1
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Cao LC, Ha LNN, Giang TT, Tiep VM, Chau NTM, Phuong Anh TN, Duy PK, Nhan LP, Hoai NTT, Linh LTK, Hafza N, Bock CT, My TN, Sy BT, Toan NL, Song LH, Velavan TP. Characterization of zoonotic hepatitis E virus in domestic pigs and wild boar in Vietnam: Implications for public health. One Health 2024; 19:100857. [PMID: 39077329 PMCID: PMC11284544 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100857] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Vietnam's unprecedented demand for meat from livestock, including pigs and farmed wildlife, underscores the importance of understanding zoonotic reservoirs for hepatitis E virus (HEV). This study aimed to identify and characterize circulating zoonotic HEV in domestic pigs and wild boar to understand genotype frequencies, transmission dynamics, and associated human health burdens. Rectal swabs, feces, and liver samples from 415 pigs and 102 wild boars were collected across various farms and slaughterhouses in central and southern Vietnam and screened for HEV RNA using nested PCR. HEV RNA-positive samples underwent sanger sequencing and genotyping. Overall, 10% (n = 54/517) of samples were HEV RNA-positive, with wild boars exhibiting the highest HEV positivity rate at 25%, followed by domestic pigs at 7%. Southern Vietnam showed a higher HEV RNA positivity rate (20%) compared to central Vietnam (7%). Notably, rectal swabs demonstrated the highest positivity rate (15%), followed by feces (8%) and liver (4%). HEV-3a was the predominant genotype at 85%, followed by HEV-4b at 9% and HEV-3f at 6%. While HEV-3a was distributed across both central and southern Vietnam, HEV-3f was exclusively detected in central Vietnam, and HEV-4b was identified in wild boar in southern Vietnam. These findings underscore the substantial prevalence of HEV in wild boars, emphasizing their potential as crucial zoonotic reservoirs alongside domestic pigs. Further investigations involving occupationally exposed individuals in high-prevalence areas are warranted to evaluate the human health impact of zoonotic hepatitis E and inform preventive measures. Regular epidemiological studies are imperative for assessing the prevalence and transmission of zoonotic HEV infections among common reservoirs, thereby aiding in the prevention of spillover events within the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Chi Cao
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72074, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Parasitology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy (HUMP), Hue University, 49000 Hue, Viet Nam
| | - Le Nguyen Nhat Ha
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, 70000 Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Tran Thi Giang
- Department of Parasitology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy (HUMP), Hue University, 49000 Hue, Viet Nam
| | - Vo Minh Tiep
- Department of Parasitology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy (HUMP), Hue University, 49000 Hue, Viet Nam
| | - Ngo Thi Minh Chau
- Department of Parasitology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy (HUMP), Hue University, 49000 Hue, Viet Nam
| | - Ton Nu Phuong Anh
- Department of Parasitology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy (HUMP), Hue University, 49000 Hue, Viet Nam
| | - Pham Khanh Duy
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, 70000 Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Le Phuc Nhan
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, 70000 Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Nguyen Thi Thu Hoai
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, 70000 Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases, International University, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, 70000, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Le Thi Kieu Linh
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72074, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nourhane Hafza
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72074, Tübingen, Germany
| | - C. Thomas Bock
- Division of Viral Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis Pathogens and Enteroviruses, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Truong Nhat My
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), 10000 Hanoi, Viet Nam
- 108 Military Central Hospital, 10000 Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Bui Tien Sy
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), 10000 Hanoi, Viet Nam
- 108 Military Central Hospital, 10000 Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Nguyen Linh Toan
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), 10000 Hanoi, Viet Nam
- Vietnam Military Medical University, 10000 Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Le Huu Song
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), 10000 Hanoi, Viet Nam
- 108 Military Central Hospital, 10000 Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Thirumalaisamy P. Velavan
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72074, Tübingen, Germany
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), 10000 Hanoi, Viet Nam
- Faculty of Medicine, Duy Tan University, 55000 Da Nang, Viet Nam
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2
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Falkenhagen A, Panajotov J, Johne R. Colon-derived Caco-2 cells support replication of hepatitis E virus genotype 1 strain Sar55 generated by reverse genetics. Virus Res 2024; 347:199427. [PMID: 38917940 PMCID: PMC11261143 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is infecting over 20 million people annually with a high morbidity especially in pregnant women and immune-suppressed individuals. While HEV genotype 1 (HEV-1) infects only humans, genotype 3 (HEV-3) is zoonotic and commonly transmitted from infected animals to humans. Whereas a few reverse genetics systems enabling targeted genome manipulations exist for HEV-3, those for HEV-1 are still very limited, mainly because of inefficient cell culture replication. Here, the generation of HEV-1 strain Sar55 and HEV-3 strain 47832mc by transfecting in vitro-transcribed and capped virus genomes into different cell lines was attempted. Culture supernatants of colon-derived colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2 contained HEV-1 and HEV-3 capable of infecting Caco-2 cells. Density gradient centrifugation analyses of culture supernatants confirmed that HEV-1 particles were quasi-enveloped in analogy to HEV-3 and that non-virion-associated capsid protein was secreted from cells. Following transfection or infection of Caco-2 cells, HEV-1 consistently reached higher titers than HEV-3 in culture supernatants, but HEV-1 generated by transfection of Caco-2 cells was unable to efficiently infect hepatoma cell lines PLC/PRF/5 or HuH7-Lunet BLR. Taken together, our results indicate that HEV-1 is able to exert a complete replication cycle in Caco-2 cells. An efficient cell culture system for this genotype will be useful for studying species tropism, but further research is required to determine the significance of HEV-1 replication in colon-derived cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Falkenhagen
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Jessica Panajotov
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Reimar Johne
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
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3
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Wang X, Sheng Y, Ji P, Deng Y, Sun Y, Chen Y, Nan Y, Hiscox JA, Zhou EM, Liu B, Zhao Q. A Broad-specificity Neutralizing Nanobody against Hepatitis E Virus Capsid Protein. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 213:442-455. [PMID: 38905108 PMCID: PMC11299488 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a worldwide zoonotic and public health concern. The study of HEV biology is helpful for designing viral vaccines and drugs. Nanobodies have recently been considered appealing materials for viral biological research. In this study, a Bactrian camel was immunized with capsid proteins from different genotypes (1, 3, 4, and avian) of HEV. Then, a phage library (6.3 × 108 individual clones) was constructed using peripheral blood lymphocytes from the immunized camel, and 12 nanobodies against the truncated capsid protein of genotype 3 HEV (g3-p239) were screened. g3-p239-Nb55 can cross-react with different genotypes of HEV and block Kernow-C1/P6 HEV from infecting HepG2/C3A cells. To our knowledge, the epitope recognized by g3-p239-Nb55 was determined to be a novel conformational epitope located on the surface of viral particles and highly conserved among different mammalian HEV isolates. Next, to increase the affinity and half-life of the nanobody, it was displayed on the surface of ferritin, which can self-assemble into a 24-subunit nanocage, namely, fenobody-55. The affinities of fenobody-55 to g3-p239 were ∼20 times greater than those of g3-p239-Nb55. In addition, the half-life of fenobody-55 was nine times greater than that of g3-p239-Nb55. G3-p239-Nb55 and fenobody-55 can block p239 attachment and Kernow-C1/P6 infection of HepG2/C3A cells. Fenobody-55 can completely neutralize HEV infection in rabbits when it is preincubated with nonenveloped HEV particles. Our study reported a case in which a nanobody neutralized HEV infection by preincubation, identified a (to our knowledge) novel and conserved conformational epitope of HEV, and provided new material for researching HEV biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueting Wang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Vocational Animal Science and Veterinary College, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Yamin Sheng
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Pinpin Ji
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yingying Deng
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yani Sun
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yiyang Chen
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuchen Nan
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Julian A. Hiscox
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - En-Min Zhou
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Baoyuan Liu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qin Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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4
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Woytinek K, Glitscher M, Hildt E. Antagonism of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling favors hepatitis E virus life cycle. J Virol 2024; 98:e0058024. [PMID: 38856640 PMCID: PMC11265270 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00580-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) poses a global threat, which currently remains understudied in terms of host interactions. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays multifaceted roles in viral pathogenesis, impacting host-cell entry, viral replication, and host-defense modulation. On the one hand, EGFR signaling emerged as a major driver in innate immunity; on the other hand, a crosstalk between HEV and EGFR requires deeper analysis. We therefore aimed to dissect the receptor's involvement in the HEV life cycle. In persistently HEV-infected cells, the EGFR amount is decreased alongside with enhanced receptor internalization. As compared with the control ligand-induced EGFR, activation revealed an early receptor internalization and degradation in HEV-replicating cells, resulting in a notable EGFR signaling delay. Interestingly, inhibition or silencing of EGFR increased viral replication, extracellular and intracellular viral transcripts, and released infectious particles. The pro-viral impact of EGFR inhibition was attributed to (i) impaired expression of interferon-stimulated genes, (ii) activation of the autophagosomal system, (iii) virus-induced inhibition of lysosomal acidification, and (iv) a decrease of the cellular cholesterol level. IMPORTANCE This study identifies epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as a novel host factor affecting hepatitis E virus (HEV): EGFR downregulation promotes viral replication, release, and evasion from the innate immune response. The discovery that EGFR inhibition favors viral spread is particularly concerning for HEV patients undergoing EGFR inhibitor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mirco Glitscher
- Division of Virology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Eberhard Hildt
- Division of Virology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
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Ding Q, Hu B, Yao X, Gan M, Chen D, Zhang N, Wei J, Cai K, Zheng Z. Prevalence and molecular characterization of hepatitis E virus (HEV) from wild rodents in Hubei Province, China. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 121:105602. [PMID: 38734397 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis E, caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV), is a global public health issue. Low similarity between the gene sequences of mouse and human HEV led to the belief that the risk of human infection was low. Recent reports of chronic and acute hepatitis E caused by murine HEV infection in humans in Hong Kong have raised global concerns. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the epidemiology and prevalence of HEV in China. We comprehensively analyzed different rodent HEV strains to understand rocahepevirus occurrence in Hubei Province, China. The HEV positivity rate for was 6.43% (73/1136). We identified seven near-full-length rocahepevirus strains and detected rat HEV antigens in tissues from different mouse species. HEV has extensive tissue tropism and a high viral load in the liver. We highlight the genetic diversity of HEVs in rodents and underscore the importance of paying attention to their variation and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingwen Ding
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Bing Hu
- Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, China
| | - Xuan Yao
- Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, China
| | - Min Gan
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Dan Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430024, China
| | - Nailou Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Jinbo Wei
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Kun Cai
- Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, China.
| | - Zhenhua Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China.
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6
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Shahini E, Argentiero A, Andriano A, Losito F, Maida M, Facciorusso A, Cozzolongo R, Villa E. Hepatitis E Virus: What More Do We Need to Know? MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:998. [PMID: 38929615 PMCID: PMC11205503 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60060998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is typically a self-limiting, acute illness that spreads through the gastrointestinal tract but replicates in the liver. However, chronic infections are possible in immunocompromised individuals. The HEV virion has two shapes: exosome-like membrane-associated quasi-enveloped virions (eHEV) found in circulating blood or in the supernatant of infected cell cultures and non-enveloped virions ("naked") found in infected hosts' feces and bile to mediate inter-host transmission. Although HEV is mainly spread via enteric routes, it is unclear how it penetrates the gut wall to reach the portal bloodstream. Both virion types are infectious, but they infect cells in different ways. To develop personalized treatment/prevention strategies and reduce HEV impact on public health, it is necessary to decipher the entry mechanism for both virion types using robust cell culture and animal models. The contemporary knowledge of the cell entry mechanism for these two HEV virions as possible therapeutic target candidates is summarized in this narrative review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endrit Shahini
- Gastroenterology Unit, National Institute of Gastroenterology-IRCCS “Saverio de Bellis”, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (F.L.); (R.C.)
| | | | - Alessandro Andriano
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Francesco Losito
- Gastroenterology Unit, National Institute of Gastroenterology-IRCCS “Saverio de Bellis”, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (F.L.); (R.C.)
| | - Marcello Maida
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, S. Elia-Raimondi Hospital, 93100 Caltanissetta, Italy;
| | - Antonio Facciorusso
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Raffaele Cozzolongo
- Gastroenterology Unit, National Institute of Gastroenterology-IRCCS “Saverio de Bellis”, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (F.L.); (R.C.)
| | - Erica Villa
- Gastroenterology Unit, CHIMOMO Department, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41121 Modena, Italy
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7
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Panajotov J, Falkenhagen A, Gadicherla AK, Johne R. Molecularly generated rat hepatitis E virus strains from human and rat show efficient replication in a human hepatoma cell line. Virus Res 2024; 344:199364. [PMID: 38522562 PMCID: PMC10995862 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) can cause acute and chronic hepatitis in humans. Whereas HEV genotypes 1-4 of species Paslahepevirus balayani are commonly found in humans, infections with ratHEV (species Rocahepevirus ratti) were previously considered to be restricted to rats. However, several cases of human ratHEV infections have been described recently. To investigate the zoonotic potential of this virus, a genomic clone was constructed here based on sequence data of ratHEV strain pt2, originally identified in a human patient with acute hepatitis from Hongkong. For comparison, genomic clones of ratHEV strain R63 from a rat and of HEV genotype 3 strain 47832mc from a human patient were used. After transfection of in vitro-transcribed RNA from the genomic clones into the human hepatoma cell line HuH-7-Lunet BLR, virus replication was shown for all strains by increasing genome copy numbers in cell culture supernatants. These cells developed persistent virus infections, and virus particles in the culture supernatant as well as viral antigen within the cells were demonstrated. All three generated virus strains successfully infected fresh HuH-7-Lunet BLR cells. In contrast, the human hepatoma cell lines HuH-7 and PLC/PRF/5 could only be infected with the genotype 3 strain and to a lesser extent with ratHEV strain R63. Infection of the rat-derived hepatoma cell lines clone 9, MH1C1 and H-4-II-E did not result in efficient virus replication for either strain. The results indicate that ratHEV strains from rats and humans can infect human hepatoma cells. The replication efficiency is strongly dependent on the cell line and virus strain. The investigated rat hepatoma cell lines could not be infected and other rat-derived cells should be tested in future to identify permissive cell lines from rats. The developed genomic clone can represent a useful tool for future research investigating pathogenicity and zoonotic potential of ratHEV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ashish K Gadicherla
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, 10589 Berlin, Germany; Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
| | - Reimar Johne
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, 10589 Berlin, Germany.
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8
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Corneillie L, Meuleman P, Cocquerel L. [TIM1: a key to hepatitis E virus infection]. Med Sci (Paris) 2024; 40:489-491. [PMID: 38986088 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2024063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Corneillie
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gant, Belgique - Université de Lille, CNRS UMR9017, Inserm U1019, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Centre d'infection et d'immunité de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Philip Meuleman
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gant, Belgique
| | - Laurence Cocquerel
- Université de Lille, CNRS UMR9017, Inserm U1019, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Centre d'infection et d'immunité de Lille, Lille, France
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9
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Schemmerer M, Bock HH, Schattenberg JM, Huber S, Polywka S, Mader M, Lohse AW, Todt D, Steinmann E, Wenzel JJ, Horvatits T, Pischke S. Proof of infectivity of hepatitis E virus particles from the ejaculate of chronically infected patients. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29735. [PMID: 38864313 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Recently, hepatitis E virus (HEV, Paslahepevirus balayani) particles were detected for the first time in the ejaculate of two chronically infected patients. Since then, we have been able to detect HEV in ejaculate in five further patients, and thus in a total of seven out of nine (78%) chronically infected men (age 36-67 years, median 56 years). In five patients, the HEV RNA concentration was more than 100-fold higher compared to the serum, while in two patients, the viral load was more than 10-fold lower. However, it has remained unclear whether viral particles shed in the ejaculate were infectious, as a previous cell culture model had failed to demonstrate the infectivity. In the current study, we employed an optimized HEV cell culture system based on overconfluent PLC/PRF/5 cells to investigate the infectivity of HEV particles from ejaculate and other body fluids. With this approach, we were able to show for the first time that HEV particles in the ejaculate from several patients were infectious. HEV replicated to high viral loads of 1e9 HEV RNA copies per ml. This indicates that HEV-positive ejaculate could bear a risk of infection for sexual partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Schemmerer
- National Consultant Laboratory for HAV and HEV, Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hans H Bock
- Gastroenterology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jörn M Schattenberg
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
| | - Samuel Huber
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Polywka
- Microbiology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maria Mader
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ansgar W Lohse
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), Jena, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jürgen J Wenzel
- National Consultant Laboratory for HAV and HEV, Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Horvatits
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sven Pischke
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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10
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Li X, Sun X, Pinpin J, Zhao Q, Sun Y. Multifunctional ORF3 protein of hepatitis E virus. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29691. [PMID: 38783788 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen that is transmitted primarily through the fecal-oral route and can cause acute hepatitis in humans. Since HEV was identified as a zoonotic pathogen, different species of HEV strains have been globally identified from various hosts, leading to an expanding range of hosts. The HEV genome consists of a 5' noncoding region, three open reading frames (ORFs), and a 3' noncoding region. The ORF3 protein is the smallest but has many functions in HEV release and pathogenesis. In this review, we systematically summarize recent progress in understanding the functions of the HEV ORF3 protein in virion release, biogenesis of quasi-enveloped viruses, antigenicity, and host environmental regulation. This review will help us to understand HEV replication and pathogenesis mechanisms better.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxuan Li
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xuwen Sun
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ji Pinpin
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qin Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yani Sun
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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11
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Feng Z. Cathepsins prime hepatitis E virus for cell entry. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00887. [PMID: 38776183 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Zongdi Feng
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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12
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Klöhn M, Burkard T, Janzen J, Haase JA, Gömer A, Fu R, Ssebyatika G, Nocke MK, Brown RJP, Krey T, Dao Thi VL, Kinast V, Brüggemann Y, Todt D, Steinmann E. Targeting cellular cathepsins inhibits hepatitis E virus entry. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00876. [PMID: 38728662 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS HEV is estimated to be responsible for 70,000 deaths annually, yet therapy options remain limited. In the pursuit of effective antiviral therapies, targeting viral entry holds promise and has proven effective for other viruses. However, the precise mechanisms and host factors required during HEV entry remain unclear. Cellular proteases have emerged as host factors required for viral surface protein activation and productive cell entry by many viruses. Hence, we investigated the functional requirement and therapeutic potential of cellular protease during HEV infection. APPROACH AND RESULTS Using our established HEV cell culture model and subgenomic HEV replicons, we found that blocking lysosomal cathepsins (CTS) with small molecule inhibitors impedes HEV infection without affecting replication. Most importantly, the pan-cathepsin inhibitor K11777 suppressed HEV infections with an EC 50 of ~0.02 nM. Inhibition by K11777, devoid of notable toxicity in hepatoma cells, was also observed in HepaRG and primary human hepatocytes. Furthermore, through time-of-addition and RNAscope experiments, we confirmed that HEV entry is blocked by inhibition of cathepsins. Cathepsin L (CTSL) knockout cells were less permissive to HEV, suggesting that CTSL is critical for HEV infection. Finally, we observed cleavage of the glycosylated ORF2 protein and virus particles by recombinant CTSL. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our study highlights the pivotal role of lysosomal cathepsins, especially CTSL, in the HEV entry process. The profound anti-HEV efficacy of the pan-cathepsin inhibitor K11777, especially with its notable safety profile in primary cells, further underscores its potential as a therapeutic candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Klöhn
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Burkard
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Juliana Janzen
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jil A Haase
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - André Gömer
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Rebecca Fu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Biosciences International Graduate School (HBIGS), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - George Ssebyatika
- Center of Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Maximilian K Nocke
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Richard J P Brown
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Krey
- Center of Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Excellence Cluster 2155 RESIST, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Viet Loan Dao Thi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Volker Kinast
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Yannick Brüggemann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), Jena, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), External Partner Site, Bochum, Germany
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13
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Zahmanova G, Takova K, Lukov GL, Andonov A. Hepatitis E Virus in Domestic Ruminants and Virus Excretion in Milk-A Potential Source of Zoonotic HEV Infection. Viruses 2024; 16:684. [PMID: 38793568 PMCID: PMC11126035 DOI: 10.3390/v16050684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus is a serious health concern worldwide, with 20 million cases each year. Growing numbers of autochthonous HEV infections in industrialized nations are brought on via the zoonotic transmission of HEV genotypes 3 and 4. Pigs and wild boars are the main animal reservoirs of HEV and play the primary role in HEV transmission. Consumption of raw or undercooked pork meat and close contact with infected animals are the most common causes of hepatitis E infection in industrialized countries. However, during the past few years, mounting data describing HEV distribution has led experts to believe that additional animals, particularly domestic ruminant species (cow, goat, sheep, deer, buffalo, and yak), may also play a role in the spreading of HEV. Up to now, there have not been enough studies focused on HEV infections associated with animal milk and the impact that they could have on the epidemiology of HEV. This critical analysis discusses the role of domestic ruminants in zoonotic HEV transmissions. More specifically, we focus on concerns related to milk safety, the role of mixed farming in cross-species HEV infections, and what potential consequences these may have on public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergana Zahmanova
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Department of Technology Transfer and IP Management, Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Katerina Takova
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Georgi L. Lukov
- Faculty of Sciences, Brigham Young University–Hawaii, Laie, HI 96762, USA
| | - Anton Andonov
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada;
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14
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Defourny KAY, Pei X, van Kuppeveld FJM, Nolte-T Hoen ENM. Picornavirus security proteins promote the release of extracellular vesicle enclosed viruses via the modulation of host kinases. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012133. [PMID: 38662794 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The discovery that extracellular vesicles (EVs) serve as carriers of virus particles calls for a reevaluation of the release strategies of non-enveloped viruses. Little is currently known about the molecular mechanisms that determine the release and composition of EVs produced by virus-infected cells, as well as conservation of these mechanisms among viruses. We previously described an important role for the Leader protein of the picornavirus encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) in the induction of virus-carrying EV subsets with distinct molecular and physical properties. EMCV L acts as a 'viral security protein' by suppressing host antiviral stress and type-I interferon (IFN) responses. Here, we tested the ability of functionally related picornavirus proteins of Theilers murine encephalitis virus (TMEV L), Saffold virus (SAFV L), and coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3 2Apro), to rescue EV and EV-enclosed virus release when introduced in Leader-deficient EMCV. We show that all viral security proteins tested were able to promote virus packaging in EVs, but that only the expression of EMCV L and CVB3 2Apro increased overall EV production. We provide evidence that one of the main antiviral pathways counteracted by this class of picornaviral proteins, i.e. the inhibition of PKR-mediated stress responses, affected EV and EV-enclosed virus release during infection. Moreover, we show that the enhanced capacity of the viral proteins EMCV L and CVB3 2Apro to promote EV-enclosed virus release is linked to their ability to simultaneously promote the activation of the stress kinase P38 MAPK. Taken together, we demonstrate that cellular stress pathways involving the kinases PKR and P38 are modulated by the activity of non-structural viral proteins to increase the release EV-enclosed viruses during picornavirus infections. These data shed new light on the molecular regulation of EV production in response to virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyra A Y Defourny
- Infection Biology Section, Division of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Xinyi Pei
- Infection Biology Section, Division of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J M van Kuppeveld
- Virology Section, Division of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Esther N M Nolte-T Hoen
- Infection Biology Section, Division of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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15
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Tan J, Harlow J, Cecillon J, Nasheri N. Assessing the efficacy of different bead-based assays in capturing hepatitis E virus. J Virol Methods 2024; 324:114860. [PMID: 38061674 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2023.114860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) generally causes acute liver infection in humans and its transmission could be waterborne, foodborne, bloodborne, or zoonotic. To date, there is no standard method for the detection of HEV from food and environmental samples. Herein, we explored the possibility of using magnetic beads for the capture and detection of HEV. For this purpose, we employed Dynabeads M-270 Epoxy magnetic beads, coated with different monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against HEV capsid protein, and the Nanotrap Microbiome A Particle magnetic beads, which are coated with chemical affinity baits, to capture HEV-3 particles in suspension. Viral RNA was extracted by heat-shock or QIAamp viral RNA kit and subjected to quantification using digital-droplet RT-PCR (ddRT-PCR). We demonstrated that the mAb-coupled Dynabeads and the Nanotrap particles, both were able to successfully capture HEV-3. The latter, however had lower limit of detection (<140gc compared with <1400 gc) and significantly higher extraction efficiency in comparison to the mAb-coupled Dynabeads (41.1% vs 8.8%). We have also observed that viral RNA extraction by heat-shock is less efficient compared to using highly denaturing reagents in QIAmp viral RNA extraction kit. As such, magnetic beads have the potential to be used to capture HEV virions for research and surveillance purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Tan
- National Food Virology Reference Centre, Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Harlow
- National Food Virology Reference Centre, Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Jonathon Cecillon
- National Food Virology Reference Centre, Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Neda Nasheri
- National Food Virology Reference Centre, Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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16
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Viral agents (2nd section). Transfusion 2024; 64 Suppl 1:S19-S207. [PMID: 38394038 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
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17
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Glitscher M, Spannaus IM, Behr F, Murra RO, Woytinek K, Bender D, Hildt E. The Protease Domain in HEV pORF1 Mediates the Replicase's Localization to Multivesicular Bodies and Its Exosomal Release. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 17:589-605. [PMID: 38190941 PMCID: PMC10900777 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A peculiar feature of the hepatitis E virus (HEV) is its reliance on the exosomal route for viral release. Genomic replication is mediated via the viral polyprotein pORF1, yet little is known about its subcellular localization. METHODS Subcellular localization of pORF1 and its subdomains, generated and cloned based on a structural prediciton of the viral replicase, was analyzed via confocal laser scanning microscopy. Exosomes released from cells were isolated via ultracentrifugation and analyzed by isopycnic density gradient centrifugation. This was followed by fluorimetry or Western blot analyses or reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction to analyze separated particles in more detail. RESULTS We found pORF1 to be accumulating within the endosomal system, most dominantly to multivesicular bodies (MVBs). Expression of the polyprotein's 7 subdomains revealed that the papain-like cysteine-protease (PCP) is the only domain localizing like the full-length protein. A PCP-deficient pORF1 mutant lost its association to MVBs. Strikingly, both pORF1 and PCP can be released via exosomes. Similarly, genomic RNA still is released via exosomes in the absence of pORF2/3. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, we found that pORF1 localizes to MVBs in a PCP-dependent manner, which is followed by exosomal release. This reveals new aspects of HEV life cycle, because replication and release could be coupled at the endosomal interface. In addition, this may mediate capsid-independent spread or may facilitate the spread of viral infection, because genomes entering the cell during de novo infection readily encounter exosomally transferred pORF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirco Glitscher
- Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Langen, Germany
| | | | - Fabiane Behr
- Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Langen, Germany
| | | | | | - Daniela Bender
- Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Eberhard Hildt
- Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Langen, Germany.
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18
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Oechslin N, Da Silva N, Ankavay M, Moradpour D, Gouttenoire J. A genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen identifies a role for Rab5A and early endosomes in hepatitis E virus replication. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2307423120. [PMID: 38109552 PMCID: PMC10756275 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307423120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute hepatitis worldwide. As the other positive-strand RNA viruses, it is believed to replicate its genome in a membrane-associated replication complex. However, current understanding of the host factors required for productive HEV infection is limited and the site as well as the composition of the HEV replication complex are still poorly characterized. To identify host factors required for HEV RNA replication, we performed a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen in permissive human cell lines harboring subgenomic HEV replicons allowing for positive and negative selection. Among the validated candidates, Ras-related early endosomal protein Rab5A was selected for further characterization. siRNA-mediated silencing of Rab5A and its effectors APPL1 and EEA1, but not of the late and recycling endosome components Rab7A and Rab11A, respectively, significantly reduced HEV RNA replication. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of Rab5A and of dynamin-2, required for the formation of early endosomes, resulted in a dose-dependent decrease of HEV RNA replication. Colocalization studies revealed close proximity of Rab5A, the HEV ORF1 protein, corresponding to the viral replicase, as well as HEV positive- and negative-strand RNA. In conclusion, we successfully exploited CRISPR/Cas9 and selectable subgenomic replicons to identify host factors of a noncytolytic virus. This approach revealed a role for Rab5A and early endosomes in HEV RNA replication, likely by serving as a scaffold for the establishment of functional replication complexes. Our findings yield insights into the HEV life cycle and the virus-host interactions required for productive infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémie Oechslin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne1011, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Da Silva
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne1011, Switzerland
| | - Maliki Ankavay
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne1011, Switzerland
| | - Darius Moradpour
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne1011, Switzerland
| | - Jérôme Gouttenoire
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne1011, Switzerland
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19
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Ahmad I, Fatemi SN, Ghaheri M, Rezvani A, Khezri DA, Natami M, Yasamineh S, Gholizadeh O, Bahmanyar Z. An overview of the role of Niemann-pick C1 (NPC1) in viral infections and inhibition of viral infections through NPC1 inhibitor. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:352. [PMID: 38098077 PMCID: PMC10722723 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01376-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses communicate with their hosts through interactions with proteins, lipids, and carbohydrate moieties on the plasma membrane (PM), often resulting in viral absorption via receptor-mediated endocytosis. Many viruses cannot multiply unless the host's cholesterol level remains steady. The large endo/lysosomal membrane protein (MP) Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1), which is involved in cellular cholesterol transport, is a crucial intracellular receptor for viral infection. NPC1 is a ubiquitous housekeeping protein essential for the controlled cholesterol efflux from lysosomes. Its human absence results in Niemann-Pick type C disease, a deadly lysosomal storage disorder. NPC1 is a crucial viral receptor and an essential host component for filovirus entrance, infection, and pathogenesis. For filovirus entrance, NPC1's cellular function is unnecessary. Furthermore, blocking NPC1 limits the entry and replication of the African swine fever virus by disrupting cholesterol homeostasis. Cell entrance of quasi-enveloped variants of hepatitis A virus and hepatitis E virus has also been linked to NPC1. By controlling cholesterol levels, NPC1 is also necessary for the effective release of reovirus cores into the cytoplasm. Drugs that limit NPC1's activity are effective against several viruses, including SARS-CoV and Type I Feline Coronavirus (F-CoV). These findings reveal NPC1 as a potential therapeutic target for treating viral illnesses and demonstrate its significance for several viral infections. This article provides a synopsis of NPC1's function in viral infections and a review of NPC1 inhibitors that may be used to counteract viral infections. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irfan Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mohammad Ghaheri
- Student Research Committee, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Ali Rezvani
- Anesthesiology Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
| | - Dorsa Azizi Khezri
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Natami
- Department of Urology, Shahid Mohammadi Hospital, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | | | | | - Zahra Bahmanyar
- School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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20
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Yang Y, Liu B, Tian J, Teng X, Liu T. Vital role of autophagy flux inhibition of placental trophoblast cells in pregnancy disorders induced by HEV infection. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:2276336. [PMID: 37882369 PMCID: PMC10796124 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2276336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has become one of the important pathogens that threaten the global public health. Type 3 and 4 HEV are zoonotic, which can spread vertically and cause placental damage. At the same time, autophagy plays an important role in the process of embryo development and pregnancy maintenance. However, the relationship between HEV and autophagy, especially in the placenta tissue, has not been clarified. We found lower litter rates in HEV-infected female mice, with significant intrauterine abortion of the embryo (24.19%). To explore the effects of HEV infection on placenta autophagy, chorionic cells (JEG-3) and mice placenta have been employed as research objects, while the expression of autophagy-related proteins (ATGs) has been detected in JEG-3 cells with different times of HEV inoculation. The results demonstrated that the expression of protein LC3 decreased and p62 accumulated, meanwhile ATGs such as ATG4B, ATG5, and ATG9A in JEG-3 cells have decreased significantly. In addition, the maturation of autophagosomes, which referred to the process of the combination of autophagosomes and lysosomes was prevented by HEV infection as well. All processes of autophagic flux, which include the initiation, development, and maturation three stages, were suppressed in JEG-3 cells after HEV infection. Similarly, the protein and gene expression of LC3 were significantly decreased in the placenta of pregnant mice with HEV infection. In summary, our results suggested that HEV inhibited autophagy in JEG-3 cells and placenta of pregnant mice, which might be the important pathogenic mechanisms of HEV infection leading to embryo abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jijing Tian
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuepeng Teng
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tianlong Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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Orozco-Cordoba J, Mazas C, Du Pont G, Lamoyi E, Cárdenas G, Fierro NA. Viral Biology and Immune Privilege in the Development of Extrahepatic Manifestations During Hepatitis E Virus Infection. Viral Immunol 2023; 36:627-641. [PMID: 38064537 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2023.0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) exhibits tropism toward hepatocytes and thus affects the liver; however, HEV may also affect other tissues, including the heart, kidneys, intestines, testicles, and central nervous system. To date, the pathophysiological links between HEV infection and extrahepatic manifestations have not yet been established. Considering that HEV infects multiple types of cells, the direct effects of virus replication in peripheral tissues represent a plausible explanation for extrahepatic manifestations. In addition, since the immune response is crucial in the development of the disease, the immune characteristics of affected tissues should be revisited to identify commonalities explaining the effects of the virus. This review summarizes the most recent advances in understanding the virus biology and immune-privileged status of specific tissues as major elements for HEV replication in diverse organs. These discoveries may open avenues to explain the multiple extrahepatic manifestations associated with HEV infection and ultimately to design effective strategies for infection control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Orozco-Cordoba
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Camila Mazas
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gisela Du Pont
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Edmundo Lamoyi
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Graciela Cárdenas
- Departamento de Neuroinfectología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología Manuel Velasco Suárez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nora A Fierro
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, Mexico
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22
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Locus T, Lambrecht E, Lamoral S, Willems S, Van Gucht S, Vanwolleghem T, Peeters M. A Multifaceted Approach for Evaluating Hepatitis E Virus Infectivity In Vitro: Cell Culture and Innovative Molecular Methods for Integrity Assessment. Vet Sci 2023; 10:676. [PMID: 38133227 PMCID: PMC10748075 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10120676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus is a prominent cause of viral hepatitis worldwide. In Western countries, most infections are asymptomatic. However, acute self-limiting hepatitis and chronic cases in immunocompromised individuals can occur. Studying HEV is challenging due to its difficulty to grow in cell culture. Consequently, the detection of the virus mainly relies on RT-qPCR, which cannot differentiate between infectious and non-infectious particles. To overcome this problem, methods assessing viral integrity offer a possible solution to differentiate between intact and damaged viruses. This study aims at optimizing existing HEV cell culture models and RT-qPCR-based assays for selectively detecting intact virions to establish a reliable model for assessing HEV infectivity. In conclusion, these newly developed methods hold promise for enhancing food safety by identifying approaches for inactivating HEV in food processing, thereby increasing food safety measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Locus
- Fisheries and Food, Technology and Food Unit, Flemish Research Institute for Agriculture (ILVO), Brusselsesteenweg 370, 9090 Melle, Belgium or (T.L.); (E.L.)
- Sciensano, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Viral Diseases, Engelandstraat 642, 1180 Ukkel, Belgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, Viral Hepatitis Research Group, University of Antwerp, Drie Eikenstraat 655, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Ellen Lambrecht
- Fisheries and Food, Technology and Food Unit, Flemish Research Institute for Agriculture (ILVO), Brusselsesteenweg 370, 9090 Melle, Belgium or (T.L.); (E.L.)
| | - Sophie Lamoral
- Sciensano, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Viral Diseases, Engelandstraat 642, 1180 Ukkel, Belgium
| | - Sjarlotte Willems
- Fisheries and Food, Technology and Food Unit, Flemish Research Institute for Agriculture (ILVO), Brusselsesteenweg 370, 9090 Melle, Belgium or (T.L.); (E.L.)
| | - Steven Van Gucht
- Sciensano, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Viral Diseases, Engelandstraat 642, 1180 Ukkel, Belgium
| | - Thomas Vanwolleghem
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, Viral Hepatitis Research Group, University of Antwerp, Drie Eikenstraat 655, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Michael Peeters
- Sciensano, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Viral Diseases, Engelandstraat 642, 1180 Ukkel, Belgium
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23
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Gremmel N, Keuling O, Eiden M, Groschup MH, Johne R, Becher P, Baechlein C. Hepatitis E virus neutralization by porcine serum antibodies. J Clin Microbiol 2023; 61:e0037323. [PMID: 37823649 PMCID: PMC10662371 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00373-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The consumption of raw or undercooked meat products poses a serious risk for human hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections. In many high-income countries, domestic pigs and wild boars represent the main animal reservoirs for HEV and are usually identified by reverse transcription-PCR and antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In order to characterize the humoral immune response in more detail, a cell culture-based serum neutralization assay using a culture-adapted HEV strain was established here. Measurement of neutralizing antibodies was only possible after removing the viral quasi-envelope by detergent treatment. Serum samples of 343 wild boars from Northern Germany were first analyzed for anti-HEV IgG using an in-house ELISA, resulting in 19% positive samples. Subsequently, a subset of 41 representative samples was tested with the neutralization assay, and the results correlated well with those obtained by ELISA. Not only the human HEV strain 47832c but also two porcine HEV strains were shown to be neutralized by porcine serum antibodies. Neutralizing activity was also found in samples containing both HEV-specific antibodies and HEV RNA. Testing of serum samples derived from two experimentally infected domestic pigs showed a steep increase in neutralizing activity at 24 or 51 days post infection, dependent on the used infectious dose. The developed assay can be useful for characterization of the humoral immune response after HEV infection and for assessing the efficiency of HEV vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nele Gremmel
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Oliver Keuling
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Eiden
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin H. Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Reimar Johne
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul Becher
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christine Baechlein
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
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24
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Corneillie L, Lemmens I, Montpellier C, Ferrié M, Weening K, Van Houtte F, Hanoulle X, Cocquerel L, Amara A, Tavernier J, Meuleman P. The phosphatidylserine receptor TIM1 promotes infection of enveloped hepatitis E virus. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:326. [PMID: 37833515 PMCID: PMC11073319 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04977-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an underestimated RNA virus of which the viral life cycle and pathogenicity remain partially understood and for which specific antivirals are lacking. The virus exists in two forms: nonenveloped HEV that is shed in feces and transmits between hosts; and membrane-associated, quasi-enveloped HEV that circulates in the blood. It is suggested that both forms employ different mechanisms for cellular entry and internalization but little is known about the exact mechanisms. Interestingly, the membrane of enveloped HEV is enriched with phosphatidylserine, a natural ligand for the T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 1 (TIM1) during apoptosis and involved in 'apoptotic mimicry', a process by which viruses hijack the apoptosis pathway to promote infection. We here investigated the role of TIM1 in the entry process of HEV. We determined that HEV infection with particles derived from culture supernatant, which are cloaked by host-derived membranes (eHEV), was significantly impaired after knockout of TIM1, whereas infection with intracellular HEV particles (iHEV) was unaffected. eHEV infection was restored upon TIM1 expression; and enhanced after ectopic TIM1 expression. The significance of TIM1 during entry was further confirmed by viral binding assay, and point mutations of the PS-binding pocket diminished eHEV infection. In addition, Annexin V, a PS-binding molecule also significantly reduced infection. Taken together, our findings support a role for TIM1 in eHEV-mediated cell entry, facilitated by the PS present on the viral membrane, a strategy HEV may use to promote viral spread throughout the infected body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Corneillie
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases (LLID), Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Building MRBII, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Irma Lemmens
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Zwijnaarde 75, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Claire Montpellier
- U1019-UMR 8204-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, 1 Rue du Professeur Calmette, Lille, France
| | - Martin Ferrié
- U1019-UMR 8204-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, 1 Rue du Professeur Calmette, Lille, France
| | - Karin Weening
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases (LLID), Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Building MRBII, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Freya Van Houtte
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases (LLID), Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Building MRBII, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Hanoulle
- U1167-RID-AGE-Facteurs de Risque et Déterminants Moléculaires des Maladies Liées au Vieillissement, University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur Lille, 59000, Lille, France
- EMR9002-BSI-Integrative Structural Biology, CNRS, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Laurence Cocquerel
- U1019-UMR 8204-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, 1 Rue du Professeur Calmette, Lille, France
| | - Ali Amara
- UMR 7212, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, Université de Paris Cité, INSERM U944, CNRS, Hôpital Saint-Louis, 75010, Paris, France
| | - Jan Tavernier
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Zwijnaarde 75, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Philip Meuleman
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases (LLID), Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Building MRBII, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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25
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Nagashima S, Primadharsini PP, Nishiyama T, Takahashi M, Murata K, Okamoto H. Development of a HiBiT-tagged reporter hepatitis E virus and its utility as an antiviral drug screening platform. J Virol 2023; 97:e0050823. [PMID: 37681960 PMCID: PMC10537679 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00508-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, we developed an infectious hepatitis E virus (HEV) harboring the nanoKAZ gene in the hypervariable region of the open reading frame 1 (ORF1) of the HEV3b (JE03-1760F/P10) genome and demonstrated the usefulness for screening anti-HEV drugs that inhibit the early infection process. In the present study, we constructed another reporter HEV (HEV3b-HiBiT) by placing a minimized HiBiT tag derived from NanoLuc luciferase at the 3'-end of the viral capsid (ORF2) coding sequence. It replicated efficiently in PLC/PRF/5 cells, produced membrane-associated particles identical to those of the parental virus, and was genetically stable and infectious. The HiBiT tag was fused to both secreted ORF2s (ORF2s-HiBiT) and ORF2c capsid protein (ORF2c-HiBiT). The ORF2c-HiBiT formed membrane-associated HEV particles (eHEV3b-HiBiT). By treating these particles with digitonin, we demonstrated that the HiBiT tag was expressed on the surface of capsid and was present inside the lipid membrane. To simplify the measurement of luciferase activity and provide a more convenient screening platform, we constructed an ORF2s-defective mutant (HEV3b-HiBiT/ΔORF2s) in which the secreted ORF2s are suppressed. We used this system to evaluate the effects of introducing small interfering RNAs and treatment with an inhibitor or accelerator of exosomal release on HEV egress and demonstrated that the effects on virus release can readily be analyzed. Therefore, HEV3b-HiBiT and HEV3b-HiBiT/ΔORF2s reporters may be useful for investigating the virus life cycle and can serve as a more convenient screening platform to search for candidate drugs targeting the late stage of HEV infection such as particle formation and release. IMPORTANCE The construction of recombinant infectious viruses harboring a stable luminescence reporter gene is essential for investigations of the viral life cycle, such as viral replication and pathogenesis, and the development of novel antiviral drugs. However, it is difficult to maintain the stability of a large foreign gene inserted into the viral genome. In the present study, we successfully generated a recombinant HEV harboring the 11-amino acid HiBiT tag in the ORF2 coding region and demonstrated the infectivity, efficient virus growth, particle morphology, and genetic stability, suggesting that this recombinant HEV is useful for in vitro assays. Furthermore, this system can serve as a more convenient screening platform for anti-HEV drugs. Thus, an infectious recombinant HEV is a powerful approach not only for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of the viral life cycle but also for the screening and development of novel antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeo Nagashima
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Putu Prathiwi Primadharsini
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Takashi Nishiyama
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Masaharu Takahashi
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Kazumoto Murata
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Okamoto
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
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26
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Primadharsini PP, Nagashima S, Nishiyama T, Okamoto H. Three Distinct Reporter Systems of Hepatitis E Virus and Their Utility as Drug Screening Platforms. Viruses 2023; 15:1989. [PMID: 37896767 PMCID: PMC10611241 DOI: 10.3390/v15101989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is increasingly acknowledged as the primary cause of acute hepatitis. While most HEV infections are self-limiting, cases of chronic infection and fulminant hepatitis necessitate the administration of anti-HEV medications. However, there is a lack of specific antiviral drugs designed for HEV, and the currently available drug (ribavirin) has been associated with significant adverse effects. The development of innovative antiviral drugs involves targeting distinct steps within the viral life cycle: the early step (attachment and internalization), middle step (translation and RNA replication), and late step (virus particle formation and virion release). We recently established three HEV reporter systems, each covering one or two of these steps. Using these reporter systems, we identified various potential drug candidates that target different steps of the HEV life cycle. Through rigorous in vitro testing using our robust cell culture system with the genotype 3 HEV strain (JE03-1760F/P10), we confirmed the efficacy of these drugs, when used alone or in combination with existing anti-HEV drugs. This underscores their significance in the quest for an effective anti-HEV treatment. In the present review, we discuss the development of the three reporter systems, their applications in drug screening, and their potential to advance our understanding of the incompletely elucidated HEV life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Putu Prathiwi Primadharsini
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke 329-0498, Tochigi, Japan; (P.P.P.); (S.N.)
| | - Shigeo Nagashima
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke 329-0498, Tochigi, Japan; (P.P.P.); (S.N.)
| | - Takashi Nishiyama
- Laboratory of Membrane Proteins, Research Division for Quantitative Life Sciences, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan;
| | - Hiroaki Okamoto
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke 329-0498, Tochigi, Japan; (P.P.P.); (S.N.)
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27
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Agabou A, Benaissa MH, Bouasla I, De Sabato L, Hireche S, Ianiro G, Monini M, Di Bartolo I. First serological and molecular investigation of hepatitis E virus infection in dromedary camels in Algeria. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1272250. [PMID: 37795011 PMCID: PMC10546018 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1272250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E is an acute self-limited or fulminant infection in humans, caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). This member of the Hepeviridae family has been identified in a wide range of domestic and wild animals all over the world, with a possible transmission to humans through fecal oral route, direct contact and ingestion of contaminated meat products, making it one of the global zoonotic and public health major concerns. Since there is no monitoring program and a lack of data on HEV in animals in Algeria, the current preliminary survey has been undertaken to elucidate the exposure to the virus in camels at abattoirs of six southern provinces of Algeria. Two-hundred and eight sera/plasma were collected and analyzed (by double antigen sandwich ELISA) for the presence of total anti-HEV antibodies, among which 35.1% were positive, but no HEV RNA could be isolated from them (by two pan-HEV nested RT-PCR and broad range real-time reverse transcription RT-PCR). The univariate analysis showed significant associations (p < 0.05) between HEV seroprevalence and province of origin, age, and sex of camels, whereas the multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed a negative impact of camels' age on it. The obtained results confirm that HEV infection is widespread established in the camelid population of Algeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Agabou
- PADESCA Research Laboratory, Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University Frères Mentouri Constantine 1, Constantine, Algeria
| | | | - Ilyes Bouasla
- PADESCA Research Laboratory, Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University Frères Mentouri Constantine 1, Constantine, Algeria
| | - Luca De Sabato
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Sana Hireche
- PADESCA Research Laboratory, Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University Frères Mentouri Constantine 1, Constantine, Algeria
| | - Giovanni Ianiro
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Monini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Di Bartolo
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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28
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Das A, Rivera-Serrano EE, Yin X, Walker CM, Feng Z, Lemon SM. Cell entry and release of quasi-enveloped human hepatitis viruses. Nat Rev Microbiol 2023; 21:573-589. [PMID: 37185947 PMCID: PMC10127183 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-00889-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Infectious hepatitis type A and type E are caused by phylogenetically distinct single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses that were once considered to be non-enveloped. However, studies show that both are released nonlytically from hepatocytes as 'quasi-enveloped' virions cloaked in host membranes. These virion types predominate in the blood of infected individuals and mediate virus spread within the liver. They lack virally encoded proteins on their surface and are resistant to neutralizing anti-capsid antibodies induced by infection, yet they efficiently enter cells and initiate new rounds of virus replication. In this Review, we discuss the mechanisms by which specific peptide sequences in the capsids of these quasi-enveloped virions mediate their endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT)-dependent release from hepatocytes through multivesicular endosomes, what is known about how they enter cells, and the impact of capsid quasi-envelopment on host immunity and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshuman Das
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lentigen Technology, Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Efraín E Rivera-Serrano
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Biology, Elon University, Elon, NC, USA
| | - Xin Yin
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Christopher M Walker
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Paediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Zongdi Feng
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Department of Paediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Stanley M Lemon
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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29
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Lothert K, Wolff MW. Affinity and Pseudo-Affinity Membrane Chromatography for Viral Vector and Vaccine Purifications: A Review. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:770. [PMID: 37755191 PMCID: PMC10537005 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13090770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Several chromatographic approaches have been established over the last decades for the production of pharmaceutically relevant viruses. Due to the large size of these products compared to other biopharmaceuticals, e.g., proteins, convective flow media have proven to be superior to bead-based resins in terms of process productivity and column capacity. One representative of such convective flow materials is membranes, which can be modified to suit the particular operating principle and are also suitable for economical single-use applications. Among the different membrane variants, affinity surfaces allow for the most selective separation of the target molecule from other components in the feed solution, especially from host cell-derived DNA and proteins. A successful membrane affinity chromatography, however, requires the identification and implementation of ligands, which can be applied economically while at the same time being stable during the process and non-toxic in the case of any leaching. This review summarizes the current evaluation of membrane-based affinity purifications for viruses and virus-like particles, including traditional resin and monolith approaches and the advantages of membrane applications. An overview of potential affinity ligands is given, as well as considerations of suitable affinity platform technologies, e.g., for different virus serotypes, including a description of processes using pseudo-affinity matrices, such as sulfated cellulose membrane adsorbers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael W. Wolff
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, Department Life Science Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen (THM), 35390 Giessen, Germany
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30
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Bouquet P, Alexandre V, De Lamballerie M, Ley D, Lesage J, Goffard A, Cocquerel L. Effect of High Hydrostatic Pressure Processing and Holder Pasteurization of Human Milk on Inactivation of Human Coronavirus 229E and Hepatitis E Virus. Viruses 2023; 15:1571. [PMID: 37515257 PMCID: PMC10384040 DOI: 10.3390/v15071571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In preterm infants, sterilized donor milk (DM) is frequently used for feeding when breast milk is lacking. Most human milk banks use the Holder pasteurization method (HoP) to ensure the microbiological safety of DM. However, this method degrades many bioactive factors and hormones. Recently, high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) processing, which preserves bioactive factors in human milk, has been proposed as an alternative method to ensure the safety of DM. Although HHP treatment has been shown to be effective for viral inactivation, the effect of HHP on viruses that may be present in the complex nutritional matrix of human milk has not yet been defined. In the present study, we compared the efficacy of two HHP protocols (4 cycles at 350 MPa at 38 °C designated as 4xHP350 treatment, and 1 cycle at 600 MPa at 20 °C designated as 1xHP600 treatment) with the HoP method on artificially virus-infected DM. For this purpose, we used human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) as surrogate models for enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. Our results showed that HCoV-229E is inactivated by HHP and HoP treatment. In particular, the 4xHP350 protocol is highly effective in inactivating HCoV-229E. However, our results demonstrated a matrix effect of human milk on HCoV-229E inactivation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that HEV is stable to moderate pressure HHP treatment, but the milk matrix does not protect it from inactivation by the high-pressure HHP treatment of 600 MPa. Importantly, the complex nutritional matrix of human milk protects HEV from inactivation by HoP treatment. In conclusion, we demonstrated that HHP and HoP treatments do not lead to complete inactivation of both surrogate virus models, indicating that these treatments cannot guarantee total viral safety of donor milk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peggy Bouquet
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Institut Pasteur de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Virginie Alexandre
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | | | - Delphine Ley
- CHU Lille, Division of Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Paediatrics, Jeanne de Flandre Children's Hospital, F-59000 Lille, France
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Jean Lesage
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Anne Goffard
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Institut Pasteur de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Laurence Cocquerel
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
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31
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Zahmanova G, Takova K, Tonova V, Koynarski T, Lukov LL, Minkov I, Pishmisheva M, Kotsev S, Tsachev I, Baymakova M, Andonov AP. The Re-Emergence of Hepatitis E Virus in Europe and Vaccine Development. Viruses 2023; 15:1558. [PMID: 37515244 PMCID: PMC10383931 DOI: 10.3390/v15071558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the leading causes of acute viral hepatitis. Transmission of HEV mainly occurs via the fecal-oral route (ingesting contaminated water or food) or by contact with infected animals and their raw meat products. Some animals, such as pigs, wild boars, sheep, goats, rabbits, camels, rats, etc., are natural reservoirs of HEV, which places people in close contact with them at increased risk of HEV disease. Although hepatitis E is a self-limiting infection, it could also lead to severe illness, particularly among pregnant women, or chronic infection in immunocompromised people. A growing number of studies point out that HEV can be classified as a re-emerging virus in developed countries. Preventative efforts are needed to reduce the incidence of acute and chronic hepatitis E in non-endemic and endemic countries. There is a recombinant HEV vaccine, but it is approved for use and commercially available only in China and Pakistan. However, further studies are needed to demonstrate the necessity of applying a preventive vaccine and to create conditions for reducing the spread of HEV. This review emphasizes the hepatitis E virus and its importance for public health in Europe, the methods of virus transmission and treatment, and summarizes the latest studies on HEV vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergana Zahmanova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Department of Technology Transfer and IP Management, Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Katerina Takova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Valeria Tonova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Tsvetoslav Koynarski
- Department of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Laura L Lukov
- Faculty of Sciences, Brigham Young University-Hawaii, Laie, HI 96762, USA
| | - Ivan Minkov
- Department of Technology Transfer and IP Management, Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnologies, 4108 Markovo, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Pishmisheva
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Pazardzhik Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment, 4400 Pazardzhik, Bulgaria
| | - Stanislav Kotsev
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Pazardzhik Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment, 4400 Pazardzhik, Bulgaria
| | - Ilia Tsachev
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Magdalena Baymakova
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Military Medical Academy, 1606 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Anton P Andonov
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
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Songtanin B, Molehin AJ, Brittan K, Manatsathit W, Nugent K. Hepatitis E Virus Infections: Epidemiology, Genetic Diversity, and Clinical Considerations. Viruses 2023; 15:1389. [PMID: 37376687 DOI: 10.3390/v15061389] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 20 million people worldwide are infected annually with the hepatitis E virus (HEV). There are four main genotypes of HEV. Genotype 1 and genotype 2 are common in developing countries and are transmitted by contaminated water from a fecal-oral route. Genotype 3 and genotype 4 are common in developed countries and can lead to occasional transmission to humans via undercooked meat. Hepatitis E virus 1 and HEV3 can lead to fulminant hepatitis, and HEV3 can lead to chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis in immunocompromised patients. The majority of patients with HEV infection are asymptomatic and usually have spontaneous viral clearance without treatment. However, infection in immunocompromised individuals can lead to chronic HEV infection. Both acute and chronic HEV infections can have extrahepatic manifestations. No specific treatment is required for acute HEV infection, no treatment has been approved in chronic infection, and no HEV vaccine has been approved by the (United States) Food and Drug Administration. This review focuses on the molecular virology (HEV life cycle, genotypes, model systems, zoonosis), pathogenesis, clinical manifestation, and treatment of chronic HEV infection, especially in immunocompromised patients, to provide clinicians a better understanding of the global distribution of these infections and the significant effect they can have on immunocompromised patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Busara Songtanin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Adebayo J Molehin
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Kevin Brittan
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Wuttiporn Manatsathit
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Kenneth Nugent
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
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Schrader JA, Burkard TL, Brüggemann Y, Gömer A, Meister TL, Fu RM, Mehnert AK, Dao Thi VL, Behrendt P, Durantel D, Broering R, Vondran FWR, Todt D, Kinast V, Steinmann E. EGF receptor modulates HEV entry in human hepatocytes. Hepatology 2023; 77:2104-2117. [PMID: 36745934 PMCID: PMC10187617 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Being the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis with >20 million cases per year and 70,000 deaths annually, HEV presents a long-neglected and underinvestigated health burden. Although the entry process of viral particles is an attractive target for pharmacological intervention, druggable host factors to restrict HEV entry have not been identified so far. APPROACH AND RESULTS Here we identify the EGF receptor (EGFR) as a novel host factor for HEV and reveal the significance of EGFR for the HEV entry process. By utilizing RNAi, chemical modulation with Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs, and ectopic expression of EGFR, we revealed that EGFR is critical for HEV infection without affecting HEV RNA replication or assembly of progeny virus. We further unveiled that EGFR itself and its ligand-binding domain, rather than its signaling function, is responsible for the proviral effect. Modulation of EGF expression in HepaRG cells and primary human hepatocytes affected HEV infection. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our study provides novel insights into the life cycle of HEV and identified EGFR as a possible target for future antiviral strategies against HEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jil A. Schrader
- Department for Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas L. Burkard
- Department for Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Yannick Brüggemann
- Department for Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - André Gömer
- Department for Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Toni L. Meister
- Department for Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Rebecca M. Fu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks, Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Biosciences International Graduate School, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Mehnert
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks, Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Biosciences International Graduate School, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Viet L. Dao Thi
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patrick Behrendt
- TWINCORE Center for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a Joint Venture between the Hannover Medical School (MHH) and the Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI), Institute for Experimental Virology, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover - Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
| | - David Durantel
- CIRI—International Center for Infectiology Research, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Ruth Broering
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Transplant Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Florian W. R. Vondran
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Department for Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), Jena, Germany
| | - Volker Kinast
- Department for Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department for Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), External Partner Site, Bochum, Germany
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Pfanzagl B. The ICAM-1 ligand HRV-A89 is internalized independently of clathrin-mediated endocytosis and its capsid reaches late endosomes. Virology 2023; 583:45-51. [PMID: 37148647 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The human rhinovirus (HRV) A2 is endocytosed by clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) bound to the classical LDL receptor and releases its RNA during its transport to late endosomes. Here it is shown that - presumably due to an effect on virus recycling - a low concentration of the CME inhibitor chlorpromazine present during virus internalization (30 min) did not reduce HRV-A2 infection, but strongly inhibited short-time (5 min) endocytosis of HRV-A2. Chlorpromazine had no effect on the colocalization of the ICAM-1 ligand HRV-A89 with early endosomes, excluding CME as the main endocytosis pathway of this virus. As published for HRV-A2 and HRV-A14, HRV-A89 partially colocalized with lysosome-associated membrane protein 2 and the microtubule inhibitor nocodazole did not reduce virus infection when present only during virus internalization. Together with previous work these data suggest that there are no principal differences between endocytosis pathways of ICAM-1-binding rhinoviruses in different cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrix Pfanzagl
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, Vienna, 1090, Austria.
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Mahsoub HM, Heffron CL, Hassebroek AM, Sooryanarain H, Wang B, LeRoith T, Rodríguez GR, Tian D, Meng XJ. Fetal Loss in Pregnant Rabbits Infected with Genotype 3 Hepatitis E Virus Is Associated with Altered Inflammatory Responses, Enhanced Virus Replication, and Extrahepatic Virus Dissemination with Positive Correlations with Increased Estradiol Level. mBio 2023; 14:e0041823. [PMID: 36939322 PMCID: PMC10128027 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00418-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes adverse clinical outcomes in pregnant women, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. To delineate the mechanisms of pregnancy-associated adverse effects during HEV infection, we utilized a genotype 3 HEV from rabbit (HEV-3ra) and its cognate host (rabbits) to systematically investigate the clinical consequences, viral replication dynamics, and host immune and hormonal responses of HEV infection during pregnancy. We found a significant fetal loss of 23% in HEV-infected pregnant rabbits, indicating an early-stage miscarriage. HEV infection in pregnant rabbits was characterized by higher viral loads in feces, intestinal contents, liver, and spleen tissues, as well as a longer and earlier onset of viremia than in infected nonpregnant rabbits. HEV infection altered the pattern of cytokine gene expressions in the liver of pregnant rabbits and caused a transient increase of serum interferon gamma (IFN-γ) shortly after a notable increase in viral replication, which may contribute to early fetal loss. Histological lesions in the spleen were more pronounced in infected pregnant rabbits, although moderate liver lesions were seen in both infected pregnant and nonpregnant rabbits. Total bilirubin was elevated in infected pregnant rabbits. The serum levels of estradiol (E2) in HEV-infected pregnant rabbits were significantly higher than those in mock-infected pregnant rabbits at 14 days postinoculation (dpi) and correlated positively with higher viral loads in feces, liver, and spleen tissues at 28 dpi, suggesting that it may play a role in extrahepatic virus dissemination. The results have important implications for understanding the severe diseases associated with HEV infection during pregnancy. IMPORTANCE HEV causes adverse pregnancy outcomes, with a mortality rate of >30% in pregnant women, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we utilized HEV-3ra and its cognate host (pregnant rabbit) to delineate the potential underlying mechanisms of pregnancy-associated adverse outcomes during HEV infection. We found that infected pregnant rabbits had a fetal loss of 23%, which coincided with enhanced viral replication and an elevated systemic IFN-γ response, followed by longer viremia duration and extrahepatic viral dissemination. Estradiol levels were increased in infected pregnant rabbits and correlated positively with higher fecal viral shedding and higher viral loads in liver and spleen tissues. Infected pregnant rabbits had more pronounced splenic lesions, higher serum total bilirubin, and an altered cytokine gene expression profile in the liver. The results will contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms of HEV-associated adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan M. Mahsoub
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - C. Lynn Heffron
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Anna M. Hassebroek
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Harini Sooryanarain
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Tanya LeRoith
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Guillermo Raimundi Rodríguez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Debin Tian
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Xiang-Jin Meng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
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Wang B, Mahsoub HM, Li W, Heffron CL, Tian D, Hassebroek AM, LeRoith T, Meng XJ. Ribavirin Treatment Failure-Associated Mutation, Y1320H, in the RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase of Genotype 3 Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Enhances Virus Replication in a Rabbit HEV Infection Model. mBio 2023; 14:e0337222. [PMID: 36809085 PMCID: PMC10128057 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03372-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection has become a significant clinical problem that requires treatment in immunocompromised individuals. In the absence of an HEV-specific antiviral, ribavirin (RBV) has been used off-label, but treatment failure may occur due to mutations in the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), including Y1320H, K1383N, and G1634R. Chronic hepatitis E is mostly caused by zoonotic genotype 3 HEV (HEV-3), and HEV variants from rabbits (HEV-3ra) are closely related to human HEV-3. Here, we explored whether HEV-3ra, along with its cognate host, can serve as a model to study RBV treatment failure-associated mutations observed in human HEV-3-infected patients. By utilizing the HEV-3ra infectious clone and indicator replicon, we generated multiple single mutants (Y1320H, K1383N, K1634G, and K1634R) and a double mutant (Y1320H/K1383N) and assessed the role of mutations on replication and antiviral activity of HEV-3ra in cell culture. Furthermore, we also compared the replication of the Y1320H mutant with the wild-type HEV-3ra in experimentally infected rabbits. Our in vitro analyses revealed that the effects of these mutations on rabbit HEV-3ra are altogether highly consistent with those on human HEV-3. Importantly, we found that the Y1320H enhances virus replication during the acute stage of HEV-3ra infection in rabbits, which corroborated our in vitro results showing an enhanced viral replication of Y1320H. Taken together, our data suggest that HEV-3ra and its cognate host is a useful and relevant naturally occurring homologous animal model to study the clinical relevance of antiviral-resistant mutations observed in human HEV-3 chronically-infected patients. IMPORTANCE HEV-3 causes chronic hepatitis E that requires antiviral therapy in immunosuppressed individuals. RBV is the main therapeutic option for chronic hepatitis E as an off-label use. Several amino acid changes, including Y1320H, K1383N, and G1634R, in the RdRp of human HEV-3 have reportedly been associated with RBV treatment failure in chronic hepatitis E patients. In this study, we utilized an HEV-3ra from rabbit and its cognate host to investigate the effect of these RBV treatment failure-associated HEV-3 RdRp mutations on viral replication efficiency and antiviral susceptibility. The in vitro data using rabbit HEV-3ra was highly comparable to those from human HEV-3. We demonstrated that the Y1320H mutation significantly enhanced HEV-3ra replication in cell culture and enhanced virus replication during the acute stage of HEV-3ra infection in rabbits. The rabbit HEV-3ra infection model should be useful in delineating the role of human HEV-3 RBV treatment failure-associated mutations in antiviral resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Hassan M. Mahsoub
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - C. Lynn Heffron
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Debin Tian
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Anna M. Hassebroek
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Tanya LeRoith
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Xiang-Jin Meng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
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Assefi M, Bijan Rostami R, Ebrahimi M, Altafi M, Tehrany PM, Zaidan HK, Talib Al-Naqeeb BZ, Hadi M, Yasamineh S, Gholizadeh O. Potential use of the cholesterol transfer inhibitor U18666A as an antiviral drug for research on various viral infections. Microb Pathog 2023; 179:106096. [PMID: 37011734 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterol plays critical functions in arranging the biophysical attributes of proteins and lipids in the plasma membrane. For various viruses, an association with cholesterol for virus entrance and/or morphogenesis has been demonstrated. Therefore, the lipid metabolic pathways and the combination of membranes could be targeted to selectively suppress the virus replication steps as a basis for antiviral treatment. U18666A is a cationic amphiphilic drug (CAD) that affects intracellular transport and cholesterol production. A robust tool for investigating lysosomal cholesterol transfer and Ebola virus infection is an androstenolone derived termed U18666A that suppresses three enzymes in the cholesterol biosynthesis mechanism. In addition, U18666A inhibited low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-induced downregulation of LDL receptor and triggered lysosomal aggregation of cholesterol. According to reports, U18666A inhibits the reproduction of baculoviruses, filoviruses, hepatitis, coronaviruses, pseudorabies, HIV, influenza, and flaviviruses, as well as chikungunya and flaviviruses. U18666A-treated viral infections may act as a novel in vitro model system to elucidate the cholesterol mechanism of several viral infections. In this article, we discuss the mechanism and function of U18666A as a potent tool for studying cholesterol mechanisms in various viral infections.
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Bai H, Ami Y, Suzaki Y, Doan YH, Muramatsu M, Li TC. Open Reading Frame 4 Is Not Essential in the Replication and Infection of Genotype 1 Hepatitis E Virus. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030784. [PMID: 36992492 PMCID: PMC10052008 DOI: 10.3390/v15030784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Genotype 1 hepatitis E virus (HEV-1), unlike other genotypes of HEV, has a unique small open reading frame known as ORF4 whose function is not yet known. ORF4 is located in an out-framed manner in the middle of ORF1, which encodes putative 90 to 158 amino acids depending on the strains. To explore the role of ORF4 in HEV-1 replication and infection, we cloned the complete genome of wild-type HEV-1 downstream of a T7 RNA polymerase promoter, and the following ORF4 mutant constructs were prepared: the first construct had TTG instead of the initiation codon ATG (A2836T), introducing an M→L mutation in ORF4 and a D→V mutation in ORF1. The second construct had ACG instead of the ATG codon (T2837C), introducing an M→T mutation in ORF4. The third construct had ACG instead of the second in-frame ATG codon (T2885C), introducing an M→T mutation in ORF4. The fourth construct contained two mutations (T2837C and T2885C) accompanying two M→T mutations in ORF4. For the latter three constructs, the accompanied mutations introduced in ORF1 were all synonymous changes. The capped entire genomic RNAs were generated by in vitro transcription and used to transfect PLC/PRF/5 cells. Three mRNAs containing synonymous mutations in ORF1, i.e., T2837CRNA, T2885CRNA, and T2837C/T2885CRNA, replicated normally in PLC/PRF/5 cells and generated infectious viruses that successfully infected Mongolian gerbils as the wild-type HEV-1 did. In contrast, the mutant RNA, i.e., A2836TRNA, accompanying an amino acid change (D937V) in ORF1 generated infectious viruses upon transfection, but they replicated slower than the wild-type HEV-1 and failed to infect Mongolian gerbils. No putative viral protein(s) derived from ORF4 were detected in the wild-type HEV-1- as well as the mutant virus-infected PLC/PRF/5 cells by Western blot analysis using a high-titer anti-HEV-1 IgG antibody. These results demonstrated that the ORF4-defective HEV-1s had the ability to replicate in the cultured cells, and that these defective viruses had the ability to infect Mongolian gerbils unless the overlapping ORF1 was accompanied by non-synonymous mutation(s), confirming that ORF4 is not essential in the replication and infection of HEV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Bai
- Department of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014060, China
| | - Yasushi Ami
- Division of Experimental Animals Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan
| | - Yuriko Suzaki
- Division of Experimental Animals Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan
| | - Yen Hai Doan
- Center for Emergency Preparedness and Response, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan
| | - Masamichi Muramatsu
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan
| | - Tian-Cheng Li
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan
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Liu W, Shang X, Wen W, Ren X, Qin L, Li X, Qian P. Seneca Valley virus enters cells through multiple pathways and traffics intracellularly via the endolysosomal pathway. J Gen Virol 2023; 104. [PMID: 36947577 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Seneca Valley virus (SVV, also known as Senecavirus A), an oncolytic virus, is a nonenveloped, positive-strand RNA virus and the sole member of the genus Senecavirus within the family Picornaviridae. The mechanisms of SVV entry into cells are currently almost unknown. In the present study, we found that SVV entry into HEK293T cells is acidic pH-dependent by using ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) and chloroquine, both of which could inhibit SVV infection. We confirmed that dynamin II is required for SVV entry by using dynasore, silencing the dynamin II protein, or expressing the dominant-negative (DN) K44A mutant of dynamin II. Then, we discovered that chlorpromazine (CPZ) treatment or knockdown of the clathrin heavy chain (CLTC) protein significantly inhibited SVV infection. In addition, overexpression of CLTC promoted SVV infection. Caveolin-1 and membrane cholesterol were also required for SVV endocytosis. Notably, utilizing genistein, EIPA or nocodazole, we observed that macropinocytosis and microtubules are not involved in SVV entry. Furthermore, overexpression of the Rab7 and Rab9 proteins but not the Rab5 or Rab11 proteins promoted SVV infection. The findings were further validated by the knockdown of four Rabs and Lamp1 proteins, indicating that after internalization, SVV is transported from late endosomes to the trans-Golgi network (TGN) or lysosomes, respectively, eventually releasing its RNA into the cytosol from the lysosomes. Our findings concretely revealed SVV endocytosis mechanisms in HEK293T cells and provided an insightful theoretical foundation for further research into SVV oncolytic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Xianfei Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Wei Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Xujiao Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Liuxing Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Xiangmin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Development of Veterinary Diagnostic Products, Ministry of Agriculture of the People's Republic of China, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Ping Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Development of Veterinary Diagnostic Products, Ministry of Agriculture of the People's Republic of China, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
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Animal reservoirs for hepatitis E virus within the Paslahepevirus genus. Vet Microbiol 2023; 278:109618. [PMID: 36640568 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2022.109618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is responsible for acute hepatitis in humans. It is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus that belongs to the Hepeviridae family. The majority of concerning HEV genotypes belong to the Paslahepevirus genus and are subsequently divided into eight genotypes. HEV genotypes 1 and 2 exclusively infect humans and primates while genotypes 3 and 4 infect both humans and other mammals. Whereas HEV genotypes 5 and 6 are isolated from wild boars and genotypes 7 and 8 were identified from camels in the United Arab Emirates and China, respectively. HEV mainly spreads from humans to humans via the fecal-oral route. However, some genotypes with the capability of zoonotic transmissions, such as 3 and 4 transmit from animals to humans through feces, direct contact, and ingestion of contaminated meat products. As we further continue to uncover novel HEV strains in various animal species, it is becoming clear that HEV has a broad host range. Therefore, understanding the potential animal reservoirs for this virus will allow for better risk management and risk mitigation of infection with HEV. In this review, we mainly focused on animal reservoirs for the members of the species Paslahepevirus balayani and provided a comprehensive list of the host animals identified to date.
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In Vitro Replication of Swine Hepatitis E Virus (HEV): Production of Cell-Adapted Strains. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020276. [PMID: 36670816 PMCID: PMC9854997 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis E caused by the virus HEV of genotypes HEV-3 and HEV-4 is a zoonotic foodborne disease spread worldwide. HEV is currently classified into eight different genotypes (HEV-1-8). Genotypes HEV-3 and HEV-4 are zoonotic and are further divided into subtypes. Most of the information on HEV replication remains unknown due to the lack of an efficient cell cultivation system. Over the last couple of years, several protocols for HEV cultivation have been developed on different cell lines; even if they were troublesome, long, and scarcely reproducible, they offered the opportunity to study the replicative cycle of the virus. In the present study, we aimed to obtain a protocol ready to use viral stock in serum free medium that can be used with reduced time of growth and without any purification steps. The employed method allowed isolation and cell adaptation of four swine HEV-3 strains, belonging to three different subtypes. Phylogenetic analyses conducted on partial genome sequences of in vitro isolated strains did not reveal any insertion in the hypervariable region (HVR) of the genomes. A limited number of mutations was acquired in the genome during the virus growth in the partial sequences of Methyltransferase (Met) and ORF2 coding genes.
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Hepatitis A: Viral Structure, Classification, Life Cycle, Clinical Symptoms, Diagnosis Error, and Vaccination. THE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY = JOURNAL CANADIEN DES MALADIES INFECTIEUSES ET DE LA MICROBIOLOGIE MEDICALE 2023; 2023:4263309. [PMID: 36644336 PMCID: PMC9833905 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4263309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is one of the well-known viruses that cause hepatitis all around the globe. Although this illness has decreased in developed countries due to extensive immunization, numerous developing and under-developed countries are struggling with this virus. HAV infection can be spread by oral-fecal contact, and there are frequent epidemics through nutrition. Improvements in socioeconomic and sanitary circumstances have caused a shift in the disease's prevalence worldwide. Younger children are usually asymptomatic, but as they become older, the infection symptoms begin to appear. Symptoms range from slight inflammation and jaundice to acute liver failure in older individuals. While an acute infection may be self-limiting, unrecognized persistent infections, and the misapplication of therapeutic methods based on clinical guidelines are linked to a higher incidence of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and mortality. Fortunately, most patients recover within two months of infection, though 10-15% of patients will relapse within the first six months. A virus seldom leads to persistent infection or liver damage. The mainstay of therapy is based on supportive care. All children from 12-23 months, as well as some susceptible populations, should receive routine vaccinations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Laboratory diagnosis of HAV is based on antigen detection, checking liver enzyme levels, and antibody screening. Furthermore, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology has identified HAV in suspected nutrition sources; therefore, this technique is used for preventative measures and food-related laws.
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Wang L, Wang Y, Zhuang H. Puzzles for Hepatitis E Virus. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1417:247-256. [PMID: 37223871 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-1304-6_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important but understudied virus that has been the major cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. In recent decades, our understanding of this neglected virus has changed greatly: novel forms of viral proteins and their functions have been discovered; HEV can transmit via blood transfusion and organ transplantation; HEV can infect many animal species and the number is still increasing; HEV can induce chronic hepatitis and extra-hepatic manifestations. However, we are short of effective treatment measures to counter the virus. In this chapter we tend to briefly introduce the puzzles and major knowledge gaps existed in the field of HEV research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Youchun Wang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Hui Zhuang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
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Ju X, Dong L, Ding Q. Hepatitis E Virus Life Cycle. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1417:141-157. [PMID: 37223864 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-1304-6_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infects over 20 million people worldwide per year, leading to 30,000-40,000 deaths. In most cases HEV infection in a self-limited, acute illness. However, chronic infections could occur in immunocompromised individuals. Due to scarcity of robust cell culture models in vitro and genetic tractable animal models in vivo, the details of HEV life cycle, as well as its interaction with host cells still remain elusive, which dampens antivirals discovery. In this chapter, we present an update in the HEV infectious cycle steps: entry, genome replication/subgenomic RNA transcription, assembly, and release. Moreover, we discussed the future prospective on HEV research and illustrates important questions urgently to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Ju
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Dong
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Ding
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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Liu X, Qi S, Yin X. Morphogenesis of Hepatitis E Virus. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1417:159-169. [PMID: 37223865 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-1304-6_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus, a leading cause of acute hepatitis worldwide, has been recognized as non-enveloped virus since its discovery in the 1980s. However, the recent identification of lipid membrane-associated form termed as "quasi-enveloped" HEV has changed this long-held notion. Both naked HEV and quasi-enveloped HEV play important roles in the pathogenesis of hepatitis E. However, the biogenesis and the mechanisms underlying the composition, biogenesis regulation, and functions of the novel quasi-enveloped virions remain enigmatic. In this chapter, we highlight the most recent discoveries on the dual life cycle of these two different types of virions, and further discuss the implication of the quasi-envelopment in our understanding of the molecular biology of HEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Shuhui Qi
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Xin Yin
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China.
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46
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Wang Y, Zhao C, Qi Y, Geng Y. Hepatitis E Virus. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1417:1-13. [PMID: 37223855 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-1304-6_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Since the sequence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) was determined from a patient with enterically transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis in 1989, similar sequences have been isolated from many different animals, including pigs, wild boars, deer, rabbits, bats, rats, chicken, and trout. All of these sequences have the same genomic organization, which contains open reading frames (ORFs) 1, 2, and 3, although their genomic sequences are variable. Some have proposed that they be classified as new family, Hepeviridae, which would be further divided into different genera and species according to their sequence variability. The size of these virus particles generally ranged from 27 to 34 nm. However, HEV virions produced in cell culture differ in structure from the viruses found in feces. Those from cell culture have a lipid envelope and either lack or have a little ORF3, whereas the viruses isolated from feces lack a lipid envelope but have ORF3 on their surfaces. Surprisingly, most of the secreted ORF2 proteins from both these sources are not associated with HEV RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youchun Wang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China.
| | - Chenyan Zhao
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Qi
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Yansheng Geng
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Hebei Province, School of Public Health, Hebei University, Baoding, China
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Application of a truncated ORF2 protein-based ELISA for diagnosis of hepatitis E in an endemic area. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:8259-8272. [PMID: 36380192 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12271-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Enterically transmitted waterborne hepatitis E (HE) caused due to hepatitis E virus (HEV) prevails as a significant public health problem endemic to India. Due to short-term viremia/fecal excretion and poor in vitro transmissibility of HEV, HE diagnosis depends on detection of specific IgM antibodies in serum. Present study evaluated performances of two in-house and six commercial IgM detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) using sera collected from volunteers/acute hepatitis patients (n = 716). The in-house ELISAs were based on complete and truncated open reading frame 2 (ORF2) proteins containing neutralizing epitope/s region of genotype 1 HEV (ORF2p, 1-660 amino acid (a.a.) and T1NEp, 458-607 a.a., respectively). The commercial ELISAs included Wantai (China), MP Diagnostics (MPD) (Singapore), DIA.PRO Diagnostics (Italy), MBS (Italy), abia (Germany), and ImmunoVision (USA). T1NE ELISA showed 97.0% positive percent agreement (PPA), 99.4% negative percent agreement (NPA), and 98.6% concordance (κ = 0.97, P = 0.0000) with ORF2 ELISA. ORF2, T1NE, Wantai, and MPD ELISAs agreed on results for 88% of sera tested. Two percent sera showed reactivity in each combination of three and two of aforementioned four ELISAs. Remaining 8% sera were single ELISA reactive. PPA and NPA value ranges were 76.3-99.0% and 84.8-99.5%, respectively. Pairwise concordances between all the eight ELISAs ranged from 88.0 to 100% (κ: 0.74-1.00). Both the in-house ELISAs agreed better with Wantai over MPD ELISA. In conclusion, both ORF2 and T1NE ELISAs were equally efficient in diagnosing HEV infections. T1NEp proved to be an excellent tool in HE sero-diagnosis and is worth exploring in development of simple rapid tests. KEY POINTS: • In-house ELISA based on bacterially expressed neutralizing epitope/s region protein • In-house ELISA based on complete ORF2 protein expressed in insect cells • Comparison of two in-house and six commercial anti-HEV IgM antibody detection ELISAs.
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48
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Costafreda MI, Sauleda S, Rico A, Piron M, Bes M. Detection of Nonenveloped Hepatitis E Virus in Plasma of Infected Blood Donors. J Infect Dis 2022; 226:1753-1760. [PMID: 34865052 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections have raised many concerns regarding the safety of blood products. To date, enveloped HEV particles have been described in circulating blood, whereas nonenveloped HEV virions have only been found in feces; however, no exhaustive studies have been performed to fully characterize HEV particles in blood. METHODS Using isopycnic ultracentrifugation, we determined the types of HEV particles in plasma of HEV-infected blood donors. RESULTS Nonenveloped HEV was detected in 8 of 23 plasma samples, whereas enveloped HEV was found in all of them. No association was observed between the presence of nonenveloped HEV and viral load, gender, or age at infection. However, samples with HEV-positive serology and/or increased levels of liver injury markers contained a higher proportion of nonenveloped HEV than samples with HEV-negative serology and normal levels of liver enzymes. These results were further confirmed by analyzing paired donation and follow-up samples of 10 HEV-infected donors who were HEV seronegative at donation but had anti-HEV antibodies and/or increased levels of liver enzymes at follow up. CONCLUSIONS The HEV-contaminated blood products may contain nonenveloped HEV, which may pose an additional risk to blood safety by behaving differently to pathogen inactivation treatments or increasing infectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Isabel Costafreda
- Catalan Blood Bank (Banc de Sang i Teixits de Catalunya), Transfusion Safety Laboratory, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research, Vall d'Hebron Universitary Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Sauleda
- Catalan Blood Bank (Banc de Sang i Teixits de Catalunya), Transfusion Safety Laboratory, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research, Vall d'Hebron Universitary Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angie Rico
- Catalan Blood Bank (Banc de Sang i Teixits de Catalunya), Transfusion Safety Laboratory, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Piron
- Catalan Blood Bank (Banc de Sang i Teixits de Catalunya), Transfusion Safety Laboratory, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research, Vall d'Hebron Universitary Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Bes
- Catalan Blood Bank (Banc de Sang i Teixits de Catalunya), Transfusion Safety Laboratory, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research, Vall d'Hebron Universitary Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
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Lean FZX, Leblond AL, Byrne AMP, Mollett B, James J, Watson S, Hurley S, Brookes SM, Weber A, Núñez A. Subclinical hepatitis E virus infection in laboratory ferrets in the UK. J Gen Virol 2022; 103. [DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferrets are widely used for experimental modelling of viral infections. However, background disease in ferrets could potentially confound intended experimental interpretation. Here we report the detection of a subclinical infection of ferret hepatitis E virus (FRHEV) within a colony sub-group of female laboratory ferrets that had been enrolled on an experimental viral infection study (non-hepatitis). Lymphoplasmacytic cuffing of periportal spaces was identified on histopathology but was negative for the RNA and antigens of the administered virus. Follow-up viral metagenomic analysis conducted on liver specimens revealed sequences attributed to FRHEV and these were confirmed by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Further genomic analysis revealed contiguous sequences spanning 79–95 % of the FRHEV genome and that the sequences were closely related to those reported previously in Europe. Using in situ hybridization by RNAScope, we confirmed the presence of HEV-specific RNA in hepatocytes. The HEV open reading frame 2 (ORF2) protein was also detected by immunohistochemistry in the hepatocytes and the biliary canaliculi. In conclusion, the results of our study provide evidence of background infection with FRHEV in laboratory ferrets. As this infection can be subclinical, we recommend routine monitoring of ferret populations using virological and liver function tests to avoid incorrect causal attribution of any liver disease detected in in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Z. X. Lean
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
- Present address: Department of Pathobiology & Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Anne-Laure Leblond
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alexander M. P. Byrne
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Benjamin Mollett
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Joe James
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Samantha Watson
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Shellene Hurley
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Sharon M. Brookes
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Achim Weber
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alejandro Núñez
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
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Primadharsini PP, Nagashima S, Takahashi M, Murata K, Okamoto H. Ritonavir Blocks Hepatitis E Virus Internalization and Clears Hepatitis E Virus In Vitro with Ribavirin. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112440. [PMID: 36366538 PMCID: PMC9697947 DOI: 10.3390/v14112440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is increasingly recognized as the leading cause of acute hepatitis. Although HEV infections are mostly self-limiting, a chronic course can develop especially in those with immunocompromised state. Ribavirin is currently used to treat such patients. According to various reports on chronic HEV infections, a sustained virological response (SVR) was achieved in approximately 80% of patients receiving ribavirin monotherapy. To increase the SVR rate, drug combination might be a viable strategy, which we attempted in the current study. Ritonavir was identified in our previous drug screening while searching for candidate novel anti-HEV drugs. It demonstrated potent inhibition of HEV growth in cultured cells. In the present study, ritonavir blocked HEV internalization as shown through time-of-addition and immunofluorescence assays. Its combination with ribavirin significantly increased the efficiency of inhibiting HEV growth compared to that shown by ribavirin monotherapy, even in PLC/PRF/5 cells with robust HEV production, and resulted in viral clearance. Similar efficiency was seen for HEV genotypes 3 and 4, the main causes of chronic infection. The present findings provide insight concerning the advantage of combination therapy using drugs blocking different steps in the HEV life cycle (internalization and RNA replication) as a potential novel treatment strategy for chronic hepatitis E.
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