall E, Iyer RF, Cleveland Rubeor H, Otero CE, Taher H, Vande Burgt NH, Barfield R, Randall KT, Morrow D, Hughes CM, Selseth AN, Gilbride RM, Ford JC, Caposio P, Tarantal AF, Chan C, Malouli D, Barry PA, Permar SR, Picker LJ, Früh K. Late gene expression-deficient cytomegalovirus vectors elicit conventional T cells that do not protect against SIV. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e164692. [PMID: 36749635 PMCID: PMC10070102 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.164692] [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: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhesus cytomegalovirus-based (RhCMV-based) vaccine vectors induce immune responses that protect ~60% of rhesus macaques (RMs) from SIVmac239 challenge. This efficacy depends on induction of effector memory-based (EM-biased) CD8+ T cells recognizing SIV peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex-E (MHC-E) instead of MHC-Ia. The phenotype, durability, and efficacy of RhCMV/SIV-elicited cellular immune responses were maintained when vector spread was severely reduced by deleting the antihost intrinsic immunity factor phosphoprotein 71 (pp71). Here, we examined the impact of an even more stringent attenuation strategy on vector-induced immune protection against SIV. Fusion of the FK506-binding protein (FKBP) degradation domain to Rh108, the orthologue of the essential human CMV (HCMV) late gene transcription factor UL79, generated RhCMV/SIV vectors that conditionally replicate only when the FK506 analog Shield-1 is present. Despite lacking in vivo dissemination and reduced innate and B cell responses to vaccination, Rh108-deficient 68-1 RhCMV/SIV vectors elicited high-frequency, durable, EM-biased, SIV-specific T cell responses in RhCMV-seropositive RMs at doses of ≥ 1 × 106 PFU. Strikingly, elicited CD8+ T cells exclusively targeted MHC-Ia-restricted epitopes and failed to protect against SIVmac239 challenge. Thus, Rh108-dependent late gene expression is required for both induction of MHC-E-restricted T cells and protection against SIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott G. Hansen
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Jennie L. Womack
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Wilma Perez
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | | | - Emily Marshall
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Ravi F. Iyer
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Hillary Cleveland Rubeor
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Claire E. Otero
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University Medical School, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Husam Taher
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Nathan H. Vande Burgt
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Richard Barfield
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Center for Human Systems Immunology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kurt T. Randall
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - David Morrow
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Colette M. Hughes
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Andrea N. Selseth
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Roxanne M. Gilbride
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Julia C. Ford
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Patrizia Caposio
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Alice F. Tarantal
- California National Primate Research Center, UCD, Davis, California, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, UCD, Davis, California, USA
| | - Cliburn Chan
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Center for Human Systems Immunology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Daniel Malouli
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Peter A. Barry
- California National Primate Research Center, UCD, Davis, California, USA
| | - Sallie R. Permar
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University Medical School, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Louis J. Picker
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Klaus Früh
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
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Kyaw T, Drummond G, Bobik A, Peter K. Myocarditis: causes, mechanisms, and evolving therapies. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:225-238. [PMID: 36946552 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2193330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myocarditis is a severe lymphocyte-mediated inflammatory disorder of the heart, mostly caused by viruses and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Recently, myocarditis as a rare adverse event of mRNA vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 has caused global attention. The clinical consequences of myocarditis can be very severe, but specific treatment options are lacking or not yet clinically proven. AREAS COVERED This paper offers a brief overview of the biology of viruses that frequently cause myocarditis, focusing on mechanisms important for viral entry and replication following host infection. Current and new potential therapeutic targets/strategies especially for viral myocarditis are reviewed systematically. In particular, the immune system in myocarditis is dissected with respect to infective viral and non-infective, ICI-induced myocarditis. EXPERT OPINION Vaccination is an excellent emerging preventative strategy for viral myocarditis, but most vaccines still require further development. Anti-viral treatments that inhibit viral replication need to be considered following viral infection in host myocardium, as lower viral load reduces inflammation severity. Understanding how the immune system continues to damage the heart even after viral clearance will define novel therapeutic targets/strategies. We propose that viral myocarditis can be best treated using a combination of antiviral agents and immunotherapies that control cytotoxic T cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tin Kyaw
- Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne Melbourne Australia
| | - Grant Drummond
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, La Trobe University Melbourne Australia
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alex Bobik
- Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne Melbourne Australia
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Heart Centre, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karlheinz Peter
- Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute
- Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne Melbourne Australia
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, La Trobe University Melbourne Australia
- Heart Centre, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Immunology, Monash University Melbourne Australia
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Murata S, Oshima N, Iwasa T, Fukao Y, Sawata M. Safety, Tolerability, and Immunogenicity of V160, a Conditionally Replication-Defective Cytomegalovirus Vaccine, in Healthy Japanese Men in a Randomized, Controlled Phase 1 Study. Antibodies (Basel) 2023; 12:22. [PMID: 36975369 PMCID: PMC10045923 DOI: 10.3390/antib12010022] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can cause newborn morbidity and mortality; no pharmacological method of reducing CMV infection during pregnancy is currently available. In a phase 1 study in the United States, V160, a conditionally replication-defective CMV vaccine, was immunogenic and well tolerated. This placebo-controlled study (NCT03840174) investigated the safety and immunogenicity of a three-dose V160 vaccine administered over six months. A total of 18 healthy adult Japanese males (9 seronegative and 9 seropositive) were enrolled at a single center and randomized 2:1 to intramuscular V160 or placebo. In vitro, V160 induced high CMV-specific neutralizing antibody (NAb) titers (50% neutralization titer [NT50], 3651; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1688-7895) in the CMV-seronegative per-protocol immunogenicity (PPI) population one month after the third vaccine dose was administered compared with no change in the placebo arm (NT50, <94; 95% CI <94-115). The geometric mean titer ratio in the seronegative population versus baseline was 77.7 (95% CI, 23.9-252.4). CMV NAb titers in the CMV-seropositive PPI population were similar to baseline NAb titers observed in the CMV-seropositive population. V160 was well tolerated, and no vaccine viral DNA shedding was observed. In conclusion, the immunogenicity and safety profile of V160 in Japanese participants was consistent with other populations.
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8
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Jaijyan DK, Govindasamy K, Lee M, Zhu H. A chemical method for generating live-attenuated, replication-defective DNA viruses for vaccine development. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2022; 2:100287. [PMID: 36160049 PMCID: PMC9499982 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2022.100287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The development of a chemically attenuated, replication-incompetent virus vaccine can provide protection against diseases caused by DNA viruses. In this study, we have developed a method to produce live-attenuated, replication-defective viruses using centanamycin (CM), a chemical compound that alkylates the A-T-rich minor groove of the DNA and thereby blocks DNA replication. We tested the efficacy of CM to produce live-attenuated, replication-defective human cytomegalovirus, mouse cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), suggesting a broad application for generating live-attenuated, replication-defective DNA viruses. Mass spectrometry analysis showed that CM alkylate viral DNA at the adenine-N3 position. Moreover, mice immunization with CM-attenuated mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) produced a robust immune response and reduced the viral load in immunized animals against challenges with live, wild-type MCMV. Our study offers a unifying and attractive therapeutic opportunity that chemically attenuated live DNA viruses can be readily developed as new frontline vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dabbu Kumar Jaijyan
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers – New Jersey Medical School, 225 Warren Street, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Kavitha Govindasamy
- New Jersey Center for Science, Technology and Mathematics, Kean University, Union, NJ, USA
| | - Moses Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers – New Jersey Medical School, 225 Warren Street, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
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9
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Modestly protective cytomegalovirus vaccination of young children effectively prevents congenital infection at the population level. Vaccine 2022; 40:5179-5188. [PMID: 35907677 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A vaccine to prevent congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV) is a public health priority. cCMV results from maternal primary or non-primary CMV infection (reinfection, or reactivation of chronic infection) during pregnancy. Young children are a major source of transmission to pregnant women because they shed CMV at high viral loads for prolonged periods. CMV vaccines evaluated in clinical trials so far have demonstrated only approximately 50% efficacy against maternal primary infection. None of these have been approved, as higher levels of vaccine efficacy are assumed to be required to substantially reduce cCMV prevalence. Here, we designed a mathematical model to capture the relationship between viral shedding by young children and maternal CMV infections during pregnancy. Using this model, we were able to quantify the impact of CMV post-infection immunity on protecting against reinfection and viral shedding. There was a 36% reduction in the risk of infection to a seropositive person with post-infection immunity (reinfection) versus a seronegative person without this immunity (primary infection), given the same exposure. Viral shedding following reinfection was only 34% the quantity of that following primary infection. Our model also predicted that a vaccine that confers the equivalent of post-infection immunity, when given to young children, would markedly reduce both CMV transmission to pregnant women and the prevalence of cCMV. Thus, we predict that existing vaccine candidates that have been shown to be only modestly protective may in fact be highly effective at preventing cCMV by interrupting child-to-mother transmission.
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10
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Neutralizing Antibodies to Human Cytomegalovirus Recombinant Proteins Reduce Infection in an Ex Vivo Model of Developing Human Placentas. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10071074. [PMID: 35891239 PMCID: PMC9315547 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10071074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the leading viral cause of congenital disease and permanent birth defects worldwide. Although the development of an effective vaccine is a public health priority, no vaccines are approved. Among the major antigenic targets are glycoproteins in the virion envelope, including gB, which facilitates cellular entry, and the pentameric complex (gH/gL/pUL128-131), required for the infection of specialized cell types. In this study, sera from rabbits immunized with the recombinant pentameric complex were tested for their ability to neutralize infection of epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and primary placental cell types. Sera from rhesus macaques immunized with recombinant gB or gB plus pentameric complex were tested for HCMV neutralizing activity on both cultured cells and cell column cytotrophoblasts in first-trimester chorionic villus explants. Sera from rabbits immunized with the pentameric complex potently blocked infection by pathogenic viral strains in amniotic epithelial cells and cytotrophoblasts but were less effective in fibroblasts and trophoblast progenitor cells. Sera from rhesus macaques immunized with the pentameric complex and gB more strongly reduced infection in fibroblasts, epithelial cells, and chorionic villus explants than sera from immunization with gB alone. These results suggest that the pentameric complex and gB together elicit antibodies that could have potential as prophylactic vaccine antigens.
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11
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Chozinski T, Ferguson BS, Fisher W, Ge S, Gong Q, Kang H, McDermott J, Scott A, Shi W, Trausch JJ, Verch T, Vukovich M, Wang J, Wu JE, Yang Q. Development of an Aptamer-Based Electrochemical Microfluidic Device for Viral Vaccine Quantitation. Anal Chem 2022; 94:6146-6155. [PMID: 35410467 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c05093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Global deployment of vaccines poses significant challenges in the distribution and use of the accompanying immunoassays, one of the standard methods for quality control of vaccines, particularly when establishing assays in countries worldwide to support testing/release upon importation. This work describes our effort toward developing an integrated, portable device to carry out affinity assays for viral particles quantification in viral vaccines by incorporating (i) aptamers, (ii) microfluidic devices, and (iii) electrochemical detection. We generated and characterized more than eight aptamers against multiple membrane proteins of cytomegalovirus (CMV), which we used as a model system and designed and fabricated electrochemical microfluidic devices to measure CMV concentrations in a candidate vaccine under development. The aptamer-based assays provided a half maximal effective concentration, EC50, of 12 U/mL, comparable to that of an ELISA using a pair of antibodies (EC50 60 U/mL). The device measured relative CMV concentrations accurately (within ±10% bias) and precisely (11%, percent relative standard deviation). This work represents the critical first steps toward developing simple, affordable, and robust affinity assays for global deployment without the need for sensitive equipment and extensive analyst training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Chozinski
- Aptitude Medical Systems, 125 Cremona Drive, Suite 100, Goleta, California 93117, United States
| | - B Scott Ferguson
- Aptitude Medical Systems, 125 Cremona Drive, Suite 100, Goleta, California 93117, United States
| | - William Fisher
- Aptitude Medical Systems, 125 Cremona Drive, Suite 100, Goleta, California 93117, United States
| | - Shencheng Ge
- Merck & Co., Inc., 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Qiang Gong
- Aptitude Medical Systems, 125 Cremona Drive, Suite 100, Goleta, California 93117, United States
| | - Hui Kang
- Aptitude Medical Systems, 125 Cremona Drive, Suite 100, Goleta, California 93117, United States
| | - John McDermott
- Aptitude Medical Systems, 125 Cremona Drive, Suite 100, Goleta, California 93117, United States
| | - Alexander Scott
- Aptitude Medical Systems, 125 Cremona Drive, Suite 100, Goleta, California 93117, United States
| | - Wentao Shi
- Aptitude Medical Systems, 125 Cremona Drive, Suite 100, Goleta, California 93117, United States
| | - Jeremiah J Trausch
- Merck & Co., Inc., 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Thorsten Verch
- Merck & Co., Inc., 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Matthew Vukovich
- Aptitude Medical Systems, 125 Cremona Drive, Suite 100, Goleta, California 93117, United States
| | - Jinpeng Wang
- Aptitude Medical Systems, 125 Cremona Drive, Suite 100, Goleta, California 93117, United States
| | - J Emma Wu
- Aptitude Medical Systems, 125 Cremona Drive, Suite 100, Goleta, California 93117, United States
| | - Qin Yang
- Aptitude Medical Systems, 125 Cremona Drive, Suite 100, Goleta, California 93117, United States
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12
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Parsons AJ, Ophir SI, Duty JA, Kraus TA, Stein KR, Moran TM, Tortorella D. Development of broadly neutralizing antibodies targeting the cytomegalovirus subdominant antigen gH. Commun Biol 2022; 5:387. [PMID: 35468974 PMCID: PMC9038728 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03294-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a β-herpesvirus that increases morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals including transplant recipients and newborns. New anti-HCMV therapies are an urgent medical need for diverse patient populations. HCMV infection of a broad range of host tissues is dependent on the gH/gL/gO trimer and gH/gL/UL28/UL130/UL131A pentamer complexes on the viral envelope. We sought to develop safe and effective therapeutics against HCMV by generating broadly-neutralizing, human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from VelocImmune® mice immunized with gH/gL cDNA. Following high-throughput binding and neutralization screening assays, 11 neutralizing antibodies were identified with unique CDR3 regions and a high-affinity (KD 1.4-65 nM) to the pentamer complex. The antibodies bound to distinct regions within Domains 1 and 2 of gH and effectively neutralized diverse clinical strains in physiologically relevant cell types including epithelial cells, trophoblasts, and monocytes. Importantly, combined adminstration of mAbs with ganciclovir, an FDA approved antiviral, greatly limited virus dissemination. Our work identifies several anti-gH/gL mAbs and sheds light on gH neutralizing epitopes that can guide future vaccine strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea J Parsons
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sabrina I Ophir
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - J Andrew Duty
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Center of Therapeutic Antibody Development, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Thomas A Kraus
- Center of Therapeutic Antibody Development, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Kathryn R Stein
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas M Moran
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Center of Therapeutic Antibody Development, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Domenico Tortorella
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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13
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Choi KY, El-Hamdi NS, McGregor A. Cross Strain Protection against Cytomegalovirus Reduces DISC Vaccine Efficacy against CMV in the Guinea Pig Model. Viruses 2022; 14:760. [PMID: 35458490 PMCID: PMC9031936 DOI: 10.3390/v14040760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a leading cause of disease in newborns and a vaccine is a high priority. The guinea pig is the only small animal model for congenital CMV but requires guinea pig cytomegalovirus (GPCMV). Previously, a disabled infectious single cycle (DISC) vaccine strategy demonstrated complete protection against congenital GPCMV (22122 strain) and required neutralizing antibodies to various viral glycoprotein complexes. This included gB, essential for all cell types, and the pentamer complex (PC) for infection of non-fibroblast cells. All GPCMV research has utilized prototype strain 22122 limiting the translational impact, as numerous human CMV strains exist allowing re-infection and congenital CMV despite convalescent immunity. A novel GPCMV strain isolate (designated TAMYC) enabled vaccine cross strain protection studies. A GPCMV DISC (PC+) vaccine (22122 strain) induced a comprehensive immune response in animals, but vaccinated animals challenged with the TAMYC strain virus resulted in sustained viremia and the virus spread to target organs (liver, lung and spleen) with a significant viral load in the salivary glands. Protection was better than natural convalescent immunity, but the results fell short of previous DISC vaccine sterilizing immunity against the homologous 22122 virus challenge, despite a similarity in viral glycoprotein sequences between strains. The outcome suggests a limitation of the current DISC vaccine design against heterologous infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alistair McGregor
- Department Microbial Pathogenesis & Immunology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; (K.Y.C.); (N.S.E.-H.)
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14
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Li H, Monslow MA, Freed DC, Chang D, Li F, Gindy M, Wang D, Vora K, Espeseth AS, Petrovsky N, Fu TM. Novel adjuvants enhance immune responses elicited by a replication-defective human cytomegalovirus vaccine in nonhuman primates. Vaccine 2021; 39:7446-7456. [PMID: 34852943 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.10.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Adjuvants have long been explored to enhance vaccine efficacy. Current adjuvants approved for human vaccines are mostly studied for their ability to improve antibody responses. There remains a need for development of novel adjuvants, especially those able to enhance cell-mediated immunity (CMI). In this preclinical study we assessed the effect of two novel adjuvants, a delta inulin microparticle Advax formulated with or without a toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist CpG oligonucleotide, and a Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA proprietary lipid nanoparticle (LNP), on immune responses elicited by V160, an experimental replication-defective human cytomegalovirus vaccine. Adult rhesus macaques were immunized with a low dose of V160 (10 units) either alone or in combination with the adjuvants as compared to those immunized with a high dose of V160 alone (100 units). While neither adjuvant conferred a significant benefit to vaccine-elicited humoral immune responses at the dose tested, both enhanced cellular immune responses to V160, where Advax promoted both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and LNP predominantly impacted the CD4+ T cell response. Transcriptome analyses of peripheral blood samples demonstrated different modes of action for these adjuvants. One day post vaccination, LNP induced upregulation of a large number of genes involved in the innate immune response similar to those triggered by viral infection. In contrast, Advax did not activate any known inflammatory pathways and did not significantly impact gene expression pattern until day 7 post administration, suggesting a unique, non-inflammatory mechanism. These data warrant further exploration of Advax and LNP as adjuvants in clinical trials for vaccines desiring to elicit both humoral and T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualin Li
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA.
| | | | | | - Dan Chang
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Dai Wang
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Nikolai Petrovsky
- Vaxine Pty Ltd, Flinders University, Bedford Park SA 5042, Australia
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15
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Schleiss MR, Fernández-Alarcón C, Hernandez-Alvarado N, Wang JB, Geballe AP, McVoy MA. Inclusion of the Guinea Pig Cytomegalovirus Pentameric Complex in a Live Virus Vaccine Aids Efficacy against Congenital Infection but Is Not Essential for Improving Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122370. [PMID: 34960639 PMCID: PMC8706200 DOI: 10.3390/v13122370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of a vaccine against congenital human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is a major priority. The pentameric complex (PC) of virion envelope proteins gH, gL, UL128, UL130, and UL131A is a key vaccine target. To determine the importance of immunity to the homologous PC encoded by guinea pig cytomegalovirus (GPCMV) in preventing congenital CMV, PC-intact and PC-deficient live-attenuated vaccines were generated and directly compared for immunogenicity and efficacy against vertical transmission in a vertical transmission model. A virulent PC-intact GPCMV (PC/intact) was modified by galK mutagenesis either to abrogate PC expression (PC/null; containing a frame-shift mutation in GP129, homolog of UL128) or to delete genes encoding three MHC Class I homologs and a protein kinase R (PKR) evasin while retaining the PC (3DX/Δ145). Attenuated vaccines were compared to sham immunization in a two-dose preconception subcutaneous inoculation regimen in GPCMV seronegative Hartley guinea pigs. Vaccines induced transient, low-grade viremia in 5/12 PC/intact-, 2/12 PC/null-, and 1/11 3DX/Δ145-vaccinated animals. Upon completion of the two-dose vaccine series, ELISA titers for the PC/intact group (geometic mean titer (GMT) 13,669) were not significantly different from PC/null (GMT 8127) but were significantly higher than for the 3DX/Δ145 group (GMT 6185; p < 0.01). Dams were challenged with salivary gland-adapted GPCMV in the second trimester. All vaccines conferred protection against maternal viremia. Newborn weights were significantly lower in sham-immunized controls (84.5 ± 2.4 g) compared to PC/intact (96 ± 2.3 g), PC/null (97.6 ± 1.9 g), or 3DX/Δ145 (93 ± 1.7) pups (p < 0.01). Pup mortality in sham-immunized controls was 29/40 (73%) and decreased to 1/44 (2.3%), 2/46 (4.3%), or 4/40 (10%) in PC/intact, PC/null, or 3DX/Δ145 groups, respectively (all p < 0.001 compared to control). Congenital GPCMV transmission occurred in 5/44 (11%), 16/46 (35%), or 29/38 (76%) of pups in PC/intact, PC/null, or 3DX/Δ145 groups, versus 36/40 (90%) in controls. For infected pups, viral loads were lower in pups born to vaccinated dams compared to controls. Sequence analysis demonstrated that infected pups in the vaccine groups had salivary gland-adapted GPCMV and not vaccine strain-specific sequences, indicating that congenital transmission was due to the challenge virus and not vaccine virus. We conclude that inclusion of the PC in a live, attenuated preconception vaccine improves immunogenicity and reduces vertical transmission, but PC-null vaccines are equal to PC-intact vaccines in reducing maternal viremia and protecting against GPCMV-related pup mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R. Schleiss
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.F.-A.); (N.H.-A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-612-626-9913
| | - Claudia Fernández-Alarcón
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.F.-A.); (N.H.-A.)
| | - Nelmary Hernandez-Alvarado
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.F.-A.); (N.H.-A.)
| | - Jian Ben Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (J.B.W.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Adam P. Geballe
- Divisions of Human Biology and Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA;
| | - Michael A. McVoy
- Department of Pediatrics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (J.B.W.); (M.A.M.)
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16
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Vázquez AC, Arriaga-Pizano L, Ferat-Osorio E. Cellular Markers of Immunosuppression in Sepsis. Arch Med Res 2021; 52:828-835. [PMID: 34702587 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Sepsis is a pathological condition frequently caused by invasion of a pathogen and the subsequent unregulated response that threatens the patient's life through diverse organ failure. The incidence of sepsis is increasing, and there is no specific therapy. Despite technological contributions to treat sepsis or increased knowledge of its molecular pathophysiology, mortality remains high, and sepsis is a global health problem. Knowledge of the role of the cells involved in the host response through the synthesis of inflammatory mediators and their different effects on cells, tissues or systems is key to the development of medical treatments that regulate systems involved in such responses to pathogens. This review addresses new insights into the role of cells, their mediators, and the interaction between them that lead to the development of a state of immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Cérbulo Vázquez
- Servicio de Medicina Genómica, Hospital General de México, Dr Eduardo Liceaga, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Lourdes Arriaga-Pizano
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunoquímica de la Unidad de Investigación en Epidemiología Clínica, Hospital de Especialidades, Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda Gutiérrez, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Eduardo Ferat-Osorio
- División de Investigación en Salud, Unidad de Investigación en Epidemiología Clínica, Hospital de Especialidades, Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda Gutiérrez, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México.
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17
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Hakki M, Aitken SL, Danziger-Isakov L, Michaels MG, Carpenter PA, Chemaly RF, Papanicolaou GA, Boeckh M, Marty FM. American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Series: #3-Prevention of Cytomegalovirus Infection and Disease After Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. Transplant Cell Ther 2021; 27:707-719. [PMID: 34452721 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The Practice Guidelines Committee of the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy partnered with its Transplant Infectious Disease Special Interest Group to update its 2009 compendium-style infectious diseases guidelines for the care of hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients. A new approach was taken with the goal of better serving clinical providers by publishing each standalone topic in the infectious disease series as a concise format of frequently asked questions (FAQ), tables, and figures. Adult and pediatric infectious disease and HCT content experts developed and answered FAQs. Topics were finalized with harmonized recommendations that were made by assigning an A through E strength of recommendation paired with a level of supporting evidence graded I through III. The third topic in the series focuses on the prevention of cytomegalovirus infection and disease in HCT recipients by reviewing prophylaxis and preemptive therapy approaches; key definitions, relevant risk factors, and diagnostic monitoring considerations are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Hakki
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon.
| | - Samuel L Aitken
- Division of Pharmacy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Lara Danziger-Isakov
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Marian G Michaels
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Paul A Carpenter
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Roy F Chemaly
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control, & Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Michael Boeckh
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington; Vaccine and Infectious Disease Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Francisco M Marty
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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18
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Immune Prophylaxis and Therapy for Human Cytomegalovirus Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168728. [PMID: 34445434 PMCID: PMC8395925 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is widespread and can result in severe sequelae in susceptible populations. Primary HCMV infection of naïve individuals results in life-long latency characterized by frequent and sporadic reactivations. HCMV infection elicits a robust antibody response, including neutralizing antibodies that can block the infection of susceptible cells in vitro and in vivo. Thus, antibody products and vaccines hold great promise for the prevention and treatment of HCMV, but to date, most attempts to demonstrate their safety and efficacy in clinical trials have been unsuccessful. In this review we summarize publicly available data on these products and highlight new developments and approaches that could assist in successful translation of HCMV immunotherapies.
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19
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A conditionally replication-defective cytomegalovirus vaccine elicits potent and diverse functional monoclonal antibodies in a phase I clinical trial. NPJ Vaccines 2021; 6:79. [PMID: 34078915 PMCID: PMC8172929 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-021-00342-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A conditionally replication-defective human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) vaccine, V160, was shown to be safe and immunogenic in a two-part, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase I clinical trial (NCT01986010). However, the specificities and functional properties of V160-elicited antibodies remain undefined. Here, we characterized 272 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) isolated from single memory B cells of six V160-vaccinated subjects. The mAbs bind to diverse HCMV antigens, including multiple components of the pentamer, gB, and tegument proteins. The most-potent neutralizing antibodies target the pentamer-UL subunits. The binding sites of the antibodies overlap with those of antibodies responding to natural HCMV infection. The majority of the neutralizing antibodies target the gHgL subunit. The non-neutralizing antibodies predominantly target the gB and pp65 proteins. Sequence analysis indicated that V160 induced a class of gHgL antibodies expressing the HV1-18/KV1-5 germline genes in multiple subjects. This study provides valuable insights into primary targets for anti-HCMV antibodies induced by V160 vaccination.
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20
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Dimonte S, Gimeno-Brias S, Marsden M, Chapman L, Sabberwal P, Clement M, Humphreys IR. Optimal CD8 + T-cell memory formation following subcutaneous cytomegalovirus infection requires virus replication but not early dendritic cell responses. Immunology 2021; 164:279-291. [PMID: 34003499 PMCID: PMC8442243 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) induction of large frequencies of highly functional memory T cells has attracted much interest in the utility of CMV‐based vaccine vectors, with exciting preclinical data obtained in models of infectious diseases and cancer. However, pathogenesis of human CMV (HCMV) remains a concern. Attenuated CMV‐based vectors, such as replication‐ or spread‐deficient viruses, potentially offer an alternative to fully replicating vectors. However, it is not well understood how CMV attenuation impacts vector immunogenicity, particularly when administered via relevant routes of immunization such as the skin. Herein, we used the murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) model to investigate the impact of vector attenuation on T‐cell memory formation following subcutaneous administration. We found that the spread‐deficient virus (ΔgL‐MCMV) was impaired in its ability to induce memory CD8+ T cells reactive to some (M38, IE1) but not all (IE3) viral antigens. Impaired‐memory T‐cell development was associated with a preferential and pronounced loss of polyfunctional (IFN‐γ+ TNF‐α+) T cells and also reduced accumulation of TCF1+ T cells, and was not rescued by increasing the dose of replication‐defective MCMV. Finally, whilst vector attenuation reduced dendritic cell (DC) recruitment to skin‐draining lymph nodes, systematic depletion of multiple DC subsets during acute subcutaneous MCMV infection had a negligible impact on T‐cell memory formation, implying that attenuated responses induced by replication‐deficient vectors were likely not a consequence of impaired initial DC activation. Thus, overall, these data imply that the choice of antigen and/or cloning strategy of exogenous antigen in combination with the route of immunization may influence the ability of attenuated CMV vectors to induce robust functional T‐cell memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Dimonte
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Silvia Gimeno-Brias
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Morgan Marsden
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Lucy Chapman
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Pragati Sabberwal
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Mathew Clement
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ian R Humphreys
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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21
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Yang Y, Hu X, Xiong L, Fu P, Feng W, Li W, Zhang L, Sun F. Clinical characteristics of hospitalized mild/moderate COVID-19 patients with a prolonged negative conversion time of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:141. [PMID: 33535989 PMCID: PMC7856599 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-05851-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The impact of COVID-19 has been devastating on a global scale. The negative conversion time (NCT) of SARS-CoV-2 RNA is closely related to clinical manifestation and disease progression in COVID-19 patients. Our study aimed to predict factors associated with prolonged NCT of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in mild/moderate COVID-19 patients. Methods The clinical features, laboratory data and treatment outcomes of COVID-19 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Then univariate and multivariate analysis were used to screen out risk factors of influencing prolonged NCT of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Results Thirty-two hospitalized mild/moderate COVID-19 patients were enrolled. The general clinical symptoms were cough (78.1%), fever (75%), diarrhea (68.8%), expectoration (56.3%), and nausea (37.5%). More than 40% of the patients had decreased erythrocyte, hemoglobin and leucocyte and 93.8% patients were detected in abnormalities of chest CT. The median NCT of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was 19.5 days (IQR: 14.25–25). Univariate analysis found fever, nausea, diarrhea and abnormalities in chest CTs were positively associated with prolonged NCT of viral RNA (P< 0.05). The multivariate Cox proportional hazard model revealed that fever [Exp (B), 0.284; 95% CI, 0.114–0.707; P<0.05] and nausea [Exp (B), 0.257; 95%CI, 0.096–0.689; P<0.05] were two significant independent factors. Conclusions Fever and nausea were two significant independent factors in prolonged NCT of viral RNA in mild/moderate COVID-19 patients, which provided a useful references for disease progression and treatment of COVID-19. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-021-05851-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xiaogang Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Lirong Xiong
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Peishu Fu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Wei Feng
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Liwen Zhang
- Department of Tuberculosis, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, 400036, China.
| | - Fengjun Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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22
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Griffiths P, Reeves M. Pathogenesis of human cytomegalovirus in the immunocompromised host. Nat Rev Microbiol 2021; 19:759-773. [PMID: 34168328 PMCID: PMC8223196 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-021-00582-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 248] [Impact Index Per Article: 82.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a herpesvirus that infects ~60% of adults in developed countries and more than 90% in developing countries. Usually, it is controlled by a vigorous immune response so that infections are asymptomatic or symptoms are mild. However, if the immune system is compromised, HCMV can replicate to high levels and cause serious end organ disease. Substantial progress is being made in understanding the natural history and pathogenesis of HCMV infection and disease in the immunocompromised host. Serial measures of viral load defined the dynamics of HCMV replication and are now used routinely to allow intervention with antiviral drugs in individual patients. They are also used as pharmacodynamic read-outs to evaluate prototype vaccines that may protect against HCMV replication and to define immune correlates of this protection. This novel information is informing the design of randomized controlled trials of new antiviral drugs and vaccines currently under evaluation. In this Review, we discuss immune responses to HCMV and countermeasures deployed by the virus, the establishment of latency and reactivation from it, exogenous reinfection with additional strains, pathogenesis, development of end organ disease, indirect effects of infection, immune correlates of control of replication, current treatment strategies and the evaluation of novel vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Griffiths
- Institute for Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Matthew Reeves
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Institute for Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
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Cox KS, Zhang L, Freed DC, Tang A, Zhang S, Zhou Y, Wang IM, Rupp RE, Adler SP, Musey LK, Wang D, Vora KA, Fu TM. Functional Evaluation and Genetic Evolution of Human T-Cell Responses After Vaccination With a Conditionally Replication-Defective Cytomegalovirus Vaccine. J Infect Dis 2020; 223:2001-2012. [PMID: 33031517 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytomegalovirus (CMV) can cause congenital infection and is the leading cause of nongenetic newborn disabilities. V160, a conditionally replication-defective virus, is an investigational vaccine under evaluation for prevention of congenital CMV. The vaccine was well tolerated and induced both humoral and cellular immunity in CMV-seronegative trial participants. T-cell-mediated immunity is important for immune control of CMV. Here we describe efforts to understand the quality attributes of the T-cell responses induced by vaccination. METHODS Using multicolor flow cytometry, we analyzed vaccine-induced T cells for memory phenotype, antigen specificity, cytokine profiles, and cytolytic potential. Moreover, antigen-specific T cells were sorted from 4 participants, and next-generation sequencing was used to trace clonal lineage development during the course of vaccination using T-cell receptor β-chain sequences as identifiers. RESULTS The results demonstrated that vaccination elicited polyfunctional CD4 and CD8 T cells to 2 dominant antigens, pp65 and IE1, with a predominantly effector phenotype. Analysis of T-cell receptor repertoires showed polyclonal expansion of pp65- and IE1-specific T cells after vaccination. CONCLUSION V160 induced a genetically diverse and polyfunctional T-cell response and the data support further clinical development of V160 for prevention of CMV infection and congenital transmission. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT01986010.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara S Cox
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Merck & Co., Inc. Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Strategic Planning and Research Informatics, MSD, Beijing, China
| | - Daniel C Freed
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Merck & Co., Inc. Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
| | - Aimin Tang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Merck & Co., Inc. Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Merck & Co., Inc. Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
| | - I-Ming Wang
- Department of Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Merck & Co., Inc. Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
| | - Richard E Rupp
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Luwy K Musey
- Department of Clinical Research, Merck & Co., Inc. Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
| | - Dai Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Merck & Co., Inc. Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
| | - Kalpit A Vora
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Merck & Co., Inc. Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
| | - Tong-Ming Fu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Merck & Co., Inc. Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
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Forrest C, Gomes A, Reeves M, Male V. NK Cell Memory to Cytomegalovirus: Implications for Vaccine Development. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8030394. [PMID: 32698362 PMCID: PMC7563466 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells that recognize and eliminate virally-infected and cancerous cells. Members of the innate immune system are not usually considered to mediate immune memory, but over the past decade evidence has emerged that NK cells can do this in several contexts. Of these, the best understood and most widely accepted is the response to cytomegaloviruses, with strong evidence for memory to murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) and several lines of evidence suggesting that the same is likely to be true of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). The importance of NK cells in the context of HCMV infection is underscored by the armory of NK immune evasion genes encoded by HCMV aimed at subverting the NK cell immune response. As such, ongoing studies that have utilized HCMV to investigate NK cell diversity and function have proven instructive. Here, we discuss our current understanding of NK cell memory to viral infection with a focus on the response to cytomegaloviruses. We will then discuss the implications that this will have for the development of a vaccine against HCMV with particular emphasis on how a strategy that can harness the innate immune system and NK cells could be crucial for the development of a vaccine against this high-priority pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calum Forrest
- Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, UCL, Royal Free Campus, London NW3 2PF, UK; (C.F.); (A.G.)
| | - Ariane Gomes
- Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, UCL, Royal Free Campus, London NW3 2PF, UK; (C.F.); (A.G.)
| | - Matthew Reeves
- Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, UCL, Royal Free Campus, London NW3 2PF, UK; (C.F.); (A.G.)
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (V.M.)
| | - Victoria Male
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Campus, London SW10 9NH, UK
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (V.M.)
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25
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Chang MC, Park YK, Kim BO, Park D. Risk factors for disease progression in COVID-19 patients. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:445. [PMID: 32576139 PMCID: PMC7309210 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05144-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is rapidly spreading worldwide. Although 10–20% of patients with COVID-19 have severe symptoms, little is known about the risk factors related to the aggravation of COVID-19 symptoms from asymptomatic or mild to severe disease states. Methods This retrospective study included 211 patients who were asymptomatic or with mild presentations of COVID-19. We evaluated the differences in demographic and clinical data between the cured (discharged to home) and transferred (aggravated to severe-stage COVID-19) groups. Results A multivariate logistic analysis showed that body temperature, chills, initial chest X-ray findings, and the presence of diabetes were significantly associated with predicting the progression to severe stage of COVID-19 (p < 0.05). The odds ratio of transfer in patients with COVID-19 increased by 12.7-fold for abnormal findings such as haziness or consolidation in initial chest X-ray, 6.32-fold for initial symptom of chills, and 64.1-fold for diabetes. Conclusions Even if patients are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, clinicians should closely observe patients with COVID-19 presenting with chills, body temperature > 37.5 °C, findings of pneumonia in chest X-ray, or diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Cheol Chang
- Department of Rehabilitative Medicine, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Kyung Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea Worker's Compensation & Welfare Service Daegu Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong-Ok Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Korea Worker's Compensation & Welfare Service Daegu Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghwi Park
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 877, Bangeojin sunhwando-ro, Ulsan, 44033, Dong-gu, Republic of Korea.
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26
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Where do we Stand after Decades of Studying Human Cytomegalovirus? Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8050685. [PMID: 32397070 PMCID: PMC7284540 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8050685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a linear double-stranded DNA betaherpesvirus belonging to the family of Herpesviridae, is characterized by widespread seroprevalence, ranging between 56% and 94%, strictly dependent on the socioeconomic background of the country being considered. Typically, HCMV causes asymptomatic infection in the immunocompetent population, while in immunocompromised individuals or when transmitted vertically from the mother to the fetus it leads to systemic disease with severe complications and high mortality rate. Following primary infection, HCMV establishes a state of latency primarily in myeloid cells, from which it can be reactivated by various inflammatory stimuli. Several studies have shown that HCMV, despite being a DNA virus, is highly prone to genetic variability that strongly influences its replication and dissemination rates as well as cellular tropism. In this scenario, the few currently available drugs for the treatment of HCMV infections are characterized by high toxicity, poor oral bioavailability, and emerging resistance. Here, we review past and current literature that has greatly advanced our understanding of the biology and genetics of HCMV, stressing the urgent need for innovative and safe anti-HCMV therapies and effective vaccines to treat and prevent HCMV infections, particularly in vulnerable populations.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW CMV DNA polymerase inhibitors such as ganciclovir and foscarnet have dramatically reduced the burden of CMV infection in the HCT recipient. However, their use is often limited by toxicities and resistance. Agents with novel mechanisms and favorable toxicity profiles are critically needed. We review recent developments in CMV antivirals and immune-based approaches to mitigating CMV infection. RECENT FINDINGS Letermovir, an inhibitor of the CMV terminase complex, was approved in 2017 for primary CMV prophylaxis in adult seropositive allogeneic HCT recipients. Maribavir, an inhibitor of the CMV UL97 kinase, is currently in two phase 3 treatment studies. Adoptive immunotherapy using third-party T cells has proven safe and effective in preliminary studies. Vaccine development continues, with several promising candidates currently under study. No longer limited to DNA polymerase inhibitors, the prevention and treatment of CMV infections in the HCT recipient is a rapidly evolving field which should translate into improvements in CMV-related outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Hakki
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Mail code L457, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
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28
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Chen SJ, Wang SC, Chen YC. Antiviral Agents as Therapeutic Strategies Against Cytomegalovirus Infections. Viruses 2019; 12:v12010021. [PMID: 31878068 PMCID: PMC7019738 DOI: 10.3390/v12010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a threat to human health in the world, particularly for immunologically weak patients. CMV may cause opportunistic infections, congenital infections and central nervous system infections. CMV infections are difficult to treat due to their specific life cycles, mutation, and latency characteristic. Despite recent advances, current drugs used for treating active CMV infections are limited in their efficacy, and the eradication of latent infections is impossible. Current antiviral agents which target the UL54 DNA polymerase are restricted because of nephrotoxicity and viral resistance. CMV also cannot be prevented or eliminated with a vaccine. Fortunately, letermovir which targets the human CMV (HCMV) terminase complex has been recently approved to treat CMV infections in humans. The growing point is developing antiviral agents against both lytically and latently infected cells. The nucleic acid-based therapeutic approaches including the external guide sequences (EGSs)-RNase, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) are being explored to remove acute and/or latent CMV infections. HCMV vaccine is being developed for prophylaxis. Additionally, adoptive T cell therapy (ACT) has been experimentally used to combate drug-resistant and recurrent CMV in patients after cell and/or organ transplantation. Developing antiviral agents is promising in this area to obtain fruitful outcomes and to have a great impact on humans for the therapy of CMV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiu-Jau Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 10491, Taiwan;
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medicine College, Taipei 25245, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Cheng Wang
- Jianan Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Tainan 71742, Taiwan;
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yuan-Chuan Chen
- Program in Comparative Biochemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Correspondence:
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