Herpes simplex virus type 2 glycoprotein G is targeted by the sulfated oligo- and polysaccharide inhibitors of virus attachment to cells

Cellular Chondroitin Sulfate and the Mucin-like Domain of Viral Glycoprotein C Promote Diffusion of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 While Heparan Sulfate Restricts Mobility

The diffusion of viruses at the cell membrane is essential to reach a suitable entry site and initiate subsequent internalization. Although many viruses take advantage of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) to bind to the cell surface, little is known about the dynamics of the virus–GAG interactions. Here, single-particle tracking of the initial interaction of individual herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) virions reveals a heterogeneous diffusive behavior, regulated by cell-surface GAGs with two main diffusion types: confined and normal free. This study reports that different GAGs can have competing influences in mediating diffusion on the cells used here: chondroitin sulfate (CS) enhances free diffusion but hinders virus attachment to cell surfaces, while heparan sulfate (HS) promotes virus confinement and increases entry efficiency. In addition, the role that the viral mucin-like domains (MLD) of the HSV-1 glycoprotein C plays in facilitating the diffusion of the virus and accelerating virus penetration into cells is demonstrated. Together, our results shed new light on the mechanisms of GAG-regulated virus diffusion at the cell surface for optimal internalization. These findings may be extendable to other GAG-binding viruses.

Herpes simplex virus interference with immunity: Focus on dendritic cells

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) are highly prevalent in the human population. These viruses cause lifelong infections by establishing latency in neurons and undergo sporadic reactivations that promote recurrent disease and new infections. The success of HSVs in persisting in infected individuals is likely due to their multiple molecular determinants involved in escaping the host antiviral and immune responses. Importantly, HSVs infect and negatively modulate the function of dendritic cells (DCs), key immune cells that are involved in establishing effective and balanced immunity against viruses. Here, we review and discuss several molecular and cellular processes modulated by HSVs in DCs, such as autophagy, apoptosis, and the unfolded protein response. Given the central role of DCs in establishing optimal antiviral immunity, particular emphasis should be given to the outcome of the interactions occurring between HSVs and DCs.

Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Peptides and Polymers

As the human cost of the pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is still being witnessed worldwide, the development of broad-spectrum antiviral agents against emerging and re-emerging viruses is seen as a necessity to hamper the spread of infections. Various targets during the viral life-cycle can be considered to inhibit viral infection, from viral attachment to viral fusion or replication. Macromolecules represent a particularly attractive class of therapeutics due to their multivalency and versatility. Although several antiviral macromolecules hold great promise in clinical applications, the emergence of resistance after prolonged exposure urges the need for improved solutions. In the present article, the recent advancement in the discovery of antiviral peptides and polymers with diverse structural features and antiviral mechanisms is reviewed. Future perspectives, such as, the development of virucidal peptides/polymers and their coatings against SARS-CoV-2 infection, standardization of antiviral testing protocols, and use of artificial intelligence or machine learning as a tool to accelerate the discovery of antiviral macromolecules, are discussed.

Pathogenesis and virulence of herpes simplex virus

Two of the most prevalent human viruses worldwide, herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2, respectively), cause a variety of diseases, including cold sores, genital herpes, herpes stromal keratitis, meningitis and encephalitis. The intrinsic, innate and adaptive immune responses are key to control HSV, and the virus has developed mechanisms to evade them. The immune response can also contribute to pathogenesis, as observed in stromal keratitis and encephalitis. The fact that certain individuals are more prone than others to suffer severe disease upon HSV infection can be partially explained by the existence of genetic polymorphisms in humans. Like all herpesviruses, HSV has two replication cycles: lytic and latent. During lytic replication HSV produces infectious viral particles to infect other cells and organisms, while during latency there is limited gene expression and lack of infectious virus particles. HSV establishes latency in neurons and can cause disease both during primary infection and upon reactivation. The mechanisms leading to latency and reactivation and which are the viral and host factors controlling these processes are not completely understood. Here we review the HSV life cycle, the interaction of HSV with the immune system and three of the best-studied pathologies: Herpes stromal keratitis, herpes simplex encephalitis and genital herpes. We also discuss the potential association between HSV-1 infection and Alzheimer's disease.

A truncated glycoprotein G vaccine formulated with Advax-CpG adjuvant provides protection of mice against genital herpes simplex virus 2 infection

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a common sexually transmitted disease that affects approximately 500 million individuals globally. There is currently no approved vaccine to prevent HSV-2 infection. EXCT4 is a truncated form of the mature glycoprotein G-2 (mgG-2) that unlike full mature form is secreted by expressing cells enabling it to be rapidly scaled up for production. The current study examined whether EXCT4 immunity in mice could be further enhanced through use of adjuvants. EXCT4 formulated with Advax-CpG adjuvant induced a strong Th1-type immune response characterized by interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and protected animals against a lethal genital challenge with HSV-2. This response was associated with reduced viral load in vaginal washes, spinal cord, and dorsal root ganglia. Together the results provide proof of concept that EXCT4 formulated with Advax-CpG adjuvant is a promising HSV-2 vaccine candidate warranting further investigation.

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Mucin-Like Glycoprotein mgG Promotes Virus Release from the Surface of Infected Cells

The contribution of virus components to liberation of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) progeny virions from the surface of infected cells is poorly understood. We report that the HSV-2 mutant deficient in the expression of a mucin-like membrane-associated glycoprotein G (mgG) exhibited defect in the release of progeny virions from infected cells manifested by ~2 orders of magnitude decreased amount of infectious virus in a culture medium as compared to native HSV-2. Electron microscopy revealed that the mgG deficient virions were produced in infected cells and present at the cell surface. These virions could be forcibly liberated to a nearly native HSV-2 level by the treatment of cells with glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-mimicking oligosaccharides. Comparative assessment of the interaction of mutant and native virions with surface-immobilized chondroitin sulfate GAG chains revealed that while the mutant virions associated with GAGs ~fourfold more extensively, the lateral mobility of bound virions was much poorer than that of native virions. These data indicate that the mgG of HSV-2 balances the virus interaction with GAG chains, a feature critical to prevent trapping of the progeny virions at the surface of infected cells.

Development of monoclonal antibody against glycoprotein of hirame novirhabdovirus (HIRRV) with virus neutralizing activity

Hirame rhabdovirus (HIRRV) is one of the most important viruses of fish, posing a great threat to the fish industry in Asia and Europe. The glycoprotein (G) of HIRRV is known to play important roles in virus attachment and entry, making it an ideal target for both diagnosis and therapy. In this study, a truncated G of HIRRV was expressed as a fusion protein in Escherichia coli. Using the recombinant G protein (rG), monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were prepared by the hybridoma technology. Subsequently, positive clones were screened by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and further characterized by Western blot and immunofluorescence assay (IFA). ELISA results showed that two mAbs (3E5 and 4D10) could react with the rG, as well as the purified HIRRV. Western blot analysis showed that the mAbs belong to the IgG isotype and could recognize a 60 kDa viral protein, which is consistent with the molecular weight of G protein and determined to be the G protein of HIRRV by mass spectrometry. The virions in HIRRV-infected EPC could also be recognized by two mAbs in IFA. Moreover, neutralization assay showed that mAb 4D10 could significantly inhibit the proliferation of HIRRV and delay the development of cytopathic effect in viral-infected EPC cells, and in vivo neutralization assay also showed that mAb 4D10 could significantly reduce the mortality of HIRRV-infected flounder, indicating that mAb 4D10 can partially neutralize the HIRRV infection. Western blot analysis showed that mAb 4D10 could specifically bind the C-terminal domain of HIRRV-G protein. These results demonstrated that the produced mAbs could specifically recognize the G protein of HIRRV and displayed virus-neutralizing activity in vitro and in vivo, which could serve as effective detection probes and potential neutralizing antibodies for HIRRV.

Identification of the Cleavage Domain within Glycoprotein G of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2

Glycoprotein G (gG) from herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2, respectively) functions as a viral chemokine binding protein (vCKBP). Soluble recombinant forms of gG of HSV-1 and HSV-2 (SgG1 and SgG2, respectively) enhance chemokine-mediated leukocyte migration, in contrast to most known vCKBPs, including those from animal alpha-herpesviruses. Furthermore, both proteins bind to nerve growth factor (NGF), but only SgG2 enhances NGF-dependent neurite outgrowth. The basis and implications of this functional difference between the two proteins are still unknown. While gG1 and gG2 are positional homologues in the genome, they share very limited sequence homology. In fact, US4, the open reading frame encoding gG is the most divergent genetic locus between these viruses. Full-length gG1 and gG2 are type I transmembrane proteins located on the plasma membrane of infected cells and at the viral envelope. However, gG2 is larger than gG1 and is cleaved during protein maturation, secreting the N-terminal domain to the supernatant of infected cells, whereas gG1 is not. The enzyme involved in gG2 cleavage and the functional relevance of gG2 cleavage and secretion are unknown. We aim to identify the gG2 sequence required for cleavage to determine its functional role in future experiments. Our results prove the existence of at least two cleavage motifs in gG2 within the amino acid region 314-343. Transfer of this sequence to a fusion protein results in cleavage. Finally, we show that propeptide convertases like furin are responsible for gG2 cleavage.

FRET-Based Assay for the Quantification of Extracellular Vesicles and Other Vesicles of Complex Composition

Research in the field of extracellular vesicles is rapidly expanding and finding footholds in many areas of medical science. However, the availability of methodologies to quantify the concentration of membrane material present in a sample remains limited. Herein, we present a novel approach for the quantification of vesicle material, specifically the quantification of the total lipid membrane surface area, found in a sample using Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). In this assay, sonication is used to drive the fusion between vesicles in the sample to be quantified and liposomes containing a pair of FRET fluorophores. The change in emission spectrum upon vesicle fusion is directly related to the total membrane surface area of the sample added, and a calibration curve allows for the quantification of a variety of vesicle species, including enveloped viruses, bacterial outer membrane vesicles, and mammalian extracellular vesicles. Without extensive optimization of experimental parameters, we were able to quantify down to ∼10⁹ vesicles/mL, using as little as 60 μL of the sample. The assay precision was comparable to that of a commercial nanoparticle tracking analysis system. While its limit of detection was slightly higher, the FRET assay is superior for the detection of small vesicles, as its performance is vesicle-size-independent. Taken together, the FRET assay is a simple, robust, and versatile method for the quantification of a variety of purified vesicle samples.

Highly conserved intragenic HSV-2 sequences: Results from next-generation sequencing of HSV-2 UL and US regions from genital swabs collected from 3 continents

INTRODUCTION

Understanding the variability in circulating herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) genomic sequences is critical to the development of HSV-2 vaccines.

METHODS

Genital lesion swabs containing ≥ 107log10 copies HSV DNA collected from Africa, the USA, and South America underwent next-generation sequencing, followed by K-mer based filtering and de novo genomic assembly. Sites of heterogeneity within coding regions in unique long and unique short (UL_US) regions were identified. Phylogenetic trees were created using maximum likelihood reconstruction.

RESULTS

Among 46 samples from 38 persons, 1468 intragenic base-pair substitutions were identified. The maximum nucleotide distance between strains for concatenated UL_US segments was 0.4%. Phylogeny did not reveal geographic clustering. The most variable proteins had non-synonymous mutations in < 3% of amino acids.

CONCLUSIONS

Unenriched HSV-2 DNA can undergo next-generation sequencing to identify intragenic variability. The use of clinical swabs for sequencing expands the information that can be gathered directly from these specimens.

Vaccination with the Secreted Glycoprotein G of Herpes Simplex Virus 2 Induces Protective Immunity after Genital Infection

Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) infects the genital mucosa and establishes a life-long infection in sensory ganglia. After primary infection HSV-2 may reactivate causing recurrent genital ulcerations. HSV-2 infection is prevalent, and globally more than 400 million individuals are infected. As clinical trials have failed to show protection against HSV-2 infection, new vaccine candidates are warranted. The secreted glycoprotein G (sgG-2) of HSV-2 was evaluated as a prophylactic vaccine in mice using two different immunization and adjuvant protocols. The protocol with three intramuscular immunizations combining sgG-2 with cytosine-phosphate-guanine dinucleotide (CpG) motifs and alum induced almost complete protection from genital and systemic disease after intra-vaginal challenge with HSV-2. Robust immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titers were detected with no neutralization activity. Purified splenic CD4+ T cells proliferated and produced interferon-γ (IFN-γ) when re-stimulated with the antigen in vitro. sgG-2 + adjuvant intra-muscularly immunized mice showed a significant reduction of infectious HSV-2 and increased IFN-γ levels in vaginal washes. The HSV-2 DNA copy numbers were significantly reduced in dorsal root ganglia, spinal cord, and in serum at day six or day 21 post challenge. We show that a sgG-2 based vaccine is highly effective and can be considered as a novel candidate in the development of a prophylactic vaccine against HSV-2 infection.

The Cholestanol-Conjugated Sulfated Oligosaccharide PG545 Disrupts the Lipid Envelope of Herpes Simplex Virus Particles

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and many other viruses, including HIV, initiate infection of host cells by binding to glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains of cell surface proteoglycans. Although GAG mimetics, such as sulfated oligo- and polysaccharides, exhibit potent antiviral activities in cultured cells, the prophylactic application of these inhibitors as vaginal microbicides failed to protect women upon their exposure to HIV. A possible explanation for this failure is that sulfated oligo- and polysaccharides exhibit no typical virucidal activity, as their interaction with viral particles is largely electrostatic and reversible and thereby vulnerable to competition with GAG-binding proteins of the genital tract. Here we report that the cholestanol-conjugated sulfated oligosaccharide PG545, but not several other sulfated oligosaccharides lacking this modification, exhibited virucidal activity manifested as disruption of the lipid envelope of HSV-2 particles. The significance of the virus particle-disrupting activity of PG545 was also demonstrated in experimental animals, as this compound, in contrast to unmodified sulfated oligosaccharide, protected mice against genital infection with HSV-2. Thus, PG545 offers a novel prophylaxis option against infections caused by GAG-binding viruses.

Mucin-like Region of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Attachment Protein Glycoprotein C (gC) Modulates the Virus-Glycosaminoglycan Interaction

Glycoprotein C (gC) mediates the attachment of HSV-1 to susceptible host cells by interacting with glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) on the cell surface. gC contains a mucin-like region located near the GAG-binding site, which may affect the binding activity. Here, we address this issue by studying a HSV-1 mutant lacking the mucin-like domain in gC and the corresponding purified mutant protein (gCΔmuc) in cell culture and GAG-binding assays, respectively. The mutant virus exhibited two functional alterations as compared with native HSV-1 (i.e. decreased sensitivity to GAG-based inhibitors of virus attachment to cells and reduced release of viral particles from the surface of infected cells). Kinetic and equilibrium binding characteristics of purified gC were assessed using surface plasmon resonance-based sensing together with a surface platform consisting of end-on immobilized GAGs. Both native gC and gCΔmuc bound via the expected binding region to chondroitin sulfate and sulfated hyaluronan but not to the non-sulfated hyaluronan, confirming binding specificity. In contrast to native gC, gCΔmuc exhibited a decreased affinity for GAGs and a slower dissociation, indicating that once formed, the gCΔmuc-GAG complex is more stable. It was also found that a larger number of gCΔmuc bound to a single GAG chain, compared with native gC. Taken together, our data suggest that the mucin-like region of HSV-1 gC is involved in the modulation of the GAG-binding activity, a feature of importance both for unrestricted virus entry into the cells and release of newly produced viral particles from infected cells.

A spiroketal-enol ether derivative from Tanacetum vulgare selectively inhibits HSV-1 and HSV-2 glycoprotein accumulation in Vero cells

The inhibitory effects of Tanacetum vulgare rhizome extracts on HSV-1 and HSV-2 in vitro replication were assessed. Unlike extracts obtained from the aerial parts, adsorption inhibition and virucidal activities seemed not to be relevant for the observed antiviral action of tansy rhizome extracts. Instead, the most significant effects were the inhibition of virus penetration and a novel mechanism consisting of the specific arrest of viral gene expression and consequently the decrease of viral protein accumulation within infected cells. Through a bioactivity-guided fractionation protocol we isolated and identified the spiroketal-enol ether derivative (E)-2-(2,4-hexadiynyliden)-1,6-dioxaspiro[4.5]dec-3-ene as the active compound responsible for this inhibitory effect.

Diversity of heparan sulfate and HSV entry: basic understanding and treatment strategies

A modified form of heparan sulfate (HS) known as 3-O-sulfated heparan sulfate (3-OS HS) generates fusion receptor for herpes simplex virus (HSV) entry and spread. Primary cultures of corneal fibroblasts derived from human eye donors have shown the clinical significance of this receptor during HSV corneal infection. 3-OS HS- is a product of a rare enzymatic modification at C3 position of glucosamine residue which is catalyzed by 3-O-sulfotransferases (3-OSTs) enzymes. From humans to zebrafish, the 3-OST enzymes are highly conserved and widely expressed in cells and tissues. There are multiple forms of 3-OSTs each producing unique subset of sulfated HS making it chemically diverse and heterogeneous. HSV infection of cells or zebrafish can be used as a unique tool to understand the structural-functional activities of HS and 3-OS HS and likewise, the infection can be used as a functional assay to screen phage display libraries for identifying HS and 3-OS HS binding peptides or small molecule inhibitors. Using this approach over 200 unique 12-mer HS and 3-OS HS recognizing peptides were isolated and characterized against HSV corneal infection where 3-OS HS is known to be a key receptor. In this review we discuss emerging role of 3-OS HS based therapeutic strategies in preventing viral infection and tissue damage.

Proteomic characterization of murid herpesvirus 4 extracellular virions

Gammaherpesvirinae, such as the human Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and the Kaposi’s sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) are highly prevalent pathogens that have been associated with several neoplastic diseases. As EBV and KSHV are host-range specific and replicate poorly in vitro, animal counterparts such as Murid herpesvirus-4 (MuHV-4) have been widely used as models. In this study, we used MuHV-4 in order to improve the knowledge about proteins that compose gammaherpesviruses virions. To this end, MuHV-4 extracellular virions were isolated and structural proteins were identified using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry-based proteomic approaches. These analyses allowed the identification of 31 structural proteins encoded by the MuHV-4 genome which were classified as capsid (8), envelope (9), tegument (13) and unclassified (1) structural proteins. In addition, we estimated the relative abundance of the identified proteins in MuHV-4 virions by using exponentially modified protein abundance index analyses. In parallel, several host proteins were found in purified MuHV-4 virions including Annexin A2. Although Annexin A2 has previously been detected in different virions from various families, its role in the virion remains controversial. Interestingly, despite its relatively high abundance in virions, Annexin A2 was not essential for the growth of MuHV-4 in vitro. Altogether, these results extend previous work aimed at determining the composition of gammaherpesvirus virions and provide novel insights for understanding MuHV-4 biology.

Novel deletion in glycoprotein G forms a cluster and causes epidemiologic spread of herpes simplex virus type 2 infection

The herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) glycoprotein G (gG-2) gene of 106 clinical isolates was analyzed and six isolates were identified with 63 nucleotides comprising 21 amino acids (aa) deleted in the immunodominant region. Compared with strain HG52, variations in the gG-2 gene were found at 276 and 27 sites in nucleotide and aa sequences, respectively, in the 106 strains. Significant variations in both nucleotides and aa were accumulated in the immunodominant region rather than in the other regions (P < 0.001), indicating that the immunodominant region might be indispensable in vivo and a hot spot for variation. The frequency of 21 aa-deleted strains (HSVΔ21/gG-2) among clinical isolates was 5%, indicating the advantage of this deletion of gG-2 for epidemiological expansion. Phylogenetic analysis of the 106 strains indicated that the HSVΔ21/gG-2 strains formed a cluster among the various variations but that their genomes showed different endonuclease digestion patterns. The antibody titers to total HSV antigens of patients infected with wild HSV-2 and HSVΔ21/gG-2 were similar, but patients with HSVΔ21/gG-2 had a lower antibody titer to gG-2 than those with wild HSV-2 (P < 0.001). HSVΔ21/gG-2 might be less immnunogenic and reduce antibody production to gG-2, while its pathogenicity in humans was not distinguished in its clinical manifestations. Thus, infection with HSVΔ21/gG-2 caused genital lesions similar to wild HSV-2 infection, but evaded the immune response to gG-2 to allow epidemiological spread, indicating the importance of this deletion in the immunodominant region of gG-2 in the pathogenesis and transmission of genital herpes.

Glycoproteins gB and gH are required for syncytium formation but not for herpesvirus-induced nuclear envelope breakdown

Herpesvirus nucleocapsids are assembled in the nucleus, whereas maturation into infectious virions takes place in the cytosol. Since, due to their size, nucleocapsids cannot pass the nuclear pores, they traverse the nuclear envelope by vesicle-mediated transport. Nucleocapsids bud at the inner nuclear membrane into the perinuclear space, forming primary enveloped particles and are released into the cytosol after fusion of the primary envelope with the outer nuclear membrane. The nuclear egress complex (NEC), consisting of the conserved herpesvirus proteins (p)UL31 and pUL34, is required for this process, whereas the viral glycoproteins gB and gH, which are essential for fusion during penetration, are not. We recently described herpesvirus-induced nuclear envelope breakdown (NEBD) as an alternative egress pathway used in the absence of the NEC. However, the molecular details of this pathway are still unknown. It has been speculated that glycoproteins involved in fusion during entry might play a role in NEBD. By deleting genes encoding glycoproteins gB and gH from the genome of NEBD-inducing pseudorabies viruses, we demonstrate that these glycoproteins are not required for NEBD but are still necessary for syncytium formation, again emphasizing fundamental differences in herpesvirus-induced alterations at the nuclear envelopes and plasma membranes of infected cells.

Heparin mimetics

Explorations of the therapeutic potential of heparin mimetics, anionic compounds that are analogues of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), have gone hand-in-hand with the emergence of understanding as to the role of GAGs in many essential biological processes. A myriad of structurally different heparin mimetics have been prepared and examined in many diverse applications. They range in complexity from heterogeneous polysaccharides that have been chemically sulphated to well-defined compounds, designed in part to mimic the natural ligand, but with binding specificity and potency increased by conjugation to non-carbohydrate pharmacophores. The maturity of the field is illustrated by the seven heparin mimetics that have achieved marketing approval and there are several more in late-stage clinical development. An overview of the structural determinants of heparin mimetics is presented together with an indication of their activities. The challenges in developing heparin mimetics as drugs, specificity and potential toxicity issues, are highlighted. Finally, the development path of three structurally very different mimetics, PI-88(®), GMI-1070 and RGTAs, each of which is in clinical trials, is described.

Glycoprotein G of herpes simplex virus 2 as a novel vaccine antigen for immunity to genital and neurological disease

The envelope glycoproteins of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2, with the exception of glycoprotein G, elicit cross-reactive B- and T-cell responses. Human vaccine trials, using the cross-reactive glycoproteins B and D, have shown no protection against genital HSV-2 infection or disease. In this study, the mature form of glycoprotein G (mgG-2) of HSV-2 was used for immunization of mice, either alone or in combination with adjuvant CpG, followed by an intravaginal challenge with a lethal dose of a fully virulent HSV-2 strain. Mice immunized with mgG-2 plus CpG showed low disease scores and a significantly higher survival rate (73%) than mice immunized with mgG-2 alone (20%) or controls (0%). Accordingly, limited numbers of infectious HSV-2 particles were detected in the spinal cord of mice immunized with mgG-2 plus CpG. The observed protection was associated with a gamma interferon (IFN-γ) response by splenic CD4(+) T cells upon antigen restimulation in vitro and in vaginal washes 1 day postinfection. The majority of sera collected from mice immunized with mgG-2 plus CpG showed macrophage-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent complement-mediated cytolysis, while no neutralization activity was observed. In conclusion, we have shown that immunization with the type-specific mgG-2 protein in combination with CpG could elicit protective immunity against an otherwise lethal vaginal HSV-2 challenge. The mgG-2 protein may therefore constitute a promising HSV-2 vaccine antigen to be considered for future human trials.

Enhancement of chemokine function as an immunomodulatory strategy employed by human herpesviruses

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 are highly prevalent human neurotropic pathogens that cause a variety of diseases, including lethal encephalitis. The relationship between HSV and the host immune system is one of the main determinants of the infection outcome. Chemokines play relevant roles in antiviral response and immunopathology, but the modulation of chemokine function by HSV is not well understood. We have addressed the modulation of chemokine function mediated by HSV. By using surface plasmon resonance and crosslinking assays we show that secreted glycoprotein G (SgG) from both HSV-1 and HSV-2 binds chemokines with high affinity. Chemokine binding activity was also observed in the supernatant of HSV-2 infected cells and in the plasma membrane of cells infected with HSV-1 wild type but not with a gG deficient HSV-1 mutant. Cell-binding and competition experiments indicate that the interaction takes place through the glycosaminoglycan-binding domain of the chemokine. The functional relevance of the interaction was determined both in vitro, by performing transwell assays, time-lapse microscopy, and signal transduction experiments; and in vivo, using the air pouch model of inflammation. Interestingly, and in contrast to what has been observed for previously described viral chemokine binding proteins, HSV SgGs do not inhibit chemokine function. On the contrary, HSV SgGs enhance chemotaxis both in vitro and in vivo through increasing directionality, potency and receptor signaling. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of a viral chemokine binding protein from a human pathogen that increases chemokine function and points towards a previously undescribed strategy of immune modulation mediated by viruses.

Chemokines are chemotactic cytokines that direct the flux of leukocytes to the site of injury and infection, playing a relevant role in the antiviral response. An uncontrolled, unorganized chemokine response is beneath the onset and maintenance of several immunopathologies. During millions of years of evolution, viruses have developed strategies to modulate the host immune system. One of such strategies consists on the secretion of viral proteins that bind to and inhibit the function of chemokines. However, the modulation of the chemokine network mediated by the highly prevalent human pathogen herpes simplex virus (HSV) is unknown. We have addressed this issue and show that HSV-1, causing cold sores and encephalitis and HSV-2, causing urogenital tract infections, interact with chemokines. We determined that the viral protein responsible for such activity is glycoprotein G (gG). gG binds chemokines with high affinity and, in contrast to all viral chemokine binding proteins described to date that inhibit chemokine function, we found that HSV gG potentiates chemokine function in vitro and in vivo. The implications of such potentiation in HSV viral cycle, pathogenesis and chemokine function are discussed.

Semi-synthetic heparinoids

New chemical-enzymatic technology based on the modification of the bacterial polysaccharide K5 from Escherichia coli leads to the synthesis of a number of heparin/heparan sulfate-like molecules with different biological activities. With this technology, two families of sulfated compounds were synthesized, which differ in their uronic acid content. The first group contains only glucuronic acid, whereas the second group contains about 50% iduronic acid following epimerization by immobilized recombinant C5 epimerase. This has led to the development of various anticoagulant and nonanticoagulant K5 derivatives endowed with different - and sometimes highly specific - antitumor, antiviral, and/or anti-inflammatory activities.

Potent anti-respiratory syncytial virus activity of a cholestanol-sulfated tetrasaccharide conjugate

A number of different viruses including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) initiate infection of cells by binding to cell surface glycosaminoglycans and sulfated oligo- and polysaccharide mimetics of these receptors exhibit potent antiviral activity in cultured cells. We investigated whether the introduction of different lipophilic groups to the reducing end of sulfated oligosaccharides would modulate their anti-RSV activity. Our results demonstrate that the cholestanol-conjugated tetrasaccharide (PG545) exhibited ∼5- to 16-fold enhanced anti-RSV activity in cultured cells compared with unmodified sulfated oligosaccharides. Furthermore, PG545 displayed virus-inactivating (virucidal) activity, a feature absent in sulfated oligosaccharides. To inhibit RSV infectivity PG545 had to be present during the initial steps of viral infection of cells. The anti-RSV activity of PG545 was due to both partial inhibition of the virus attachment to cells and a more profound interference with some post-attachment steps as PG545 efficiently neutralized infectivity of the cell-adsorbed virus. The anti-RSV activity of PG545 was reduced when tested in the presence of human nasal secretions. Serial passages of RSV in the presence of increasing concentrations of PG545 selected for weakly resistant viral variants that comprised the F168S and the P180S amino acid substitutions in the viral G protein. Altogether we identified a novel and potent inhibitor of RSV, which unlike sulfated oligo- and polysaccharide compounds, could irreversibly inactivate RSV infectivity.

Anti-Cytomegalovirus Activity of Sulfated Glucans Generated from a Commercial Preparation of Rice Bran

Background:

Many viruses display affinity for polysaccharides presented at the surface of target cells with high biological relevance for virus attachment and entry. This raises the possibility of the application of polysaccharides, particularly their sulfated modifications, in studies of receptor binding and also in antiviral therapy.

Methods:

In this study, we analysed various sulfated glucans, generated from a commercial preparation of rice bran using chemical, chromatographic, spectroscopic and virological methods.

Results:

A number of sulfated polysaccharides with different charge densities were generated from a commercial rice bran preparation by aqueous extraction followed by chemical sulfation. The backbone of the type of glucans identified was made up mainly of α-(1→4)-linked glucopyranosyl residues. Sulfate groups were found to be located at C6 and partly at C2 or C3 of glucopyranosyl residues. Sulfation appeared to be very important for anti-cytomegaloviral activity, as desulfation experiments demonstrated an impairment of activity. Using an established cytomegalovirus replication assay with primary human fibroblasts, data demonstrated that the anti-cytomegaloviral effect was determined primarily at the stage of viral entry.

Conclusions:

Sulfated glucans derived from rice bran possess very promising characteristics for their potential use as entry-inhibiting anti-cytomegaloviral agents.

A highly lipophilic sulfated tetrasaccharide glycoside related to muparfostat (PI-88) exhibits virucidal activity against herpes simplex virus

Although sulfated polysaccharides potently inhibit the infectivity of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and human immunodeficiency virus in cultured cells, these compounds fail to show protective effects in humans, most likely due to their poor virucidal activity. Herein we report on sulfated oligosaccharide glycosides related to muparfostat (formerly known as PI-88) and their assessment for anti-HSV activity. Chemical modifications based on the introduction of specific hydrophobic groups at the reducing end of a sulfated oligosaccharide chain enhanced the compound's capability to inhibit the infection of cells by HSV-1 and HSV-2 and abrogated the cell-to-cell transmission of HSV-2. Furthermore, modification with a highly lipophilic cholestanyl group provided a compound with virucidal activity against HSV. This glycoside targeted the viral particle and, to a lesser degree, the cell, and exhibited an antiviral mode of action typical for sulfated polysaccharides and virucides, i.e., interference with the virus attachment to cells and irreversible inactivation of virus infectivity, respectively. The virucidal activity was decreased in the presence of human cervical secretions suggesting that higher doses of this glycoside might be needed for in vivo application. Altogether, the sulfated oligosaccharide-cholestanyl glycoside exhibits potent anti-HSV activity and is, therefore, a good candidate for development as a virucide.

Polysaccharides from Sargassum tenerrimum: structural features, chemical modification and anti-viral activity

Herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) display affinity for cell-surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans with biological relevance in virus entry. Here, we exploit an approach to inhibiting HSV infection by using a sulfated fucoidan, and a guluronic acid-rich alginate derived from Sargassum tenerrimum, mimicking the active domain of the entry receptor. These macromolecules have apparent molecular masses of 30+/-5 and 26+/-5 kDa, respectively. They and their chemically sulfated derivatives showed activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Their inhibitory concentration 50% (IC(50)) values were in the range 0.5-15 microg/ml and they lacked cytotoxicity at concentrations up to 1000 microg/ml. The anti-HSV activity increased with increasing sulfate ester content. Our results suggest the feasibility of inhibiting HSV infection by blocking viral entry with polysaccharide having specific structure.

Divergence and genotyping of human alpha-herpesviruses: an overview

Herpesviruses are large DNA viruses that are highly disseminated among animals. Of the eight herpesviruses identified in humans, three are classified into the alpha-herpesvirus subfamily: herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2), which are typically associated with mucocutaneous lesions, and varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which is the cause of chicken pox and herpes zoster. All three viruses establish lifelong infections and may also induce more severe symptoms, such as neurological manifestations and fatal neonatal infections. Despite thorough investigation of the genetic variability among circulating strains of each virus in recent decades, little is known about possible associations between the genetic setups of the viruses and clinical manifestations in human hosts. This review focuses mainly on evolutionary studies of and genotyping strategies for these three human alpha-herpesviruses, emphasizing the ambiguities induced by a high frequency of circulating recombinant strains. It also aims to shed light on the challenges of establishing a uniform genotyping strategy for all three viruses.

Cross-regulation between herpesviruses and the TNF superfamily members

Herpesviruses have evolved numerous strategies to subvert host immune responses so they can coexist with their host species. These viruses 'co-opt' host genes for entry into host cells and then express immunomodulatory genes, including mimics of members of the tumour-necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily, that initiate and alter host-cell signalling pathways. TNF superfamily members have crucial roles in controlling herpesvirus infection by mediating the direct killing of infected cells and by enhancing immune responses. Despite these strong immune responses, herpesviruses persist in a latent form, which suggests a dynamic relationship between the host immune system and the virus that results in a balance between host survival and viral control.