1
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Özdemir O, Çelik R, Yiğit Ö. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss during the Covid-19 pandemic; experience of a tertiary referral center. Auris Nasus Larynx 2024; 51:853-858. [PMID: 39098105 DOI: 10.1016/j.anl.2024.07.006] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to highlight the differences in the clinical management and treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) due to the impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS This study compared patients diagnosed with SSNHL between March 2020 and March 2022, following the first reported case of COVID-19 in our country, with patients diagnosed between March 2018 and March 2020. The evaluation encompassed demographic characteristics, comorbidities, other ear-related complaints, hearing loss thresholds at each frequency, medical treatment administered, treatment duration, and post-treatment follow-up audiograms. RESULTS The demographic characteristics and comorbidities of patients before and during the pandemic showed similar distribution. There was no significant difference in the duration from the onset of symptoms to hospital admission during the pandemic compared to the previous period. When evaluating the treatment responses of hospitalized and treated patients according to Siegel's criteria during the pandemic, a similar trend to the pre-pandemic period was observed. It was noted that the use of systemic steroids and hyperbaric oxygen therapy decreased during the pandemic period, while the use of antivirals increased. CONCLUSIONS In our study conducted as a reference center, we want to emphasize that no clear data indicating a relationship between COVID-19 infection and NHL. Also, we believe that COVID-19 infection does not affect the course and prognosis of SSNHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozan Özdemir
- University of Health Sciences Istanbul Training And Research Hospital, Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Ramazan Çelik
- University of Health Sciences Istanbul Training And Research Hospital, Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Özgür Yiğit
- University of Health Sciences Istanbul Training And Research Hospital, Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Istanbul, Turkey.
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2
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Best KC, Ameh E, Weldon C, Shwe D, Maigari IM, Turaki I, Ma’an ND, Yilgwan CS, Makishima T, Weaver S, Paessler S, Shehu NY. Double stigma: a cross-sectional study of Lassa patients with hearing loss in North Central Nigeria. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1395939. [PMID: 39076422 PMCID: PMC11284147 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1395939] [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: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Lassa fever is a zoonotic infectious disease endemic in West Africa with a high case-fatality rate and reported stigmatization of surviving patients. This study examines discrimination among survivors of Lassa fever (LF) complicated by hearing loss (HL). Methods This cross-sectional qualitative study used an in-depth interview guide to collect information from patients with HL about their experience of stigma. Interviews were conducted by a trained team of interviewers at the Jos University Teaching Hospital between January and April 2022 in Hausa language after informed consent was obtained. Recordings of the interviews were transcribed and translated from Hausa to English. Data analysis was conducted using NVivo software using a thematic framework approach. Results Most (73%) respondents were male (n = 11); 27% were female (n = 4). The median age was 35 years (interquartile range, 16.5). Some Lassa fever patients experienced stigma and discrimination (53%) including isolation and withdrawal of family and community support during and after illness. HL increased stigma, as some patients were labeled "deaf" by other community members, increasing perceived stigma and devaluation. HL affected the socio-economic wellbeing of some who could not communicate well with their families and customers and constrained social interactions, evoking pain and apathy. Some survivors of LF and victims of its sequelae of HL experienced double stigmatization. While they were ill with LF, a third of respondents reported avoidance and isolation by family and community members who withdrew care and support both to them and their close family members. These forms of stigmatization strained their relationships. Conclusion There is a need to address stigma in LF survivors who develop HL through concerted community-owned awareness to improve their quality of life along with a robust social support system to aid prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kachollom C. Best
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
- West African Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel Ameh
- West African Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Caroline Weldon
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - David Shwe
- Department of Paediatrics, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Ibrahim Mahmood Maigari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, Nigeria
| | - Ishaku Turaki
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Nuhu D. Ma’an
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria
| | | | - Tomoko Makishima
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Scott Weaver
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Nathan Y. Shehu
- West African Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
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3
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Taniguchi S, Saito T, Paroha R, Huang C, Paessler S, Maruyama J. Unraveling factors responsible for pathogenic differences in Lassa virus strains. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.21.595091. [PMID: 38826374 PMCID: PMC11142057 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.21.595091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is the etiological agent of Lassa fever (LF), a severe hemorrhagic disease with potential for lethal outcomes. Apart from acute symptoms, LF survivors often endure long-term complications, notably hearing loss, which significantly impacts their quality of life and socioeconomic status in endemic regions of West Africa. Classified as a Risk Group 4 agent, LASV poses a substantial public health threat in affected areas. Our laboratory previously developed a novel lethal guinea pig model of LF utilizing the clinical isolate LASV strain LF2384. However, the specific pathogenic factors underlying LF2384 infection in guinea pigs remained elusive. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the differences in the immunological response induced by LF2384 and LF2350, another LASV isolate from a non-lethal LF case within the same outbreak. Through comprehensive immunological gene profiling, we compared the expression kinetics of key genes in guinea pigs infected with LASV LF2384 and LF2350. Our analysis revealed differential expression patterns for several immunological genes, including CD94, CD19-2, CD23, IL-7, and CIITA, during LF2384 and LF2350 infection. Moreover, through the generation of recombinant LASVs, we sought to identify the specific viral genes responsible for the observed pathogenic differences between LF2384 and LF2350. Our investigations pinpointed the L protein as a crucial determinant of pathogenicity in guinea pigs infected with LASV LF2384.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Taniguchi
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Virology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Saito
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Ruchi Paroha
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Cheng Huang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Junki Maruyama
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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4
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Johnson DM, Khakhum N, Wang M, Warner NL, Jokinen JD, Comer JE, Lukashevich IS. Pathogenic and Apathogenic Strains of Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Have Distinct Entry and Innate Immune Activation Pathways. Viruses 2024; 16:635. [PMID: 38675975 PMCID: PMC11053560 DOI: 10.3390/v16040635] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) and Lassa virus (LASV) share many genetic and biological features including subtle differences between pathogenic and apathogenic strains. Despite remarkable genetic similarity, the viscerotropic WE strain of LCMV causes a fatal LASV fever-like hepatitis in non-human primates (NHPs) while the mouse-adapted Armstrong (ARM) strain of LCMV is deeply attenuated in NHPs and can vaccinate against LCMV-WE challenge. Here, we demonstrate that internalization of WE is more sensitive to the depletion of membrane cholesterol than ARM infection while ARM infection is more reliant on endosomal acidification. LCMV-ARM induces robust NF-κB and interferon response factor (IRF) activation while LCMV-WE seems to avoid early innate sensing and failed to induce strong NF-κB and IRF responses in dual-reporter monocyte and epithelial cells. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) signaling appears to play a critical role in NF-κB activation and the silencing of TLR-2 shuts down IL-6 production in ARM but not in WE-infected cells. Pathogenic LCMV-WE infection is poorly recognized in early endosomes and failed to induce TLR-2/Mal-dependent pro-inflammatory cytokines. Following infection, Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK-1) expression is diminished in LCMV-ARM- but not LCMV-WE-infected cells, which indicates it is likely involved in the LCMV-ARM NF-κB activation. By confocal microscopy, ARM and WE strains have similar intracellular trafficking although LCMV-ARM infection appears to coincide with greater co-localization of early endosome marker EEA1 with TLR-2. Both strains co-localize with Rab-7, a late endosome marker, but the interaction with LCMV-WE seems to be more prolonged. These findings suggest that LCMV-ARM's intracellular trafficking pathway may facilitate interaction with innate immune sensors, which promotes the induction of effective innate and adaptive immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan M. Johnson
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Louisville, KY 94202, USA (I.S.L.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 94202, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA; (N.K.); (J.E.C.)
- Sandia National Laboratories, Department of Biotechnology & Bioengineering, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - Nittaya Khakhum
- Galveston National Laboratory, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA; (N.K.); (J.E.C.)
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 94202, USA;
| | - Nikole L. Warner
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Louisville, KY 94202, USA (I.S.L.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 94202, USA
| | - Jenny D. Jokinen
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Louisville, KY 94202, USA (I.S.L.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 94202, USA;
| | - Jason E. Comer
- Galveston National Laboratory, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA; (N.K.); (J.E.C.)
| | - Igor S. Lukashevich
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Louisville, KY 94202, USA (I.S.L.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 94202, USA;
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5
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Reyna RA, Littlefield KE, Shehu N, Makishima T, Maruyama J, Paessler S. The Importance of Lassa Fever and Its Disease Management in West Africa. Viruses 2024; 16:266. [PMID: 38400041 PMCID: PMC10892767 DOI: 10.3390/v16020266] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is a zoonotic pathogen endemic throughout western Africa and is responsible for a human disease known as Lassa fever (LF). Historically, LASV has been emphasized as one of the greatest public health threats in West Africa, with up to 300,000 cases and 5000 associated deaths per year. This, and the fact that the disease has been reported in travelers, has driven a rapid production of various vaccine candidates. Several of these vaccines are currently in clinical development, despite limitations in understanding the immune response to infection. Alarmingly, the host immune response has been implicated in the induction of sensorineural hearing loss in LF survivors, legitimately raising safety questions about any future vaccines as well as efficacy in preventing potential hearing loss. The objective of this article is to revisit the importance and prevalence of LF in West Africa, with focus on Nigeria, and discuss current therapeutic approaches and ongoing vaccine development. In addition, we aim to emphasize the need for more scientific studies relating to LF-associated hearing loss, and to promote critical discussion about potential risks and benefits of vaccinating the population in endemic regions of West Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A. Reyna
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Kirsten E. Littlefield
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Nathan Shehu
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Medicine, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos P.M.B. 2076, Nigeria
| | - Tomoko Makishima
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Junki Maruyama
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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6
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Hastie KM, Melnik LI, Cross RW, Klitting RM, Andersen KG, Saphire EO, Garry RF. The Arenaviridae Family: Knowledge Gaps, Animal Models, Countermeasures, and Prototype Pathogens. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:S359-S375. [PMID: 37849403 PMCID: PMC10582522 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV), Junin virus (JUNV), and several other members of the Arenaviridae family are capable of zoonotic transfer to humans and induction of severe viral hemorrhagic fevers. Despite the importance of arenaviruses as potential pandemic pathogens, numerous gaps exist in scientific knowledge pertaining to this diverse family, including gaps in understanding replication, immunosuppression, receptor usage, and elicitation of neutralizing antibody responses, that in turn complicates development of medical countermeasures. A further challenge to the development of medical countermeasures for arenaviruses is the requirement for use of animal models at high levels of biocontainment, where each model has distinct advantages and limitations depending on, availability of space, animals species-specific reagents, and most importantly the ability of the model to faithfully recapitulate human disease. Designation of LASV and JUNV as prototype pathogens can facilitate progress in addressing the public health challenges posed by members of this important virus family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M Hastie
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Lilia I Melnik
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Robert W Cross
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston National Laboratory, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Raphaëlle M Klitting
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
- Scripps Research Translational Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kristian G Andersen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
- Scripps Research Translational Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Erica Ollmann Saphire
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Robert F Garry
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Zalgen Labs LLC, Frederick, Maryland, USA
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7
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Shi X, Liu X, Sun Y. The Pathogenesis of Cytomegalovirus and Other Viruses Associated with Hearing Loss: Recent Updates. Viruses 2023; 15:1385. [PMID: 37376684 DOI: 10.3390/v15061385] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus infection is one of the most common etiologies of hearing loss. Hearing loss associated with viral infection can be unilateral or bilateral, mild or severe, sudden or progressive, and permanent or recoverable. Many viruses cause hearing loss in adults and children; however, the pathogenesis of hearing loss caused by viral infection is not fully understood. This review describes cytomegalovirus, the most common virus causing hearing loss, and other reported hearing loss-related viruses. We hope to provide a detailed description of pathogenic characteristics and research progress on pathology, hearing phenotypes, possible associated mechanisms, treatment, and prevention measures. This review aims to provide diagnostic and treatment assistance to clinical workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Shi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xiaozhou Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Development and Regeneration, Wuhan 430022, China
- Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
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8
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Patel P, Nandi A, Verma SK, Kaushik N, Suar M, Choi EH, Kaushik NK. Zebrafish-based platform for emerging bio-contaminants and virus inactivation research. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 872:162197. [PMID: 36781138 PMCID: PMC9922160 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Emerging bio-contaminants such as viruses have affected health and environment settings of every country. Viruses are the minuscule entities resulting in severe contagious diseases like SARS, MERS, Ebola, and avian influenza. Recent epidemic like the SARS-CoV-2, the virus has undergone mutations strengthen them and allowing to escape from the remedies. Comprehensive knowledge of viruses is essential for the development of targeted therapeutic and vaccination treatments. Animal models mimicking human biology like non-human primates, rats, mice, and rabbits offer competitive advantage to assess risk of viral infections, chemical toxins, nanoparticles, and microbes. However, their economic maintenance has always been an issue. Furthermore, the redundancy of experimental results due to aforementioned aspects is also in examine. Hence, exploration for the alternative animal models is crucial for risk assessments. The current review examines zebrafish traits and explores the possibilities to monitor emerging bio-contaminants. Additionally, a comprehensive picture of the bio contaminant and virus particle invasion and abatement mechanisms in zebrafish and human cells is presented. Moreover, a zebrafish model to investigate the emerging viruses such as coronaviridae and poxviridae has been suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paritosh Patel
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, 01897 Seoul, South Korea
| | - Aditya Nandi
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Suresh K Verma
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India; Condensed Matter Theory Group, Materials Theory Division, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, Box 516, SE-751 20 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Neha Kaushik
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, The University of Suwon, 18323 Hwaseong, Republic of Korea
| | - Mrutyunjay Suar
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Eun Ha Choi
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, 01897 Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Nagendra Kumar Kaushik
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, 01897 Seoul, South Korea.
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9
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Grant DS, Samuels RJ, Garry RF, Schieffelin JS. Lassa Fever Natural History and Clinical Management. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2023. [PMID: 37106159 DOI: 10.1007/82_2023_263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Lassa fever is caused by Lassa virus (LASV), an Old World Mammarenavirus that is carried by Mastomys natalensis and other rodents. It is endemic in Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and other countries in West Africa. The clinical presentation of LASV infection is heterogenous varying from an inapparent or mild illness to a fatal hemorrhagic fever. Exposure to LASV is usually through contact with rodent excreta. After an incubation period of 1-3 weeks, initial symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue develop that may progress to sore throat, retrosternal chest pain, conjunctival injection, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Severe illness, including hypotension, shock, and multiorgan failure, develops in a minority of patients. Patient demographics and case fatality rates are distinctly different in Sierra Leone and Nigeria. Laboratory diagnosis relies on the detection of LASV antigens or genomic RNA. LASV-specific immunoglobulin G and M assays can also contribute to clinical management. The mainstay of treatment for Lassa fever is supportive care. The nucleoside analog ribavirin is commonly used to treat acute Lassa fever but is considered useful only if treatment is begun early in the disease course. Drugs in development, including a monoclonal antibody cocktail, have the potential to impact the management of Lassa fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald S Grant
- Lassa Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kenema, Sierra Leone
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Robert J Samuels
- Lassa Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Robert F Garry
- School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
- Zalgen Labs, Frederick, MD, 21703, USA
- Global Virus Network (GVN), Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - John S Schieffelin
- School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
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10
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Saito T, Reyna RA, Taniguchi S, Littlefield K, Paessler S, Maruyama J. Vaccine Candidates against Arenavirus Infections. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:635. [PMID: 36992218 PMCID: PMC10057967 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The viral family Arenaviridae contains several members that cause severe, and often lethal, diseases in humans. Several highly pathogenic arenaviruses are classified as Risk Group 4 agents and must be handled in the highest biological containment facility, biosafety level-4 (BSL-4). Vaccines and treatments are very limited for these pathogens. The development of vaccines is crucial for the establishment of countermeasures against highly pathogenic arenavirus infections. While several vaccine candidates have been investigated, there are currently no approved vaccines for arenavirus infection except for Candid#1, a live-attenuated Junin virus vaccine only licensed in Argentina. Current platforms under investigation for use include live-attenuated vaccines, recombinant virus-based vaccines, and recombinant proteins. We summarize here the recent updates of vaccine candidates against arenavirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Saito
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Rachel A. Reyna
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Satoshi Taniguchi
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Kirsten Littlefield
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Junki Maruyama
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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11
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Aloke C, Obasi NA, Aja PM, Emelike CU, Egwu CO, Jeje O, Edeogu CO, Onisuru OO, Orji OU, Achilonu I. Combating Lassa Fever in West African Sub-Region: Progress, Challenges, and Future Perspectives. Viruses 2023; 15:146. [PMID: 36680186 PMCID: PMC9864412 DOI: 10.3390/v15010146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is a rodent-borne disease that threatens human health in the sub-region of West Africa where the zoonotic host of Lassa virus (LASV) is predominant. Currently, treatment options for LF are limited and since no preventive vaccine is approved for its infectivity, there is a high mortality rate in endemic areas. This narrative review explores the transmission, pathogenicity of LASV, advances, and challenges of different treatment options. Our findings indicate that genetic diversity among the different strains of LASV and their ability to circumvent the immune system poses a critical challenge to the development of LASV vaccines/therapeutics. Thus, understanding the biochemistry, physiology and genetic polymorphism of LASV, mechanism of evading host immunity are essential for development of effective LASV vaccines/therapeutics to combat this lethal viral disease. The LASV nucleoprotein (NP) is a novel target for therapeutics as it functions significantly in several aspects of the viral life cycle. Consequently, LASV NP inhibitors could be employed as effective therapeutics as they will potentially inhibit LASV replication. Effective preventive control measures, vaccine development, target validation, and repurposing of existing drugs, such as ribavirin, using activity or in silico-based and computational bioinformatics, would aid in the development of novel drugs for LF management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinyere Aloke
- Protein Structure-Function and Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki PMB 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Nwogo Ajuka Obasi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki PMB 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Patrick Maduabuchi Aja
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki PMB 053, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Mbarara P.O. Box 1410, Uganda
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Kampala International University, Bushenyi, Ishaka P.O. Box 71, Uganda
| | - Chinedum Uche Emelike
- Department of Physiology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki PMB 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Chinedu Ogbonnia Egwu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki PMB 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Olamide Jeje
- Protein Structure-Function and Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
| | - Chuks Oswald Edeogu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki PMB 053, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Olalekan Olugbenga Onisuru
- Protein Structure-Function and Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
| | - Obasi Uche Orji
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki PMB 053, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Ikechukwu Achilonu
- Protein Structure-Function and Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
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12
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Elmoursy MM, Bakr MS, Mohamed ES, Ragaee MA. The Incidence of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL) in COVID-19 Patients in Tertiary Care Referral Units. SN COMPREHENSIVE CLINICAL MEDICINE 2023; 5:87. [PMID: 36845674 PMCID: PMC9942031 DOI: 10.1007/s42399-023-01420-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 is a new pandemic infectious disease that emerged in Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019. We aimed to evaluate the sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) prevalence after COVID-19 infection or even vaccination. This is a two-center retrospective, observational cross-sectional study performed at tertiary care referral Audiovestibular Medicine Units at the period between August 1, 2020, and October 31, 2021. All SSNHL patients diagnosed in a period of a month with COVID-19 or vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine were included in this study. Fifty-three cases with confirmed COVID-19 and one patient vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine 1 week before, who reported sudden sensory neural hearing loss, were included in this study. Forty-eight patients had unilateral hearing loss and 6 patients had bilateral hearing loss. Forty-nine patients had typical COVID-19 symptoms; one patient discovered them after complaining of anosmia and ageusia and one patient after COVID-19 vaccination; and three patients were complaining only from hearing loss and had a PCR test for nasopharyngeal swabs to prove infection. Different degrees of SSNHL ranged from mild to severe and most of the patients had severe hearing loss. With more patients, COVID-19 may be a potential factor in sudden sensorineural hearing loss. It should be kept in mind that SSNHL may be the only indicator used to identify COVID-19 cases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohamed Salama Bakr
- Audiovestibular Medicine Unit, ENT Department, Assiut University, Asyut, Egypt
| | - Enass Sayed Mohamed
- Audiovestibular Medicine Unit, ENT Department, Assiut University, Asyut, Egypt
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13
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Brisse M, Fernández-Alarcón C, Huang Q, Kirk N, Schleiss MR, Liang Y, Ly H. Hearing loss in outbred Hartley guinea pigs experimentally infected with Pichinde virus as a surrogate model of human mammarenaviral hemorrhagic fevers. Virulence 2022; 13:1049-1061. [PMID: 35758052 PMCID: PMC9794012 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2087948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is a neglected tropical disease that is caused by Lassa virus (LASV), a human hemorrhagic fever-causing mammarenavirus. A notable sequela of LF is sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) that can develop in about 33% of the patients. Animal models of LF-associated SNHL have been limited in size and scope because LASV is a biosafety level 4 (BSL4) pathogen that requires its handling in a high biocontainment laboratory. In this report, we describe the development of an alternative arenavirus hearing loss model by infecting outbred Hartley guinea pigs with a virulent strain (rP18) of the Pichinde virus (PICV), which is a guinea pig-adapted mammarenavirus that has been used as a surrogate model of mammarenaviral hemorrhagic fevers in a conventional (BSL2) laboratory. By measuring auditory brainstem response (ABR) throughout the course of the virulent rP18 PICV infection, we noticed that some of the animals experienced an acute but transient level of hearing loss. Cochleae of hearing-impaired animals, but not of controls, had demonstrable viral RNA by quantitative RT-PCR, indicating the presence of virus in the affected inner ear with no overt histopathological changes. In contrast, neither the outbred Hartley guinea pigs infected with a known avirulent strain (rP2) of PICV nor those that were mock-infected showed any evidence of hearing loss or viral infection of the inner ear. This is the first report of an immunocompetent small animal model of mammarenavirus-induced hearing loss that can be used to evaluate potential therapeutics against virus-induced hearing impairment under a conventional laboratory setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Brisse
- Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics Graduate Program, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA,Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Qinfeng Huang
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
| | - Natalie Kirk
- Comparative and Molecular Biosciences Graduate Program, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA,Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mark R. Schleiss
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
| | - Yuying Liang
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
| | - Hinh Ly
- Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics Graduate Program, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA,Comparative and Molecular Biosciences Graduate Program, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA,Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA,CONTACT Hinh Ly
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14
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Murphy H, Ly H. Understanding Immune Responses to Lassa Virus Infection and to Its Candidate Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:1668. [PMID: 36298533 PMCID: PMC9612042 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10101668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is a deadly viral hemorrhagic fever disease that is endemic in several countries in West Africa. It is caused by Lassa virus (LASV), which has been estimated to be responsible for approximately 300,000 infections and 5000 deaths annually. LASV is a highly pathogenic human pathogen without effective therapeutics or FDA-approved vaccines. Here, we aim to provide a literature review of the current understanding of the basic mechanism of immune responses to LASV infection in animal models and patients, as well as to several of its candidate vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hinh Ly
- Comparative & Molecular Biosciences Graduate Program, Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, St Paul, MN 55108, USA
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15
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Reyna RA, Maruyama J, Mantlo EK, Manning JT, Taniguchi S, Makishima T, Lukashevich IS, Paessler S. Depletion of CD4 and CD8 T Cells Reduces Acute Disease and Is Not Associated with Hearing Loss in ML29-Infected STAT1-/- Mice. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2433. [PMID: 36289695 PMCID: PMC9598517 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is a zoonotic virus endemic to western Africa that can cause a potentially lethal and hemorrhagic disease, Lassa fever (LF). Survivors suffer a myriad of sequelae, most notably sudden onset sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), the mechanism of which remains unclear. Unfortunately, studies aiming to identify the mechanism of these sequelae are limited due to the biosafety level 4 (BSL4) requirements of LASV itself. ML29, a reassortant virus proposed as an experimental vaccine candidate against LASV, is potentially an ideal surrogate model of LF in STAT1-/- mice due to similar phenotype in these animals. We intended to better characterize ML29 pathogenesis and potential sequelae in this animal model. Our results indicate that while both CD4 and CD8 T cells are responsible for acute disease in ML29 infection, ML29 induces significant hearing loss in a mechanism independent of either CD4 or CD8 T cells. We believe that this model could provide valuable information for viral-associated hearing loss in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A. Reyna
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Junki Maruyama
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Emily K. Mantlo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - John T. Manning
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Satoshi Taniguchi
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Tomoko Makishima
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Igor S. Lukashevich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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16
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Nguyen THV, Yekwa E, Selisko B, Canard B, Alvarez K, Ferron F. Inhibition of Arenaviridae nucleoprotein exonuclease by bisphosphonate. IUCRJ 2022; 9:468-479. [PMID: 35844481 PMCID: PMC9252148 DOI: 10.1107/s2052252522005061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Arenaviruses are emerging enveloped negative-sense RNA viruses that cause neurological and hemorrhagic diseases in humans. Currently, no FDA-approved vaccine or therapeutic agent is available except for ribavirin, which must be administered early during infection for optimum efficacy. A hallmark of arenavirus infection is rapid and efficient immune suppression mediated by the exonuclease domain encoded by the nucleoprotein. This exonuclease is therefore an attractive target for the design of novel antiviral drugs since exonuclease inhibitors might not only have a direct effect on the enzyme but could also boost viral clearance through stimulation of the innate immune system of the host cell. Here, in silico screening and an enzymatic assay were used to identify a novel, specific but weak inhibitor of the arenavirus exonuclease, with IC50 values of 65.9 and 68.6 µM for Mopeia virus and Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, respectively. This finding was further characterized using crystallographic and docking approaches. This study serves as a proof of concept and may have assigned a new therapeutic purpose for the bisphosphonate family, therefore paving the way for the development of inhibitors against Arenaviridae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Hong Van Nguyen
- Aix-Marseille Université and Laboratoire Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB), CNRS – UMR-7257, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Elsie Yekwa
- Aix-Marseille Université and Laboratoire Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB), CNRS – UMR-7257, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Barbara Selisko
- Aix-Marseille Université and Laboratoire Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB), CNRS – UMR-7257, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Bruno Canard
- Aix-Marseille Université and Laboratoire Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB), CNRS – UMR-7257, 13288 Marseille, France
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Leutragraben 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Karine Alvarez
- Aix-Marseille Université and Laboratoire Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB), CNRS – UMR-7257, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - François Ferron
- Aix-Marseille Université and Laboratoire Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB), CNRS – UMR-7257, 13288 Marseille, France
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Leutragraben 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
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17
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Maruyama J, Reyna RA, Kishimoto-Urata M, Urata S, Manning JT, Harsell N, Cook R, Huang C, Nikolich-Zugich J, Makishima T, Paessler S. CD4 T-cell depletion prevents Lassa fever associated hearing loss in the mouse model. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010557. [PMID: 35605008 PMCID: PMC9166448 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is the causative agent of Lassa fever (LF), which presents as a lethal hemorrhagic disease in severe cases. LASV-induced hearing loss in survivors is a huge socioeconomic burden, however, the mechanism(s) leading to hearing loss is unknown. In this study, we evaluate in a mouse LF model the auditory function using auditory brainstem response (ABR) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) to determine the mechanisms underlying LASV-induced hearing loss. In the process, we pioneered measures of ABR and DPOAE tests in rodents in biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) facilities. Our T cell depletion studies demonstrated that CD4 T-cells play an important role in LASV-induced hearing loss, while CD8 T-cells are critical for the pathogenicity in the acute phase of LASV infection. Results presented in this study may help to develop future countermeasures against acute disease and LASV-induced hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junki Maruyama
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rachel A. Reyna
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Megumi Kishimoto-Urata
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Shinji Urata
- Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - John T. Manning
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Nantian Harsell
- Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Cook
- Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Cheng Huang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Janko Nikolich-Zugich
- Department of Immunobiology and the University of Arizona Center on Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Tomoko Makishima
- Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
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18
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Raabe V, Mehta AK, Evans JD. Lassa Virus Infection: a Summary for Clinicians. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 119:187-200. [PMID: 35395384 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.04.004] [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: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This summary on Lassa virus (LASV) infection and Lassa fever disease (LF) was developed from a clinical perspective to provide clinicians a condensed, accessible understanding of the current literature. The information provided highlights pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnostics with an emphasis on therapies and vaccines that have demonstrated potential value for use in clinical or research environments. METHODS An integrative literature review was conducted on the clinical and pathological features, vaccines, and treatments for LASV infection, with a focus on recent studies and in vivo evidence from humans and/or non-human primates (NHPs), when available. RESULTS Two antiviral medications with potential benefit for the treatment of LASV infection and one for post-exposure prophylaxis were identified, although a larger number of potential candidates are currently being evaluated. Multiple vaccine platforms are in pre-clinical development for LASV prevention, but data from human clinical trials are not yet available. CONCLUSION We provide succinct summaries of medical countermeasures against LASV to give the busy clinician a rapid reference. Although there are no approved drugs or vaccines for LF, we provide condensed information from a literature review for measures that can be taken when faced with a suspected infection, including investigational treatment options and hospital engineering controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Raabe
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY.
| | | | - Jared D Evans
- Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD.
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19
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Murphy HL, Ly H. Pathogenicity and virulence mechanisms of Lassa virus and its animal modeling, diagnostic, prophylactic, and therapeutic developments. Virulence 2021; 12:2989-3014. [PMID: 34747339 PMCID: PMC8923068 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.2000290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is a deadly viral hemorrhagic disease that is endemic to West Africa. The causative agent of LF is Lassa virus (LASV), which causes approximately 300,000 infections and 5,000 deaths annually. There are currently no approved therapeutics or FDA-approved vaccines against LASV. The high genetic variability between LASV strains and immune evasion mediated by the virus complicate the development of effective therapeutics and vaccines. Here, we aim to provide a comprehensive review of the basic biology of LASV and its mechanisms of disease pathogenesis and virulence in various animal models, as well as an update on prospective vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics for LF. Until effective vaccines and/or therapeutics are available for use to prevent or treat LF, a better level of understanding of the basic biology of LASV, its natural genetic variations and immune evasion mechanisms as potential pathogenicity factors, and of the rodent reservoir-vector populations and their geographical distributions, is necessary for the development of accurate diagnostics and effective therapeutics and vaccines against this deadly human viral pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L Murphy
- Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences, Comparative & Molecular Biosciences Graduate Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
| | - Hinh Ly
- Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences, Comparative & Molecular Biosciences Graduate Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
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20
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Deafness-in-a-dish: modeling hereditary deafness with inner ear organoids. Hum Genet 2021; 141:347-362. [PMID: 34342719 PMCID: PMC9035009 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-021-02325-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a major cause of functional disability in both the developed and developing world. While hearing aids and cochlear implants provide significant benefit to many with SNHL, neither targets the cellular and molecular dysfunction that ultimately underlies SNHL. The successful development of more targeted approaches, such as growth factor, stem cell, and gene therapies, will require a yet deeper understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of human hearing and deafness. Unfortunately, the human inner ear cannot be biopsied without causing significant, irreversible damage to the hearing or balance organ. Thus, much of our current understanding of the cellular and molecular biology of human deafness, and of the human auditory system more broadly, has been inferred from observational and experimental studies in animal models, each of which has its own advantages and limitations. In 2013, researchers described a protocol for the generation of inner ear organoids from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), which could serve as scalable, high-fidelity alternatives to animal models. Here, we discuss the advantages and limitations of conventional models of the human auditory system, describe the generation and characteristics of PSC-derived inner ear organoids, and discuss several strategies and recent attempts to model hereditary deafness in vitro. Finally, we suggest and discuss several focus areas for the further, intensive characterization of inner ear organoids and discuss the translational applications of these novel models of the human inner ear.
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21
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Lan S, Shieh WJ, Huang Q, Zaki SR, Liang Y, Ly H. Virulent infection of outbred Hartley guinea pigs with recombinant Pichinde virus as a surrogate small animal model for human Lassa fever. Virulence 2021; 11:1131-1141. [PMID: 32799623 PMCID: PMC7549944 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2020.1809328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Arenaviruses, such as Lassa virus (LASV), can cause severe and fatal hemorrhagic fevers (e.g., Lassa fever, LF) in humans with no vaccines or therapeutics. Research on arenavirus-induced hemorrhagic fevers (AHFs) has been hampered by the highly virulent nature of these viral pathogens, which require high biocontainment laboratory, and the lack of an immune-competent small animal model that can recapitulate AHF disease and pathological features. Guinea pig infected with Pichinde virus (PICV), an arenavirus that does not cause disease in humans, has been established as a convenient surrogate animal model for AHFs as it can be handled in a conventional laboratory. The PICV strain P18, derived from sequential passaging of the virus 18 times in strain 13 inbred guinea pigs, causes severe febrile illness in guinea pigs that is reminiscent of lethal LF in humans. As inbred guinea pigs are not readily available and are difficult to maintain, outbred Hartley guinea pigs have been used but they show a high degree of disease heterogeneity upon virulent P18 PICV infection. Here, we describe an improved outbred guinea-pig infection model using recombinant rP18 PICV generated by reverse genetics technique followed by plaque purification, which consistently shows >90% mortality and virulent infection. Comprehensive virological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analyses of the rP18-virus infected animals show similar features of human LASV infection. Our data demonstrate that this improved animal model can serve as a safe, affordable, and convenient surrogate small animal model for studying human LF pathogenesis and for evaluating efficacy of preventative or therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuiyun Lan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University , Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Wun-Ju Shieh
- Infectious Disease Pathology Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Qinfeng Huang
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota , St Paul, MN, USA
| | - Sherif R Zaki
- Infectious Disease Pathology Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yuying Liang
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota , St Paul, MN, USA
| | - Hinh Ly
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota , St Paul, MN, USA
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22
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Ricciardiello F, Pisani D, Viola P, Cristiano E, Scarpa A, Giannone A, Longo G, Russo G, Bocchetti M, Coppola C, Perrella M, Oliva F, Chiarella G. Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Mild COVID-19: Case Series and Analysis of the Literature. Audiol Res 2021; 11:313-326. [PMID: 34287226 PMCID: PMC8293051 DOI: 10.3390/audiolres11030029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There is growing evidence of otoneurological involvement of SARS-CoV-2, such as tinnitus and balance disorders and smell and taste disorders, but HL in COVID-19 patients has still been marginally studied. Investigating the role of SARS-CoV-2 as an aetiological factor of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL) may offer the opportunity to address treatment strategies to maximize clinical recovery and avoid side effects. Methods and results: For this purpose, we will present case studies of five patients who experienced SSNHL during COVID-19. Patients were selected from COVID-19 positive adult subjects with mild clinical presentation, admitted to the outpatient Ear Nose and Throat Department of Cardarelli Hospital due to the onset of SSNHL during the infection. All underwent a complete audio-vestibular investigation before and after SSNHL treatment protocol. Each patient is described with a detailed analysis. Conclusions: SSNHL could be an occasional symptom of COVID-19, even in mild manifestations of the disease. Our experience leads us to underline the value of promptly recognizing and addressing this and other uncommon symptoms, giving patients the opportunity to receive early treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Ricciardiello
- ENT Department, AORN Cardarelli, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (F.R.); (E.C.); (A.G.); (F.O.)
| | - Davide Pisani
- Unit of Audiology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (P.V.); (G.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-096-1364-7124
| | - Pasquale Viola
- Unit of Audiology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (P.V.); (G.C.)
| | - Elisabetta Cristiano
- ENT Department, AORN Cardarelli, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (F.R.); (E.C.); (A.G.); (F.O.)
| | - Alfonso Scarpa
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy;
| | - Antonio Giannone
- ENT Department, AORN Cardarelli, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (F.R.); (E.C.); (A.G.); (F.O.)
| | | | - Giuseppe Russo
- Health Management AORN Cardarelli, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (G.R.); (C.C.)
| | - Marco Bocchetti
- Biogem Scarl, Molecular Oncology and Precision Medicine Laboratory, 83031 Irpino, Italy;
| | - Ciro Coppola
- Health Management AORN Cardarelli, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (G.R.); (C.C.)
| | - Marco Perrella
- Anesthesiology and Reanimation Department AORN Cardarelli, 80100 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Flavia Oliva
- ENT Department, AORN Cardarelli, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (F.R.); (E.C.); (A.G.); (F.O.)
| | - Giuseppe Chiarella
- Unit of Audiology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (P.V.); (G.C.)
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Tang-Huau TL, Rosenke K, Meade-White K, Carmody A, Smith BJ, Bosio CM, Jarvis MA, Feldmann H. Mastomys natalensis Has a Cellular Immune Response Profile Distinct from Laboratory Mice. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050729. [PMID: 33922222 PMCID: PMC8145423 DOI: 10.3390/v13050729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The multimammate mouse (Mastomys natalensis; M. natalensis) has been identified as a major reservoir for multiple human pathogens including Lassa virus (LASV), Leishmania spp., Yersinia spp., and Borrelia spp. Although M. natalensis are related to well-characterized mouse and rat species commonly used in laboratory models, there is an absence of established assays and reagents to study the host immune responses of M. natalensis. As a result, there are major limitations to our understanding of immunopathology and mechanisms of immunological pathogen control in this increasingly important rodent species. In the current study, a large panel of commercially available rodent reagents were screened to identify their cross-reactivity with M. natalensis. Using these reagents, ex vivo assays were established and optimized to evaluate lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production by M. natalensis lymphocytes. In contrast to C57BL/6J mice, lymphocytes from M. natalensis were relatively non-responsive to common stimuli such as phytohaemagglutinin P and lipopolysaccharide. However, they readily responded to concanavalin A stimulation as indicated by proliferation and cytokine production. In summary, we describe lymphoproliferative and cytokine assays demonstrating that the cellular immune responses in M. natalensis to commonly used mitogens differ from a laboratory-bred mouse strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsing-Lee Tang-Huau
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA; (K.R.); (K.M.-W.)
- Correspondence: (T.-L.T.-H.); (H.F.); Tel.: +1-4063757410 (H.F.)
| | - Kyle Rosenke
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA; (K.R.); (K.M.-W.)
| | - Kimberly Meade-White
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA; (K.R.); (K.M.-W.)
| | - Aaron Carmody
- Research Technologies Branch, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA;
| | - Brian J. Smith
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA;
| | - Catharine M. Bosio
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA;
| | - Michael A. Jarvis
- Faculty of Health: Medicine, Dentistry and Human Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK;
- The Vaccine Group (TVG) Ltd., 14 Research Way, Derriford Research Facility, Plymouth Science Park, Plymouth PL6 8BU, UK
| | - Heinz Feldmann
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA; (K.R.); (K.M.-W.)
- Correspondence: (T.-L.T.-H.); (H.F.); Tel.: +1-4063757410 (H.F.)
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Johnson DM, Cubitt B, Pfeffer TL, de la Torre JC, Lukashevich IS. Lassa Virus Vaccine Candidate ML29 Generates Truncated Viral RNAs Which Contribute to Interfering Activity and Attenuation. Viruses 2021; 13:v13020214. [PMID: 33573250 PMCID: PMC7912207 DOI: 10.3390/v13020214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Defective interfering particles (DIPs) are naturally occurring products during virus replication in infected cells. DIPs contain defective viral genomes (DVGs) and interfere with replication and propagation of their corresponding standard viral genomes by competing for viral and cellular resources, as well as promoting innate immune antiviral responses. Consequently, for many different viruses, including mammarenaviruses, DIPs play key roles in the outcome of infection. Due to their ability to broadly interfere with viral replication, DIPs are attractive tools for the development of a new generation of biologics to target genetically diverse and rapidly evolving viruses. Here, we provide evidence that in cells infected with the Lassa fever (LF) vaccine candidate ML29, a reassortant that carries the nucleoprotein (NP) and glycoprotein (GP) dominant antigens of the pathogenic Lassa virus (LASV) together with the L polymerase and Z matrix protein of the non-pathogenic genetically related Mopeia virus (MOPV), L-derived truncated RNA species are readily detected following infection at low multiplicity of infection (MOI) or in persistently-infected cells originally infected at high MOI. In the present study, we show that expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) driven by a tri-segmented form of the mammarenavirus lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (r3LCMV-GFP/GFP) was strongly inhibited in ML29-persistently infected cells, and that the magnitude of GFP suppression was dependent on the passage history of the ML29-persistently infected cells. In addition, we found that DIP-enriched ML29 was highly attenuated in immunocompetent CBA/J mice and in Hartley guinea pigs. Likewise, STAT-1-/- mice, a validated small animal model for human LF associated hearing loss sequelae, infected with DIP-enriched ML29 did not exhibit any hearing abnormalities throughout the observation period (62 days).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan M. Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA;
- Correspondence: (D.M.J.); (I.S.L.)
| | - Beatrice Cubitt
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (B.C.); (J.C.d.l.T.)
| | - Tia L. Pfeffer
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 402042, USA
| | - Juan Carlos de la Torre
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (B.C.); (J.C.d.l.T.)
| | - Igor S. Lukashevich
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 402042, USA
- Correspondence: (D.M.J.); (I.S.L.)
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Li AL, Grant D, Gbakie M, Kanneh L, Mustafa I, Bond N, Engel E, Schieffelin J, Vandy MJ, Yeh S, Shantha JG. Ophthalmic manifestations and vision impairment in Lassa fever survivors. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243766. [PMID: 33301526 PMCID: PMC7728206 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to describe the ocular findings, structural ocular complications, and vision impairment in a cohort of Lassa fever survivors in Kenema, Sierra Leone. A retrospective, uncontrolled, cross-sectional study of 31 Lassa fever survivors (62 eyes) who underwent an ophthalmic evaluation in January 2018 at the Kenema Government Hospital in Kenema, Sierra Leone was performed. Data collection included demographic information, ocular/systemic symptoms, visual acuity (VA), and ophthalmic examination findings. Main outcome measures included anterior and posterior segment ophthalmic manifestations and level of VA impairment in Lassa fever survivors. Anterior segment findings included cataract (18%) and pterygium (2%), while posterior segment manifestations consisted of glaucoma (6%), preretinal hemorrhage (2%), and lattice degeneration (2%). Findings suggestive of prior sequelae of uveitis included chorioretinal scarring (5%), retinal fibrosis (3%), and vitreous opacity (2%). Visual acuity was normal/mildly impaired in 53 eyes (85%), moderately impaired in 6 eyes (10%), and 3 eyes (5%) were considered blind by the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Median VA was worse in Lassa fever survivors with ophthalmic disease findings (p<0.0001) for both anterior segment (p<0.0001) and posterior segment disease (p<0.013). Untreated cataract was a significant cause of visual acuity impairment (p<0.0001). Lassa fever survivors in this cohort were found to have cataract and posterior segment findings that potentially represent sequelae of uveitis associated with visual impairment. Future studies are warranted to improve our understanding of the spectrum of ocular disease in this emerging infectious disease of public health consequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa L. Li
- Section of Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology, Emory Eye Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Donald Grant
- Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Michael Gbakie
- Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Lansana Kanneh
- Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Ibrahim Mustafa
- Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Nell Bond
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Emily Engel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - John Schieffelin
- Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Matthew J. Vandy
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, National Eye Program, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Steven Yeh
- Section of Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology, Emory Eye Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JGS); (SY)
| | - Jessica G. Shantha
- Section of Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology, Emory Eye Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JGS); (SY)
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26
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Ficenec SC, Percak J, Arguello S, Bays A, Goba A, Gbakie M, Shaffer JG, Emmett SD, Schieffelin JS, Bausch D. Lassa Fever Induced Hearing Loss: The Neglected Disability of Hemorrhagic Fever. Int J Infect Dis 2020; 100:82-87. [PMID: 32795603 PMCID: PMC7807889 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lassa fever (LF) a hemorrhagic fever endemic to Western has an incidence of approximately 500,000 cases per year. Here, we evaluate hearing loss and other sequelae following LF. METHODS This case-control study enrolled laboratory confirmed LF survivors, non-LF Febrile controls and Matched Community controls with no history of LF or recent hospitalization for a febrile illness. Study participants completed a symptom questionnaire. Pure-tone audiometry was completed by a subset of participants. RESULTS One hundred forty-seven subjects were enrolled aged from 3-66 years (mean = 23.3). LF survivors were significantly more likely to report balance difficulties (55% vs 20%, p < 0.001), hair loss (32% vs 7%, p < 0.001), difficulty speaking (19% vs 1%, p < 0.001), social isolation (50% vs 0%, p < 0.001), and hearing loss (17% vs 1%, p = 0.002) in comparison to Matched-Community Controls. Similar trends were noted in comparison to Febrile Controls, although these findings were non-significant. Fifty subjects completed audiometry. Audiometry found that LF survivors had significantly more bilateral hearing loss in comparison to Matched-Community Controls (30% vs 4%, p = 0.029). CONCLUSION This study characterizes the sequelae of LF and highlights the need for increased access to hearing care in West Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeffrey Percak
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Sara Arguello
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Alison Bays
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Jeffrey G Shaffer
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Susan D Emmett
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Communication Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA; Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Daniel Bausch
- Tulane Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Research Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone
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27
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Auditory function analysis in immunodeficient STAT1 knock-out mice: Considerations for viral infection models. Neurosci Lett 2020; 740:135427. [PMID: 33069812 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The STAT1 knock-out (KO) mouse is a frequently used transgenic immunodeficient strain to model human viral and bacterial diseases. The Lassa fever model was established in the STAT1 KO mice mimicking phenotypes seen in human patients including deafness in survivors. This model develops hearing loss at high prevalence and is a valuable tool to investigate viral infection-induced hearing loss. However, Lassa virus is a highly contagious and regulated agent requiring the unique logistics of the biosafety level 4 posing limitations for experimental work. Therefore, we did a detailed auditory analysis of the STAT1 KO mice to assess baseline auditory function in preparation for further auditory behavioral studies. Auditory brainstem response and distortion product otoacoustic emission tests were performed on males and females of the STAT1 KO mice and was compared to 129S6/SvEv wild type (WT) mice. The male WT mice had the best auditory performance and the female WT mice had the worst hearing performance. The male and female STAT1 KO mice had similar auditory performance to each other, which was intermediate between WT males and females. We conclude that both male and female STAT1 KO mice are suitable for studying viral infection-induced hearing loss.
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28
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Huang Q, Liu X, Brisse M, Ly H, Liang Y. Effect of Strain Variations on Lassa Virus Z Protein-Mediated Human RIG-I Inhibition. Viruses 2020; 12:E907. [PMID: 32824946 PMCID: PMC7551410 DOI: 10.3390/v12090907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammarenaviruses include several known human pathogens, such as the prototypic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) that can cause neurological diseases and Lassa virus (LASV) that causes endemic hemorrhagic fever infection. LASV-infected patients show diverse clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic infection to hemorrhage, multi-organ failures and death, the mechanisms of which have not been well characterized. We have previously shown that the matrix protein Z of pathogenic arenaviruses, including LASV and LCMV, can strongly inhibit the ability of the innate immune protein RIG-I to suppress type I interferon (IFN-I) expression, which serves as a mechanism of viral immune evasion and virulence. Here, we show that Z proteins of diverse LASV isolates derived from rodents and humans have a high degree of sequence variations at their N- and C-terminal regions and produce variable degrees of inhibition of human RIG-I (hRIG-I) function in an established IFN-β promoter-driven luciferase (LUC) reporter assay. Additionally, we show that Z proteins of four known LCMV strains can also inhibit hRIG-I at variable degrees of efficiency. Collectively, our results confirm that Z proteins of pathogenic LASV and LCMV can inhibit hRIG-I and suggest that strain variations of the Z proteins can influence their efficiency to suppress host innate immunity that might contribute to viral virulence and disease heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yuying Liang
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-612-625-3376; Fax: +1-612-625-0204
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29
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Prakash S, Roy S, Srivastava R, Coulon PG, Dhanushkodi NR, Vahed H, Jankeel A, Geertsema R, Amezquita C, Nguyen L, Messaoudi I, Burkhardt AM, BenMohamed L. Unique molecular signatures of antiviral memory CD8 + T cells associated with asymptomatic recurrent ocular herpes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13843. [PMID: 32796943 PMCID: PMC7427992 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70673-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The nature of antiviral CD8+ T cells associated with protective and pathogenic herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infections remains unclear. We compared the transcriptome, phenotype, and function of memory CD8+ T cells, sharing the same HSV-1 epitope-specificities, from infected HLA-A*0201 positive symptomatic (SYMP) vs. asymptomatic (ASYMP) individuals and HLA-A*0201 transgenic rabbits. Compared to higher frequencies of multifunctional effector memory CD8+ TEM cells in ASYMP individuals, the SYMP individuals presented dysfunctional CD8+ TEM cells, expressing major exhaustion pathways. Compared to protected ASYMP HLA transgenic rabbits, the trigeminal ganglia of non-protected SYMP HLA transgenic rabbits had higher frequencies of dysfunctional tissue-resident CD8+ TRM cells. Moreover, blockade of T cell exhaustion pathways restored the function of CD8+ T cells, reduced virus reactivation, and diminished recurrent disease in HLA transgenic rabbits. These findings reveal unique molecular signatures of protective CD8+ T cells and pave the way for T-cell-based immunotherapy to combat recurrent ocular herpes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swayam Prakash
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Hewitt Hall, Room 2032; 843 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Soumyabrata Roy
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Hewitt Hall, Room 2032; 843 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Ruchi Srivastava
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Hewitt Hall, Room 2032; 843 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Pierre-Gregoire Coulon
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Hewitt Hall, Room 2032; 843 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Nisha R Dhanushkodi
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Hewitt Hall, Room 2032; 843 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Hawa Vahed
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Hewitt Hall, Room 2032; 843 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Allen Jankeel
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Roger Geertsema
- University Laboratory Animal Resources, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Cassandra Amezquita
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Hewitt Hall, Room 2032; 843 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Lan Nguyen
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Hewitt Hall, Room 2032; 843 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Ilhem Messaoudi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Amanda M Burkhardt
- Vaccine Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92617, USA
- Institute for Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Lbachir BenMohamed
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Hewitt Hall, Room 2032; 843 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Vaccine Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92617, USA.
- Institute for Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
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30
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Schmaljohn C, Safronetz D. Editorial overview: Lassa virus. Curr Opin Virol 2020; 37:vii-ix. [PMID: 31564289 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2019.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Connie Schmaljohn
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, United States.
| | - David Safronetz
- Special Pathogens, Public Health Agency of Canada - National Microbiology Laboratory, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3P6, Canada.
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Pichinde Virus Infection of Outbred Hartley Guinea Pigs as a Surrogate Animal Model for Human Lassa Fever: Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Analyses. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9070579. [PMID: 32708789 PMCID: PMC7400641 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9070579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is a mammarenavirus (arenavirus) that causes zoonotic infection in humans that can lead to fatal hemorrhagic Lassa fever (LF) disease. Currently, there are no FDA-approved vaccines or therapeutics against LASV. Development of treatments against LF and other related arenavirus-induced hemorrhagic fevers (AHFs) requires relevant animal models that can recapitulate clinical and pathological features of AHF diseases in humans. Laboratory mice are generally resistant to LASV infection, and non-human primates, while being a good animal model for LF, are limited by their high cost. Here, we describe a small, affordable, and convenient animal model that is based on outbred Hartley guinea pigs infected with Pichinde virus (PICV), a mammarenavirus that is non-pathogenic in humans, for use as a surrogate model of human LF. We conducted a detailed analysis of tissue histopathology and immunohistochemical analysis of different organs of outbred Hartley guinea pigs infected with different PICV strains that show differential disease phenotypes and pathologies. Comparing to infection with the avirulent PICV strain (P2 or rP2), animals infected with the virulent strain (P18 or rP18) show extensive pathological changes in different organs that sustain high levels of virus replication. The similarity of tissue pathology and viral antigen distribution between the virulent PICV–guinea pig model and lethal human LASV infection supports a role of this small animal model as a surrogate model of studying human LF in order to understand its pathogenesis and for evaluating potential preventative and therapeutic options against AHFs.
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32
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Kilic O, Kalcioglu MT, Cag Y, Tuysuz O, Pektas E, Caskurlu H, Cetın F. Could sudden sensorineural hearing loss be the sole manifestation of COVID-19? An investigation into SARS-COV-2 in the etiology of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Int J Infect Dis 2020; 97:208-211. [PMID: 32535294 PMCID: PMC7289736 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic it is important to recognize every possible symptom of the virus to break the chain of transmission. COVID-19 patients could present with nonspecific symptoms other than those that are commonly known. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss may be one of the symptoms of COVID-19. Until now there have been no reports of COVID-19 patients diagnosed with isolated sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
Objective This study aimed to investigate the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in patients presenting with only sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHNL) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The study included five male patients who presented with the sole complaint of unilateral SSNHL to the otolaryngology outpatient clinic between 03–12 April 2020. The patients were referred to the infectious diseases clinic to be evaluated for SARS-CoV-2 by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing. Results RT-PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 was positive in one of the patients and negative in the other four patients. A positive response to COVID-19-specific treatment in the SARS-CoV-2 positive SSNHL patient was noted. Conclusion It should be remembered that non-specific symptoms such as SSNHL could be the only sign with which to recognize a COVID-19 case. Awareness of such a non-specific presentation of COVID-19 patients is crucial during this pandemic period for preventing infectious spread through isolation and early initiation of COVID-19 targeted treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman Kilic
- Istanbul Medeniyet University, Faculty of Medicine, Departments of Otorhinolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, Goztepe Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mahmut Tayyar Kalcioglu
- Istanbul Medeniyet University, Faculty of Medicine, Departments of Otorhinolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, Goztepe Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Yasemin Cag
- Istanbul Medeniyet University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Goztepe Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozan Tuysuz
- Istanbul Medeniyet University, Faculty of Medicine, Departments of Otorhinolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, Goztepe Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emel Pektas
- Istanbul Medeniyet University, Goztepe Training and Research Hospital, Department of Audiology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hulya Caskurlu
- Istanbul Medeniyet University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Goztepe Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ferihan Cetın
- Istanbul Medeniyet University, Faculty of Medicine, Departments of Physiology, Istanbul, Turkey
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33
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Downs IL, Shaia CI, Zeng X, Johnson JC, Hensley L, Saunders DL, Rossi F, Cashman KA, Esham HL, Gregory MK, Pratt WD, Trefry JC, Everson KA, Larcom CB, Okwesili AC, Cardile AP, Honko A. Natural History of Aerosol Induced Lassa Fever in Non‑Human Primates. Viruses 2020; 12:E593. [PMID: 32485952 PMCID: PMC7354473 DOI: 10.3390/v12060593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV), an arenavirus causing Lassa fever, is endemic to West Africa with up to 300,000 cases and between 5000 and 10,000 deaths per year. Rarely seen in the United States, Lassa virus is a CDC category A biological agent inasmuch deliberate aerosol exposure can have high mortality rates compared to naturally acquired infection. With the need for an animal model, specific countermeasures remain elusive as there is no FDA-approved vaccine. This natural history of aerosolized Lassa virus exposure in Macaca fascicularis was studied under continuous telemetric surveillance. The macaque response to challenge was largely analogous to severe human disease with fever, tachycardia, hypotension, and tachypnea. During initial observations, an increase trend of activated monocytes positive for viral glycoprotein was accompanied by lymphocytopenia. Disease uniformly progressed to high viremia followed by low anion gap, alkalosis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Hypoproteinemia occurred late in infection followed by increased levels of white blood cells, cytokines, chemokines, and biochemical markers of liver injury. Viral nucleic acids were detected in tissues of three non‑survivors at endpoint, but not in the lone survivor. This study provides useful details to benchmark a pivotal model of Lassa fever in support of medical countermeasure development for both endemic disease and traditional biodefense purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac L. Downs
- US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (I.L.D.); (C.I.S.); (X.Z.); (J.C.J.); (L.H.); (D.L.S.); (F.R.); (K.A.C.); (H.L.E.); (M.K.G.); (W.D.P.); (J.C.T.); (K.A.E.); (A.C.O.); (A.H.)
| | - Carl I. Shaia
- US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (I.L.D.); (C.I.S.); (X.Z.); (J.C.J.); (L.H.); (D.L.S.); (F.R.); (K.A.C.); (H.L.E.); (M.K.G.); (W.D.P.); (J.C.T.); (K.A.E.); (A.C.O.); (A.H.)
| | - Xiankun Zeng
- US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (I.L.D.); (C.I.S.); (X.Z.); (J.C.J.); (L.H.); (D.L.S.); (F.R.); (K.A.C.); (H.L.E.); (M.K.G.); (W.D.P.); (J.C.T.); (K.A.E.); (A.C.O.); (A.H.)
| | - Joshua C. Johnson
- US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (I.L.D.); (C.I.S.); (X.Z.); (J.C.J.); (L.H.); (D.L.S.); (F.R.); (K.A.C.); (H.L.E.); (M.K.G.); (W.D.P.); (J.C.T.); (K.A.E.); (A.C.O.); (A.H.)
- Integrated Research Facility, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Lisa Hensley
- US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (I.L.D.); (C.I.S.); (X.Z.); (J.C.J.); (L.H.); (D.L.S.); (F.R.); (K.A.C.); (H.L.E.); (M.K.G.); (W.D.P.); (J.C.T.); (K.A.E.); (A.C.O.); (A.H.)
- Integrated Research Facility, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - David L. Saunders
- US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (I.L.D.); (C.I.S.); (X.Z.); (J.C.J.); (L.H.); (D.L.S.); (F.R.); (K.A.C.); (H.L.E.); (M.K.G.); (W.D.P.); (J.C.T.); (K.A.E.); (A.C.O.); (A.H.)
| | - Franco Rossi
- US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (I.L.D.); (C.I.S.); (X.Z.); (J.C.J.); (L.H.); (D.L.S.); (F.R.); (K.A.C.); (H.L.E.); (M.K.G.); (W.D.P.); (J.C.T.); (K.A.E.); (A.C.O.); (A.H.)
| | - Kathleen A. Cashman
- US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (I.L.D.); (C.I.S.); (X.Z.); (J.C.J.); (L.H.); (D.L.S.); (F.R.); (K.A.C.); (H.L.E.); (M.K.G.); (W.D.P.); (J.C.T.); (K.A.E.); (A.C.O.); (A.H.)
| | - Heather L. Esham
- US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (I.L.D.); (C.I.S.); (X.Z.); (J.C.J.); (L.H.); (D.L.S.); (F.R.); (K.A.C.); (H.L.E.); (M.K.G.); (W.D.P.); (J.C.T.); (K.A.E.); (A.C.O.); (A.H.)
| | - Melissa K. Gregory
- US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (I.L.D.); (C.I.S.); (X.Z.); (J.C.J.); (L.H.); (D.L.S.); (F.R.); (K.A.C.); (H.L.E.); (M.K.G.); (W.D.P.); (J.C.T.); (K.A.E.); (A.C.O.); (A.H.)
| | - William D. Pratt
- US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (I.L.D.); (C.I.S.); (X.Z.); (J.C.J.); (L.H.); (D.L.S.); (F.R.); (K.A.C.); (H.L.E.); (M.K.G.); (W.D.P.); (J.C.T.); (K.A.E.); (A.C.O.); (A.H.)
| | - John C. Trefry
- US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (I.L.D.); (C.I.S.); (X.Z.); (J.C.J.); (L.H.); (D.L.S.); (F.R.); (K.A.C.); (H.L.E.); (M.K.G.); (W.D.P.); (J.C.T.); (K.A.E.); (A.C.O.); (A.H.)
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060, USA
| | - Kyle A. Everson
- US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (I.L.D.); (C.I.S.); (X.Z.); (J.C.J.); (L.H.); (D.L.S.); (F.R.); (K.A.C.); (H.L.E.); (M.K.G.); (W.D.P.); (J.C.T.); (K.A.E.); (A.C.O.); (A.H.)
| | - Charles B. Larcom
- Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98431, USA;
| | - Arthur C. Okwesili
- US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (I.L.D.); (C.I.S.); (X.Z.); (J.C.J.); (L.H.); (D.L.S.); (F.R.); (K.A.C.); (H.L.E.); (M.K.G.); (W.D.P.); (J.C.T.); (K.A.E.); (A.C.O.); (A.H.)
| | - Anthony P. Cardile
- US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (I.L.D.); (C.I.S.); (X.Z.); (J.C.J.); (L.H.); (D.L.S.); (F.R.); (K.A.C.); (H.L.E.); (M.K.G.); (W.D.P.); (J.C.T.); (K.A.E.); (A.C.O.); (A.H.)
| | - Anna Honko
- US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (I.L.D.); (C.I.S.); (X.Z.); (J.C.J.); (L.H.); (D.L.S.); (F.R.); (K.A.C.); (H.L.E.); (M.K.G.); (W.D.P.); (J.C.T.); (K.A.E.); (A.C.O.); (A.H.)
- Investigator at National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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Kainulainen MH, Spengler JR, Welch SR, Coleman-McCray JD, Harmon JR, Scholte FEM, Goldsmith CS, Nichol ST, Albariño CG, Spiropoulou CF. Protection From Lethal Lassa Disease Can Be Achieved Both Before and After Virus Exposure by Administration of Single-Cycle Replicating Lassa Virus Replicon Particles. J Infect Dis 2020; 220:1281-1289. [PMID: 31152662 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever is a frequently severe human disease that is endemic to several countries in West Africa. To date, no licensed vaccines are available to prevent Lassa virus (LASV) infection, even though Lassa fever is thought to be an important disease contributing to mortality and both acute and chronic morbidity. We have previously described a vaccine candidate composed of single-cycle LASV replicon particles (VRPs) and a stable cell line for their production. Here, we refine the genetic composition of the VRPs and demonstrate the ability to reproducibly purify them with high yields. Studies in the guinea pig model confirm efficacy of the vaccine candidate, demonstrate that single-cycle replication is necessary for complete protection by the VRP vaccine, and show that postexposure vaccination can confer protection from lethal outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Cynthia S Goldsmith
- Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Animal Models of Lassa Fever. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9030197. [PMID: 32155851 PMCID: PMC7157617 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9030197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV), the causative agent of Lassa fever, is estimated to be responsible for up to 300,000 new infections and 5000 deaths each year across Western Africa. The most recent 2018 and 2019 Nigerian outbreaks featured alarmingly high fatality rates of up to 25.4%. In addition to the severity and high fatality of the disease, a significant population of survivors suffer from long-term sequelae, such as sensorineural hearing loss, resulting in a huge socioeconomic burden in endemic regions. There are no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved vaccines, and therapeutics remain extremely limited for Lassa fever. Development of countermeasures depends on relevant animal models that can develop a disease strongly mimicking the pathogenic features of Lassa fever in humans. The objective of this review is to evaluate the currently available animal models for LASV infection with an emphasis on their pathogenic and histologic characteristics as well as recent advances in the development of a suitable rodent model. This information may facilitate the development of an improved animal model for understanding disease pathogenesis of Lassa fever and for vaccine or antiviral testing.
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Ficenec SC, Schieffelin JS, Emmett SD. A Review of Hearing Loss Associated with Zika, Ebola, and Lassa Fever. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 101:484-490. [PMID: 31333155 PMCID: PMC6726950 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The neglected tropical diseases Zika, Ebola, and Lassa fever (LF) have all been noted to cause some degree of hearing loss (HL). Hearing loss is a chronic disability that can lead to a variety of detrimental effects, including speech and language delays in children, decreased economic productivity in adults, and accelerated cognitive decline in older adults. The objective of this review is to summarize what is known regarding HL secondary to these viruses. Literature for this review was gathered using the PubMed database. Articles were excluded if there were no data of the respective viruses, postinfectious complications, or conditions related to survivorship. A total of 50 articles were included in this review. Fourteen articles discussing Zika virus and subsequent complications were included. Across these studies, 56 (21.2%) of 264 Zika-infected individuals were found to have HL. Twenty-one articles discussing Ebola virus and subsequent complications were included, with 190 (5.7%) of 3,350 Ebola survivors found to have HL. Fifteen additional articles discussing LF and subsequent complications were included. Of 926 individuals with LF, 79 (8.5%) were found to have HL. These results demonstrate a relationship between HL and infection. The true prevalence is likely underestimated, however, because of lack of standardization of reporting and measurement. Future studies of viral sequelae would benefit from including audiometric evaluation. This information is critical to understanding pathophysiology, preventing future cases of this disability, and improving quality of life after survival of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Susan D Emmett
- Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.,Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina.,Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Communication Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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Zivcec M, Spiropoulou CF, Spengler JR. The use of mice lacking type I or both type I and type II interferon responses in research on hemorrhagic fever viruses. Part 2: Vaccine efficacy studies. Antiviral Res 2020; 174:104702. [PMID: 31982149 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.104702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
For more than 20 years, researchers have used laboratory mice lacking type I or both type I and II interferon (IFN) responses to study high-containment viruses that cause hemorrhagic fevers (HF) in humans. With the exception of Rift Valley fever virus, agents that cause viral HF in humans, such as Ebola and Lassa virus, do not cause disease in mature immunocompetent mice. In contrast, IFN-deficient mice typically develop severe or fatal disease when inoculated with these agents. The sensitivity of IFN-deficient mice to disease has led to their widespread use in biocontainment laboratories to assess the efficacy of novel vaccines against HF viruses, often without considering whether adaptive immune responses in IFN-deficient mice accurately mirror those in immunocompetent humans. Failure to recognize these questions may lead to inappropriate expectations of the predictive value of mouse experiments. In two invited articles, we investigate these questions. The present article reviews the use of IFN-deficient mice for assessing novel vaccines against HF viruses, including Ebola, Lassa, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever and Rift Valley fever viruses. A companion paper examines the general question of how the lack of IFN signaling may affect adaptive immune responses and the outcome of vaccine studies in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Zivcec
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christina F Spiropoulou
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jessica R Spengler
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Lassa Virus Targeting of Anterior Uvea and Endothelium of Cornea and Conjunctiva in Eye of Guinea Pig Model. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25:865-874. [PMID: 31002065 PMCID: PMC6478213 DOI: 10.3201/eid2505.181254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV), a hemorrhagic fever virus endemic to West Africa, causes conjunctivitis in patients with acute disease. To examine ocular manifestations of LASV, we histologically examined eyes from infected guinea pigs. In fatal disease, LASV immunostaining was most prominent in the anterior uvea, especially in the filtration angle, ciliary body, and iris and in and around vessels in the bulbar conjunctiva and peripheral cornea, where it co-localized with an endothelial marker (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule). Antigen was primarily associated with infiltration of T-lymphocytes around vessels in the anterior uvea and with new vessel formation at the peripheral cornea. In animals that exhibited clinical signs but survived infection, eyes had little to no inflammation and no LASV immunostaining 6 weeks after infection. Overall, in this model, LASV antigen was restricted to the anterior uvea and was associated with mild chronic inflammation in animals with severe disease but was not detected in survivors.
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Ezeomah C, Adoga A, Ihekweazu C, Paessler S, Cisneros I, Tomori O, Walker D. Sequelae of Lassa Fever: Postviral Cerebellar Ataxia. Open Forum Infect Dis 2019; 6:ofz512. [PMID: 31879673 PMCID: PMC6923636 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofz512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever is a zoonotic disease endemic in some West African countries. It is exported to countries in America, Asia, and Europe. Antivirals against Lassa fever are important to provide a cure in patients with the disease and provide protection against it. In addition, due to the potential utilization of Lassa virus as a bioterrorism agent, vaccines against the disease can be utilized as a counterterrorism measure. Developing antiviral compounds and vaccines against the disease requires understanding of the pathogenesis of Lassa fever and its disease course, including the signs, symptoms, complications, and sequelae. An important sequela of Lassa fever is ataxia. A few cases of postviral ataxia following Lassa fever have been described in the literature. This review focuses on highlighting these cases, the gaps in scientific knowledge where further research is needed, and possible ways of diagnosing postviral ataxia after Lassa fever in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiomah Ezeomah
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA.,Galveston National Laboratory, Institute of Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Adeyi Adoga
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Jos University Teaching Hospital, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Chikwe Ihekweazu
- Nigerian Center for Disease Control, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA.,Galveston National Laboratory, Institute of Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Irma Cisneros
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA.,Galveston National Laboratory, Institute of Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA.,Center for Addiction Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Oyewale Tomori
- National Lassa Fever Steering Committee, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - David Walker
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA.,Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
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Differential Immune Responses to Hemorrhagic Fever-Causing Arenaviruses. Vaccines (Basel) 2019; 7:vaccines7040138. [PMID: 31581720 PMCID: PMC6963578 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7040138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The family Arenaviridae contains several pathogens of major clinical importance. The Old World (OW) arenavirus Lassa virus is endemic in West Africa and is estimated to cause up to 300,000 infections each year. The New World (NW) arenaviruses Junín and Machupo periodically cause hemorrhagic fever outbreaks in South America. While these arenaviruses are highly pathogenic in humans, recent evidence indicates that pathogenic OW and NW arenaviruses interact with the host immune system differently, which may have differential impacts on viral pathogenesis. Severe Lassa fever cases are characterized by profound immunosuppression. In contrast, pathogenic NW arenavirus infections are accompanied by elevated levels of Type I interferon and pro-inflammatory cytokines. This review aims to summarize recent findings about interactions of these pathogenic arenaviruses with the innate immune machinery and the subsequent effects on adaptive immunity, which may inform the development of vaccines and therapeutics against arenavirus infections.
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Maruyama J, Mateer EJ, Manning JT, Sattler R, Seregin AV, Bukreyeva N, Jones FR, Balint JP, Gabitzsch ES, Huang C, Paessler S. Adenoviral vector-based vaccine is fully protective against lethal Lassa fever challenge in Hartley guinea pigs. Vaccine 2019; 37:6824-6831. [PMID: 31561999 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV), the causative agent of Lassa fever (LF), was first identified in 1969. Since then, outbreaks in the endemic countries of Nigeria, Liberia, and Sierra Leone occur on an annual basis resulting in a case-fatality rate of 15-70% in hospitalized patients. There is currently no licensed vaccine and there are limited animal models to test vaccine efficacy. An estimated 37.7 million people are at risk of contracting LASV; therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of a safe, effective vaccine against LASV infection. The LF endemic countries are also inflicted with HIV, Ebola, and malaria infections. The safety in immunocompromised populations must be considered in LASV vaccine development. The novel adenovirus vector-based platform, Ad5 (E1-,E2b-) has been used in clinical trial protocols for treatment of immunocompromised individuals, has been shown to exhibit high stability, low safety risk in humans, and induces a strong cell-mediated and pro-inflammatory immune response even in the presence of pre-existing adenovirus immunity. To this nature, our lab has developed an Ad5 (E1-,E2b-) vector-based vaccine expressing the LASV-NP or LASV-GPC. We found that guinea pigs vaccinated with two doses of Ad5 (E1-,E2b-) LASV-NP and Ad5 (E1-,E2b-) LASV-GPC were protected against lethal LASV challenge. The Ad5 (E1-,E2b-) LASV-NP and LASV-GPC vaccine represents a potential vaccine candidate against LF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junki Maruyama
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Mateer
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - John T Manning
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Rachel Sattler
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Alexey V Seregin
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Natalya Bukreyeva
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | - Cheng Huang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
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42
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Garnett LE, Strong JE. Lassa fever: With 50 years of study, hundreds of thousands of patients and an extremely high disease burden, what have we learned? Curr Opin Virol 2019; 37:123-131. [PMID: 31479990 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2019.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Garnett
- Special Pathogens, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Canada; Departments of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - James E Strong
- Special Pathogens, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Canada; Departments of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Departments of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
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43
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Sattler RA, Maruyama J, Shehu NY, Makishima T, Paessler S. Current small animal models for LASV hearing loss. Curr Opin Virol 2019; 37:118-122. [PMID: 31479989 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2019.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is endemic in West Africa, causing an estimated 100000-300000 new infections and up to 5000-10000 deaths yearly. There are no vaccines and therapeutics are extremely limited. Typical case fatality rates are ∼1%, although a recent 2018 Nigerian outbreak featured an unprecedented 25.4% case fatality rate. Survivors of infection suffer a lifetime of sequelae with sudden onset sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) being the most prevalent. The cause of this hearing loss remains unknown, and there is a critical need for further research on its mechanisms and potential therapeutics. The objective of this review is to outline the only currently available small animal model for LASV-induced hearing loss and to identify potential surrogate models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Sattler
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, 77551-0609, USA
| | - Junki Maruyama
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, 77551-0609, USA
| | - Nathan Y Shehu
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Disease Unit, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Tomoko Makishima
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, 77551-0609, USA
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, 77551-0609, USA.
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Salami K, Gouglas D, Schmaljohn C, Saville M, Tornieporth N. A review of Lassa fever vaccine candidates. Curr Opin Virol 2019; 37:105-111. [PMID: 31472333 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Lassa fever is a zoonotic disease caused by the Lassa virus, a rodent-borne arenavirus endemic to West Africa. Recent steady increase in reported cases of the disease in Nigeria, where 123 deaths occurred in 546 confirmed cases in 2019 has further underlined the need to accelerate the development of vaccines for preventing the disease. Intensified research and development of Lassa fever medical countermeasures have yielded some vaccine candidates with preclinical scientific plausibility using predominantly novel technology. The more advanced candidates are based on recombinant measles, Vesicular Stomatitis Virus or Mopiea and Lassa virus reassortants expressing Lassa virus antigens, and the deoxyribonucleic acid platform. However, the Lassa fever portfolio still lags behind other neglected tropical diseases', and further investments are needed for continued development and additional research, such as the safety and efficacy of these vaccine candidates in special populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kolawole Salami
- R & D Blueprint for the Prevention of Epidemics, Room 3170, World Health Organization Headquarters, 20, Avenue Appia, Geneva 1211, Switzerland
| | - Dimitrios Gouglas
- Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, Marcus Thranes Gate 2, 0473 Oslo, Norway
| | - Connie Schmaljohn
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter St, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Melanie Saville
- Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, Gibbs Building, 215 Euston Rd, Bloomsbury, London NW1 2BE, UK.
| | - Nadia Tornieporth
- Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, Gibbs Building, 215 Euston Rd, Bloomsbury, London NW1 2BE, UK
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Tang-Huau TL, Feldmann H, Rosenke K. Animal models for Lassa virus infection. Curr Opin Virol 2019; 37:112-117. [PMID: 31442921 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2019.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In humans, Lassa virus infection can result in disease with hemorrhagic manifestations and high fatality rates. There are no approved treatments or vaccines available and the inherent danger of studying Lassa virus means it can only be studied in high containment labs (BSL4). Under these conditions, mouse models are becoming an important instrument in the study of Lassa virus infection, disease and host responses. While guinea pigs and non-human primates are the critical components in assessing treatments and vaccines and have recently been used with great affect in this capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsing-Lee Tang-Huau
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - H Feldmann
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, USA; Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
| | - K Rosenke
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, USA.
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A vaccine based on recombinant modified Vaccinia Ankara containing the nucleoprotein from Lassa virus protects against disease progression in a guinea pig model. Vaccine 2019; 37:5404-5413. [PMID: 31331770 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Lassa fever remains the most imported viral haemorrhagic fever in Europe and is responsible for 5000 deaths per year throughout Western Africa. There is no vaccine and treatment is often ineffective. We have developed a vaccine based on modified Vaccinia Ankara expressing the nucleoprotein from Lassa virus (MVALassaNP). This study investigated the immunogenicity (in mice) and efficacy (in guinea pigs) of the MVALassaNP vaccine as a prime/boost or single vaccination regime. ELISA and ELISpot assays confirmed humoral and T-cell immunity following both a prime and prime/boost vaccination, with the prime/boost regime producing a statistically increased response compared to a prime only vaccine (P < 0.0001). The vaccine offered protection in guinea pigs against disease manifestations after challenge with virulent Lassa virus. Clinical signs, weight loss and temperature increases were observed in all animals receiving a control MVA vaccine, after challenge with Lassa virus. In contrast, no clinical signs, fever or weight loss were observed in any of the MVALassaNP vaccinated animals demonstrating that both a single immunisation, and prime/boost regime confer protection against disease progression. In conclusion, the MVALassaNP vaccine candidate elicits an immune response, demonstrates efficacy against Lassa virus disease and is suitable for further preclinical and clinical development.
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Abbas L, Rivolta MN. The use of animal models to study cell transplantation in neuropathic hearing loss. Hear Res 2019; 377:72-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2019.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Abstract
According to a recent epidemiological survey, the incidence of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is increasing yearly. The cause of SSNHL is of great interest in research. To date, viral infection, vascular occlusion, abnormal cellular stress responses within the cochlea, and immune-mediated mechanisms are considered the most likely etiologies of this disease. Among these etiologies, the relationship between viral infection and sudden deafness has been unclear. In this review, we mainly discuss the viral hypothesis of SSNHL. There is little research proving or clearly indicating the pathogenesis of this disease. Further research is needed to elucidate the precise etiopathogenesis to better understand SSNHL and establish more suitable treatment to help restore hearing in affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- 1 ENT institute, Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao-Yao Fu
- 1 ENT institute, Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tian-Yu Zhang
- 2 ENT institute, Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Hearing Medicine Key Laboratory, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai, China
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Brisse ME, Ly H. Hemorrhagic Fever-Causing Arenaviruses: Lethal Pathogens and Potent Immune Suppressors. Front Immunol 2019; 10:372. [PMID: 30918506 PMCID: PMC6424867 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemorrhagic fevers (HF) resulting from pathogenic arenaviral infections have traditionally been neglected as tropical diseases primarily affecting African and South American regions. There are currently no FDA-approved vaccines for arenaviruses, and treatments have been limited to supportive therapy and use of non-specific nucleoside analogs, such as Ribavirin. Outbreaks of arenaviral infections have been limited to certain geographic areas that are endemic but known cases of exportation of arenaviruses from endemic regions and socioeconomic challenges for local control of rodent reservoirs raise serious concerns about the potential for larger outbreaks in the future. This review synthesizes current knowledge about arenaviral evolution, ecology, transmission patterns, life cycle, modulation of host immunity, disease pathogenesis, as well as discusses recent development of preventative and therapeutic pursuits against this group of deadly viral pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan E Brisse
- Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics Graduate Program, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States.,Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Hinh Ly
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
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Lukashevich IS, Paessler S, de la Torre JC. Lassa virus diversity and feasibility for universal prophylactic vaccine. F1000Res 2019; 8. [PMID: 30774934 PMCID: PMC6357994 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.16989.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is a highly prevalent mammarenavirus in West Africa and is maintained in nature in a persistently infected rodent host, Mastomys natalensis, which is widely spread in sub-Saharan Africa. LASV infection of humans can cause Lassa fever (LF), a disease associated with high morbidity and significant mortality. Recent evidence indicates an LASV expansion outside its traditional endemic areas. In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) included LASV in top-priority pathogens and released a Target Product Profile (TPP) for vaccine development. Likewise, in 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration added LF to a priority review voucher program to encourage the development of preventive and therapeutics measures. In this article, we review recent progress in LASV vaccine research and development with a focus on the impact of LASV genetic and biological diversity on the design and development of vaccine candidates meeting the WHO's TPP for an LASV vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor S Lukashevich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Juan Carlos de la Torre
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology IMM-6, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
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