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Weary TE, Mehta KPM, Goldberg TL. Novel Gammapapillomavirus type in the nasal cavity of a wild red colobus (Piliocolobus tephrosceles). Access Microbiol 2024; 6:000866.v3. [PMID: 39165252 PMCID: PMC11334581 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000866.v3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Papillomaviruses (PVs) are double-stranded, circular, epitheliotropic DNA viruses causing benign warts (papillomas) or inducing dysplasia that can progress to cancer. Although they have been identified in all vertebrate taxa, most classified types are human PVs (HPVs); relatively little is known about PVs in other species. Here we characterize a novel Gammapapillomavirus type, PtepPV1, from a nasal swab of a wild red colobus (Piliocolobus tephrosceles) in Kibale National Park, Uganda. The virus has a genome of 6576 bases, encoding the seven canonical early (E) ORFs (E6, E7, E1, E2, E4, E1^E4 and E8^E2) and two late (L) ORFs (L1 and L2) of the gammapapillomaviruses, and is 81.0% similar to HPV-mSK_118, detected in a cutaneous wart from an immunocompromised human patient, in the L1 gene at the amino acid level. Alphapapillomaviruses (genus Alphapapillomavirus) cause anogenital carcinomas such as cervical cancer and have been described previously in several nonhuman primates. However, the first gammapapillomavirus (genus Gammapapillomavirus), which cause transient cutaneous infections, was not described until 2019 in a healthy rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) genital swab. The new virus from red colobus, PtepPV1, has many genomic features encoded by high-risk oncogenic PVs, such as the E7 gene LXSXE and CXXC motifs, suggesting potential for pRb and zinc-finger binding, respectively. To our knowledge, PtepPV1 is also the first reported nonhuman primate PV found in the nasal cavity. PtepPV1 expands the known host range, geographical distribution, tissue tropism and biological characteristics of nonhuman primate PVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor E. Weary
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kavi P. M. Mehta
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Tony L. Goldberg
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, WI, USA
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Toon K, Kalemera MD, Palor M, Rose NJ, Takeuchi Y, Grove J, Mattiuzzo G. GB Virus B and Hepatitis C Virus, Distantly Related Hepaciviruses, Share an Entry Factor, Claudin-1. J Virol 2023; 97:e0046923. [PMID: 37310242 PMCID: PMC10373534 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00469-23] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to increased and broadened screening efforts, the last decade has seen a rapid expansion in the number of viral species classified into the Hepacivirus genus. Conserved genetic features of hepaciviruses suggest that they have undergone specific adaptation and have evolved to hijack similar host proteins for efficient propagation in the liver. Here, we developed pseudotyped viruses to elucidate the entry factors of GB virus B (GBV-B), the first hepacivirus described in an animal after hepatitis C virus (HCV). GBV-B-pseudotyped viral particles (GBVBpp) were shown to be uniquely sensitive to the sera of tamarins infected with GBV-B, validating their usefulness as a surrogate for GBV-B entry studies. We screened GBVBpp infection of human hepatoma cell lines that were CRISPR/Cas9 engineered to ablate the expression of individual HCV receptors/entry factors and found that claudin-1 is essential for GBV-B infection, indicating the GBV-B and HCV share an entry factor. Our data suggest that claudin-1 facilitates HCV and GBV-B entry through distinct mechanisms since the former requires the first extracellular loop and the latter is reliant on a C-terminal region containing the second extracellular loop. The observation that claudin-1 is an entry factor shared between these two hepaciviruses suggests that the tight junction protein is of fundamental mechanistic importance during cell entry. IMPORTANCE Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major public health burden; approximately 58 million individuals have chronic HCV infection and are at risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer. To achieve the World Health Organization's target of eliminating hepatitis by 2030, new therapeutics and vaccines are needed. Understanding how HCV enters cells can inform the design of new vaccines and treatments targeting the first stage of infection. However, the HCV cell entry mechanism is complex and has been sparsely described. Studying the entry of related hepaciviruses will increase the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of the first stages of HCV infection, such as membrane fusion, and inform structure-guided HCV vaccine design; in this work, we have identified a protein, claudin-1, that facilitates the entry of an HCV-related hepacivirus but with a mechanism not described for HCV. Similar work on other hepaciviruses may unveil a commonality of entry factors and, possibly, new mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamilla Toon
- Science Research and Innovation, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, South Mimms, United Kingdom
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mphatso D. Kalemera
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Machaela Palor
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola J. Rose
- Science Research and Innovation, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, South Mimms, United Kingdom
| | - Yasuhiro Takeuchi
- Science Research and Innovation, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, South Mimms, United Kingdom
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joe Grove
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Giada Mattiuzzo
- Science Research and Innovation, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, South Mimms, United Kingdom
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3
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Chen S, Harris M. NS5A domain I antagonises PKR to facilitate the assembly of infectious hepatitis C virus particles. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1010812. [PMID: 36795772 PMCID: PMC9977016 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus NS5A is a multifunctional phosphoprotein comprised of three domains (DI, DII and DIII). DI and DII have been shown to function in genome replication, whereas DIII has a role in virus assembly. We previously demonstrated that DI in genotype 2a (JFH1) also plays a role in virus assembly, exemplified by the P145A mutant which blocked infectious virus production. Here we extend this analysis to identify two other conserved and surface exposed residues proximal to P145 (C142 and E191) that exhibited no defect in genome replication but impaired virus production. Further analysis revealed changes in the abundance of dsRNA, the size and distribution of lipid droplets (LD) and the co-localisation between NS5A and LDs in cells infected with these mutants, compared to wildtype. In parallel, to investigate the mechanism(s) underpinning this role of DI, we assessed the involvement of the interferon-induced double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR). In PKR-silenced cells, C142A and E191A exhibited levels of infectious virus production, LD size and co-localisation between NS5A and LD that were indistinguishable from wildtype. Co-immunoprecipitation and in vitro pulldown experiments confirmed that wildtype NS5A domain I (but not C142A or E191A) interacted with PKR. We further showed that the assembly phenotype of C142A and E191A was restored by ablation of interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF1), a downstream effector of PKR. These data suggest a novel interaction between NS5A DI and PKR that functions to evade an antiviral pathway that blocks virus assembly through IRF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shucheng Chen
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Harris
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Khandia R, Khan AA, Karuvantevida N, Gurjar P, Rzhepakovsky IV, Legaz I. Insights into Synonymous Codon Usage Bias in Hepatitis C Virus and Its Adaptation to Hosts. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020325. [PMID: 36839597 PMCID: PMC9961758 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is enveloped RNA virus, encoding for a polyprotein that is processed by cellular proteases. The virus is responsible for liver cirrhosis, allograft rejection, and human hepatocellular carcinoma. Based on studies including compositional analysis, odds ratio analysis, parity analysis, skew analysis, relative synonymous codon usage, codon bias, and protein properties, it was evident that codon usage bias in HCV is dependent upon the nucleotide composition. Codon context analysis revealed CTC-CTG as a preferred codon pair. While CGA and CGT codons were rare, none of the codons were rare in HCV-like viruses envisaged in the present study. Many of the preferred codon pairs were valine amino acid-initiated, which possibly infers viral infectivity; hence the role of selection forces appears to act on the HCV genome, which was further validated by neutrality analysis where selection accounted for 87.28%, while mutation accounted for 12.72% force shaping codon usage. Furthermore, codon usage was correlated with the length of the genome. HCV viruses prefer valine-initiated codon pairs, while HCV-like viruses prefer alanine-initiated codon pairs. The HCV host range is very narrow and is confined to only humans and chimpanzees. Based on indices including codon usage correlation analysis, similarity index, and relative codon deoptimization index, it is evident in the study that the chimpanzee is the primary host of the virus. The present study helped elucidate the preferred host for HCV. The information presented in the study paved the way for generating an attenuated vaccine candidate through viral recoding, with finely tuned nucleotide composition and a perfect balance of preferred and rare codons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rekha Khandia
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Barkatullah University, Bhopal 462026, India
- Correspondence: (R.K.); (I.L.)
| | - Azmat Ali Khan
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noushad Karuvantevida
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
| | - Pankaj Gurjar
- Department of Science and Engineering, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, NSW 2770, Australia
| | | | - Isabel Legaz
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30120 Murcia, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.K.); (I.L.)
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5
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Dunay E, Owens LA, Dunn CD, Rukundo J, Atencia R, Cole MF, Cantwell A, Emery Thompson M, Rosati AG, Goldberg TL. Viruses in sanctuary chimpanzees across Africa. Am J Primatol 2023; 85:e23452. [PMID: 36329642 PMCID: PMC9812903 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23452] [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: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Infectious disease is a major concern for both wild and captive primate populations. Primate sanctuaries in Africa provide critical protection to thousands of wild-born, orphan primates confiscated from the bushmeat and pet trades. However, uncertainty about the infectious agents these individuals potentially harbor has important implications for their individual care and long-term conservation strategies. We used metagenomic next-generation sequencing to identify viruses in blood samples from chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in three sanctuaries in West, Central, and East Africa. Our goal was to evaluate whether viruses of human origin or other "atypical" or unknown viruses might infect these chimpanzees. We identified viruses from eight families: Anelloviridae, Flaviviridae, Genomoviridae, Hepadnaviridae, Parvoviridae, Picobirnaviridae, Picornaviridae, and Rhabdoviridae. The majority (15/26) of viruses identified were members of the family Anelloviridae and represent the genera Alphatorquevirus (torque teno viruses) and Betatorquevirus (torque teno mini viruses), which are common in chimpanzees and apathogenic. Of the remaining 11 viruses, 9 were typical constituents of the chimpanzee virome that have been identified in previous studies and are also thought to be apathogenic. One virus, a novel tibrovirus (Rhabdoviridae: Tibrovirus) is related to Bas-Congo virus, which was originally thought to be a human pathogen but is currently thought to be apathogenic, incidental, and vector-borne. The only virus associated with disease was rhinovirus C (Picornaviridae: Enterovirus) infecting one chimpanzee subsequent to an outbreak of respiratory illness at that sanctuary. Our results suggest that the blood-borne virome of African sanctuary chimpanzees does not differ appreciably from that of their wild counterparts, and that persistent infection with exogenous viruses may be less common than often assumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Dunay
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Leah A Owens
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Christopher D Dunn
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Joshua Rukundo
- Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary/Chimpanzee Trust, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Rebeca Atencia
- Jane Goodall Institute Congo, Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo
| | - Megan F Cole
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Averill Cantwell
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Alexandra G Rosati
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Tony L Goldberg
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Yuan S, Yao XY, Lian CY, Kong S, Shao JW, Zhang XL. Molecular detection and genetic characterization of bovine hepacivirus identified in ticks collected from cattle in Harbin, northeastern China. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1093898. [PMID: 36937022 PMCID: PMC10016144 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1093898] [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: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bovine hepacivirus (BovHepV) is a member of the genus Hepacivirus of the family Flaviviridae, which can cause acute or persistent infections in cattle. Currently, BovHepV strains identified in cattle populations worldwide can be classified into two genotypes with eight subtypes in genotype 1. BovHepV has been identified in a wide geographic area in China. Interestingly, the viral RNA of BovHepV has also been detected in ticks in Guangdong province, China. In this study, Rhipicephalus microplus tick samples were collected in Heilongjiang province, northeastern China, and BovHepV was screened with an overall positive rate of 10.9%. Sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis showed that the BovHepV strains detected in this study belong to the subtype G. This is the first report about the detection of BovHepV in ticks in Heilongjiang province, China, which expands our knowledge that ticks may be a transmission vector of BovHepV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Yuan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Xin-Yan Yao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Chun-Yang Lian
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Sa Kong
- Beijing Biomedical Technology Center of Jofunhwa Biotechnology (Nanjing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Wei Shao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Xue-Lian Zhang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
- *Correspondence: Xue-Lian Zhang
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Severe Acute Hepatitis Outbreaks Associated with a Novel Hepacivirus in Rhizomys pruinosus in Hainan, China. J Virol 2022; 96:e0078222. [PMID: 36005760 PMCID: PMC9472637 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00782-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the genus Hepacivirus have a broad range of hosts, with at least 14 species identified. To date, a highly pathogenic hepacivirus causing severe disease in animals has not been found. Here, by using high-throughput sequencing, a new hepacivirus was identified as the dominant and highly pathogenic virus in severe acute hepatitis outbreaks in bamboo rats (Rhizomys pruinosus), with ≈80% mortality; this virus emerged in February 2020 in two bamboo rat farms in China. Hepaciviral genome copies in bamboo rat liver were significantly higher than in other organs. Genomic sequences of hepacivirus strains from 12 sick bamboo rats were found to share 85.3 to 100% nucleotide (nt) identity and 94.9 to 100% amino acid (aa) identity and to share 79.7 to 87.8% nt and 90.4 to 97.8% aa identities with previously reported bamboo rat hepaciviruses of Vietnam and China. Sequence analysis further revealed the simultaneous circulation of genetically divergent hepacivirus variants within the two outbreaks. Phylogenetic analysis showed that hepacivirus strains from the present and previous studies formed an independent clade comprised of at least two genotypes, clearly different from all other known species, suggesting a novel species within the genus Hepacivirus. This is the first report of a non-human-infecting hepacivirus causing potentially fatal infection of bamboo rats, and the associated hepatitis in the animals potentially can be used to develop a surrogate model for the study of hepatitis C virus infection in humans and for the development of therapeutic strategies. IMPORTANCE Members of the genus Hepacivirus have a broad host range, with at least 14 species identified, but none is highly pathogenic to its host except for hepatitis C virus, which causes severe liver diseases in humans. In this study, a new liver-tropic hepacivirus species was identified by high-throughput sequencing as the pathogen associated with two outbreaks of severely acute hepatitis in hoary bamboo rats (Rhizomys pruinosus) on two farms in Hainan Province, China; this is the first reported highly pathogenic animal hepacivirus to our knowledge. Further phylogenetic analysis suggested that the hepaciviruses derived from hoary bamboo rats in either the current or previous studies represent a novel species within the genus Hepacivirus. This finding is a breakthrough that has significantly updated our understanding about the pathogenicity of animal hepaciviruses, and the hepacivirus-associated hepatitis in bamboo rats may have a use as an animal infection model to understand HCV infection and develop therapeutic strategies.
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Expanded Diversity and Host Range of Bovine Hepacivirus—Genomic and Serological Evidence in Domestic and Wild Ruminant Species. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071457. [PMID: 35891438 PMCID: PMC9319978 DOI: 10.3390/v14071457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related bovine hepacivirus (BovHepV) can cause acute as well as persistent infections in cattle. The true clinical relevance of the virus is not yet known. As reliable antibody detection methods are lacking and prevalence studies have only been conducted in cattle and few countries to date, the true distribution, genetic diversity, and host range is probably greatly underestimated. In this study, we applied several RT-PCR methods and a nano-luciferase-based immunoprecipitation system (LIPS) assay to analyze bovine serum samples from Bulgaria as well as wild ruminant sera from Germany and the Czech Republic. Using these methods, BovHepV infections were confirmed in Bulgarian cattle, with viral genomes detected in 6.9% and serological reactions against the BovHepV NS3 helicase domain in 10% of bovine serum samples. Genetic analysis demonstrated co-circulation of highly diverse BovHepV strains in Bulgarian cattle, and three novel BovHepV subtypes within the genotype 1 could be defined. Furthermore, application of a nested RT-PCR led to the first description of a BovHepV variant (genotype 2) in a wild ruminant species. The results of this study significantly enhance our knowledge of BovHepV distribution, genetic diversity, and host range.
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Bezerra CDS, Limeira CH, Monteiro dos Anjos D, Nogueira DB, Morais DDA, Falcão BMR, Alves CJ, Santos CDSAB, Silva MLCR, de Azevedo SS. Global prevalence of RNA-positive horses for hepacivirus (EqHV): systematic review and meta-analysis. J Equine Vet Sci 2022; 114:104003. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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A Highly Divergent Hepacivirus Identified in Domestic Ducks Further Reveals the Genetic Diversity of Hepaciviruses. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020371. [PMID: 35215964 PMCID: PMC8879383 DOI: 10.3390/v14020371] [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: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepaciviruses represent a group of viruses that pose a significant threat to the health of humans and animals. During the last decade, new members of the genus Hepacivirus have been identified in various host species worldwide, indicating the widespread distribution of genetically diversified hepaciviruses among animals. By applying unbiased high-throughput sequencing, a novel hepacivirus, provisionally designated Hepacivirus Q, was discovered in duck liver samples collected in Guangdong province of China. Genetic analysis revealed that the complete polyprotein of Hepacivirus Q shares 23.9–46.6% amino acid identity with other representatives of the genus Hepacivirus. Considering the species demarcation criteria for hepaciviruses, Hepacivirus Q should be regarded as a novel hepacivirus species of the genus Hepacivirus within the family Flaviviridae. Phylogenetic analyses also indicate the large genetic distance between Hepacivirus Q and other known hepaciviruses. Molecular detection of this novel hepacivirus showed an overall prevalence of 15.9% in duck populations in partial areas of Guangdong province. These results expand knowledge about the genetic diversity and evolution of hepaciviruses and indicate that genetically divergent hepaciviruses are circulating in duck populations in China.
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Identification and Genetic Characterization of Bovine Hepacivirus in China: A Large Scale Epidemiological Study. Virol Sin 2022; 37:223-228. [PMID: 35537981 PMCID: PMC9170970 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine hepacivirus (BovHepV) is a novel virus that was recently discovered in Ghana and Germany in 2015. Until now, this virus has been identified in cattle population worldwide and is classified into subtypes A–G. To fully understand the epidemic situation and genetic characteristic of BovHepV in China, a total of 612 cattle serum samples were collected from 20 farms in seven provinces and municipality in China between 2018 and 2020 and were tested for the presence of BovHepV RNA via semi-nested PCR. The results demonstrated that 49 (8.0%) samples were BovHepV RNA-positive. It is noted that BovHepV infection in yak was confirmed for the first time. BovHepV was detected in all the seven provinces, with the positive rate ranging from 3.1% to 13.3%, which indicates a wide geographical distribution pattern of BovHepV in China. Sequencing results revealed that 5′ UTR of the 49 field BovHepV strains have a nucleotide similarity of 96.3%–100% between each other and 93.9%–100% with previously reported BovHepV strains. In addition, genetic analysis identified five critical nucleotide sites in 5′ UTR to distinguish different subtypes, which was further verified by genomic sequencing and nucleotide similarity analysis. All the 49 Chinese field BovHepV strains were classified into subtype G and this subtype is only determined in cattle in China currently. This study will provide insights for us to better understand the epidemiology and genetic diversity of BovHepV. BovHepV was detected in seven provinces in China between 2018 and 2020. BovHepV was prevalent in cattle with the positive rate ranging from 3.1% to 13.3%. Five critical nucleotide sites in 5′ UTR could distinguish BovHepV subtypes. The Chinese field BovHepV strains were classified into subtype G.
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The Bank Vole (Clethrionomys glareolus)—Small Animal Model for Hepacivirus Infection. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122421. [PMID: 34960690 PMCID: PMC8708279 DOI: 10.3390/v13122421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Many people worldwide suffer from hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, which is frequently persistent. The lack of efficient vaccines against HCV and the unavailability of or limited compliance with existing antiviral therapies is problematic for health care systems worldwide. Improved small animal models would support further hepacivirus research, including development of vaccines and novel antivirals. The recent discovery of several mammalian hepaciviruses may facilitate such research. In this study, we demonstrated that bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) were susceptible to bank vole-associated Hepacivirus F and Hepacivirus J strains, based on the detection of hepaciviral RNA in 52 of 55 experimentally inoculated voles. In contrast, interferon α/β receptor deficient C57/Bl6 mice were resistant to infection with both bank vole hepaciviruses (BvHVs). The highest viral genome loads in infected voles were detected in the liver, and viral RNA was visualized by in situ hybridization in hepatocytes, confirming a marked hepatotropism. Furthermore, liver lesions in infected voles resembled those of HCV infection in humans. In conclusion, infection with both BvHVs in their natural hosts shares striking similarities to HCV infection in humans and may represent promising small animal models for this important human disease.
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Shao JW, Guo LY, Yuan YX, Ma J, Chen JM, Liu Q. A Novel Subtype of Bovine Hepacivirus Identified in Ticks Reveals the Genetic Diversity and Evolution of Bovine Hepacivirus. Viruses 2021; 13:v13112206. [PMID: 34835012 PMCID: PMC8623979 DOI: 10.3390/v13112206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepaciviruses represent a group of viruses that pose a significant threat to the health of humans and animals. New members of the genus Hepacivirus in the family Flaviviridae have recently been identified in a wide variety of host species worldwide. Similar to the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), bovine hepacivirus (BovHepV) is hepatotropic and causes acute or persistent infections in cattle. BovHepVs are distributed worldwide and classified into two genotypes with seven subtypes in genotype 1. In this study, three BovHepV strains were identified in the samples of ticks sucking blood on cattle in the Guangdong province of China, through unbiased high-throughput sequencing. Genetic analysis revealed the polyprotein-coding gene of these viral sequences herein shared 67.7–84.8% nt identity and 76.1–95.6% aa identity with other BovHepVs identified worldwide. As per the demarcation criteria adopted for the genotyping and subtyping of HCV, these three BovHepV strains belonged to a novel subtype within the genotype 1. Additionally, purifying selection was the dominant evolutionary pressure acting on the genomes of BovHepV, and genetic recombination was not common among BovHepVs. These results expand the knowledge about the genetic diversity and evolution of BovHepV distributed globally, and also indicate genetically divergent BovHepV strains were co-circulating in cattle populations in China.
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In Vitro Comparison of the Internal Ribosomal Entry Site Activity from Rodent Hepacivirus and Pegivirus and Construction of Pseudoparticles. Adv Virol 2021; 2021:5569844. [PMID: 34422054 PMCID: PMC8376455 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5569844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR) of rodent hepacivirus (RHV) and pegivirus (RPgV) contains sequence homology to the HCV type III internal ribosome entry sites (IRES). Utilizing a monocistronic expression vector with an RNA polymerase I promoter to drive transcription, we show cell-specific IRES translation and regions within the IRES required for full functionality. Focusing on RHV, we further pseudotyped lentivirus with RHV and showed cell surface expression of the envelope proteins and transduction of murine hepatocytes and we then constructed full-length RHV and RPgV replicons with reporter genes. Using the replicon system, we show that the RHV NS3-4A protease cleaves a mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein reporter. However, liver-derived cells did not readily support the complete viral life cycle.
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15
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Abbadi I, Lkhider M, Kitab B, Jabboua K, Zaidane I, Haddaji A, Nacer S, Matsuu A, Pineau P, Tsukiyama-Kohara K, Benjelloun S, Ezzikouri S. Non-primate hepacivirus transmission and prevalence: Novel findings of virus circulation in horses and dogs in Morocco. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 93:104975. [PMID: 34175479 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Non-primate hepacivirus (NPHV) is a homolog of hepatitis C virus and has been isolated from dogs and horses. Data on NPHV prevalence and distribution are not complete, and there is a particular lack of reports from the African continent. The present study represents the first investigation of NPHV prevalence in horses and dogs in North Africa. Blood was collected from 172 horses and 36 dogs at different locations in Morocco, and screened for NPHV RNA using nested PCR targeting 5'UTR and NS3 regions and analyzed for anti-NPHV NS3 antibody using a Gaussia luciferase immunoprecipitation system-to determine seroprevalence. Eight sequences of the NS3 region isolated from positive serum samples were targeted for phylogenetic analysis. Horses and dogs showed respective NPHV RNA positivity rates of 10.5% and 5.5%, and seroprevalences of 65.7% and 8.33%. Juvenile horses appeared more susceptible to infection, with a 23.5% NHPV RNA positivity rate. Seropositivity was more extensive in mares than stallions (77.14% vs. 46.27%, p < 0.0001). Phylogenetically, that NPHV NS3 genes isolated from horses and dog are clustered together. The NPHV strains we detected showed no correlation with geographic location within Morocco. In conclusion, Moroccan horses showed much evidence of previous and/or current NPHV infection, with young age and female sex as noted potential risk factors. Interestingly, NPHV is circulating in dogs as well as horses, suggesting that it has crossed species barriers and that horses and dogs are potential vectors by which an ancestor to hepatitis C virus was transmitted into human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam Abbadi
- Virology Unit, Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco; Laboratory of Biosciences, School of Sciences and Technology, Mohammedia, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Mustapha Lkhider
- Laboratory of Biosciences, School of Sciences and Technology, Mohammedia, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Bouchra Kitab
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | | | - Imane Zaidane
- Virology Unit, Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Asmaa Haddaji
- Virology Unit, Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Sabrine Nacer
- Laboratory of Biosciences, School of Sciences and Technology, Mohammedia, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Aya Matsuu
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Pascal Pineau
- Unité "Organisation Nucléaire et Oncogenèse", INSERM U993, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Kyoko Tsukiyama-Kohara
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Soumaya Benjelloun
- Virology Unit, Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Sayeh Ezzikouri
- Virology Unit, Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco.
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16
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Bletsa M, Vrancken B, Gryseels S, Boonen I, Fikatas A, Li Y, Laudisoit A, Lequime S, Bryja J, Makundi R, Meheretu Y, Akaibe BD, Mbalitini SG, Van de Perre F, Van Houtte N, Těšíková J, Wollants E, Van Ranst M, Pybus OG, Drexler JF, Verheyen E, Leirs H, Gouy de Bellocq J, Lemey P. Molecular detection and genomic characterization of diverse hepaciviruses in African rodents. Virus Evol 2021; 7:veab036. [PMID: 34221451 PMCID: PMC8242229 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veab036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV; genus Hepacivirus) represents a major public health problem, infecting about three per cent of the human population. Because no animal reservoir carrying closely related hepaciviruses has been identified, the zoonotic origins of HCV still remain unresolved. Motivated by recent findings of divergent hepaciviruses in rodents and a plausible African origin of HCV genotypes, we have screened a large collection of small mammals samples from seven sub-Saharan African countries. Out of 4,303 samples screened, eighty were found positive for the presence of hepaciviruses in twenty-nine different host species. We, here, report fifty-six novel genomes that considerably increase the diversity of three divergent rodent hepacivirus lineages. Furthermore, we provide strong evidence for hepacivirus co-infections in rodents, which were exclusively found in four sampled species of brush-furred mice. We also detect evidence of recombination within specific host lineages. Our study expands the available hepacivirus genomic data and contributes insights into the relatively deep evolutionary history of these pathogens in rodents. Overall, our results emphasize the importance of rodents as a potential hepacivirus reservoir and as models for investigating HCV infection dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda Bletsa
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bram Vrancken
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sophie Gryseels
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Biology, Evolutionary Ecology Group, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ine Boonen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Antonios Fikatas
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yiqiao Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Sebastian Lequime
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Josef Bryja
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Rhodes Makundi
- Pest Management Center -Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Yonas Meheretu
- Department of Biology and Institute of Mountain Research & Development, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Benjamin Dudu Akaibe
- Department of Ecology and Animal Resource Management, Faculty of Science, Biodiversity Monitoring Center, University of Kisangani, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Sylvestre Gambalemoke Mbalitini
- Department of Ecology and Animal Resource Management, Faculty of Science, Biodiversity Monitoring Center, University of Kisangani, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Frederik Van de Perre
- Department of Biology, Evolutionary Ecology Group, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Natalie Van Houtte
- Department of Biology, Evolutionary Ecology Group, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jana Těšíková
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Elke Wollants
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marc Van Ranst
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Oliver G Pybus
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Jan Felix Drexler
- Charite-Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Berlin, Germany
| | - Erik Verheyen
- Department of Biology, Evolutionary Ecology Group, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- OD Taxonomy and Phylogeny-Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Herwig Leirs
- Department of Biology, Evolutionary Ecology Group, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Philippe Lemey
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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17
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Porter AF, Pettersson JHO, Chang WS, Harvey E, Rose K, Shi M, Eden JS, Buchmann J, Moritz C, Holmes EC. Novel hepaci- and pegi-like viruses in native Australian wildlife and non-human primates. Virus Evol 2020; 6:veaa064. [PMID: 33240526 PMCID: PMC7673076 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veaa064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Flaviviridae family of positive-sense RNA viruses contains important pathogens of humans and other animals, including Zika virus, dengue virus, and hepatitis C virus. The Flaviviridae are currently divided into four genera-Hepacivirus, Pegivirus, Pestivirus, and Flavivirus-each with a diverse host range. Members of the genus Hepacivirus are associated with an array of animal species, including humans, non-human primates, other mammalian species, as well as birds and fish, while the closely related pegiviruses have been identified in a variety of mammalian taxa, also including humans. Using a combination of total RNA and whole-genome sequencing we identified four novel hepaci-like viruses and one novel variant of a known hepacivirus in five species of Australian wildlife. The hosts infected comprised native Australian marsupials and birds, as well as a native gecko (Gehyra lauta). From these data we identified a distinct marsupial clade of hepaci-like viruses that also included an engorged Ixodes holocyclus tick collected while feeding on Australian long-nosed bandicoots (Perameles nasuta). Distinct lineages of hepaci-like viruses associated with geckos and birds were also identified. By mining the SRA database we similarly identified three new hepaci-like viruses from avian and primate hosts, as well as two novel pegi-like viruses associated with primates. The phylogenetic history of the hepaci- and pegi-like viruses as a whole, combined with co-phylogenetic analysis, provided support for virus-host co-divergence over the course of vertebrate evolution, although with frequent cross-species virus transmission. Overall, our work highlights the diversity of the Hepacivirus and Pegivirus genera as well as the uncertain phylogenetic distinction between.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh F Porter
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - John H-O Pettersson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Wei-Shan Chang
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Erin Harvey
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Karrie Rose
- Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman 2088, Australia
| | - Mang Shi
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - John-Sebastian Eden
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Jan Buchmann
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Craig Moritz
- Research School of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Analysis, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Edward C Holmes
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
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18
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SARS-CoV-2 will constantly sweep its tracks: a vaccine containing CpG motifs in 'lasso' for the multi-faced virus. Inflamm Res 2020; 69:801-812. [PMID: 32656668 PMCID: PMC7354743 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-020-01377-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
During the current COVID-19 pandemic, the global ratio between the dead and the survivors is approximately 1 to 10, which has put humanity on high alert and provided strong motivation for the intensive search for vaccines and drugs. It is already clear that if we follow the most likely scenario, which is similar to that used to create seasonal influenza vaccines, then we will need to develop improved vaccine formulas every year to control the spread of the new, highly mutable coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. In this article, using well-known RNA viruses (HIV, influenza viruses, HCV) as examples, we consider the main successes and failures in creating primarily highly effective vaccines. The experience accumulated dealing with the biology of zoonotic RNA viruses suggests that the fight against COVID-19 will be difficult and lengthy. The most effective vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 will be those able to form highly effective memory cells for both humoral (memory B cells) and cellular (cross-reactive antiviral memory T cells) immunity. Unfortunately, RNA viruses constantly sweep their tracks and perhaps one of the most promising solutions in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic is the creation of 'universal' vaccines based on conservative SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences (antigen-presenting) and unmethylated CpG dinucleotides (adjuvant) in the composition of the phosphorothioate backbone of single-stranded DNA oligonucleotides (ODN), which can be effective for long periods of use. Here, we propose a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine based on a lasso-like phosphorothioate oligonucleotide construction containing CpG motifs and the antigen-presenting unique ACG-containing genome sequence of SARS-CoV-2. We found that CpG dinucleotides are the most rare dinucleotides in the genomes of SARS-CoV-2 and other known human coronaviruses, and hypothesized that their higher frequency could be responsible for the unwanted increased lethality to the host, causing a ‘cytokine storm’ in people who overexpress cytokines through the activation of specific Toll-like receptors in a manner similar to TLR9-CpG ODN interactions. Interestingly, the virus strains sequenced in China (Wuhan) in February 2020 contained on average one CpG dinucleotide more in their genome than the later strains from the USA (New York) sequenced in May 2020. Obviously, during the first steps of the microevolution of SARS-CoV-2 in the human population, natural selection tends to select viral genomes containing fewer CpG motifs that do not trigger a strong innate immune response, so the infected person has moderate symptoms and spreads SARS-CoV-2 more readily. However, in our opinion, unmethylated CpG dinucleotides are also capable of preparing the host immune system for the coronavirus infection and should be present in SARS-CoV-2 vaccines as strong adjuvants.
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19
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Animal Models Used in Hepatitis C Virus Research. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21113869. [PMID: 32485887 PMCID: PMC7312079 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The narrow range of species permissive to infection by hepatitis C virus (HCV) presents a unique challenge to the development of useful animal models for studying HCV, as well as host immune responses and development of chronic infection and disease. Following earlier studies in chimpanzees, several unique approaches have been pursued to develop useful animal models for research while avoiding the important ethical concerns and costs inherent in research with chimpanzees. Genetically related hepatotropic viruses that infect animals are being used as surrogates for HCV in research studies; chimeras of these surrogate viruses harboring specific regions of the HCV genome are being developed to improve their utility for vaccine testing. Concurrently, genetically humanized mice are being developed and continually advanced using human factors known to be involved in virus entry and replication. Further, xenotransplantation of human hepatocytes into mice allows for the direct study of HCV infection in human liver tissue in a small animal model. The current advances in each of these approaches are discussed in the present review.
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20
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Ploss A, Kapoor A. Animal Models of Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2020; 10:cshperspect.a036970. [PMID: 31843875 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a036970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important and underreported infectious disease, causing chronic infection in ∼71 million people worldwide. The limited host range of HCV, which robustly infects only humans and chimpanzees, has made studying this virus in vivo challenging and hampered the development of a desperately needed vaccine. The restrictions and ethical concerns surrounding biomedical research in chimpanzees has made the search for an animal model all the more important. In this review, we discuss different approaches that are being pursued toward creating small animal models for HCV infection. Although efforts to use a nonhuman primate species besides chimpanzees have proven challenging, important advances have been achieved in a variety of humanized mouse models. However, such models still fall short of the overarching goal to have an immunocompetent, inheritably susceptible in vivo platform in which the immunopathology of HCV could be studied and putative vaccines development. Alternatives to overcome this include virus adaptation, such as murine-tropic HCV strains, or the use of related hepaciviruses, of which many have been recently identified. Of the latter, the rodent/rat hepacivirus from Rattus norvegicus species-1 (RHV-rn1) holds promise as a surrogate virus in fully immunocompetent rats that can inform our understanding of the interaction between the immune response and viral outcomes (i.e., clearance vs. persistence). However, further characterization of these animal models is necessary before their use for gaining new insights into the immunopathogenesis of HCV and for conceptualizing HCV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ploss
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
| | - Amit Kapoor
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA
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21
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Williams SH, Levy A, Yates RA, Somaweera N, Neville PJ, Nicholson J, Lindsay MDA, Mackenzie JS, Jain K, Imrie A, Smith DW, Lipkin WI. Discovery of Jogalong virus, a novel hepacivirus identified in a Culex annulirostris (Skuse) mosquito from the Kimberley region of Western Australia. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227114. [PMID: 31899786 PMCID: PMC6941808 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of hepaciviruses in non-human hosts has accelerated following the advancement of high-throughput sequencing technology. Hepaciviruses have now been described in reptiles, fish, birds, and an extensive array of mammals. Using metagenomic sequencing on pooled samples of field-collected Culex annulirostris mosquitoes, we discovered a divergent hepacivirus-like sequence, named Jogalong virus, from the Kimberley region in northern Western Australia. Using PCR, we screened the same 300 individual mosquitoes and found just a single positive sample (1/300, 0.33%). Phylogenetic analysis of the hepacivirus NS5B protein places Jogalong virus within the genus Hepacivirus but on a distinct and deeply rooted monophyletic branch shared with duck hepacivirus, suggesting a notably different evolutionary history. Vertebrate barcoding PCR targeting two mitochondrial genes, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and cytochrome b, indicated that the Jogalong virus-positive mosquito had recently fed on the tawny frogmouth (Podargus strigoides), although it is currently unknown whether this bird species contributes to the natural ecology of this virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon H. Williams
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health of Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Avram Levy
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rachel A. Yates
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health of Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Nilusha Somaweera
- Environmental Health Directorate, Public and Aboriginal Health Division, Department of Health, Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Peter J. Neville
- Environmental Health Directorate, Public and Aboriginal Health Division, Department of Health, Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jay Nicholson
- Environmental Health Directorate, Public and Aboriginal Health Division, Department of Health, Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Michael D. A. Lindsay
- Environmental Health Directorate, Public and Aboriginal Health Division, Department of Health, Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - John S. Mackenzie
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Komal Jain
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health of Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Allison Imrie
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - David W. Smith
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - W. Ian Lipkin
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health of Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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22
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Multidecade Mortality and a Homolog of Hepatitis C Virus in Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), the National Bird of the USA. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14953. [PMID: 31628350 PMCID: PMC6802099 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50580-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) once experienced near-extinction but has since rebounded. For decades, bald eagles near the Wisconsin River, USA, have experienced a lethal syndrome with characteristic clinical and pathological features but unknown etiology. Here, we describe a novel hepacivirus-like virus (Flaviviridae: Hepacivirus) identified during an investigation of Wisconsin River eagle syndrome (WRES). Bald eagle hepacivirus (BeHV) belongs to a divergent clade of avian viruses that share features with members of the genera Hepacivirus and Pegivirus. BeHV infected 31.9% of eagles spanning 4,254 km of the coterminous USA, with negative strand viral RNA demonstrating active replication in liver tissues. Eagles from Wisconsin were approximately 10-fold more likely to be infected than eagles from elsewhere. Eagle mitochondrial DNA sequences were homogeneous and geographically unstructured, likely reflecting a recent population bottleneck, whereas BeHV envelope gene sequences showed strong population genetic substructure and isolation by distance, suggesting localized transmission. Cophylogenetic analyses showed no congruity between eagles and their viruses, supporting horizontal rather than vertical transmission. These results expand our knowledge of the Flaviviridae, reveal a striking pattern of decoupled host/virus coevolution on a continental scale, and highlight knowledge gaps about health and conservation in even the most iconic of wildlife species.
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23
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Presence of a Novel Subtype of Bovine Hepacivirus in China and Expanded Classification of Bovine Hepacivirus Strains Worldwide into 7 Subtypes. Viruses 2019; 11:v11090843. [PMID: 31514278 PMCID: PMC6784114 DOI: 10.3390/v11090843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The newest member of the Hepacivirus genus, bovine hepacivirus (BovHepV), was first identified in cattle in 2015 and is a novel hepacivirus C virus (HCV)-like virus. This virus has been detected in five countries so far and is classified into four subtypes. Bovine serum is commonly used for cell cultures and is considered the major source of viral contamination of pharmaceutical products. In this study, bovine serum samples were collected from seven countries located in Asia, America, Oceania, and Europe and were tested for BovHepV RNA using nested PCR, in order to: (i) obtain more knowledge on the geographical distribution and subtypes of BovHepV; and (ii) detect the potential contamination of BovHepV in commercial bovine serum samples used for cell culture propagation. The results demonstrated that bovine serum samples from individual donor cattle in China contained BovHepV RNA. After PCR, sequencing, and assembly, the genomes of the Chinese BovHepV strains were obtained. Genetic analysis of the polyprotein gene revealed a protein identity of <77% and a nucleotide identity of <85% between the Chinese BovHepV strains and all other previously reported BovHepV strains. Using cut-off values for determination of HCV genotypes and subtypes, BovHepV strains worldwide were classified into one unique genotype and seven subtypes. The BovHepV strains identified in the present study were classified into a novel subtype, which was provisionally designated subtype G. The genetic relationships among the different BovHepV subtypes were further confirmed through phylogenetic analysis. The present study provides critical insights into BovHepV’s geographical distribution and genetic variability.
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24
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Chu L, Jin M, Feng C, Wang X, Zhang D. A highly divergent hepacivirus-like flavivirus in domestic ducks. J Gen Virol 2019; 100:1234-1240. [PMID: 31282853 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Using random amplification and reverse transcription-PCR, a novel RNA virus was detected in sera of domestic ducks. The full genome of the virus was determined for three strains, identifying the first hepacivirus-like flavivirus in birds. The virus, that we tentatively named duck hepacivirus-like virus (DuHV), possesses several unique molecular features, such as possession of the largest hepacivirus-like polyprotein gene and a Pegivirus A-like internal ribosome entry site. Sequence comparisons and phylogenetic and sliding-window analyses indicated that DuHV is most closely related to, but highly divergent from, the known hepaciviruses. DuHV was detected in 69.7 % of 185 serum samples from four duck species and in 31 of 33 flocks from five provinces of China, reflecting a high prevalence in duck populations and a wide geographical distribution. The detection of DuHV in the same flock in November 2018 and April 2019 suggested that persistent infection can be established in the infected ducks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Chu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Meiling Jin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Chonglun Feng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Dabing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, PR China
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25
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Detection and characterization of a novel hepacivirus in long-tailed ground squirrels (Spermophilus undulatus) in China. Arch Virol 2019; 164:2401-2410. [PMID: 31243554 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-019-04303-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Rodent populations are known to be reservoirs of viruses with the potential to infect humans. However, a large number of such viruses remain undiscovered. In this study, we investigated the shedding of unknown viruses in long-tailed ground squirrel (Spermophilus undulatus) feces by high-throughput sequencing. A novel and highly divergent virus related to members of the genus Hepacivirus was identified in ground squirrel liver. This virus, tentatively named RHV-GS2015, was found to have a genome organization that is typical of hepaciviruses, including a long open reading frame encoding a polyprotein of 2763 aa. Sequence alignment of RHV-GS2015 with the most closely related hepaciviruses yielded p-distances of the NS3 and NS5B regions of 0.546 and 0.476, respectively, supporting the conclusion that RHV-GS2015 is a member of a new hepacivirus species, which we propose to be named "Hepacivirus P". Phylogenetic analysis of the NS3 and NS5B regions indicated that RHV-GS2015 shares common ancestry with other rodent hepaciviruses (species Hepacivirus E, and species Hepacivirus F), Norway rat hepacivirus 1 (species Hepacivirus G), and Norway rat hepacivirus 2 (species Hepacivirus H). A phylogenetic tree including the seven previously identified rodent hepaciviruses revealed extreme genetic heterogeneity among these viruses. RHV-GS2015 was detected in 7 out of 12 ground squirrel pools and was present in liver, lung, and spleen tissues. Furthermore, livers showed extremely high viral loads of RHV-GS2015, ranging from 2.5 × 106 to 2.0 × 108 copies/g. It is reasonable to assume that this novel virus is hepatotropic, like hepatitis C virus. The discovery of RHV-GS2015 extends our knowledge of the genetic diversity and host range of hepaciviruses, helping to elucidate their origins and evolution.
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Figueiredo AS, de Moraes MVDS, Soares CC, Chalhoub FLL, de Filippis AMB, Dos Santos DRL, de Almeida FQ, Godoi TLOS, de Souza AM, Burdman TR, de Lemos ERS, Dos Reis JKP, Cruz OG, Pinto MA. First description of Theiler's disease-associated virus infection and epidemiological investigation of equine pegivirus and equine hepacivirus coinfection in Brazil. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:1737-1751. [PMID: 31017727 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in the study of equine pegivirus (EPgV), Theiler's disease-associated virus (TDAV) and equine hepacivirus (EqHV) highlight their importance to veterinary and human health. To gain some insight into virus distribution, possible risk factors, presence of liver damage and genetic variability of these viruses in Brazil, we performed a cross-sectional study of EPgV and TDAV infections using a simultaneous detection assay, and assessed EqHV coinfection in different horse cohorts. Of the 500 serum samples screened, TDAV, EPgV and EPgV-EqHV were present in 1.6%, 14.2% and 18.3%, respectively. EPgV-positive horses were present in four Brazilian states: Espírito Santo, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro. Serum biochemical alterations were present in 40.4% of EPgV-infected horses, two of them presenting current liver injury. Chance of infection was 2.7 times higher in horses ≤5 years old (p = 0.0008) and 4.9 times higher in horses raised under intensive production systems (p = 0.0009). EPgV-EqHV coinfection was 75% less likely in horses older than 5 years comparatively to those with ≤5 years old (p = 0.047). TDAV-positive animals were detected in different horse categories without biochemical alteration. Nucleotide sequences were highly conserved among isolates from this study and previous field and commercial product isolates (≥88% identity). Tree topology revealed the formation of two clades (pp = 1) for both EPgV and TDAV NS3 partial sequences. In conclusion, the widespread presence of EPgV-RNA suggests an enzootic infection with subclinical viremia in Brazil. Horse management can influence virus spread. This first report of TDAV-infected horses outside the USA reveals the existence of subclinical viremic horses in distant geographical regions. EPgV and TDAV have similar circulating isolates worldwide. These findings contribute to global efforts to understand the epidemiology and pathogenesis of these equine viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreza Soriano Figueiredo
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Virologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tatianne Leme Oliveira Santos Godoi
- Coordenação de Produção Integrada ao Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão, Reitoria, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Aline Moreira de Souza
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica e Diagnóstico Molecular Professor Marcílio Dias do Nascimento, Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Rozental Burdman
- Laboratório de Hantaviroses e Rickettsioses, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Marcelo Alves Pinto
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Virologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Rasche A, Sander AL, Corman VM, Drexler JF. Evolutionary biology of human hepatitis viruses. J Hepatol 2019; 70:501-520. [PMID: 30472320 PMCID: PMC7114834 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis viruses are major threats to human health. During the last decade, highly diverse viruses related to human hepatitis viruses were found in animals other than primates. Herein, we describe both surprising conservation and striking differences of the unique biological properties and infection patterns of human hepatitis viruses and their animal homologues, including transmission routes, liver tropism, oncogenesis, chronicity, pathogenesis and envelopment. We discuss the potential for translation of newly discovered hepatitis viruses into preclinical animal models for drug testing, studies on pathogenesis and vaccine development. Finally, we re-evaluate the evolutionary origins of human hepatitis viruses and discuss the past and present zoonotic potential of their animal homologues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Rasche
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Virology, 10117 Berlin, Germany,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Sander
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Virology, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Victor Max Corman
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Virology, 10117 Berlin, Germany,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Germany
| | - Jan Felix Drexler
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Virology, 10117 Berlin, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Germany.
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28
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Abstract
In spite of the immense progress in hepatitis C virus (HCV) research, efforts to prevent infection, such as generating a vaccine, have not yet been successful. The high price tag associated with current treatment options for chronic infection and the spike in new infections concurrent with growing opioid abuse are strong motivators for developing effective immunization and understanding neutralizing antibodies' role in preventing infection. Humanized mice-both human liver chimeras as well as genetically humanized models-are important platforms for testing both possible vaccine candidates as well as antibody-based therapies. This chapter details the variety of ways humanized mouse technology can be employed in pursuit of learning how HCV infection can be prevented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna M Gaska
- Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Qiang Ding
- Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Alexander Ploss
- Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
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Virus discovery reveals frequent infection by diverse novel members of the Flaviviridae in wild lemurs. Arch Virol 2018; 164:509-522. [PMID: 30460488 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-018-4099-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Lemurs are highly endangered mammals inhabiting the forests of Madagascar. In this study, we performed virus discovery on serum samples collected from 84 wild lemurs and identified viral sequence fragments from 4 novel viruses within the family Flaviviridae, including members of the genera Hepacivirus and Pegivirus. The sifaka hepacivirus (SifHV, two genotypes) and pegivirus (SifPgV, two genotypes) were discovered in the diademed sifaka (Propithecus diadema), while other pegiviral fragments were detected in samples from the indri (Indri indri, IndPgV) and the weasel sportive lemur (Lepilemur mustelinus, LepPgV). Although data are preliminary, each viral species appeared host species-specific and frequent infection was detected (18 of 84 individuals were positive for at least one virus). The complete coding sequence and partial 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) were obtained for SifHV and its genomic organization was consistent with that of other hepaciviruses, with one unique polyprotein and highly structured UTRs. Phylogenetic analyses showed the SifHV belonged to a clade that includes several viral species identified in rodents from Asia and North America, while SifPgV and IndPgV were more closely related to pegiviral species A and C, that include viruses found in humans as well as New- and Old-World monkeys. Our results support the current proposed model of virus-host co-divergence with frequent occurrence of cross-species transmission for these genera and highlight how the discovery of more members of the Flaviviridae can help clarify the ecology and evolutionary history of these viruses. Furthermore, this knowledge is important for conservation and captive management of lemurs.
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Schlottau K, Fereidouni S, Beer M, Hoffmann B. Molecular identification and characterization of nonprimate hepaciviruses in equines. Arch Virol 2018; 164:391-400. [PMID: 30361815 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-018-4077-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a positive-sense RNA virus belonging to the genus Hepacivirus, family Flaviviridae. Its genome has a length of 9.6 kb and encodes a single polyprotein flanked by two untranslated regions. HCV can cause liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and approximately 2% of the world's population is chronically infected. The investigation of pathogenesis is complicated due to the lack of an animal model. The origin of this virus remains unclear, but in the last few years, relatives of HCV were initially identified in dogs and later in horses, rodents, bats and Old World monkeys. Non-primate hepacivirus (NPHV), which infects dogs and horses, is the closest relative to HCV. We established a pan-reactive "panHepaci"-RT-qPCR assay, which is able to detect human HCV as well as equine NPHV, and additionally, an equine-specific "equHepaci"-RT-qPCR for confirmation of positive results. Serum samples from 1158 clinically inconspicuous horses from Germany and several samples from other mammalian species were screened. We found 2.4% of the horses positive for hepacivirus RNA, and furthermore, the "panHepaci"-RT-qPCR assay also detected a hepacivirus in a donkey from Egypt. This virus had only 78% sequence identity in the E2 gene when compared to other known NPHVs. The established method could be useful for screening purposes, since it is likely that related hepaciviruses also occur in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kore Schlottau
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | | | - Martin Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Bernd Hoffmann
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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31
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Yeşilbağ K, Baechlein C, Kadiroğlu B, Baldan Toker E, Alpay G, Becher P. Presence of bovine hepacivirus in Turkish cattle. Vet Microbiol 2018; 225:1-5. [PMID: 30322519 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV), a worldwide distributed human pathogen, causes one of the most important viral infections in human being. HCV is the type species of the genus Hepacivirus (Flaviviridae) in which recently discovered animal viruses i.e. from horses, bats, rodents and cattle are allocated. After preliminary reports in 2015 from German and African cattle, a wide distribution of bovine hepacivirus (BovHepV, Hepacivirus N) was proposed. We investigated the possible presence of BovHepV in serum samples from cattle in different locations of Turkey. Analyzing a total of 120 samples from 98 female (dairy) and 22 male (beef) cattle by real-time RT-PCR resulted in 15 (12.5%) positives. BovHepV infection was detected in 6 out of 10 locations included in the study. There were positive samples both from eastern and western parts of the country indicating possible wide distribution in the Turkish cattle population. Phylogenetic analysis of 9 selected positive samples clearly assigned 8 sequences to a separate cluster on the basis of NS3 gene region, while one of the sequences obtained from an imported animal from north of Italy grouped with sequences obtained from cattle in Germany. The latter finding may indicate possible occurrence of this genetic group of BovHepV not only in Germany but in other European countries. Results of the present study demonstrate the presence of BovHepV infections in Turkey and in The Middle East region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadir Yeşilbağ
- Department of Virology, Uludag University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bursa, Turkey.
| | - Christine Baechlein
- Institute for Virology, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Berfin Kadiroğlu
- Department of Virology, Uludag University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Eda Baldan Toker
- Department of Virology, Uludag University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Gizem Alpay
- Department of Virology, Uludag University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Paul Becher
- Institute for Virology, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany.
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32
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Badenhorst M, Tegtmeyer B, Todt D, Guthrie A, Feige K, Campe A, Steinmann E, Cavalleri JMV. First detection and frequent occurrence of Equine Hepacivirus in horses on the African continent. Vet Microbiol 2018; 223:51-58. [PMID: 30173752 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2018.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of equine hepacivirus (EqHV) in 2011, the virus has been detected in horse populations from more than twelve countries across five continents. EqHV seroprevalence has been reported to be as high as 61.8% and EqHV ribonucleic acid (RNA) prevalence to range between 0.9% and 34.1%. Molecular and serological indications of EqHV infection have never been reported in equids on the African continent. Therefore, investigation of EqHV prevalence in South African horses and subsequent viral genetic characterization contribute to a better understanding of the global epidemiology of this virus. In a cross-sectional study, serum samples from 454 Thoroughbred foals (aged 58-183 days) were analysed for anti-EqHV non-structural protein 3 (NS3)-specific antibodies (abs) with a luciferase immunoprecipitation system (LIPS) and for EqHV RNA by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Farms of origin (n = 26) were situated in South Africa's Western Cape Province. The associations between EqHV infection state and farm of origin, foal gender and foal age were subsequently described. Furthermore, nested PCRs were performed on parts of the 5'UTR, NS3 and NS5B genes of 17 samples. Samples were sequenced and phylogenetic analyses were conducted. The population's seroprevalence was 83.70% and RNA was detected in 7.93% of samples. Increasing foal age was associated with decreasing ab prevalence and increasing prevalence of EqHV RNA. Sequences from South African EqHV strains did not show in-depth clustering with published sequences of EqHV isolates from particular continents. In conclusion, EqHV is present in the South African Thoroughbred population and appears more prevalent than reported in other horse populations worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcha Badenhorst
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, Pretoria, South Africa; Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Birthe Tegtmeyer
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Medical School Hannover (MHH) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 7, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Medical School Hannover (MHH) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 7, 30625, Hannover, Germany; Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Alan Guthrie
- Equine Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Karsten Feige
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Amely Campe
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing (IBEI), WHO-Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 2, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Medical School Hannover (MHH) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 7, 30625, Hannover, Germany; Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Jessika M V Cavalleri
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, Pretoria, South Africa; Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria; Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany.
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The Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Bovine Hepacivirus in China. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:6216853. [PMID: 29955606 PMCID: PMC6000834 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6216853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepacivirus has been identified in cattle in Africa, Europe, and South America. In this survey of bovine hepacivirus (BovHepV) in 131 serum samples from Chinese cattle herds using RT-PCR, five of 131 sera were BovHepV positive, with the infection rate of 3.82%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the partial NS3 coding sequence showed that the BovHepV of the five positive samples clustered with other BovHepV but formed a separate branch. The results indicated that these new BovHepV represent emerging and novel strains. Further investigations are necessary to determine the epidemiology and viral pathogenesis of these BovHepV strains, as well as the potential threat to ruminant and livestock workers in China.
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Boukadida C, Fritz M, Blumen B, Fogeron ML, Penin F, Martin A. NS2 proteases from hepatitis C virus and related hepaciviruses share composite active sites and previously unrecognized intrinsic proteolytic activities. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1006863. [PMID: 29415072 PMCID: PMC5819835 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the recent years, several homologues with varying degrees of genetic relatedness to hepatitis C virus (HCV) have been identified in a wide range of mammalian species. HCV infectious life cycle relies on a first critical proteolytic event of its single polyprotein, which is carried out by nonstructural protein 2 (NS2) and allows replicase assembly and genome replication. In this study, we characterized and evaluated the conservation of the proteolytic mode of action and regulatory mechanisms of NS2 across HCV and animal hepaciviruses. We first demonstrated that NS2 from equine, bat, rodent, New and Old World primate hepaciviruses also are cysteine proteases. Using tagged viral protein precursors and catalytic triad mutants, NS2 of equine NPHV and simian GBV-B, which are the most closely and distantly related viruses to HCV, respectively, were shown to function, like HCV NS2 as dimeric proteases with two composite active sites. Consistent with the reported essential role for NS3 N-terminal domain (NS3N) as HCV NS2 protease cofactor via NS3N key hydrophobic surface patch, we showed by gain/loss of function mutagenesis studies that some heterologous hepacivirus NS3N may act as cofactors for HCV NS2 provided that HCV-like hydrophobic residues are conserved. Unprecedently, however, we also observed efficient intrinsic proteolytic activity of NS2 protease in the absence of NS3 moiety in the context of C-terminal tag fusions via flexible linkers both in transiently transfected cells for all hepaciviruses studied and in the context of HCV dicistronic full-length genomes. These findings suggest that NS3N acts as a regulatory rather than essential cofactor for hepacivirus NS2 protease. Overall, unique features of NS2 including enzymatic function as dimers with two composite active sites and additional NS3-independent proteolytic activity are conserved across hepaciviruses regardless of their genetic distances, highlighting their functional significance in hepacivirus life cycle. Despite remarkable progress in the development of therapeutic options, more than 70 million individuals are chronically infected by hepatitis C virus (HCV) worldwide and major challenges in basic and translational research remain. Phylogenetically-related HCV homologues have recently been identified in the wild in several mammalian species, whose host restriction and potential for zoonosis remain largely unknown. We comparatively characterized the functions and properties of nonstructural proteins 2 (NS2) from several animal hepaciviruses and HCV. We demonstrated that NS2 from animal hepaciviruses, like HCV NS2, are cysteine proteases, which function as dimers with two composite active sites to ensure a key proteolytic event of the single viral polyprotein at the NS2/NS3 junction. In addition to the activation of HCV NS2 protease by NS3 N-terminal domain, our data revealed a novel NS3-independent substrate specificity and efficient intrinsic proteolytic activity of NS2. The conservation of its properties and peculiar mode of action among distantly related hepaciviruses supports an important regulatory role for NS2 protein in the life cycle of these viruses. It also strengthens the value of animal, notably rodent hepaciviruses for the development of surrogate, immunocompetent models of HCV infection to address HCV-associated pathogenesis and vaccine strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia Boukadida
- Institut Pasteur, Unité de Génétique Moléculaire des Virus à ARN, Paris, France
- CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot–Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Matthieu Fritz
- Institut Pasteur, Unité de Génétique Moléculaire des Virus à ARN, Paris, France
- CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot–Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Brigitte Blumen
- Institut Pasteur, Unité de Génétique Moléculaire des Virus à ARN, Paris, France
- CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot–Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Laure Fogeron
- Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines, Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, Labex Ecofect, UMR 5086 CNRS, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - François Penin
- Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines, Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, Labex Ecofect, UMR 5086 CNRS, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Annette Martin
- Institut Pasteur, Unité de Génétique Moléculaire des Virus à ARN, Paris, France
- CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot–Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
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Figueiredo AS, Lampe E, de Albuquerque PPLF, Chalhoub FLL, de Filippis AMB, Villar LM, Cruz OG, Pinto MA, de Oliveira JM. Epidemiological investigation and analysis of the NS5B gene and protein variability of non-primate hepacivirus in several horse cohorts in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2018; 59:38-47. [PMID: 29413884 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Among the hepacivirus species recently described, the non-primate hepacivirus/hepacivirus A found in horses and donkeys is closely related to the human hepatitis C virus (HCV). Therefore, the equine is an attractive surrogate large animal model for the study of HCV therapy, pathogenesis and prophylaxis. Despite global efforts, epidemiological and genetic studies have not elucidated the risk factors, virus distribution or genetic variability of the hepacivirus A, which are also important issues for the equine welfare. Little information about this background scenery is available in Brazil. The aims of this study were to investigate potential risk factors associated with hepacivirus A infection among different horse cohorts throughout the state of Rio de Janeiro and to evaluate the diversity of the viral NS5B gene and protein. Hepacivirus A RNA was detected in horse cohorts from all geographical mesoregions, independent of horse activity or breed investigated. Statewide prevalence ranged from 4.0% to 27.5%. Potential risk factors such as geographical location and age of female horses were significantly associated with the presence of virus RNA. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the circulation of subtype 2 in all mesoregions. NS5B gene sequences clustered according to geographical origin, while the NS5B fragments did not allow discriminant analysis. The predicted NS5B protein showed marked conservation, especially in the thumb domain. In conclusion, the higher frequency of hepacivirus A RNA detection in horses bred for reproduction purposes as well as in young females suggests a direct link between reproduction practices and the virus's spread. Additional studies are necessary to understand the distribution of this genetically conserved hepacivirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreza Soriano Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Technological Development in Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-360, Brazil.
| | - Elisabeth Lampe
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Pedro Pereira Lira Furtado de Albuquerque
- Laboratory of Technological Development in Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Flávia Löwen Levy Chalhoub
- Flavivirus Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Bispo de Filippis
- Flavivirus Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Livia Melo Villar
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Oswaldo Gonçalves Cruz
- Programme of Scientific Computation, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Alves Pinto
- Laboratory of Technological Development in Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Mendes de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Technological Development in Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-360, Brazil
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A role for domain I of the hepatitis C virus NS5A protein in virus assembly. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1006834. [PMID: 29352312 PMCID: PMC5792032 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The NS5A protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV) plays roles in both virus genome replication and assembly. NS5A comprises three domains, of these domain I is believed to be involved exclusively in genome replication. In contrast, domains II and III are required for the production of infectious virus particles and are largely dispensable for genome replication. Domain I is highly conserved between HCV and related hepaciviruses, and is highly structured, exhibiting different dimeric conformations. To investigate the functions of domain I in more detail, we conducted a mutagenic study of 12 absolutely conserved and surface-exposed residues within the context of a JFH-1-derived sub-genomic replicon and infectious virus. Whilst most of these abrogated genome replication, three mutants (P35A, V67A and P145A) retained the ability to replicate but showed defects in virus assembly. P35A exhibited a modest reduction in infectivity, however V67A and P145A produced no infectious virus. Using a combination of density gradient fractionation, biochemical analysis and high resolution confocal microscopy we demonstrate that V67A and P145A disrupted the localisation of NS5A to lipid droplets. In addition, the localisation and size of lipid droplets in cells infected with these two mutants were perturbed compared to wildtype HCV. Biophysical analysis revealed that V67A and P145A abrogated the ability of purified domain I to dimerize and resulted in an increased affinity of binding to HCV 3’UTR RNA. Taken together, we propose that domain I of NS5A plays multiple roles in assembly, binding nascent genomic RNA and transporting it to lipid droplets where it is transferred to Core. Domain I also contributes to a change in lipid droplet morphology, increasing their size. This study reveals novel functions of NS5A domain I in assembly of infectious HCV and provides new perspectives on the virus lifecycle. Hepatitis C virus infects 170 million people worldwide, causing long term liver disease. Recently new therapies comprising direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), small molecule inhibitors of virus proteins, have revolutionised treatment for infected patients. Despite this, we have a limited understanding of how the virus replicates in infected liver cells. Here we identify a previously uncharacterised function of the NS5A protein–a target for one class of DAAs. NS5A is comprised of three domains–we show that the first of these (domain I) plays a role in the production of new, infectious virus particles. Previously it was thought that domain I was only involved in replicating the virus genome. Mutations in domain I perturb dimer formation, enhanced binding to the 3’ end of the virus RNA genome and prevented NS5A from interacting with lipid droplets, cellular lipid storage organelles that are required for assembly of new viruses. We propose that domain I of NS5A plays multiple roles in virus assembly. As domain I is the putative target for one class of DAAs, our observations may have implications for the as yet undefined mode of action of these compounds.
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Hayashi S, Tanaka T, Moriishi K, Hirayama K, Yamada A, Hotta K. Seroepidemiology of non-primate hepacivirus (NPHV) in Japanese native horses. J Vet Med Sci 2017; 80:186-189. [PMID: 29187712 PMCID: PMC5797880 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.17-0527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-primate hepacivirus (NPHV) is recently identified as a closely related homologue of hepatitis C virus. The previous studies showed a high prevalence of NPHV infection among Japanese domestic horses originated from
abroad. The historical distribution of NPHV among horses in Japan, therefore, is still unknown. In this study, seroepidemiological study of NPHV was conducted using 335 sera from five breeds of Japanese native horses.
These horses are maintained as the pedigree and are reared apart from other horse breeds. The detection of antibodies against NPHV were conducted by western blot analysis using the recombinant protein of the NPHV core
protein. The antibodies against NPHV were detected in all five breeds, 83 out of 335 (23.4%) horses. These results suggested that NPHV was circulating among Japanese native horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizuka Hayashi
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Tanaka
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Kohji Moriishi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Hirayama
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Akio Yamada
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Kozue Hotta
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
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38
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Goonawardane N, Ross-Thriepland D, Harris M. Regulation of hepatitis C virus replication via threonine phosphorylation of the NS5A protein. J Gen Virol 2017; 99:62-72. [PMID: 29139348 PMCID: PMC5882090 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.000975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus non-structural 5A (NS5A) protein is highly phosphorylated and plays roles in both virus genome replication and assembly of infectious virus particles. NS5A comprises three domains separated by low complexity sequences (LCS). Mass spectrometry analysis of NS5A revealed the existence of a singly phosphorylated tryptic peptide corresponding to the end of LCS I and the beginning of domain II that contained a number of potential phosphorylatable residues (serines and threonines). Here we use a mutagenic approach to investigate the potential role of three of these threonine residues. Phosphomimetic mutations of two of these (T242E and T244E) resulted in significant reductions in virus genome replication and the production of infectious virus, suggesting that the phosphorylation of these residues negatively regulated virus RNA synthesis. Mutation of T245 had no effect, however when T245E was combined with the other two phosphomimetic mutations (TripleE) the inhibitory effect on replication was less pronounced. Effects of the mutations on the ratio of basally/hyperphosphorylated NS5A, together with the apparent molecular weight of the basally phosphorylated species were also observed. Lastly, two of the mutations (T245A and TripleE) resulted in a perinuclear restricted localization of NS5A. These data add further complexity to NS5A phosphorylation and suggest that this analysis be extended outwith the serine-rich cluster within LCS I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niluka Goonawardane
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Douglas Ross-Thriepland
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.,Present address: AstraZeneca, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB20AA, UK
| | - Mark Harris
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
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Abstract
Hepaciviruses and pegiviruses constitute two closely related sister genera of the family Flaviviridae. In the past five years, the known phylogenetic diversity of the hepacivirus genera has absolutely exploded. What was once an isolated infection in humans (and possibly other primates) has now expanded to include horses, rodents, bats, colobus monkeys, cows, and, most recently, catsharks, shedding new light on the genetic diversity and host range of hepaciviruses. Interestingly, despite the identification of these many animal and primate hepaciviruses, the equine hepaciviruses remain the closest genetic relatives of the human hepaciviruses, providing an intriguing clue to the zoonotic source of hepatitis C virus. This review summarizes the significance of these studies and discusses current thinking about the origin and evolution of the animal hepaciviruses as well as their potential usage as surrogate models for the study of hepatitis C virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex S Hartlage
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio 43205;
| | - John M Cullen
- North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606
| | - Amit Kapoor
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio 43205; .,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
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40
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Yu Y, Scheel TKH, Luna JM, Chung H, Nishiuchi E, Scull MA, Echeverría N, Ricardo-Lax I, Kapoor A, Lipkin IW, Divers TJ, Antczak DF, Tennant BC, Rice CM. miRNA independent hepacivirus variants suggest a strong evolutionary pressure to maintain miR-122 dependence. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006694. [PMID: 29084265 PMCID: PMC5679655 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) requires the liver specific micro-RNA (miRNA), miR-122, to replicate. This was considered unique among RNA viruses until recent discoveries of HCV-related hepaciviruses prompting the question of a more general miR-122 dependence. Among hepaciviruses, the closest known HCV relative is the equine non-primate hepacivirus (NPHV). Here, we used Argonaute cross-linking immunoprecipitation (AGO-CLIP) to confirm AGO binding to the single predicted miR-122 site in the NPHV 5'UTR in vivo. To study miR-122 requirements in the absence of NPHV-permissive cell culture systems, we generated infectious NPHV/HCV chimeric viruses with the 5' end of NPHV replacing orthologous HCV sequences. These chimeras were viable even in cells lacking miR-122, although miR-122 presence enhanced virus production. No other miRNAs bound this region. By random mutagenesis, we isolated HCV variants partially dependent on miR-122 as well as robustly replicating NPHV/HCV variants completely independent of any miRNAs. These miRNA independent variants even replicate and produce infectious particles in non-hepatic cells after exogenous delivery of apolipoprotein E (ApoE). Our findings suggest that miR-122 independent HCV and NPHV variants have arisen and been sampled during evolution, yet miR-122 dependence has prevailed. We propose that hepaciviruses may use this mechanism to guarantee liver tropism and exploit the tolerogenic liver environment to avoid clearance and promote chronicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingpu Yu
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Troels K. H. Scheel
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States of America
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program, Department of Infectious Diseases, Hvidovre Hospital, and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Joseph M. Luna
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Hachung Chung
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Eiko Nishiuchi
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Margaret A. Scull
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Natalia Echeverría
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States of America
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Inna Ricardo-Lax
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Amit Kapoor
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Ian W. Lipkin
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health and College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Thomas J. Divers
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Douglas F. Antczak
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Bud C. Tennant
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Charles M. Rice
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States of America
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41
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Dimitrov KM, Sharma P, Volkening JD, Goraichuk IV, Wajid A, Rehmani SF, Basharat A, Shittu I, Joannis TM, Miller PJ, Afonso CL. A robust and cost-effective approach to sequence and analyze complete genomes of small RNA viruses. Virol J 2017; 14:72. [PMID: 28388925 PMCID: PMC5384157 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-017-0741-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Next-generation sequencing (NGS) allows ultra-deep sequencing of nucleic acids. The use of sequence-independent amplification of viral nucleic acids without utilization of target-specific primers provides advantages over traditional sequencing methods and allows detection of unsuspected variants and co-infecting agents. However, NGS is not widely used for small RNA viruses because of incorrectly perceived cost estimates and inefficient utilization of freely available bioinformatics tools. Methods In this study, we have utilized NGS-based random sequencing of total RNA combined with barcode multiplexing of libraries to quickly, effectively and simultaneously characterize the genomic sequences of multiple avian paramyxoviruses. Thirty libraries were prepared from diagnostic samples amplified in allantoic fluids and their total RNAs were sequenced in a single flow cell on an Illumina MiSeq instrument. After digital normalization, data were assembled using the MIRA assembler within a customized workflow on the Galaxy platform. Results Twenty-eight avian paramyxovirus 1 (APMV-1), one APMV-13, four avian influenza and two infectious bronchitis virus complete or nearly complete genome sequences were obtained from the single run. The 29 avian paramyxovirus genomes displayed 99.6% mean coverage based on bases with Phred quality scores of 30 or more. The lower and upper quartiles of sample median depth per position for those 29 samples were 2984 and 6894, respectively, indicating coverage across samples sufficient for deep variant analysis. Sample processing and library preparation took approximately 25–30 h, the sequencing run took 39 h, and processing through the Galaxy workflow took approximately 2–3 h. The cost of all steps, excluding labor, was estimated to be 106 USD per sample. Conclusions This work describes an efficient multiplexing NGS approach, a detailed analysis workflow, and customized tools for the characterization of the genomes of RNA viruses. The combination of multiplexing NGS technology with the Galaxy workflow platform resulted in a fast, user-friendly, and cost-efficient protocol for the simultaneous characterization of multiple full-length viral genomes. Twenty-nine full-length or near-full-length APMV genomes with a high median depth were successfully sequenced out of 30 samples. The applied de novo assembly approach also allowed identification of mixed viral populations in some of the samples. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12985-017-0741-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiril M Dimitrov
- Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Research Unit, Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, US National Poultry Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, 934 College Station Road, Athens, GA, 30605, USA
| | - Poonam Sharma
- Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Research Unit, Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, US National Poultry Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, 934 College Station Road, Athens, GA, 30605, USA
| | | | - Iryna V Goraichuk
- Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Research Unit, Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, US National Poultry Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, 934 College Station Road, Athens, GA, 30605, USA.,National Scientific Center Institute of Experimental and Clinical Veterinary Medicine, 83 Pushkinskaya Street, Kharkiv, 61023, Ukraine
| | - Abdul Wajid
- Quality Operations Laboratory (QOL), University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani Road, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan.,Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani Road, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Shafqat Fatima Rehmani
- Quality Operations Laboratory (QOL), University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani Road, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Asma Basharat
- Quality Operations Laboratory (QOL), University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani Road, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Ismaila Shittu
- Regional Laboratory for Animal Influenza and other Transboundary Animal Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, PMB01, Vom, 930010, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Tony M Joannis
- Regional Laboratory for Animal Influenza and other Transboundary Animal Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, PMB01, Vom, 930010, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Patti J Miller
- Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Research Unit, Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, US National Poultry Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, 934 College Station Road, Athens, GA, 30605, USA
| | - Claudio L Afonso
- Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Research Unit, Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, US National Poultry Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, 934 College Station Road, Athens, GA, 30605, USA.
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42
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Reichert C, Campe A, Walter S, Pfaender S, Welsch K, Ruddat I, Sieme H, Feige K, Steinmann E, Cavalleri JMV. Frequent occurrence of nonprimate hepacivirus infections in Thoroughbred breeding horses - A cross-sectional study for the occurrence of infections and potential risk factors. Vet Microbiol 2017; 203:315-322. [PMID: 28619163 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2017.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recently, several new hepaciviruses have been identified of which the nonprimate hepacivirus (NPHV) - the closest relative to hepatitis C virus (HCV) discovered to date - is highly prevalent in horses. However, potential risk factors for the transmission of NPHV among horses remain still unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of NPHV infections in Thoroughbreds in northern and western Germany and to identify potential risk factors associated with NPHV infections. Using a cross-sectional study design, a total of 733 serum samples from Thoroughbred broodmares and stallions from northern and western Germany were analyzed for the presence of anti-NPHV nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) antibodies and NPHV RNA using the luciferase immunoprecipitation system (LIPS) and a quantitative real-time PCR, respectively. Information regarding signalment, stud farm, breeding history and international transportation history of each horse were collected and evaluated. A frequent occurrence of NPHV was found in the study population with 453 seropositive horses (61.8%) and 134 horses (18.3%) carrying NPHV RNA. Furthermore, statistical analysis revealed that the probability of being infected decreased for horses with a transportation history with increasing age by 20% each year. For horses that stayed in Germany no association between age and infection could be observed. In conclusion, the high occurrence of NPHV infections in breeding Thoroughbreds suggests circulating NPHV infections, endemic herds or persistent shedding in these animals and revealed the association of age and international transportation as risk factor for NPHV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Reichert
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Amely Campe
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO-Collaborating Center for Research and Training for Health at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 2, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Stephanie Walter
- Institute of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Center for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research; a joint venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Feodor-Lynen-Str. 7, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Stephanie Pfaender
- Institute of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Center for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research; a joint venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Feodor-Lynen-Str. 7, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Kathrin Welsch
- Institute of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Center for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research; a joint venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Feodor-Lynen-Str. 7, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Inga Ruddat
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO-Collaborating Center for Research and Training for Health at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 2, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Harald Sieme
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Karsten Feige
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Institute of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Center for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research; a joint venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Feodor-Lynen-Str. 7, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Jessika M V Cavalleri
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
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Toohey-Kurth K, Sibley SD, Goldberg TL. Metagenomic assessment of adventitious viruses in commercial bovine sera. Biologicals 2017; 47:64-68. [PMID: 28366627 DOI: 10.1016/j.biologicals.2016.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal serum is an essential supplement for cell culture media. Contamination of animal serum with adventitious viruses has led to major regulatory action and product recalls. We used metagenomic methods to detect and characterize viral contaminants in 26 bovine serum samples from 12 manufacturers. Across samples, we detected sequences with homology to 20 viruses at depths of up to 50,000 viral reads per million. The viruses detected represented nine viral families plus four taxonomically unassigned viruses and had both RNA genomes and DNA genomes. Sequences ranged from 28% to 96% similar at the amino acid level to viruses in the GenBank database. The number of viruses varied from zero to 11 among samples and from one to 11 among suppliers, with only one product from one supplier being entirely "clean." For one common adventitious virus, bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), abundance estimates calculated from metagenomic data (viral reads per million) closely corresponded to Ct values from quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rtq-PCR), with metagenomics being approximately as sensitive as rtq-PCR. Metagenomics is useful for detecting taxonomically and genetically diverse adventitious viruses in commercial serum products, and it provides sensitive and quantitative information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Toohey-Kurth
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Pathobiological Sciences, 1656 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 445 Easterday Lane, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Samuel D Sibley
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Pathobiological Sciences, 1656 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Tony L Goldberg
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Pathobiological Sciences, 1656 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA; University of Wisconsin-Madison Global Health Institute, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) displays a restricted host species tropism and only humans and chimpanzees are susceptible to infection. A robust immunocompetent animal model is still lacking, hampering mechanistic analysis of virus pathogenesis, immune control, and prophylactic vaccine development. The closest homolog of HCV is the equine nonprimate hepacivirus (NPHV), which shares similar features with HCV and thus represents an animal model to study hepacivirus infections in their natural hosts. We aimed to dissect equine immune responses after experimental NPHV infection and conducted challenge experiments to investigate immune protection against secondary NPHV infections. Horses were i.v. injected with NPHV containing plasma. Flow cytometric analysis was used to monitor immune cell frequencies and activation status. All infected horses became viremic after 1 or 2 wk and viremia could be detected in two horses for several weeks followed by a delayed seroconversion and viral clearance. Histopathological examinations of liver biopsies revealed mild, periportally accentuated infiltrations of lymphocytes, macrophages, and plasma cells with some horses displaying subclinical signs of hepatitis. Following viral challenge, an activation of equine immune responses was observed. Importantly, after a primary NPHV infection, horses were protected against rechallenge with the homologous as well as a distinct isolate with only minute amounts of circulating virus being detectable.
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45
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Kim HS, Moon HW, Sung HW, Kwon HM. First identification and phylogenetic analysis of equine hepacivirus in Korea. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 49:268-272. [PMID: 28161473 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Non-primate hepacivirus (NPHV) corresponds a group of isolates recently characterized in horses and dogs that present similar genomic organization and are closely related to hepatitis C virus. Since canine hapacivirus, NPHV identified in dogs, was first discovered in dogs in the United States, equine hepacivirus (EqHV, NPHV identified in horses) has been identified in horses in several countries. However, no epidemiological studies have investigated EqHV in horses in Korea. In this study, a total of 74 (n=74) serum samples collected from horses in four regions of Korea were tested for EqHV RNA using nested RT-PCR. Overall, 14 samples were identified as positive (18.9%) and further analyzed according to gender, age, breed, and region. There were high positive rates in males, young horses, and Thoroughbreds; however, these rates differed regionally. Sequencing of the partial NS3 region of 12 samples and the polyprotein encoding regions of two samples positive for EqHV RNA revealed that the Korean EqHV isolates shared approximately 85.3-99.6% and 97.7-100% homology at the nucleotide and deduced amino acid level, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the partial NS3 genes clustered with sequences previously reported as NPHV. Notably, sequences of EqHV detected in horses in the same region showed sequence divergence. The sequences of the polyprotein encoding region of two representative EqHVs shared 83.9% and 95.7% homology with each other at the nucleotide and deduced amino acid level, respectively. Comparison of the sequences of polyprotein encoding regions of Korean EqHV isolates and hepaciviruses from different hosts revealed that the NS3 and NS5B regions were most conserved among hepaciviruses. The results of the present study demonstrate that there is a high positive rate of EqHV in Korea and provide significant information regarding the geographical distribution and genetic variability of Korean EqHV isolates that will help improve global epidemiology of EqHV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho-Seong Kim
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Woo Moon
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Haan Woo Sung
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuk Moo Kwon
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea.
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Hepacivirus NS3/4A Proteases Interfere with MAVS Signaling in both Their Cognate Animal Hosts and Humans: Implications for Zoonotic Transmission. J Virol 2016; 90:10670-10681. [PMID: 27654291 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01634-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple novel members of the genus Hepacivirus have recently been discovered in diverse mammalian species. However, to date, their replication mechanisms and zoonotic potential have not been explored in detail. The NS3/4A serine protease of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is critical for cleavage of the viral polyprotein. It also cleaves the cellular innate immune adaptor MAVS, thus decreasing interferon (IFN) production and contributing to HCV persistence in the human host. To investigate the conservation of fundamental aspects of the hepaciviral life cycle, we explored if MAVS cleavage and suppression of innate immune signaling represent a common mechanism employed across different clades of the genus Hepacivirus to enhance viral replication. To estimate the zoonotic potential of these nonhuman hepaciviruses, we assessed if their NS3/4A proteases were capable of cleaving human MAVS. NS3/4A proteases of viruses infecting colobus monkeys, rodents, horses, and cows cleaved the MAVS proteins of their cognate hosts and interfered with the ability of MAVS to induce the IFN-β promoter. All NS3/4A proteases from nonhuman viruses readily cleaved human MAVS. Thus, NS3/4A-dependent cleavage of MAVS is a conserved replication strategy across multiple clades within the genus Hepacivirus Human MAVS is susceptible to cleavage by these nonhuman viral proteases, indicating that it does not pose a barrier for zoonotic transmission of these viruses to humans. IMPORTANCE Virus infection is recognized by cellular sensor proteins triggering innate immune signaling and antiviral defenses. While viruses have evolved strategies to thwart these antiviral programs in their cognate host species, these evasion mechanisms are often ineffective in a novel host, thus limiting viral transmission across species. HCV, the best-characterized member of the genus Hepacivirus within the family Flaviviridae, uses its NS3/4A protease to disrupt innate immune signaling by cleaving the cellular adaptor protein MAVS. Recently, a large number of HCV-related viruses have been discovered in various animal species, including wild, livestock, and companion animals. We show that the NS3/4A proteases of these hepaciviruses from different animals and representing various clades of the genus cleave their cognate host MAVS proteins in addition to human MAVS. Therefore, cleavage of MAVS is a common strategy of hepaciviruses, and human MAVS is likely unable to limit replication of these nonhuman viruses upon zoonotic exposure.
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Smith DB, Becher P, Bukh J, Gould EA, Meyers G, Monath T, Muerhoff AS, Pletnev A, Rico-Hesse R, Stapleton JT, Simmonds P. Proposed update to the taxonomy of the genera Hepacivirus and Pegivirus within the Flaviviridae family. J Gen Virol 2016; 97:2894-2907. [PMID: 27692039 PMCID: PMC5770844 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.000612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Proposals are described for the assignment of recently reported viruses, infecting rodents, bats and other mammalian species, to new species within the Hepacivirus and Pegivirus genera (family Flaviviridae). Assignments into 14 Hepacivirus species (Hepacivirus A–N) and 11 Pegivirus species (Pegivirus A–K) are based on phylogenetic relationships and sequence distances between conserved regions extracted from complete coding sequences for members of each proposed taxon. We propose that the species Hepatitis C virus is renamed Hepacivirus C in order to acknowledge its unique historical position and so as to minimize confusion. Despite the newly documented genetic diversity of hepaciviruses and pegiviruses, members of these genera remain phylogenetically distinct, and differ in hepatotropism and the possession of a basic core protein; pegiviruses in general lack these features. However, other characteristics that were originally used to support their division into separate genera are no longer definitive; there is overlap between the two genera in the type of internal ribosomal entry site and the presence of miR-122 sites in the 5′ UTR, the predicted number of N-linked glycosylation sites in the envelope E1 and E2 proteins, the presence of poly U tracts in the 3′ UTR and the propensity of viruses to establish a persistent infection. While all classified hepaciviruses and pegiviruses have mammalian hosts, the recent description of a hepaci-/pegi-like virus from a shark and the likely existence of further homologues in other non-mammalian species indicate that further species or genera remain to be defined in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald B Smith
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Paul Becher
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jens Bukh
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Research Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ernest A Gould
- EHESP French School of Public Health, French Institute of Research for Development (IRD), Aix Marseille Université, EPV UMR_D 190 Emergence des Pathologies Virales, Marseille, France
| | - Gregor Meyers
- Institut für Immunologie, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Thomas Monath
- Hookipa Biotech AG, Vienna, Austria.,PaxVax Inc., Menlo Park and Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - A Scott Muerhoff
- Abbott Diagnostics Research and Development, Abbott Park, IL, USA
| | - Alexander Pletnev
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca Rico-Hesse
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jack T Stapleton
- Medical Service, Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Microbiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Peter Simmonds
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Sarnow P, Sagan SM. Unraveling the Mysterious Interactions Between Hepatitis C Virus RNA and Liver-Specific MicroRNA-122. Annu Rev Virol 2016; 3:309-332. [PMID: 27578438 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-virology-110615-042409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Many viruses encode or subvert cellular microRNAs (miRNAs) to aid in their gene expression, amplification strategies, or pathogenic signatures. miRNAs typically downregulate gene expression by binding to the 3' untranslated region of their mRNA targets. As a result, target mRNAs are translationally repressed and subsequently deadenylated and degraded. Curiously, hepatitis C virus (HCV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, recruits two molecules of liver-specific microRNA-122 (miR-122) to the 5' end of its genome. In contrast to the canonical activity of miRNAs, the interactions of miR-122 with the viral genome promote viral RNA accumulation in cultured cells and in animal models of HCV infection. Sequestration of miR-122 results in loss of viral RNA both in cell culture and in the livers of chronic HCV-infected patients. This review discusses the mechanisms by which miR-122 is thought to enhance viral RNA abundance and the consequences of miR-122-HCV interactions. We also describe preliminary findings from phase II clinical trials in patients treated with miR-122 antisense oligonucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sarnow
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
| | - Selena M Sagan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada;
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49
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Bailey AL, Lauck M, Ghai RR, Nelson CW, Heimbruch K, Hughes AL, Goldberg TL, Kuhn JH, Jasinska AJ, Freimer NB, Apetrei C, O'Connor DH. Arteriviruses, Pegiviruses, and Lentiviruses Are Common among Wild African Monkeys. J Virol 2016; 90:6724-6737. [PMID: 27170760 PMCID: PMC4944300 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00573-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Nonhuman primates (NHPs) are a historically important source of zoonotic viruses and are a gold-standard model for research on many human pathogens. However, with the exception of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) (family Retroviridae), the blood-borne viruses harbored by these animals in the wild remain incompletely characterized. Here, we report the discovery and characterization of two novel simian pegiviruses (family Flaviviridae) and two novel simian arteriviruses (family Arteriviridae) in wild African green monkeys from Zambia (malbroucks [Chlorocebus cynosuros]) and South Africa (vervet monkeys [Chlorocebus pygerythrus]). We examine several aspects of infection, including viral load, genetic diversity, evolution, and geographic distribution, as well as host factors such as age, sex, and plasma cytokines. In combination with previous efforts to characterize blood-borne RNA viruses in wild primates across sub-Saharan Africa, these discoveries demonstrate that in addition to SIV, simian pegiviruses and simian arteriviruses are widespread and prevalent among many African cercopithecoid (i.e., Old World) monkeys. IMPORTANCE Primates are an important source of viruses that infect humans and serve as an important laboratory model of human virus infection. Here, we discover two new viruses in African green monkeys from Zambia and South Africa. In combination with previous virus discovery efforts, this finding suggests that these virus types are widespread among African monkeys. Our analysis suggests that one of these virus types, the simian arteriviruses, may have the potential to jump between different primate species and cause disease. In contrast, the other virus type, the pegiviruses, are thought to reduce the disease caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in humans. However, we did not observe a similar protective effect in SIV-infected African monkeys coinfected with pegiviruses, possibly because SIV causes little to no disease in these hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam L Bailey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Michael Lauck
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ria R Ghai
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Chase W Nelson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Katelyn Heimbruch
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Austin L Hughes
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Tony L Goldberg
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jens H Kuhn
- Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Anna J Jasinska
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Nelson B Freimer
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Cristian Apetrei
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David H O'Connor
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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50
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Gather T, Walter S, Todt D, Pfaender S, Brown RJP, Postel A, Becher P, Moritz A, Hansmann F, Baumgaertner W, Feige K, Steinmann E, Cavalleri JMV. Vertical transmission of hepatitis C virus-like non-primate hepacivirus in horses. J Gen Virol 2016; 97:2540-2551. [PMID: 27461949 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.000561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-primate hepacivirus (NPHV), a recently discovered hepatotropic virus infecting horses, is phylogenetically the closest known homologue of hepatitis C virus (HCV). The main route for acquiring HCV infection in childhood is vertical transmission. However, nothing is known about the natural mode of transmission for NPHV. To investigate the possibility of vertically transmitted NPHV infection in horses, 20 Thoroughbred broodmares and their foals were monitored during foaling season 2015 until 6 months post-partum. Prepartal serum was taken from the mares, and during foaling umbilical cord blood and colostrum samples were collected. Postnatal serum samples were taken from the foals after delivery. In addition, serum was taken at 3 and 6 months after foaling from all mares and foals. Samples were analysed for the presence of NPHV RNA by quantitative real-time PCR and for the presence of anti-NPHV NS3 antibodies by luciferase immunoprecipitation system. Identified NPHV isolates were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis of the viral glycoproteins was used to track the course of naturally occurring infections and the circulation of distinct isolates within the herd. At parturition, 16 mares were seropositive, including four viraemic mares. Vertical transmission occurred in one of these four mare-foal pairs. Interestingly, NPHV isolates of newly infected foals and mares after 3 and 6 months cluster in their respective pasture herds suggesting another horizontal route of transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Gather
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Stephanie Walter
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 7, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 7, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Stephanie Pfaender
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 7, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Richard J P Brown
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 7, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Alexander Postel
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Paul Becher
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Moritz
- Small Animal Clinic, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Justus-Liebig-University, Frankfurter Straße 108, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Florian Hansmann
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Baumgaertner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Karsten Feige
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 7, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jessika-M V Cavalleri
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559 Hannover, Germany
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