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Koh C, Saleh MC. Translating mosquito viromes into vector management strategies. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:10-20. [PMID: 38065789 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are best known for transmitting human and animal viruses. However, they also harbour mosquito-specific viruses (MSVs) as part of their microbiota. These are a group of viruses whose diversity and prevalence overshadow their medically relevant counterparts. Although metagenomics sequencing has remarkably accelerated the discovery of these viruses, what we know about them is often limited to sequence information, leaving much of their fundamental biology to be explored. Understanding the biology and ecology of MSVs can enlighten our knowledge of virus-virus interactions and lead to new innovations in the management of mosquito-borne viral diseases. We retrace the history of their discovery and discuss research milestones that would line the path from mosquito virome knowledge to vector management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Koh
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3569, Viruses and RNA Interference Unit, 75015 Paris, France.
| | - Maria-Carla Saleh
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3569, Viruses and RNA Interference Unit, 75015 Paris, France
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2
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Powers AM, Williamson LE, Carnahan RH, Crowe JE, Hyde JL, Jonsson CB, Nasar F, Weaver SC. Developing a Prototype Pathogen Plan and Research Priorities for the Alphaviruses. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:S414-S426. [PMID: 37849399 PMCID: PMC11007399 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac326] [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] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The Togaviridae family, genus, Alphavirus, includes several mosquito-borne human pathogens with the potential to spread to near pandemic proportions. Most of these are zoonotic, with spillover infections of humans and domestic animals, but a few such as chikungunya virus (CHIKV) have the ability to use humans as amplification hosts for transmission in urban settings and explosive outbreaks. Most alphaviruses cause nonspecific acute febrile illness, with pathogenesis sometimes leading to either encephalitis or arthralgic manifestations with severe and chronic morbidity and occasional mortality. The development of countermeasures, especially against CHIKV and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus that are major threats, has included vaccines and antibody-based therapeutics that are likely to also be successful for rapid responses with other members of the family. However, further work with these prototypes and other alphavirus pathogens should target better understanding of human tropism and pathogenesis, more comprehensive identification of cellular receptors and entry, and better understanding of structural mechanisms of neutralization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M Powers
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Lauren E Williamson
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Robert H Carnahan
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - James E Crowe
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jennifer L Hyde
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Colleen B Jonsson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Farooq Nasar
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Branch and Viral Disease Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
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3
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Potter-Birriel JM, Pollio AR, Knott BD, Chunashvili T, Fung CK, Conte MA, Reinbold-Wasson DD, Hang J. Metagenomics analysis reveals presence of the Merida-like virus in Georgia. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1258810. [PMID: 37901812 PMCID: PMC10602647 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1258810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Arbovirus surveillance is fundamental for the discovery of novel viruses and prevention of febrile vector-borne illnesses. Vector-borne pathogens can rapidly expand and adapt in new geographic and environmental conditions. In this study, metagenomic surveillance was conducted to identify novel viruses in the Country of Georgia. A total of 521 mosquitoes were captured near a military training facility and pooled from species Culex pipiens (Linnaeus) (87%) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (13%). We decided to further analyze the Culex pipiens mosquitoes, due to the more extensive number of samples collected. Our approach was to utilize an unbiased total RNA-seq for pathogen discovery in order to explore the mosquito virome. The viral reads from this analysis were mostly aligned to Insect-specific viruses from two main families, the Iflaviridae; a positive-stranded RNA virus and the Rhabdoviridae; a negative- and single-stranded RNA virus. Our pathogen discovery analysis revealed viral reads aligning to the Merida-like virus Turkey (MERDLVT) strain among the Rhabdoviridae. To further validate this result, we conducted a BLAST sequence comparison analysis of our samples with the MERDLVT strain. Our positive samples aligned to the MERDLVT strain with 96-100% sequence identity and 99.7-100% sequence coverage. A bootstrapped maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree was used to evaluate the evolutionary relationships among these positive pooled specimens with the (MERDLVT) strain. The Georgia samples clustered most closely with two strains from Turkey, the Merida-like virus KE-2017a isolate 139-1-21 and the Merida-like virus Turkey isolate P431. Collectively, these results show the presence of the MERDLVT strain in Georgia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adam R. Pollio
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Brian D. Knott
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate – Georgia (USAMRD-G), Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Tamar Chunashvili
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate – Georgia (USAMRD-G), Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Christian K. Fung
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Matthew A. Conte
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Drew D. Reinbold-Wasson
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate – Georgia (USAMRD-G), Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Jun Hang
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
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Hernandez-Valencia JC, Muñoz-Laiton P, Gómez GF, Correa MM. A Systematic Review on the Viruses of Anopheles Mosquitoes: The Potential Importance for Public Health. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:459. [PMID: 37888587 PMCID: PMC10610971 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8100459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Anopheles mosquitoes are the vectors of Plasmodium, the etiological agent of malaria. In addition, Anopheles funestus and Anopheles gambiae are the main vectors of the O'nyong-nyong virus. However, research on the viruses carried by Anopheles is scarce; thus, the possible transmission of viruses by Anopheles is still unexplored. This systematic review was carried out to identify studies that report viruses in natural populations of Anopheles or virus infection and transmission in laboratory-reared mosquitoes. The databases reviewed were EBSCO-Host, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus and PubMed. After the identification and screening of candidate articles, a total of 203 original studies were included that reported on a variety of viruses detected in Anopheles natural populations. In total, 161 viruses in 54 species from 41 countries worldwide were registered. In laboratory studies, 28 viruses in 15 Anopheles species were evaluated for mosquito viral transmission capacity or viral infection. The viruses reported in Anopheles encompassed 25 viral families and included arboviruses, probable arboviruses and Insect-Specific Viruses (ISVs). Insights after performing this review include the need for (1) a better understanding of Anopheles-viral interactions, (2) characterizing the Anopheles virome-considering the public health importance of the viruses potentially transmitted by Anopheles and the significance of finding viruses with biological control activity-and (3) performing virological surveillance in natural populations of Anopheles, especially in the current context of environmental modifications that may potentiate the expansion of the Anopheles species distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C. Hernandez-Valencia
- Grupo de Microbiología Molecular, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia; (J.C.H.-V.); (P.M.-L.); (G.F.G.)
| | - Paola Muñoz-Laiton
- Grupo de Microbiología Molecular, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia; (J.C.H.-V.); (P.M.-L.); (G.F.G.)
| | - Giovan F. Gómez
- Grupo de Microbiología Molecular, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia; (J.C.H.-V.); (P.M.-L.); (G.F.G.)
- Dirección Académica, Escuela de Pregrados, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede de La Paz, La Paz 202017, Colombia
| | - Margarita M. Correa
- Grupo de Microbiología Molecular, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia; (J.C.H.-V.); (P.M.-L.); (G.F.G.)
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Qi YH, Ye ZX, Zhang CX, Chen JP, Li JM. Diversity of RNA viruses in agricultural insects. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:4312-4321. [PMID: 37711182 PMCID: PMC10497914 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology and bioinformatics tools have revealed a vast array of viral diversity in insects, particularly RNA viruses. However, our current understanding of insect RNA viruses has primarily focused on hematophagous insects due to their medical importance, while research on the viromes of agriculturally relevant insects remains limited. This comprehensive review aims to address the gap by providing an overview of the diversity of RNA viruses in agricultural pests and beneficial insects within the agricultural ecosystem. Based on the NCBI Virus Database, over eight hundred RNA viruses belonging to 39 viral families have been reported in more than three hundred agricultural insect species. These viruses are predominantly found in the insect orders of Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Thysanoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, Coleoptera, and Orthoptera. These findings have significantly enriched our understanding of RNA viral diversity in agricultural insects. While further virome investigations are necessary to expand our knowledge to more insect species, it is crucial to explore the biological roles of these identified RNA viruses within insects in future studies. This review also highlights the limitations and challenges for the effective virus discovery through NGS and their potential solutions, which might facilitate for the development of innovative bioinformatic tools in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hua Qi
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Zhuang-Xin Ye
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Chuan-Xi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Jian-Ping Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Jun-Min Li
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
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Han L, Song S, Feng H, Ma J, Wei W, Si F. A roadmap for developing Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) vaccines: Lessons from the past, strategies for the future. Int J Biol Macromol 2023:125514. [PMID: 37353130 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125514] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), which can lead to severe central nervous system infections in both humans and animals. At present, the medical community does not possess a viable means of addressing VEE, rendering the prevention of the virus a matter of paramount importance. Regarding the prevention and control of VEEV, the implementation of a vaccination program has been recognized as the most efficient strategy. Nevertheless, there are currently no licensed vaccines or drugs available for human use against VEEV. This imperative has led to a surge of interest in vaccine research, with VEEV being a prime focus for researchers in the field. In this paper, we initially present a comprehensive overview of the current taxonomic classification of VEEV and the cellular infection mechanism of the virus. Subsequently, we provide a detailed introduction of the prominent VEEV vaccine types presently available, including inactivated vaccines, live attenuated vaccines, genetic, and virus-like particle vaccines. Moreover, we emphasize the challenges that current VEEV vaccine development faces and suggest urgent measures that must be taken to overcome these obstacles. Notably, based on our latest research, we propose the feasibility of incorporation codon usage bias strategies to create the novel VEEV vaccine. Finally, we prose several areas that future VEEV vaccine development should focus on. Our objective is to encourage collaboration between the medical and veterinary communities, expedite the translation of existing vaccines from laboratory to clinical applications, while also preparing for future outbreaks of new VEEV variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Han
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai 201106, China; Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Clinical Medical College of Henan University, Kai Feng 475000, China
| | - Shuai Song
- Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
| | - Huilin Feng
- Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Infection and Biological Safety, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Henan University, Kai Feng 475000, China
| | - Jing Ma
- Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Clinical Medical College of Henan University, Kai Feng 475000, China
| | - Wenqiang Wei
- Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Infection and Biological Safety, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Henan University, Kai Feng 475000, China.
| | - Fusheng Si
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai 201106, China.
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Jagtap SV, Brink J, Frank SC, Badusche M, Leggewie M, Sreenu VB, Fuss J, Schnettler E, Altinli M. Agua Salud Alphavirus Infection, Dissemination and Transmission in Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes. Viruses 2023; 15:1113. [PMID: 37243199 PMCID: PMC10223791 DOI: 10.3390/v15051113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes are competent vectors for many important arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses). In addition to arboviruses, insect-specific viruses (ISV) have also been discovered in mosquitoes. ISVs are viruses that replicate in insect hosts but are unable to infect and replicate in vertebrates. They have been shown to interfere with arbovirus replication in some cases. Despite the increase in studies on ISV-arbovirus interactions, ISV interactions with their hosts and how they are maintained in nature are still not well understood. In the present study, we investigated the infection and dissemination of the Agua Salud alphavirus (ASALV) in the important mosquito vector Aedes aegypti through different infection routes (per oral infection, intrathoracic injection) and its transmission. We show here that ASALV infects the female Ae. aegypti and replicates when mosquitoes are infected intrathoracically or orally. ASALV disseminated to different tissues, including the midgut, salivary glands and ovaries. However, we observed a higher virus load in the brain than in the salivary glands and carcasses, suggesting a tropism towards brain tissues. Our results show that ASALV is transmitted horizontally during adult and larval stages, although we did not observe vertical transmission. Understanding ISV infection and dissemination dynamics in Ae. aegypti and their transmission routes could help the use of ISVs as an arbovirus control strategy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati V. Jagtap
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (S.V.J.)
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jorn Brink
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (S.V.J.)
| | - Svea C. Frank
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (S.V.J.)
| | - Marlis Badusche
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (S.V.J.)
| | - Mayke Leggewie
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (S.V.J.)
| | | | - Janina Fuss
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology (IKMB), Kiel University, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Esther Schnettler
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (S.V.J.)
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, University Hamburg, 20148 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mine Altinli
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (S.V.J.)
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
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Insect-Specific Chimeric Viruses Potentiated Antiviral Responses and Inhibited Pathogenic Alphavirus Growth in Mosquito Cells. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0361322. [PMID: 36511715 PMCID: PMC9927327 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03613-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Most alphaviruses are transmitted by mosquito vectors and infect a wide range of vertebrate hosts, with a few exceptions. Eilat virus (EILV) in this genus is characterized by a host range restricted to mosquitoes. Its chimeric viruses have been developed as safe and effective vaccine candidates and diagnostic tools. Here, we investigated the interactions between these insect-specific viruses (ISVs) and mosquito cells, unveiling their potential roles in determining vector competence and arbovirus transmission. By RNA sequencing, we found that these ISVs profoundly modified host cell gene expression profiles. Two EILV-based chimeras, consisting of EILV's nonstructural genes and the structural genes of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) or Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), namely, EILV/CHIKV (E/C) and EILV/VEEV (E/V), induced more intensive transcriptome regulation than parental EILV and activated different antiviral mechanisms in host cells. We demonstrated that E/C robustly promoted antimicrobial peptide production and E/V strongly upregulated the RNA interference pathway components. This also highlighted the intrinsic divergences between CHIKV and VEEV, representatives of the Old World and New World alphaviruses. In contrast, EILV triggered a limited antiviral response. We further showed that initial chimera infections efficiently inhibited subsequent pathogenic alphavirus replication, especially in the case of E/V infection, which almost prevented VEEV and Sindbis virus (SINV) superinfections. Altogether our study provided valuable information on developing ISVs as biological control agents. IMPORTANCE Mosquito-borne alphaviruses can cause emerging and reemerging infectious diseases, posing a considerable threat to human and animal health worldwide. However, no specific antivirals or commercial vaccines are currently available. Therefore, it is vital to develop biological control measures to contain virus transmission. Insect-specific EILV and its chimeras are supposed to induce superinfection exclusion owing to the close phylogenetical relationship with pathogenic alphaviruses. These viruses might also, like bacterial symbionts, modulate mosquito hosts' vector competence for arboviruses. However, little is known about the responses of mosquitoes or mosquito cells to ISV infections. Here, we found that EILV barely elicited antiviral defenses in host cells, while its chimeras, namely, E/C and E/V, potentiated the responses via different mechanisms. Furthermore, we showed that initial chimera infections could largely inhibit subsequent pathogenic alphavirus infections. Taken together, our study proposed insect-specific chimeras as a promising candidate for developing biological control measures against pathogenic alphaviruses.
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Sah R, Siddiq A, Al-Ahdal T, Maulud SQ, Mohanty A, Padhi BK, El-Shall NA, Chandran D, Emran TB, Hussein NR, Dhama K, Satapathy P. The emerging scenario for the Eastern equine encephalitis virus and mitigation strategies to counteract this deadly mosquito-borne zoonotic virus, the cause of the most severe arboviral encephalitis in humans—an update. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2023; 3. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.1077962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
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Babaeimarzangou SS, Zaker H, Soleimannezhadbari E, Gamchi NS, Kazeminia M, Tarighi S, Seyedian H, Tsatsakis A, Spandidos DA, Margina D. Vaccine development for zoonotic viral diseases caused by positive‑sense single‑stranded RNA viruses belonging to the Coronaviridae and Togaviridae families (Review). Exp Ther Med 2022; 25:42. [PMID: 36569444 PMCID: PMC9768462 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Outbreaks of zoonotic viral diseases pose a severe threat to public health and economies worldwide, with this currently being more prominent than it previously was human history. These emergency zoonotic diseases that originated and transmitted from vertebrates to humans have been estimated to account for approximately one billion cases of illness and have caused millions of deaths worldwide annually. The recent emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (coronavirus disease 2019) is an excellent example of the unpredictable public health threat causing a pandemic. The present review summarizes the literature data regarding the main vaccine developments in human clinical phase I, II and III trials against the zoonotic positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses belonging to the Coronavirus and Alphavirus genera, including severe acute respiratory syndrome, Middle east respiratory syndrome, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, Semliki Forest virus, Ross River virus, Chikungunya virus and O'nyong-nyong virus. That there are neither vaccines nor effective antiviral drugs available against most of these viruses is undeniable. Therefore, new explosive outbreaks of these zoonotic viruses may surely be expected. The present comprehensive review provides an update on the status of vaccine development in different clinical trials against these viruses, as well as an overview of the present results of these trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Sajjad Babaeimarzangou
- Division of Poultry Health and Diseases, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia 5756151818, Iran
| | - Himasadat Zaker
- Histology and Microscopic Analysis Division, RASTA Specialized Research Institute (RSRI), West Azerbaijan Science and Technology Park (WASTP), Urmia 5756115322, Iran
| | | | - Naeimeh Shamsi Gamchi
- Histology and Microscopic Analysis Division, RASTA Specialized Research Institute (RSRI), West Azerbaijan Science and Technology Park (WASTP), Urmia 5756115322, Iran
| | - Masoud Kazeminia
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417935840, Iran
| | - Shima Tarighi
- Veterinary Office of West Azerbaijan Province, Urmia 5717617695, Iran
| | - Homayon Seyedian
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia 5756151818, Iran
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Medicine, University of Crete, 71307 Heraklion, Greece,Correspondence to: Professor Denisa Margina, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Denisa Margina
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania,Correspondence to: Professor Denisa Margina, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
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11
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Alphavirus Particles Can Assemble with an Alternate Triangulation Number. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122650. [PMID: 36560655 PMCID: PMC9780915 DOI: 10.3390/v14122650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses are spherical, enveloped RNA viruses primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, and cause significant arthritogenic and neurotropic disease in humans and livestock. Previous reports have shown that-in contrast to prototypical icosahedral viruses-alphaviruses incorporate frequent defects, and these may serve important functions in the viral life cycle. We confirm the genus-wide pleomorphism in live viral particles and extend our understanding of alphavirus assembly through the discovery of an alternate architecture of Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) particles. The alternate T = 3 icosahedral architecture differs in triangulation number from the classic T = 4 icosahedral organization that typifies alphaviruses, but the alternate architecture maintains the quasi-equivalence relationship of asymmetric units. The fusion spike glycoproteins are more loosely apposed in the T = 3 form with corresponding changes in the underlying capsid protein lattice. This alternate architecture could potentially be exploited in engineering alphavirus-based particles for delivery of alphaviral or other RNA.
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12
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Andrade PS, Valença IN, Heinisch MRS, Rocha EC, Fernandes LN, Faria NR, Sabino EC, Lima-Camara TN. First Report of Wenzhou sobemo-like virus 4 in Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Latin America. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112341. [PMID: 36366436 PMCID: PMC9696862 DOI: 10.3390/v14112341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Insect-specific viruses (ISVs) are viruses that replicate exclusively in arthropod cells. Many ISVs have been studied in mosquitoes as many of them act as vectors for human etiological agents, such as arboviruses. Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus is an important potential vector of several arboviruses in Brazil, such as dengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV) and chikungunya (CHIKV). The development of next-generation sequencing metagenomics has enabled the discovery and characterization of new ISVs. Ae. albopictus eggs were collected using oviposition traps placed in two urban parks in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The Aedes albopictus females were divided into pools and the genetic material was extracted and processed for sequencing by metagenomics. Complete genomes of ISV Wenzhou sobemo-like virus 4 (WSLV4) were obtained in three of the four pools tested. This is the first detection of ISV WSLV4 in Ae. albopictus females in Latin America. Further studies on ISVs in Ae. albopictus are needed to better understand the role of this species in the dynamics of arbovirus transmission in the Americas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pâmela S. Andrade
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| | - Ian N. Valença
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Marta R. S. Heinisch
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil
| | - Esmenia C. Rocha
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Lícia N. Fernandes
- Medical Research Laboratory 49, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Nuno R. Faria
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Jameel Institute, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Ester C. Sabino
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Tamara N. Lima-Camara
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil
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13
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Schmidt C, Schnierle BS. Chikungunya Vaccine Candidates: Current Landscape and Future Prospects. Drug Des Devel Ther 2022; 16:3663-3673. [PMID: 36277603 PMCID: PMC9580835 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s366112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an alphavirus that has spread globally in the last twenty years. Although mortality is rather low, infection can result in debilitating arthralgia that can persist for years. Unfortunately, no treatments or preventive vaccines are currently licensed against CHIKV infections. However, a large range of promising preclinical and clinical vaccine candidates have been developed during recent years. This review will give an introduction into the biology of CHIKV and the immune responses that are induced by infection, and will summarize CHIKV vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin Schmidt
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Department of Virology, Section AIDS and Newly Emerging Pathogens, Langen, Germany
| | - Barbara S Schnierle
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Department of Virology, Section AIDS and Newly Emerging Pathogens, Langen, Germany,Correspondence: Barbara S Schnierle, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Department of Virology, Section AIDS and newly emerging pathogens, Paul-Ehrlich-Strasse 51.59, Langen, 63225, Germany, Tel/Fax +49 6103 77 5504, Email
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14
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A DNA vaccine targeting VEE virus delivered by needle-free jet-injection protects macaques against aerosol challenge. NPJ Vaccines 2022; 7:46. [PMID: 35459271 PMCID: PMC9033795 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-022-00469-x] [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: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that DNA vaccines expressing codon optimized alphavirus envelope glycoprotein genes protect both mice and nonhuman primates from viral challenge when delivered by particle-mediated epidermal delivery (PMED) or intramuscular (IM) electroporation (EP). Another technology with fewer logistical drawbacks is disposable syringe jet injection (DSJI) devices developed by PharmaJet, Inc. These needle-free jet injection systems are spring-powered and capable of delivering vaccines either IM or into the dermis (ID). Here, we evaluated the immunogenicity of our Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) DNA vaccine delivered by either the IM- or ID-DSJI devices in nonhuman primates. The protective efficacy was assessed following aerosol challenge. We found that a prime and single boost by either the IM or ID route resulted in humoral and cellular immune responses that provided significant protection against disease and viremia. Although the ID route utilized one-fifth the DNA dose used in the IM route of vaccination, and the measured humoral and cellular immune responses trended lower, the level of protection was high and performed as well as the IM route for several clinical endpoints.
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15
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Powers AM. Resurgence of Interest in Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Vaccine Development. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:20-26. [PMID: 34734632 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV; Family Togaviridae), is an endemic pathogen first isolated in 1933 with distribution primarily in the eastern US and Canada. The virus has caused periodic outbreaks in both humans and equines along the eastern seaboard and through the southern coastal states. While the outbreaks caused by EEEV have been sporadic and varied geographically since the discovery of the virus, it has continued to expand its range moving into the Midwest states as well. Additionally, one of the largest outbreaks was recorded in 2019 prompting concerns that outbreaks were becoming larger and more frequent. Because the virus can cause serious disease and because it is transmissible by both mosquitoes and aerosol, there has been renewed interest in identifying potential options for vaccines. Currently, there are no licensed vaccines and control relies completely on the use of personal protective measures and integrated vector control which have limited effectiveness for the EEEV vectors. Several vaccine candidates are currently being developed; this review will describe the multiple options under consideration for future development and assess their relative advantages and disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M Powers
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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16
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Clark LE, Clark SA, Lin C, Liu J, Coscia A, Nabel KG, Yang P, Neel DV, Lee H, Brusic V, Stryapunina I, Plante KS, Ahmed AA, Catteruccia F, Young-Pearse TL, Chiu IM, Llopis PM, Weaver SC, Abraham J. VLDLR and ApoER2 are receptors for multiple alphaviruses. Nature 2021; 602:475-480. [PMID: 34929721 PMCID: PMC8808280 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04326-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Alphaviruses, like many other arthropod-borne viruses, infect vertebrate species and insect vectors separated by hundreds of millions of years of evolutionary history. Entry into evolutionarily divergent host cells can be accomplished by recognition of different cellular receptors in different species, or by binding to receptors that are highly conserved across species. Although multiple alphavirus receptors have been described1–3, most are not shared among vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Here we identify the very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) as a receptor for the prototypic alphavirus Semliki forest virus. We show that the E2 and E1 glycoproteins (E2–E1) of Semliki forest virus, eastern equine encephalitis virus and Sindbis virus interact with the ligand-binding domains (LBDs) of VLDLR and apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (ApoER2), two closely related receptors. Ectopic expression of either protein facilitates cellular attachment, and internalization of virus-like particles, a VLDLR LBD–Fc fusion protein or a ligand-binding antagonist block Semliki forest virus E2–E1-mediated infection of human and mouse neurons in culture. The administration of a VLDLR LBD–Fc fusion protein has protective activity against rapidly fatal Semliki forest virus infection in mouse neonates. We further show that invertebrate receptor orthologues from mosquitoes and worms can serve as functional alphavirus receptors. We propose that the ability of some alphaviruses to infect a wide range of hosts is a result of their engagement of evolutionarily conserved lipoprotein receptors and contributes to their pathogenesis. Studies using viral coat glycoproteins show that alphaviruses can enter cells via the very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) and apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (ApoER2), members of an evolutionarily conserved family of lipoprotein receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars E Clark
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah A Clark
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - ChieYu Lin
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jianying Liu
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Adrian Coscia
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine G Nabel
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pan Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dylan V Neel
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hyo Lee
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vesna Brusic
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Iryna Stryapunina
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kenneth S Plante
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Asim A Ahmed
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Flaminia Catteruccia
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tracy L Young-Pearse
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Isaac M Chiu
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paula Montero Llopis
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,MicRoN Core, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan Abraham
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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17
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Harrison JJ, Hobson-Peters J, Bielefeldt-Ohmann H, Hall RA. Chimeric Vaccines Based on Novel Insect-Specific Flaviviruses. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1230. [PMID: 34835160 PMCID: PMC8623431 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9111230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne flaviviruses are responsible for nearly half a billion human infections worldwide each year, resulting in millions of cases of debilitating and severe diseases and approximately 115,000 deaths. While approved vaccines are available for some of these viruses, the ongoing efficacy, safety and supply of these vaccines are still a significant problem. New technologies that address these issues and ideally allow for the safe and economical manufacture of vaccines in resource-poor countries where flavivirus vaccines are in most demand are urgently required. Preferably a new vaccine platform would be broadly applicable to all flavivirus diseases and provide new candidate vaccines for those diseases not yet covered, as well as the flexibility to rapidly pivot to respond to newly emerged flavivirus diseases. Here, we review studies conducted on novel chimeric vaccines derived from insect-specific flaviviruses that provide a potentially safe and simple system to produce highly effective vaccines against a broad spectrum of flavivirus diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J. Harrison
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.H.-P.); (H.B.-O.); (R.A.H.)
| | - Jody Hobson-Peters
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.H.-P.); (H.B.-O.); (R.A.H.)
| | - Helle Bielefeldt-Ohmann
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.H.-P.); (H.B.-O.); (R.A.H.)
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
| | - Roy A. Hall
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.H.-P.); (H.B.-O.); (R.A.H.)
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18
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Porier DL, Wilson SN, Auguste DI, Leber A, Coutermarsh-Ott S, Allen IC, Caswell CC, Budnick JA, Bassaganya-Riera J, Hontecillas R, Weger-Lucarelli J, Weaver SC, Auguste AJ. Enemy of My Enemy: A Novel Insect-Specific Flavivirus Offers a Promising Platform for a Zika Virus Vaccine. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9101142. [PMID: 34696250 PMCID: PMC8539214 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9101142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccination remains critical for viral disease outbreak prevention and control, but conventional vaccine development typically involves trade-offs between safety and immunogenicity. We used a recently discovered insect-specific flavivirus as a vector in order to develop an exceptionally safe, flavivirus vaccine candidate with single-dose efficacy. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of this platform, we created a chimeric Zika virus (ZIKV) vaccine candidate, designated Aripo/Zika virus (ARPV/ZIKV). ZIKV has caused immense economic and public health impacts throughout the Americas and remains a significant public health threat. ARPV/ZIKV vaccination showed exceptional safety due to ARPV/ZIKV’s inherent vertebrate host-restriction. ARPV/ZIKV showed no evidence of replication or translation in vitro and showed no hematological, histological or pathogenic effects in vivo. A single-dose immunization with ARPV/ZIKV induced rapid and robust neutralizing antibody and cellular responses, which offered complete protection against ZIKV-induced morbidity, mortality and in utero transmission in immune-competent and -compromised murine models. Splenocytes derived from vaccinated mice demonstrated significant CD4+ and CD8+ responses and significant cytokine production post-antigen exposure. Altogether, our results further support that chimeric insect-specific flaviviruses are a promising strategy to restrict flavivirus emergence via vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle L. Porier
- Department of Entomology, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (D.L.P.); (S.N.W.); (D.I.A.)
| | - Sarah N. Wilson
- Department of Entomology, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (D.L.P.); (S.N.W.); (D.I.A.)
| | - Dawn I. Auguste
- Department of Entomology, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (D.L.P.); (S.N.W.); (D.I.A.)
| | - Andrew Leber
- Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Laboratory Institute, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (A.L.); (J.B.-R.); (R.H.)
| | - Sheryl Coutermarsh-Ott
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (S.C.-O.); (I.C.A.); (C.C.C.); (J.A.B.); (J.W.-L.)
| | - Irving C. Allen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (S.C.-O.); (I.C.A.); (C.C.C.); (J.A.B.); (J.W.-L.)
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-Borne Pathogens, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Clayton C. Caswell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (S.C.-O.); (I.C.A.); (C.C.C.); (J.A.B.); (J.W.-L.)
- Center for One Health Research, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - James A. Budnick
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (S.C.-O.); (I.C.A.); (C.C.C.); (J.A.B.); (J.W.-L.)
- Center for One Health Research, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Josep Bassaganya-Riera
- Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Laboratory Institute, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (A.L.); (J.B.-R.); (R.H.)
| | - Raquel Hontecillas
- Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Laboratory Institute, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (A.L.); (J.B.-R.); (R.H.)
| | - James Weger-Lucarelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (S.C.-O.); (I.C.A.); (C.C.C.); (J.A.B.); (J.W.-L.)
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-Borne Pathogens, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Scott C. Weaver
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA;
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Albert J. Auguste
- Department of Entomology, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (D.L.P.); (S.N.W.); (D.I.A.)
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-Borne Pathogens, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Correspondence:
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19
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Adam A, Luo H, Osman SR, Wang B, Roundy CM, Auguste AJ, Plante KS, Peng BH, Thangamani S, Frolova EI, Frolov I, Weaver SC, Wang T. Optimized production and immunogenicity of an insect virus-based chikungunya virus candidate vaccine in cell culture and animal models. Emerg Microbes Infect 2021; 10:305-316. [PMID: 33539255 PMCID: PMC7919884 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2021.1886598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A chimeric Eilat/ Chikungunya virus (EILV/CHIKV) was previously reported to replicate only in mosquito cells but capable of inducing robust adaptive immunity in animals. Here, we initially selected C7/10 cells to optimize the production of the chimeric virus. A two-step procedure produced highly purified virus stocks, which was shown to not cause hypersensitive reactions in a mouse sensitization study. We further optimized the dose and characterized the kinetics of EILV/CHIKV-induced immunity. A single dose of 108 PFU was sufficient for induction of high levels of CHIKV-specific IgM and IgG antibodies, memory B cell and CD8+ T cell responses. Compared to the live-attenuated CHIKV vaccine 181/25, EILV/CHIKV induced similar levels of CHIKV-specific memory B cells, but higher CD8+ T cell responses at day 28. It also induced stronger CD8+, but lower CD4+ T cell responses than another live-attenuated CHIKV strain (CHIKV/IRES) at day 55 post-vaccination. Lastly, the purified EILV/CHIKV triggered antiviral cytokine responses and activation of antigen presenting cell (APC)s in vivo, but did not induce APCs alone upon in vitro exposure. Overall, our results demonstrate that the EILV/CHIKV vaccine candidate is safe, inexpensive to produce and a potent inducer of both innate and adaptive immunity in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awadalkareem Adam
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Huanle Luo
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Samantha R Osman
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Binbin Wang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Christopher M Roundy
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Albert J Auguste
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Department of Entomology, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.,Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Kenneth S Plante
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Bi-Hung Peng
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Saravanan Thangamani
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Elena I Frolova
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Ilya Frolov
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Tian Wang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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20
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Auguste AJ, Langsjoen RM, Porier DL, Erasmus JH, Bergren NA, Bolling BG, Luo H, Singh A, Guzman H, Popov VL, Travassos da Rosa APA, Wang T, Kang L, Allen IC, Carrington CVF, Tesh RB, Weaver SC. Isolation of a novel insect-specific flavivirus with immunomodulatory effects in vertebrate systems. Virology 2021; 562:50-62. [PMID: 34256244 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We describe the isolation and characterization of a novel insect-specific flavivirus (ISFV), tentatively named Aripo virus (ARPV), that was isolated from Psorophora albipes mosquitoes collected in Trinidad. The ARPV genome was determined and phylogenetic analyses showed that it is a dual host associated ISFV, and clusters with the main mosquito-borne flaviviruses. ARPV antigen was significantly cross-reactive with Japanese encephalitis virus serogroup antisera, with significant cross-reactivity to Ilheus and West Nile virus (WNV). Results suggest that ARPV replication is limited to mosquitoes, as it did not replicate in the sandfly, culicoides or vertebrate cell lines tested. We also demonstrated that ARPV is endocytosed into vertebrate cells and is highly immunomodulatory, producing a robust innate immune response despite its inability to replicate in vertebrate systems. We show that prior infection or coinfection with ARPV limits WNV-induced disease in mouse models, likely the result of a robust ARPV-induced type I interferon response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Auguste
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA; Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
| | - Rose M Langsjoen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Danielle L Porier
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Jesse H Erasmus
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Nicholas A Bergren
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Bethany G Bolling
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Huanle Luo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Ankita Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Hilda Guzman
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Vsevolod L Popov
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | | | - Tian Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Lin Kang
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Monroe, LA, 71203, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Irving C Allen
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Christine V F Carrington
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Robert B Tesh
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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Torres-Ruesta A, Chee RSL, Ng LF. Insights into Antibody-Mediated Alphavirus Immunity and Vaccine Development Landscape. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9050899. [PMID: 33922370 PMCID: PMC8145166 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9050899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses are mosquito-borne pathogens distributed worldwide in tropical and temperate areas causing a wide range of symptoms ranging from inflammatory arthritis-like manifestations to the induction of encephalitis in humans. Historically, large outbreaks in susceptible populations have been recorded followed by the development of protective long-lasting antibody responses suggesting a potential advantageous role for a vaccine. Although the current understanding of alphavirus antibody-mediated immunity has been mainly gathered in natural and experimental settings of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection, little is known about the humoral responses triggered by other emerging alphaviruses. This knowledge is needed to improve serology-based diagnostic tests and the development of highly effective cross-protective vaccines. Here, we review the role of antibody-mediated immunity upon arthritogenic and neurotropic alphavirus infections, and the current research efforts for the development of vaccines as a tool to control future alphavirus outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Torres-Ruesta
- A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A*STAR ID Labs), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138648, Singapore; (A.T.-R.); (R.S.-L.C.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore
| | - Rhonda Sin-Ling Chee
- A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A*STAR ID Labs), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138648, Singapore; (A.T.-R.); (R.S.-L.C.)
| | - Lisa F.P. Ng
- A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A*STAR ID Labs), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138648, Singapore; (A.T.-R.); (R.S.-L.C.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +65-6407-0028
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A Productive Expression Platform Derived from Host-Restricted Eilat Virus: Its Extensive Validation and Novel Strategy. Viruses 2021; 13:v13040660. [PMID: 33920474 PMCID: PMC8069092 DOI: 10.3390/v13040660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Most alphaviruses are transmitted by mosquitoes and infect a wide range of insects and vertebrates. However, Eilat virus (EILV) is defective for infecting vertebrate cells at multiple levels of the viral life cycle. This host-restriction property renders EILV an attractive expression platform since it is not infectious for vertebrates and therefore provides a highly advantageous safety profile. Here, we investigated the feasibility of versatile EILV-based expression vectors. By replacing the structural genes of EILV with those of other alphaviruses, we generated seven different chimeras. These chimeras were readily rescued in the original mosquito cells and were able to reach high titers, suggesting that EILV is capable of packaging the structural proteins of different lineages. We also explored the ability of EILV to express authentic antigens via double subgenomic (SG) RNA vectors. Four foreign genetic materials of varied length were introduced into the EILV genome, and the expressed heterologous genetic materials were readily detected in the infected cells. By inserting an additional SG promoter into the chimera genome containing the structural genes of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), we developed a bivalent vaccine candidate against CHIKV and Zika virus. These data demonstrate the outstanding compatibility of the EILV genome. The produced recombinants can be applied to vaccine and diagnostic tool development, but more investigations are required.
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Perspectives on New Vaccines against Arboviruses Using Insect-Specific Viruses as Platforms. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9030263. [PMID: 33809576 PMCID: PMC7999276 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9030263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are global pathogens circulating endemically with local explosive outbreaks and constant encroachment into new locations. Few vaccines against arboviruses exist; most for humans are in development or clinical trials. Insect-specific viruses (ISVs) offer a unique platform for expression of arbovirus proteins, through the creation of ISV/arbovirus chimeras. Studies have shown promising results of these vaccines with several advantages over their wild-type counterparts. In this review, we discuss the current status of these potential vaccines using ISVs.
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Read CM, Plante K, Rafael G, Rossi SL, Braun W, Weaver SC, Schein CH. Designing multivalent immunogens for alphavirus vaccine optimization. Virology 2021; 561:117-124. [PMID: 33823988 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2020.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There is a pressing need for vaccines against mosquito-borne alphaviruses such as Venezualen and eastern equine encephalitis viruses (VEEV, EEEV). We demonstrate an approach to vaccine development based on physicochemical properties (PCP) of amino acids to design a PCP-consensus sequence of the epitope-rich B domain of the VEEV major antigenic E2 protein. The consensus "spike" domain was incorporated into a live-attenuated VEEV vaccine candidate (ZPC/IRESv1). Mice inoculated with either ZPC/IRESv1 or the same virus containing the consensus E2 protein fragment (VEEVconE2) were protected against lethal challenge with VEEV strains ZPC-738 and 3908, and Mucambo virus (MUCV, related to VEEV), and had comparable neutralizing antibody titers against each virus. Both vaccines induced partial protection against Madariaga virus (MADV), a close relative of EEEV, lowering mortality from 60% to 20%. Thus PCP-consensus sequences can be integrated into a replicating virus that could, with further optimization, provide a broad-spectrum vaccine against encephalitic alphaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Read
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Kenneth Plante
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity (IHII), University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA; World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Grace Rafael
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Shannan L Rossi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity (IHII), University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Werner Braun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA; Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity (IHII), University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA; World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA; Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Catherine H Schein
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity (IHII), University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
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Baker WS, Negi S, Braun W, Schein CH. Producing physicochemical property consensus alphavirus protein antigens for broad spectrum vaccine design. Antiviral Res 2020; 182:104905. [PMID: 32800880 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
There is a pressing need for new vaccines against alphaviruses, which can cause fatal encephalitis (Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) and others) and severe arthralgia (e.g. Chikungunya virus, CHIKV). These positive-strand RNA viruses are diverse and evolve rapidly, meaning that the sequence of any vaccine should cover multiple strains that may be quite different from any previous isolate. Here, consensus proteins were produced to represent the common physicochemical properties (PCPs) of the epitope rich, B domain of the E2 envelope protein. PCP-consensus proteins were based on multiple strains of VEEV (VEEVcon) and CHIKV (CHIKVcon) or the conserved PCPs of 24 different alphaviruses (AllAVcon). The AllAVcon was altered to include binding sites for neutralizing antibodies of both VEEV and CHIKV strains (Mosaikcon). All four designed proteins were produced solubly in E. coli and purified. They formed the β-strand core expected from experimental structures of this region of the wild type E2 proteins as indicated by circular dichroism (CD) spectra. Furthermore, the CHIKVcon protein bound to a structure dependent, CHIKV neutralizing monoclonal antibody. The AllAVcon and Mosaikcon proteins bound to polyclonal antibodies generated during natural infection with either VEEV or CHIKV, indicating they contained epitopes of both serotypes. The Mosaikcon antigen induced antibodies in rabbit sera that recognized both the VEEVcon and CHIKVcon spike proteins. These PCP-consensus antigens are promising starting points for novel, broad-spectrum alphavirus vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy S Baker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Surendra Negi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA; Sealy Center for Structural Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Werner Braun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA; Sealy Center for Structural Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Catherine H Schein
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
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26
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O’Brien CA, Pegg CL, Nouwens AS, Bielefeldt-Ohmann H, Huang B, Warrilow D, Harrison JJ, Haniotis J, Schulz BL, Paramitha D, Colmant AMG, Newton ND, Doggett SL, Watterson D, Hobson-Peters J, Hall RA. A Unique Relative of Rotifer Birnavirus Isolated from Australian Mosquitoes. Viruses 2020; 12:v12091056. [PMID: 32971986 PMCID: PMC7552023 DOI: 10.3390/v12091056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The family Birnaviridae are a group of non-enveloped double-stranded RNA viruses which infect poultry, aquatic animals and insects. This family includes agriculturally important pathogens of poultry and fish. Recently, next-generation sequencing technologies have identified closely related birnaviruses in Culex, Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes. Using a broad-spectrum system based on detection of long double-stranded RNA, we have discovered and isolated a birnavirus from Aedes notoscriptus mosquitoes collected in northern New South Wales, Australia. Phylogenetic analysis of Aedes birnavirus (ABV) showed that it is related to Rotifer birnavirus, a pathogen of microscopic aquatic animals. In vitro cell infection assays revealed that while ABV can replicate in Aedes-derived cell lines, the virus does not replicate in vertebrate cells and displays only limited replication in Culex- and Anopheles-derived cells. A combination of SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry analysis suggested that the ABV capsid precursor protein (pVP2) is larger than that of other birnaviruses and is partially resistant to trypsin digestion. Reactivity patterns of ABV-specific polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies indicate that the neutralizing epitopes of ABV are SDS sensitive. Our characterization shows that ABV displays a number of properties making it a unique member of the Birnaviridae and represents the first birnavirus to be isolated from Australian mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin A. O’Brien
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; (C.A.O.); (H.B.-O.); (J.J.H.); (B.L.S.); (D.P.); (A.M.G.C.); (N.D.N.); (D.W.); (J.H.-P.)
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; (C.L.P.); (A.S.N.)
| | - Cassandra L. Pegg
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; (C.L.P.); (A.S.N.)
| | - Amanda S. Nouwens
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; (C.L.P.); (A.S.N.)
| | - Helle Bielefeldt-Ohmann
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; (C.A.O.); (H.B.-O.); (J.J.H.); (B.L.S.); (D.P.); (A.M.G.C.); (N.D.N.); (D.W.); (J.H.-P.)
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; (C.L.P.); (A.S.N.)
| | - Bixing Huang
- Public Health Virology, Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services, Brisbane, QLD 4108, Australia; (B.H.); (D.W.)
| | - David Warrilow
- Public Health Virology, Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services, Brisbane, QLD 4108, Australia; (B.H.); (D.W.)
| | - Jessica J. Harrison
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; (C.A.O.); (H.B.-O.); (J.J.H.); (B.L.S.); (D.P.); (A.M.G.C.); (N.D.N.); (D.W.); (J.H.-P.)
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; (C.L.P.); (A.S.N.)
| | - John Haniotis
- New South Wales Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia; (J.H.); (S.L.D.)
| | - Benjamin L. Schulz
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; (C.A.O.); (H.B.-O.); (J.J.H.); (B.L.S.); (D.P.); (A.M.G.C.); (N.D.N.); (D.W.); (J.H.-P.)
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; (C.L.P.); (A.S.N.)
| | - Devina Paramitha
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; (C.A.O.); (H.B.-O.); (J.J.H.); (B.L.S.); (D.P.); (A.M.G.C.); (N.D.N.); (D.W.); (J.H.-P.)
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; (C.L.P.); (A.S.N.)
| | - Agathe M. G. Colmant
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; (C.A.O.); (H.B.-O.); (J.J.H.); (B.L.S.); (D.P.); (A.M.G.C.); (N.D.N.); (D.W.); (J.H.-P.)
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; (C.L.P.); (A.S.N.)
| | - Natalee D. Newton
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; (C.A.O.); (H.B.-O.); (J.J.H.); (B.L.S.); (D.P.); (A.M.G.C.); (N.D.N.); (D.W.); (J.H.-P.)
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; (C.L.P.); (A.S.N.)
| | - Stephen L. Doggett
- New South Wales Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia; (J.H.); (S.L.D.)
| | - Daniel Watterson
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; (C.A.O.); (H.B.-O.); (J.J.H.); (B.L.S.); (D.P.); (A.M.G.C.); (N.D.N.); (D.W.); (J.H.-P.)
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; (C.L.P.); (A.S.N.)
| | - Jody Hobson-Peters
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; (C.A.O.); (H.B.-O.); (J.J.H.); (B.L.S.); (D.P.); (A.M.G.C.); (N.D.N.); (D.W.); (J.H.-P.)
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; (C.L.P.); (A.S.N.)
| | - Roy A. Hall
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; (C.A.O.); (H.B.-O.); (J.J.H.); (B.L.S.); (D.P.); (A.M.G.C.); (N.D.N.); (D.W.); (J.H.-P.)
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia; (C.L.P.); (A.S.N.)
- Correspondence:
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Hobson-Peters J, Harrison JJ, Watterson D, Hazlewood JE, Vet LJ, Newton ND, Warrilow D, Colmant AMG, Taylor C, Huang B, Piyasena TBH, Chow WK, Setoh YX, Tang B, Nakayama E, Yan K, Amarilla AA, Wheatley S, Moore PR, Finger M, Kurucz N, Modhiran N, Young PR, Khromykh AA, Bielefeldt-Ohmann H, Suhrbier A, Hall RA. A recombinant platform for flavivirus vaccines and diagnostics using chimeras of a new insect-specific virus. Sci Transl Med 2020; 11:11/522/eaax7888. [PMID: 31826984 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aax7888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Flaviviruses such as dengue, yellow fever, Zika, West Nile, and Japanese encephalitis virus present substantial global health burdens. New vaccines are being sought to address safety and manufacturing issues associated with current live attenuated vaccines. Here, we describe a new insect-specific flavivirus, Binjari virus, which was found to be remarkably tolerant for exchange of its structural protein genes (prME) with those of the aforementioned pathogenic vertebrate-infecting flaviviruses (VIFs). Chimeric BinJ/VIF-prME viruses remained replication defective in vertebrate cells but replicated with high efficiency in mosquito cells. Cryo-electron microscopy and monoclonal antibody binding studies illustrated that the chimeric BinJ/VIF-prME virus particles were structurally and immunologically similar to their parental VIFs. Pilot manufacturing in C6/36 cells suggests that high yields can be reached up to 109.5 cell culture infectious dose/ml or ≈7 mg/liter. BinJ/VIF-prME viruses showed utility in diagnostic (microsphere immunoassays and ELISAs using panels of human and equine sera) and vaccine applications (illustrating protection against Zika virus challenge in murine IFNAR-/- mouse models). BinJ/VIF-prME viruses thus represent a versatile, noninfectious (for vertebrate cells), high-yield technology for generating chimeric flavivirus particles with low biocontainment requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jody Hobson-Peters
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Jessica J Harrison
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Daniel Watterson
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jessamine E Hazlewood
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Laura J Vet
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Natalee D Newton
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - David Warrilow
- Public Health Virology Laboratory, Department of Health, Queensland Government, PO Box 594, Archerfield, Queensland, Australia
| | - Agathe M G Colmant
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Carmel Taylor
- Public Health Virology Laboratory, Department of Health, Queensland Government, PO Box 594, Archerfield, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bixing Huang
- Public Health Virology Laboratory, Department of Health, Queensland Government, PO Box 594, Archerfield, Queensland, Australia
| | - Thisun B H Piyasena
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Weng Kong Chow
- Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute, Gallipoli Barracks, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yin Xiang Setoh
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bing Tang
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Eri Nakayama
- Department of Virology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kexin Yan
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Alberto A Amarilla
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sarah Wheatley
- Public Health Virology Laboratory, Department of Health, Queensland Government, PO Box 594, Archerfield, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter R Moore
- Public Health Virology Laboratory, Department of Health, Queensland Government, PO Box 594, Archerfield, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mitchell Finger
- Public Health Virology Laboratory, Department of Health, Queensland Government, PO Box 594, Archerfield, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nina Kurucz
- Centre for Disease Control, Health Protection Division, Northern Territory Department of Health, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Naphak Modhiran
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Paul R Young
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alexander A Khromykh
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Helle Bielefeldt-Ohmann
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia.,School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland Gatton Campus, Queensland 4343, Australia
| | - Andreas Suhrbier
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia.,Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Roy A Hall
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
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Hypervariable Domain of nsP3 of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Is a Critical Determinant of Viral Virulence. J Virol 2020; 94:JVI.00617-20. [PMID: 32581106 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00617-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) is the most pathogenic member of the Alphavirus genus in the Togaviridae family. This virus continues to circulate in the New World and has a potential for deliberate use as a bioweapon. Despite the public health threat, to date no attenuated EEEV variants have been applied as live EEEV vaccines. Our previous studies demonstrated the critical function of the hypervariable domain (HVD) in EEEV nsP3 for the assembly of viral replication complexes (vRCs). EEEV HVD contains short linear motifs that recruit host proteins required for vRC formation and function. In this study, we developed a set of EEEV mutants that contained combinations of deletions in nsP3 HVD and clustered mutations in capsid protein, and tested the effects of these modifications on EEEV infection in vivo These mutations had cumulative negative effects on viral ability to induce meningoencephalitis. The deletions of two critical motifs, which interact with the members of cellular FXR and G3BP protein families, made EEEV cease to be neurovirulent. The additional clustered mutations in capsid protein, which affect its ability to induce transcriptional shutoff, diminished EEEV's ability to develop viremia. Most notably, despite the inability to induce detectable disease, the designed EEEV mutants remained highly immunogenic and, after a single dose, protected mice against subsequent infection with wild-type (wt) EEEV. Thus, alterations of interactions of EEEV HVD and likely HVDs of other alphaviruses with host factors represent an important direction for development of highly attenuated viruses that can be applied as live vaccines.IMPORTANCE Hypervariable domains (HVDs) of alphavirus nsP3 proteins recruit host proteins into viral replication complexes. The sets of HVD-binding host factors are specific for each alphavirus, and we have previously identified those specific for EEEV. The results of this study demonstrate that the deletions of the binding sites of the G3BP and FXR protein families in the nsP3 HVD of EEEV make the virus avirulent for mice. Mutations in the nuclear localization signal in EEEV capsid protein have an additional negative effect on viral replication in vivo Despite the inability to cause a detectable disease, the double HVD and triple HVD/capsid mutants induce high levels of neutralizing antibodies. Single immunization protects mice against infection with the highly pathogenic North American strain of EEEV. High safety, the inability to revert to wild-type phenotype, and high immunogenicity make the designed mutants attractive vaccine candidates for EEEV infection.
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Ko SY, Akahata W, Yang ES, Kong WP, Burke CW, Honnold SP, Nichols DK, Huang YJS, Schieber GL, Carlton K, DaSilva L, Traina-Dorge V, Vanlandingham DL, Tsybovsky Y, Stephens T, Baxa U, Higgs S, Roy CJ, Glass PJ, Mascola JR, Nabel GJ, Rao SS. A virus-like particle vaccine prevents equine encephalitis virus infection in nonhuman primates. Sci Transl Med 2020; 11:11/492/eaav3113. [PMID: 31092692 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aav3113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Western, Eastern, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis viruses (WEEV, EEEV, and VEEV, respectively) are important mosquito-borne agents that pose public health and bioterrorism threats. Despite considerable advances in understanding alphavirus replication, there are currently no available effective vaccines or antiviral treatments against these highly lethal pathogens. To develop a potential countermeasure for viral encephalitis, we generated a trivalent, or three-component, EEV vaccine composed of virus-like particles (VLPs). Monovalent VLPs elicited neutralizing antibody responses and protected mice and nonhuman primates (NHPs) against homologous challenges, but they were not cross-protective. In contrast, NHPs immunized with trivalent VLPs were completely protected against aerosol challenge by each of these three EEVs. Passive transfer of IgG from immunized NHPs protected mice against aerosolized EEV challenge, demonstrating that the mechanism of protection was humoral. Because they are replication incompetent, these trivalent VLPs represent a potentially safe and effective vaccine that can protect against diverse encephalitis viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Youl Ko
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Wataru Akahata
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Eun Sung Yang
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Wing-Pui Kong
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Crystal W Burke
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Shelley P Honnold
- Pathology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Donald K Nichols
- Pathology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Yan-Jang S Huang
- Biosecurity Research Institute and Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Gretchen L Schieber
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kevin Carlton
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Luis DaSilva
- Center for Aerobiological Sciences, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Vicki Traina-Dorge
- Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA 70433, USA
| | - Dana L Vanlandingham
- Biosecurity Research Institute and Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Yaroslav Tsybovsky
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Tyler Stephens
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Ulrich Baxa
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Stephen Higgs
- Biosecurity Research Institute and Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Chad J Roy
- Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA 70433, USA
| | - Pamela J Glass
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - John R Mascola
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Gary J Nabel
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Srinivas S Rao
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Stromberg ZR, Fischer W, Bradfute SB, Kubicek-Sutherland JZ, Hraber P. Vaccine Advances against Venezuelan, Eastern, and Western Equine Encephalitis Viruses. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8020273. [PMID: 32503232 PMCID: PMC7350001 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8020273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccinations are a crucial intervention in combating infectious diseases. The three neurotropic Alphaviruses, Eastern (EEEV), Venezuelan (VEEV), and Western (WEEV) equine encephalitis viruses, are pathogens of interest for animal health, public health, and biological defense. In both equines and humans, these viruses can cause febrile illness that may progress to encephalitis. Currently, there are no licensed treatments or vaccines available for these viruses in humans. Experimental vaccines have shown variable efficacy and may cause severe adverse effects. Here, we outline recent strategies used to generate vaccines against EEEV, VEEV, and WEEV with an emphasis on virus-vectored and plasmid DNA delivery. Despite candidate vaccines protecting against one of the three viruses, few studies have demonstrated an effective trivalent vaccine. We evaluated the potential of published vaccines to generate cross-reactive protective responses by comparing DNA vaccine sequences to a set of EEEV, VEEV, and WEEV genomes and determining the vaccine coverages of potential epitopes. Finally, we discuss future directions in the development of vaccines to combat EEEV, VEEV, and WEEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary R. Stromberg
- Physical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy, Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 505, USA; (Z.R.S.); (J.Z.K.-S.)
| | - Will Fischer
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 505, USA;
| | - Steven B. Bradfute
- Center for Global Health, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 505, USA;
| | - Jessica Z. Kubicek-Sutherland
- Physical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy, Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 505, USA; (Z.R.S.); (J.Z.K.-S.)
| | - Peter Hraber
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 505, USA;
- Correspondence:
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Johnson DM, Sokoloski KJ, Jokinen JD, Pfeffer TL, Chu YK, Adcock RS, Chung D, Tretyakova I, Pushko P, Lukashevich IS. Advanced Safety and Genetic Stability in Mice of a Novel DNA-Launched Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Vaccine with Rearranged Structural Genes. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8010114. [PMID: 32121666 PMCID: PMC7157698 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The safety and genetic stability of V4020, a novel Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEEV) vaccine based on the investigational VEEV TC-83 strain, was evaluated in mice. V4020 was generated from infectious DNA, contains a stabilizing mutation in the E2-120 glycoprotein, and includes rearrangement of structural genes. After intracranial inoculation (IC), replication of V4020 was more attenuated than TC-83, as documented by low clinical scores, inflammation, viral load in brain, and earlier viral clearance. During the first 9 days post-inoculation (DPI), genes involved in inflammation, cytokine signaling, adaptive immune responses, and apoptosis were upregulated in both groups. However, the magnitude of upregulation was greater in TC-83 than V4020 mice, and this pattern persisted till 13 DPI, while V4020 gene expression profiles declined to mock-infected levels. In addition, genetic markers of macrophages, DCs, and microglia were strongly upregulated in TC-83 mice. During five serial passages in the brain, less severe clinical manifestations and a lower viral load were observed in V4020 mice and all animals survived. In contrast, 13.3% of mice met euthanasia criteria during the passages in TC-83 group. At 2 DPI, RNA-Seq analysis of brain tissues revealed that V4020 mice had lower rates of mutations throughout five passages. A higher synonymous mutation ratio was observed in the nsP4 (RdRP) gene of TC-83 compared to V4020 mice. At 2 DPI, both viruses induced different expression profiles of host genes involved in neuro-regeneration. Taken together, these results provide evidence for the improved safety and genetic stability of the experimental V4020 VEEV vaccine in a murine model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan M. Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (K.J.S.); (D.C.)
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
- Correspondence: (D.M.J.); (I.S.L.)
| | - Kevin J. Sokoloski
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (K.J.S.); (D.C.)
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
| | - Jenny D. Jokinen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA;
| | - Tia L. Pfeffer
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA;
| | - Yong-Kyu Chu
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
| | - Robert S. Adcock
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
| | - Donghoon Chung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (K.J.S.); (D.C.)
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
| | | | - Peter Pushko
- Medigen, Inc., Frederick, MD 21701, USA; (I.T.); (P.P.)
| | - Igor S. Lukashevich
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA;
- Correspondence: (D.M.J.); (I.S.L.)
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32
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Agboli E, Leggewie M, Altinli M, Schnettler E. Mosquito-Specific Viruses-Transmission and Interaction. Viruses 2019; 11:v11090873. [PMID: 31533367 PMCID: PMC6784079 DOI: 10.3390/v11090873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-specific viruses (MSVs) are a subset of insect-specific viruses that are found to infect mosquitoes or mosquito derived cells. There has been an increase in discoveries of novel MSVs in recent years. This has expanded our understanding of viral diversity and evolution but has also sparked questions concerning the transmission of these viruses and interactions with their hosts and its microbiome. In fact, there is already evidence that MSVs interact with the immune system of their host. This is especially interesting, since mosquitoes can be infected with both MSVs and arthropod-borne (arbo) viruses of public health concern. In this review, we give an update on the different MSVs discovered so far and describe current data on their transmission and interaction with the mosquito immune system as well as the effect MSVs could have on an arboviruses-co-infection. Lastly, we discuss potential uses of these viruses, including vector and transmission control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Agboli
- Molecular Entomology, Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho PMB 31, Ghana.
| | - Mayke Leggewie
- Molecular Entomology, Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany.
- German Centre for Infection research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20359 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Mine Altinli
- Molecular Entomology, Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany.
- German Centre for Infection research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20359 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Esther Schnettler
- Molecular Entomology, Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany.
- German Centre for Infection research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20359 Hamburg, Germany.
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33
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Popov VL, Tesh RB, Weaver SC, Vasilakis N. Electron Microscopy in Discovery of Novel and Emerging Viruses from the Collection of the World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses (WRCEVA). Viruses 2019; 11:v11050477. [PMID: 31130629 PMCID: PMC6563235 DOI: 10.3390/v11050477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of modern virology in the 1950s, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been an important and widely used technique for discovery, identification and characterization of new viruses. Using TEM, viruses can be differentiated by their ultrastructure: shape, size, intracellular location and for some viruses, by the ultrastructural cytopathic effects and/or specific structures forming in the host cell during their replication. Ultrastructural characteristics are usually sufficient for the identification of a virus to the family level. In this review, we summarize 25 years of experience in identification of novel viruses from the collection of the World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses (WRCEVA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vsevolod L Popov
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Robert B Tesh
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Nikos Vasilakis
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
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Novel DNA-launched Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus vaccine with rearranged genome. Vaccine 2019; 37:3317-3325. [PMID: 31072736 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.04.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Novel live-attenuated V4020 vaccine was prepared for Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), an alphavirus from the Togaviridae family. The genome of V4020 virus was rearranged, with the capsid gene expressed using a duplicate subgenomic promoter downstream from the glycoprotein genes. V4020 also included both attenuating mutations from the TC83 VEEV vaccine secured by mutagenesis to prevent reversion mutations. The full-length infectious RNA of V4020 vaccine virus was expressed from pMG4020 plasmid downstream from the CMV promoter and launched replication of live-attenuated V4020 in vitro or in vivo. BALB/c mice vaccinated with a single dose of V4020 virus or with pMG4020 plasmid had no adverse reactions to vaccinations and developed high titers of neutralizing antibodies. After challenge with the wild type VEEV, vaccinated mice survived with no morbidity, while all unvaccinated controls succumbed to lethal infection. Intracranial injections in mice showed attenuated replication of V4020 vaccine virus as compared to the TC83. We conclude that V4020 vaccine has safety advantage over TC83, while provides equivalent protection in a mouse VEEV challenge model.
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Bennouna A, Gil P, El Rhaffouli H, Exbrayat A, Loire E, Balenghien T, Chlyeh G, Gutierrez S, Fihri OF. Identification of Eilat virus and prevalence of infection among Culex pipiens L. populations, Morocco, 2016. Virology 2019; 530:85-88. [PMID: 30782566 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2019.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Eilat virus (EILV) is described as one of the few alphaviruses restricted to insects. We report the record of a nearly-complete sequence of an alphavirus genome showing 95% identity with EILV during a metagenomic analysis performed on 1488 unblood-fed females and 1076 larvae of the mosquito Culex pipiens captured in Rabat (Morocco). Genetic distance and phylogenetic analyses placed the EILV-Morocco as a variant of EILV. The observed infection rates in both larvae and adults suggested an active circulation of the virus in Rabat and its maintenance in the environment either through vertical transmission or through horizontal infection of larvae in breeding sites. This is the first report of EILV out of Israel and in Culex pipiens populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Bennouna
- Department of animal pathology and public health. Hassan II Agronomy & Veterinary Medicine Institute, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Patricia Gil
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-34398 Montpellier, France; ASTRE, CIRAD, INRA, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Antoni Exbrayat
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-34398 Montpellier, France; ASTRE, CIRAD, INRA, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Etienne Loire
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-34398 Montpellier, France; ASTRE, CIRAD, INRA, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Thomas Balenghien
- Department of animal pathology and public health. Hassan II Agronomy & Veterinary Medicine Institute, Rabat, Morocco; CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-34398 Montpellier, France; ASTRE, CIRAD, INRA, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Ghita Chlyeh
- Département de Production, Protection et Biotechnologies Végétales, Unité de Zoologie, Hassan II Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine Institute, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Serafin Gutierrez
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-34398 Montpellier, France; ASTRE, CIRAD, INRA, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | - Ouafaa Fassi Fihri
- Department of animal pathology and public health. Hassan II Agronomy & Veterinary Medicine Institute, Rabat, Morocco.
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36
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Sharma A, Knollmann-Ritschel B. Current Understanding of the Molecular Basis of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Pathogenesis and Vaccine Development. Viruses 2019; 11:v11020164. [PMID: 30781656 PMCID: PMC6410161 DOI: 10.3390/v11020164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Dedication This review is dedicated in the memory of Dr Radha K. Maheshwari, a great mentor and colleague, whose passion for research and student training has left a lasting effect on this manuscript and many other works. Abstract Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an alphavirus in the family Togaviridae. VEEV is highly infectious in aerosol form and a known bio-warfare agent that can cause severe encephalitis in humans. Periodic outbreaks of VEEV occur predominantly in Central and South America. Increased interest in VEEV has resulted in a more thorough understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease. Inflammation plays a paradoxical role of antiviral response as well as development of lethal encephalitis through an interplay between the host and viral factors that dictate virus replication. VEEV has efficient replication machinery that adapts to overcome deleterious mutations in the viral genome or improve interactions with host factors. In the last few decades there has been ongoing development of various VEEV vaccine candidates addressing the shortcomings of the current investigational new drugs or approved vaccines. We review the current understanding of the molecular basis of VEEV pathogenesis and discuss various types of vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuj Sharma
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
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37
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Öhlund P, Lundén H, Blomström AL. Insect-specific virus evolution and potential effects on vector competence. Virus Genes 2019; 55:127-137. [PMID: 30632016 PMCID: PMC6458977 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-018-01629-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The advancement in high-throughput sequencing technology and bioinformatics tools has spurred a new age of viral discovery. Arthropods is the largest group of animals and has shown to be a major reservoir of different viruses, including a group known as insect-specific viruses (ISVs). The majority of known ISVs have been isolated from mosquitoes and shown to belong to viral families associated with animal arbovirus pathogens, such as Flaviviridae, Togaviridae and Phenuiviridae. These insect-specific viruses have a strict tropism and are unable to replicate in vertebrate cells, these properties are interesting for many reasons. One is that these viruses could potentially be utilised as biocontrol agents using a similar strategy as for Wolbachia. Mosquitoes infected with the viral agent could have inferior vectorial capacity of arboviruses resulting in a decrease of circulating arboviruses of public health importance. Moreover, insect-specific viruses are thought to be ancestral to arboviruses and could be used to study the evolution of the switch from single-host to dual-host. In this review, we discuss new discoveries and hypothesis in the field of arboviruses and insect-specific viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pontus Öhlund
- Section of Virology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7028, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hanna Lundén
- Section of Virology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7028, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anne-Lie Blomström
- Section of Virology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7028, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
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38
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Suschak JJ, Bagley K, Six C, Shoemaker CJ, Kwilas S, Spik KW, Dupuy LC, Schmaljohn CS. The genetic adjuvant IL-12 enhances the protective efficacy of a DNA vaccine for Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus delivered by intramuscular injection in mice. Antiviral Res 2018; 159:113-121. [PMID: 30268913 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We have previously shown that DNA vaccines expressing codon-optimized alphavirus envelope glycoprotein genes protect both mice and non-human primates from viral challenge when delivered by intramuscular electroporation (IM-EP). To determine if we could achieve equivalent immunogenicity and protective efficacy in the absence of electroporation, we co-delivered our Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) DNA vaccine with DNA plasmids expressing genetic adjuvants designed to augment immune responses. We tested the Th1-inducing cytokine IL-12 as well as the granulocyte growth factor GM-CSF, both of which have demonstrated significant adjuvant effect when included in clinical DNA vaccine formulations. Additionally, as multiple reports have described the necessity of IFN-αβ in DNA vaccine immunogenicity, we tested vaccine plasmids encoding a potent stimulator of the IFN-αβ pathway. Our data suggest that IM vaccination of mice with plasmid DNA encoding genetic adjuvants enhances VEEV vaccine immunogenicity, resulting in improved T cell responses, as well as skewing of the anti-VEEV IgG antibody isotype. Additionally, IM vaccination of VEEV DNA vaccine and IL-12 provided complete protection against aerosol VEEV challenge. Overall, our data suggest that co-delivery of genetic adjuvants with alphavirus DNA vaccines using IM delivery can influence the type of immune response obtained and provide comparable protective immunity to that achieved by IM-EP delivery of the vaccine without adjuvants.
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MESH Headings
- Adjuvants, Immunologic
- Animals
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Encephalitis Virus, Venezuelan Equine
- Encephalomyelitis, Venezuelan Equine/immunology
- Encephalomyelitis, Venezuelan Equine/prevention & control
- Female
- Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor/genetics
- Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor/immunology
- Immunogenicity, Vaccine
- Injections, Intramuscular
- Interleukin-12/genetics
- Interleukin-12/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Vaccines, DNA/immunology
- Viral Vaccines/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Suschak
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | | | - Carolyn Six
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Charles J Shoemaker
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Steven Kwilas
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Kristin W Spik
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Lesley C Dupuy
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Connie S Schmaljohn
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA.
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39
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A Multiagent Alphavirus DNA Vaccine Delivered by Intramuscular Electroporation Elicits Robust and Durable Virus-Specific Immune Responses in Mice and Rabbits and Completely Protects Mice against Lethal Venezuelan, Western, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Aerosol Challenges. J Immunol Res 2018; 2018:8521060. [PMID: 29967804 PMCID: PMC6008678 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8521060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There remains a need for vaccines that can safely and effectively protect against the biological threat agents Venezuelan (VEEV), western (WEEV), and eastern (EEEV) equine encephalitis virus. Previously, we demonstrated that a VEEV DNA vaccine that was optimized for increased antigen expression and delivered by intramuscular (IM) electroporation (EP) elicited robust and durable virus-specific antibody responses in multiple animal species and provided complete protection against VEEV aerosol challenge in mice and nonhuman primates. Here, we performed a comparative evaluation of the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of individual optimized VEEV, WEEV, and EEEV DNA vaccines with that of a 1 : 1 : 1 mixture of these vaccines, which we have termed the 3-EEV DNA vaccine, when delivered by IM EP. The individual DNA vaccines and the 3-EEV DNA vaccine elicited robust and durable virus-specific antibody responses in mice and rabbits and completely protected mice from homologous VEEV, WEEV, and EEEV aerosol challenges. Taken together, the results from these studies demonstrate that the individual VEEV, WEEV, and EEEV DNA vaccines and the 3-EEV DNA vaccine delivered by IM EP provide an effective means of eliciting protection against lethal encephalitic alphavirus infections in a murine model and represent viable next-generation vaccine candidates that warrant further development.
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40
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Erasmus JH, Weaver SC. Biotechnological Applications of an Insect-Specific Alphavirus. DNA Cell Biol 2017; 36:1045-1049. [PMID: 29161110 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2017.4019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The coupling of viral and arthropod host diversity, with evolving methods of virus discovery, has resulted in the identification and classification of a growing number of novel insect-specific viruses (ISVs) that appear to be evolutionarily related to many human pathogens but have either lost or have yet to gain the ability to replicate in vertebrates. The discovery of ISVs has raised many questions as to the origin and evolution of many human pathogenic viruses and points to the role that arthropods may play in this evolutionary process. Furthermore, the use of ISVs to control the transmission of arthropod-borne viruses has been proposed and demonstrated experimentally. Previously, our laboratory reported on the discovery and characterization of Eilat virus (EILV), an insect-specific alphavirus that phylogenetically groups within the mosquito-borne clade of medically relevant alphaviruses, including eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), as well as chikungunya virus (CHIKV). Despite its evolutionary relationship to these human pathogens, EILV is unable to replicate in vertebrate cells due to blocks at attachment/entry and RNA replication. We recently demonstrated that, using a chimeric virus approach, EILV could be utilized as a platform for vaccine and diagnostic development, serving as a proof-of-concept for other ISVs. Due to the vast abundance of ISVs, there is an untapped resource for the development of vaccines and diagnostics for a variety of human pathogens and further work in this area is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse H Erasmus
- 1 Institute for Human Infections and Immunity and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas.,2 Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute , Seattle, Washington
| | - Scott C Weaver
- 1 Institute for Human Infections and Immunity and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
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