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Sänger L, Williams HM, Yu D, Vogel D, Kosinski J, Rosenthal M, Uetrecht C. RNA to Rule Them All: Critical Steps in Lassa Virus Ribonucleoparticle Assembly and Recruitment. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:27958-27974. [PMID: 38104324 PMCID: PMC10755698 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c07325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Lassa virus is a negative-strand RNA virus with only four structural proteins that causes periodic outbreaks in West Africa. The nucleoprotein (NP) encapsidates the viral genome, forming ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs) together with the viral RNA and the L protein. RNPs must be continuously restructured during viral genome replication and transcription. The Z protein is important for membrane recruitment of RNPs, viral particle assembly, and budding and has also been shown to interact with the L protein. However, the interaction of NP, viral RNA, and Z is poorly understood. Here, we characterize the interactions between Lassa virus NP, Z, and RNA using structural mass spectrometry. We identify the presence of RNA as the driver for the disassembly of ring-like NP trimers, a storage form, into monomers to subsequently form higher order RNA-bound NP assemblies. We locate the interaction site of Z and NP and demonstrate that while NP binds Z independently of the presence of RNA, this interaction is pH-dependent. These data improve our understanding of RNP assembly, recruitment, and release in Lassa virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Sänger
- Bernhard
Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- CSSB
Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Notkestraße 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Leibniz
Institute of Virology (LIV), Notkestraße 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Harry M. Williams
- Bernhard
Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- CSSB
Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Notkestraße 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dingquan Yu
- CSSB
Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Notkestraße 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- European
Molecular Biology Laboratory Notkestraße 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Vogel
- Bernhard
Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Kosinski
- CSSB
Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Notkestraße 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- European
Molecular Biology Laboratory Notkestraße 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Structural
and Computational Biology Unit, European
Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maria Rosenthal
- Bernhard
Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- CSSB
Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Notkestraße 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer
Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Discovery Research ScreeningPort, Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Charlotte Uetrecht
- CSSB
Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Notkestraße 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Leibniz
Institute of Virology (LIV), Notkestraße 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Faculty
V: School of Life Sciences, University of
Siegen, Am Eichenhang 50, 57076 Siegen, Germany
- Deutsches
Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY), Notkestr. 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
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2
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Löw K, Möller R, Stegmann C, Becker M, Rehburg L, Obernolte H, Schaudien D, Oestereich L, Braun A, Kunz S, Gerold G. Luminescent reporter cells enable the identification of broad-spectrum antivirals against emerging viruses. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29211. [PMID: 37975336 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The emerging viruses SARS-CoV-2 and arenaviruses cause severe respiratory and hemorrhagic diseases, respectively. The production of infectious particles of both viruses and virus spread in tissues requires cleavage of surface glycoproteins (GPs) by host proprotein convertases (PCs). SARS-CoV-2 and arenaviruses rely on GP cleavage by PCs furin and subtilisin kexin isozyme-1/site-1 protease (SKI-1/S1P), respectively. We report improved luciferase-based reporter cell lines, named luminescent inducible proprotein convertase reporter cells that we employ to monitor PC activity in its authentic subcellular compartment. Using these sensor lines we screened a small compound library in high-throughput manner. We identified 23 FDA-approved small molecules, among them monensin which displayed broad activity against furin and SKI-1/S1P. Monensin inhibited arenaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 in a dose-dependent manner. We observed a strong reduction in infectious particle release upon monensin treatment with little effect on released genome copies. This was reflected by inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 spike processing suggesting the release of immature particles. In a proof of concept experiment using human precision cut lung slices, monensin potently inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection, evidenced by reduced infectious particle release. We propose that our PC sensor pipeline is a suitable tool to identify broad-spectrum antivirals with therapeutic potential to combat current and future emerging viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Löw
- Department of Biochemistry & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca Möller
- Department of Biochemistry & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Cora Stegmann
- Department of Biochemistry & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Miriam Becker
- Department of Biochemistry & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Laura Rehburg
- Department of Biochemistry & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Helena Obernolte
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer International Consortium for Anti-Infective Research (iCAIR), Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases, (CIMD), Hannover, Germany
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH) Research Network, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dirk Schaudien
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer International Consortium for Anti-Infective Research (iCAIR), Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases, (CIMD), Hannover, Germany
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH) Research Network, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lisa Oestereich
- Department of Virology, Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infectious Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg
| | - Armin Braun
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer International Consortium for Anti-Infective Research (iCAIR), Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases, (CIMD), Hannover, Germany
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH) Research Network, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefan Kunz
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gisa Gerold
- Department of Biochemistry & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM), Umeå University, Sweden
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3
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Establishment of Recombinant Trisegmented Mopeia Virus Expressing Two Reporter Genes for Screening of Mammarenavirus Inhibitors. Viruses 2022; 14:v14091869. [PMID: 36146676 PMCID: PMC9505675 DOI: 10.3390/v14091869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Highly pathogenic Arenaviruses, like the Lassa Virus (LASV), pose a serious public health threat in affected countries. Research and development of vaccines and therapeutics are urgently needed but hampered by the necessity to handle these pathogens under biosafety level 4 conditions. These containment restrictions make large-scale screens of antiviral compounds difficult. Therefore, the Mopeia virus (MOPV), closely related to LASV, is often used as an apathogenic surrogate virus. We established for the first time trisegmented MOPVs (r3MOPV) with duplicated S segments, in which one of the viral genes was replaced by the reporter genes ZsGreen (ZsG) or Renilla Luciferase (Rluc), respectively. In vitro characterization of the two trisegmented viruses (r3MOPV ZsG/Rluc and r3MOPV Rluc/ZsG), showed comparable growth behavior to the wild type virus and the expression of the reporter genes correlated well with viral titer. We used the reporter viruses in a proof-of-principle in vitro study to evaluate the antiviral activity of two well characterized drugs. IC50 values obtained by Rluc measurement were similar to those obtained by virus titers. ZsG expression was also suitable to evaluate antiviral effects. The trisegmented MOPVs described here provide a versatile and valuable basis for rapid high throughput screening of broadly reactive antiviral compounds against arenaviruses under BSL-2 conditions.
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Abstract
Arenaviruses initiate infection by delivering a transcriptionally competent ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex into the cytosol of host cells. The arenavirus RNP consists of the large (L) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) bound to a nucleoprotein (NP)-encapsidated genomic RNA (viral RNA [vRNA]) template. During transcription and replication, L must transiently displace RNA-bound NP to allow for template access into the RdRP active site. Concomitant with RNA replication, new subunits of NP must be added to the nascent complementary RNAs (cRNA) as they emerge from the product exit channel of L. Interactions between L and NP thus play a central role in arenavirus gene expression. We developed an approach to purify recombinant functional RNPs from mammalian cells in culture using a synthetic vRNA and affinity-tagged L and NP. Negative-stain electron microscopy of purified RNPs revealed they adopt diverse and flexible structures, like RNPs of other Bunyavirales members. Monodispersed L-NP and trimeric ring-like NP complexes were also obtained in excess of flexible RNPs, suggesting that these heterodimeric structures self-assemble in the absence of suitable RNA templates. This work allows for further biochemical analysis of the interaction between arenavirus L and NP proteins and provides a framework for future high-resolution structural analyses of this replication-associated complex. IMPORTANCE Arenaviruses are rodent-borne pathogens that can cause severe disease in humans. All arenaviruses begin the infection cycle with delivery of the virus replication machinery into the cytoplasm of the host cell. This machinery consists of an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase-which copies the viral genome segments and synthesizes all four viral mRNAs-bound to the two nucleoprotein-encapsidated genomic RNAs. How this complex assembles remains a mystery. Our findings provide direct evidence for the formation of diverse intracellular arenavirus replication complexes using purification strategies for the polymerase, nucleoprotein, and genomic RNA of Machupo virus, which causes Bolivian hemorrhagic fever in humans. We demonstrate that the polymerase and nucleoprotein assemble into higher-order structures within cells, providing a model for the molecular events of arenavirus RNA synthesis. These findings provide a framework for probing the architectures and functions of the arenavirus replication machinery and thus advancing antiviral strategies targeting this essential complex.
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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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6
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Welch SR, Scholte FEM, Albariño CG, Kainulainen MH, Coleman-McCray JD, Guerrero LW, Chakrabarti AK, Klena JD, Nichol ST, Spengler JR, Spiropoulou CF. The S Genome Segment Is Sufficient to Maintain Pathogenicity in Intra-Clade Lassa Virus Reassortants in a Guinea Pig Model. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:240. [PMID: 30050872 PMCID: PMC6050391 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome reassortment in Lassa virus (LASV) has been reported in nature, but phenotypic consequences of this phenomenon are not well described. Here we characterize, both in vitro and in vivo, reassortment between 2 LASV strains: the prototypic 1976 Josiah strain and a more recently isolated 2015 Liberian strain. In vitro analysis showed that although cis- and trans-acting elements of viral RNA synthesis were compatible between strains, reassortants demonstrated different levels of viral replication. These differences were also apparent in vivo, as reassortants varied in pathogenicity in the guinea pig model of LASV infection. The reassortant variant containing the Josiah S segment retained the virulence of the parental Josiah strain, but the reassortant variant containing the S segment of the Liberian isolate was highly attenuated compared to both parental strains. Contrary to observations in reassortants between LASV and other arenavirus species, which suggest that L segment-encoded factors are responsible for virulence, these studies highlight a role for S segment-encoded virulence factors in disease, and also suggest that inefficient interactions between proteins of heterologous strains may limit the prevalence of reassortant LASV variants in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R Welch
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Florine E M Scholte
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - César G Albariño
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Markus H Kainulainen
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - JoAnn D Coleman-McCray
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Lisa Wiggleton Guerrero
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Ayan K Chakrabarti
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - John D Klena
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Stuart T Nichol
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jessica R Spengler
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Christina F Spiropoulou
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Khamina K, Lercher A, Caldera M, Schliehe C, Vilagos B, Sahin M, Kosack L, Bhattacharya A, Májek P, Stukalov A, Sacco R, James LC, Pinschewer DD, Bennett KL, Menche J, Bergthaler A. Characterization of host proteins interacting with the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus L protein. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006758. [PMID: 29261807 PMCID: PMC5738113 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRps) play a key role in the life cycle of RNA viruses and impact their immunobiology. The arenavirus lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) strain Clone 13 provides a benchmark model for studying chronic infection. A major genetic determinant for its ability to persist maps to a single amino acid exchange in the viral L protein, which exhibits RdRp activity, yet its functional consequences remain elusive. To unravel the L protein interactions with the host proteome, we engineered infectious L protein-tagged LCMV virions by reverse genetics. A subsequent mass-spectrometric analysis of L protein pulldowns from infected human cells revealed a comprehensive network of interacting host proteins. The obtained LCMV L protein interactome was bioinformatically integrated with known host protein interactors of RdRps from other RNA viruses, emphasizing interconnected modules of human proteins. Functional characterization of selected interactors highlighted proviral (DDX3X) as well as antiviral (NKRF, TRIM21) host factors. To corroborate these findings, we infected Trim21-/- mice with LCMV and found impaired virus control in chronic infection. These results provide insights into the complex interactions of the arenavirus LCMV and other viral RdRps with the host proteome and contribute to a better molecular understanding of how chronic viruses interact with their host. RNA-dependent RNA-polymerases (RdRps) play a key role in the life cycle of RNA viruses. They interact with cellular proteins during replication and transcription processes and impact the immunobiology of viral infections. This study characterized the host protein interactome of the RdRp-containing L protein of the prototypic arenavirus lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). Several L protein interactors with proviral and antiviral effects were identified in vitro, and mice lacking the identified L protein interactor TRIM21 exhibited impaired control of chronic LCMV infection. Integration of the L protein interactomes with known RdRp interactomes from other RNA viruses highlighted common and virus-specific strategies to interact with the host proteome, which may indicate novel avenues for antiviral interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kseniya Khamina
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Lercher
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Caldera
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christopher Schliehe
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bojan Vilagos
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mehmet Sahin
- University of Basel, Department of Biomedicine–Haus Petersplatz, Division of Experimental Virology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lindsay Kosack
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anannya Bhattacharya
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Májek
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexey Stukalov
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roberto Sacco
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leo C. James
- Division of Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel D. Pinschewer
- University of Basel, Department of Biomedicine–Haus Petersplatz, Division of Experimental Virology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Keiryn L. Bennett
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jörg Menche
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Bergthaler
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
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8
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Rosenthal M, Gogrefe N, Vogel D, Reguera J, Rauschenberger B, Cusack S, Günther S, Reindl S. Structural insights into reptarenavirus cap-snatching machinery. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006400. [PMID: 28505175 PMCID: PMC5444859 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cap-snatching was first discovered in influenza virus. Structures of the involved domains of the influenza virus polymerase, namely the endonuclease in the PA subunit and the cap-binding domain in the PB2 subunit, have been solved. Cap-snatching endonucleases have also been demonstrated at the very N-terminus of the L proteins of mammarena-, orthobunya-, and hantaviruses. However, a cap-binding domain has not been identified in an arena- or bunyavirus L protein so far. We solved the structure of the 326 C-terminal residues of the L protein of California Academy of Sciences virus (CASV), a reptarenavirus, by X-ray crystallography. The individual domains of this 37-kDa fragment (L-Cterm) as well as the domain arrangement are structurally similar to the cap-binding and adjacent domains of influenza virus polymerase PB2 subunit, despite the absence of sequence homology, suggesting a common evolutionary origin. This enabled identification of a region in CASV L-Cterm with similarity to a cap-binding site; however, the typical sandwich of two aromatic residues was missing. Consistent with this, cap-binding to CASV L-Cterm could not be detected biochemically. In addition, we solved the crystal structure of the corresponding endonuclease in the N-terminus of CASV L protein. It shows a typical endonuclease fold with an active site configuration that is essentially identical to that of known mammarenavirus endonuclease structures. In conclusion, we provide evidence for a presumably functional cap-snatching endonuclease in the N-terminus and a degenerate cap-binding domain in the C-terminus of a reptarenavirus L protein. Implications of these findings for the cap-snatching mechanism in arenaviruses are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosenthal
- Department of Virology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nadja Gogrefe
- Department of Virology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Vogel
- Department of Virology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Juan Reguera
- Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, AFMB UMR 7257, Marseille, France
| | - Bianka Rauschenberger
- Department of Virology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephen Cusack
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Grenoble Outstation, Grenoble, France
| | - Stephan Günther
- Department of Virology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sophia Reindl
- Department of Virology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
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9
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Mariën J, Borremans B, Gryseels S, Soropogui B, De Bruyn L, Bongo GN, Becker-Ziaja B, de Bellocq JG, Günther S, Magassouba N, Leirs H, Fichet-Calvet E. No measurable adverse effects of Lassa, Morogoro and Gairo arenaviruses on their rodent reservoir host in natural conditions. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:210. [PMID: 28449693 PMCID: PMC5408478 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2146-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In order to optimize net transmission success, parasites are hypothesized to evolve towards causing minimal damage to their reservoir host while obtaining high shedding rates. For many parasite species however this paradigm has not been tested, and conflicting results have been found regarding the effect of arenaviruses on their rodent host species. The rodent Mastomys natalensis is the natural reservoir host of several arenaviruses, including Lassa virus that is known to cause Lassa haemorrhagic fever in humans. Here, we examined the effect of three arenaviruses (Gairo, Morogoro and Lassa virus) on four parameters of wild-caught Mastomys natalensis: body mass, head-body length, sexual maturity and fertility. After correcting for the effect of age, we compared these parameters between arenavirus-positive (arenavirus RNA or antibody) and negative animals using data from different field studies in Guinea (Lassa virus) and Tanzania (Morogoro and Gairo viruses). RESULTS Although the sample sizes of our studies (1297, 749 and 259 animals respectively) were large enough to statistically detect small differences in body conditions, we did not observe any adverse effects of these viruses on Mastomys natalensis. We did find that sexual maturity was significantly positively related with Lassa virus antibody presence until a certain age, and with Gairo virus antibody presence in general. Gairo virus antibody-positive animals were also significantly heavier and larger than antibody-free animals. CONCLUSION Together, these results suggest that the pathogenicity of arenaviruses is not severe in M. natalensis, which is likely to be an adaptation of these viruses to optimize transmission success. They also suggest that sexual behaviour might increase the probability of M. natalensis to become infected with arenaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Mariën
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Benny Borremans
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Sophie Gryseels
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
| | - Barré Soropogui
- Projet des Fièvre Hémorragiques en Guinée, Hôpital Donka, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Luc De Bruyn
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Gédéon Ngiala Bongo
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Kinshasa, P.O. Box. 190, Kinshasa XI, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | - Joëlle Goüy de Bellocq
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Research Facility Studenec, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Stephan Günther
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - N’Faly Magassouba
- Projet des Fièvre Hémorragiques en Guinée, Hôpital Donka, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Herwig Leirs
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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10
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LALIS A, EVIN A, JANIER M, KOIVOGUI L, DENYS C. Host evolution inMastomys natalensis(Rodentia: Muridae): An integrative approach using geometric morphometrics and genetics. Integr Zool 2015; 10:505-14. [DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aude LALIS
- UMR 7205 Institute of Systematic, Evolution and Biodiversity (ISYEB), National Museum of Natural History CNRS; Sorbonne Universities; Paris France
| | - Allowen EVIN
- Institute of Evolutionary Sciences-Montpellier (ISEM); University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, EPHE; Montpellier France
- Department of Archaeology; University of Aberdeen; Aberdeen UK
| | - Marc JANIER
- Plateforme ANIMAGE-CREATIS, Faculty of Medicine Lyon-Est; Claude Bernard University Lyon 1; Lyon France
| | - Lamine KOIVOGUI
- National Institute of Public Health Guinea, CHU Donka; Conakry Guinea
| | - Christiane DENYS
- UMR 7205 Institute of Systematic, Evolution and Biodiversity (ISYEB), National Museum of Natural History CNRS; Sorbonne Universities; Paris France
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11
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Efficient Interaction between Arenavirus Nucleoprotein (NP) and RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase (L) Is Mediated by the Virus Nucleocapsid (NP-RNA) Template. J Virol 2015; 89:5734-8. [PMID: 25762740 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00103-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we document that efficient interaction between arenavirus nucleoprotein (NP) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L protein), the two trans-acting viral factors required for both virus RNA replication and gene transcription, requires the presence of virus-specific RNA sequences located within the untranslated 5' and 3' termini of the viral genome.
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12
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Alimonti J, Leung A, Jones S, Gren J, Qiu X, Fernando L, Balcewich B, Wong G, Ströher U, Grolla A, Strong J, Kobinger G. Evaluation of transmission risks associated with in vivo replication of several high containment pathogens in a biosafety level 4 laboratory. Sci Rep 2014; 4:5824. [PMID: 25059478 PMCID: PMC5376055 DOI: 10.1038/srep05824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Containment level 4 (CL4) laboratories studying biosafety level 4 viruses are under strict regulations to conduct nonhuman primate (NHP) studies in compliance of both animal welfare and biosafety requirements. NHPs housed in open-barred cages raise concerns about cross-contamination between animals, and accidental exposure of personnel to infectious materials. To address these concerns, two NHP experiments were performed. One examined the simultaneous infection of 6 groups of NHPs with 6 different viruses (Machupo, Junin, Rift Valley Fever, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, Nipah and Hendra viruses). Washing personnel between handling each NHP group, floor to ceiling biobubble with HEPA filter, and plexiglass between cages were employed for partial primary containment. The second experiment employed no primary containment around open barred cages with Ebola virus infected NHPs 0.3 meters from naïve NHPs. Viral antigen-specific ELISAs, qRT-PCR and TCID50 infectious assays were utilized to determine antibody levels and viral loads. No transmission of virus to neighbouring NHPs was observed suggesting limited containment protocols are sufficient for multi-viral CL4 experiments within one room. The results support the concept that Ebola virus infection is self-contained in NHPs infected intramuscularly, at least in the present experimental conditions, and is not transmitted to naïve NHPs via an airborne route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judie Alimonti
- 1] Special Pathogens Program, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington St., Winnipeg. Manitoba [2]
| | - Anders Leung
- 1] Special Pathogens Program, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington St., Winnipeg. Manitoba [2]
| | - Shane Jones
- Special Pathogens Program, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington St., Winnipeg. Manitoba
| | - Jason Gren
- Containment Services, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington St., Winnipeg. Manitoba
| | - Xiangguo Qiu
- Special Pathogens Program, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington St., Winnipeg. Manitoba
| | - Lisa Fernando
- Special Pathogens Program, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington St., Winnipeg. Manitoba
| | - Brittany Balcewich
- Bioforensics Assay Development and Diagnostics; Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington St., Winnipeg. Manitoba
| | - Gary Wong
- 1] Special Pathogens Program, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington St., Winnipeg. Manitoba [2] Departments of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Ute Ströher
- 1] Special Pathogens Program, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington St., Winnipeg. Manitoba [2]
| | - Allen Grolla
- Special Pathogens Program, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington St., Winnipeg. Manitoba
| | - James Strong
- 1] Special Pathogens Program, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington St., Winnipeg. Manitoba [2] Departments of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada [3] Departments of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Gary Kobinger
- 1] Special Pathogens Program, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington St., Winnipeg. Manitoba [2] Departments of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada [3] Departments of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada [4] Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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13
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Differential contributions of tacaribe arenavirus nucleoprotein N-terminal and C-terminal residues to nucleocapsid functional activity. J Virol 2014; 88:6492-505. [PMID: 24696466 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00321-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The arenavirus nucleoprotein (NP) is the main protein component of viral nucleocapsids and is strictly required for viral genome replication mediated by the L polymerase. Homo-oligomerization of NP is presumed to play an important role in nucleocapsid assembly, albeit the underlying mechanism and the relevance of NP-NP interaction in nucleocapsid activity are still poorly understood. Here, we evaluate the contribution of the New World Tacaribe virus (TCRV) NP self-interaction to nucleocapsid functional activity. We show that alanine substitution of N-terminal residues predicted to be available for NP-NP interaction strongly affected NP self-association, as determined by coimmunoprecipitation assays, produced a drastic inhibition of transcription and replication of a TCRV minigenome RNA, and impaired NP binding to RNA. Mutagenesis and functional analysis also revealed that, while dispensable for NP self-interaction, key amino acids at the C-terminal domain were essential for RNA synthesis. Furthermore, mutations at these C-terminal residues rendered NP unable to bind RNA both in vivo and in vitro but had no effect on the interaction with the L polymerase. In addition, while all oligomerization-defective variants tested exhibited unaltered capacities to sustain NP-L interaction, NP deletion mutants were fully incompetent to bind L, suggesting that, whereas NP self-association is dispensable, the integrity of both the N-terminal and C-terminal domains is required for binding the L polymerase. Overall, our results suggest that NP self-interaction mediated by the N-terminal domain may play a critical role in TCRV nucleocapsid assembly and activity and that the C-terminal domain of NP is implicated in RNA binding. IMPORTANCE The mechanism of arenavirus functional nucleocapsid assembly is still poorly understood. No detailed information is available on the nucleocapsid structure, and the regions of full-length NP involved in binding to viral RNA remain to be determined. In this report, novel findings are provided on critical interactions between the viral ribonucleoprotein components. We identify several amino acid residues in both the N-terminal and C-terminal domains of TCRV NP that differentially contribute to NP-NP and NP-RNA interactions and analyze their relevance for binding of NP to the L polymerase and for nucleocapsid activity. Our results provide insight into the contribution of NP self-interaction to RNP assembly and activity and reveal the involvement of the NP C-terminal domain in RNA binding.
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14
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Sepúlveda CS, García CC, Levingston Macleod JM, López N, Damonte EB. Targeting of arenavirus RNA synthesis by a carboxamide-derivatized aromatic disulfide with virucidal activity. PLoS One 2013; 8:e81251. [PMID: 24278404 PMCID: PMC3835668 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Several arenaviruses can cause severe hemorrhagic fever (HF) in humans, representing a public health threat in endemic areas of Africa and South America. The present study characterizes the potent virucidal activity of the carboxamide-derivatized aromatic disulfide NSC4492, an antiretroviral zinc finger-reactive compound, against Junín virus (JUNV), the causative agent of Argentine HF. The compound was able to inactivate JUNV in a time and temperature-dependent manner, producing more than 99 % reduction in virus titer upon incubation with virions at 37°C for 90 min. The ability of NSC4492-treated JUNV to go through different steps of the multiplication cycle was then evaluated. Inactivated virions were able to bind and enter into the host cell with similar efficiency as control infectious particles. In contrast, treatment with NSC4492 impaired the capacity of JUNV to drive viral RNA synthesis, as measured by quantitative RT-PCR, and blocked viral protein expression, as determined by indirect immunofluorescence. These results suggest that the disulfide NSC4492 targets on the arenavirus replication complex leading to impairment in viral RNA synthesis. Additionally, analysis of VLP produced in NSC4492-treated cells expressing JUNV matrix Z protein revealed that the compound may interact with Z resulting in an altered aggregation behavior of this protein, but without affecting its intrinsic self-budding properties. The potential perspectives of NSC4492 as an inactivating vaccinal compound for pathogenic arenaviruses are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia S. Sepúlveda
- Laboratorio de Virología, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, IQUIBICEN-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cybele C. García
- Laboratorio de Virología, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, IQUIBICEN-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jesica M. Levingston Macleod
- Centro de Virología Animal (CEVAN), Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Dr. César Milstein, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nora López
- Centro de Virología Animal (CEVAN), Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Dr. César Milstein, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elsa B. Damonte
- Laboratorio de Virología, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, IQUIBICEN-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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15
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Infection of type I interferon receptor-deficient mice with various old world arenaviruses: a model for studying virulence and host species barriers. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72290. [PMID: 23991083 PMCID: PMC3750052 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Accepted: 07/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus causes hemorrhagic Lassa fever in humans, while the related Old World arenaviruses Mopeia, Morogoro, and Mobala are supposedly apathogenic to humans and cause only inapparent infection in non-human primates. Here, we studied whether the virulence of Old World arenaviruses in humans and non-human primates is reflected in type I interferon receptor deficient (IFNAR-/-) mice by testing several strains of Lassa virus vs. the apathogenic viruses Mopeia, Morogoro, and Mobala. All Lassa virus strains tested—Josiah, AV, BA366, and Nig04-10—replicated to high titers in blood, lung, kidney, heart, spleen, brain, and liver and caused disease as evidenced by weight loss and elevation of aspartate and alanine aminotransferase (AST and ALT) levels with a high AST/ALT ratio. Lassa fever-like pathology included acute hepatitis, interstitial pneumonia, and pronounced disturbance of splenic cytoarchitecture. Infiltrations of activated monocytes/macrophages expressing inducible nitric oxide synthase and T cells were found in liver and lung. In contrast, Mopeia, Morogoro, and Mobala virus replicated poorly in the animals and acute inflammatory alterations were not noted. Depletion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells strongly enhanced susceptibility of IFNAR-/- mice to the apathogenic viruses. In conclusion, the virulence of Old World arenaviruses in IFNAR-/- mice correlates with their virulence in humans and non-human primates. In addition to the type I interferon system, T cells seem to regulate whether or not an arenavirus can productively infect non-host rodent species. The observation that Lassa virus overcomes the species barrier without artificial depletion of T cells suggests it is able to impair T cell functionality in a way that corresponds to depletion.
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16
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Cheng BYH, Ortiz-Riaño E, de la Torre JC, Martínez-Sobrido L. Generation of recombinant arenavirus for vaccine development in FDA-approved Vero cells. J Vis Exp 2013. [PMID: 23928556 DOI: 10.3791/50662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The development and implementation of arenavirus reverse genetics represents a significant breakthrough in the arenavirus field. The use of cell-based arenavirus minigenome systems together with the ability to generate recombinant infectious arenaviruses with predetermined mutations in their genomes has facilitated the investigation of the contribution of viral determinants to the different steps of the arenavirus life cycle, as well as virus-host interactions and mechanisms of arenavirus pathogenesis. In addition, the development of trisegmented arenaviruses has permitted the use of the arenavirus genome to express additional foreign genes of interest, thus opening the possibility of arenavirus-based vaccine vector applications. Likewise, the development of single-cycle infectious arenaviruses capable of expressing reporter genes provides a new experimental tool to improve the safety of research involving highly pathogenic human arenaviruses. The generation of recombinant arenaviruses using plasmid-based reverse genetics techniques has so far relied on the use of rodent cell lines, which poses some barriers for the development of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-licensed vaccine or vaccine vectors. To overcome this obstacle, we describe here the efficient generation of recombinant arenaviruses in FDA-approved Vero cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benson Y H Cheng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, USA
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17
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Lukashevich IS. The search for animal models for Lassa fever vaccine development. Expert Rev Vaccines 2013; 12:71-86. [PMID: 23256740 DOI: 10.1586/erv.12.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is the most prevalent arenavirus in West Africa and is responsible for several hundred thousand infections and thousands of deaths annually. The sizeable disease burden, numerous imported cases of Lassa fever (LF) and the possibility that LASV can be used as an agent of biological warfare make a strong case for vaccine development. Currently there is no licensed LF vaccine and research and devlopment is hampered by the high cost of nonhuman primate animal models and by biocontainment requirements (BSL-4). In addition, a successful LF vaccine has to induce a strong cell-mediated cross-protective immunity against different LASV lineages. All of these challenges will be addressed in this review in the context of available and novel animal models recently described for evaluation of LF vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor S Lukashevich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine and the Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
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18
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Lennartz F, Hoenen T, Lehmann M, Groseth A, Garten W. The role of oligomerization for the biological functions of the arenavirus nucleoprotein. Arch Virol 2013; 158:1895-905. [PMID: 23553456 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-013-1684-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2012] [Accepted: 02/20/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The Lassa virus nucleoprotein (NP) is a multifunctional protein that plays an essential role in many aspects of the viral life cycle, including RNA encapsidation, viral transcription and replication, recruitment of ribonucleoprotein complexes to viral budding sites, and inhibition of the host cell interferon response. While it is known that NP is capable of forming oligomers, both the oligomeric state of NP in mammalian cells and the significance of NP oligomerization for its various functions remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that Lassa virus NP solely forms trimers upon expression in mammalian cells. Using a minigenome assay we show that mutants that are not able to form stable trimers are no longer functional during transcription and/or replication of the minigenome, indicating that NP trimerization is essential for transcription and/or replication of the viral genome. However, mutations leading to destabilization of the NP trimer did not impact the incorporation of NP into virus-like particles or its ability to suppress interferon-induced gene expression, two important functions of arenavirus NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Lennartz
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Strasse 2, 35043, Marburg, Germany
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19
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Zapata JC, Salvato MS. Arenavirus variations due to host-specific adaptation. Viruses 2013; 5:241-78. [PMID: 23344562 PMCID: PMC3564120 DOI: 10.3390/v5010241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Revised: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Arenavirus particles are enveloped and contain two single-strand RNA genomic segments with ambisense coding. Genetic plasticity of the arenaviruses comes from transcription errors, segment reassortment, and permissive genomic packaging, and results in their remarkable ability, as a group, to infect a wide variety of hosts. In this review, we discuss some in vitro studies of virus genetic and phenotypic variation after exposure to selective pressures such as high viral dose, mutagens and antivirals. Additionally, we discuss the variation in vivo of selected isolates of Old World arenaviruses, particularly after infection of different animal species. We also discuss the recent emergence of new arenaviruses in the context of our observations of sequence variations that appear to be host-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Zapata
- Institute of Human Virology-School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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20
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McLay L, Ansari A, Liang Y, Ly H. Targeting virulence mechanisms for the prevention and therapy of arenaviral hemorrhagic fever. Antiviral Res 2012; 97:81-92. [PMID: 23261843 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2012.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2012] [Revised: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 12/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A number of arenaviruses are pathogenic for humans, but they differ significantly in virulence. Lassa virus, found in West Africa, causes severe hemorrhagic fever (HF), while the other principal Old World arenavirus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, causes mild illness in persons with normal immune function, and poses a threat only to immunocompromised individuals. The New World agents, including Junin, Machupo and Sabia virus, are highly pathogenic for humans. Arenaviral HF is characterized by high viremia and general immune suppression, the mechanism of which is unknown. Studies using viral reverse genetics, cell-based assays, animal models and human genome-wide association analysis have revealed potential mechanisms by which arenaviruses cause severe disease in humans. Each of the four viral gene products (GPC, L polymerase, NP, and Z matrix protein) and several host-cell factors (e.g., α-dystroglycan) are responsible for mediating viral entry, genome replication, and the inhibition of apoptosis, translation and interferon-beta (IFNβ) production. This review summarizes current knowledge of the role of each viral protein and host factor in the pathogenesis of arenaviral HF. Insights from recent studies are being exploited for the development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa McLay
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
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21
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Lukashevich IS. Advanced vaccine candidates for Lassa fever. Viruses 2012; 4:2514-57. [PMID: 23202493 PMCID: PMC3509661 DOI: 10.3390/v4112514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Revised: 10/20/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is the most prominent human pathogen of the Arenaviridae. The virus is transmitted to humans by a rodent reservoir, Mastomys natalensis, and is capable of causing lethal Lassa Fever (LF). LASV has the highest human impact of any of the viral hemorrhagic fevers (with the exception of Dengue Fever) with an estimated several hundred thousand infections annually, resulting in thousands of deaths in Western Africa. The sizeable disease burden, numerous imported cases of LF in non-endemic countries, and the possibility that LASV can be used as an agent of biological warfare make a strong case for vaccine development. Presently there is no licensed vaccine against LF or approved treatment. Recently, several promising vaccine candidates have been developed which can potentially target different groups at risk. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the LASV pathogenesis and immune mechanisms involved in protection. The current status of pre-clinical development of the advanced vaccine candidates that have been tested in non-human primates will be discussed. Major scientific, manufacturing, and regulatory challenges will also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor S Lukashevich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, and Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
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22
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Ortiz-Riaño E, Cheng BYH, de la Torre JC, Martínez-Sobrido L. D471G mutation in LCMV-NP affects its ability to self-associate and results in a dominant negative effect in viral RNA synthesis. Viruses 2012. [PMID: 23202457 PMCID: PMC3497045 DOI: 10.3390/v4102137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Arenaviruses merit significant interest because several family members are etiological agents of severe hemorrhagic fevers, representing a major burden to public health. Currently, there are no FDA-licensed vaccines against arenaviruses and the only available antiviral therapy is limited to the use of ribavirin that is partially effective. Arenavirus nucleoprotein (NP) is found associated with the genomic RNA forming the viral ribonucleoproteins (vRNPs) that together with the polymerase (L) direct viral replication and transcription. Virion formation requires the recruitment of vRNPs into budding sites, a process in which the arenavirus matrix-like protein (Z) plays a major role. Therefore, proper NP-NP and NP-Z interactions are required for the generation of infectious progeny. In this work we demonstrate the role of the amino acid residue D471 in the self-association of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus nucleoprotein (LCMV-NP). Amino acid substitutions at this position abrogate NP oligomerization, affecting its ability to mediate replication and transcription of a minigenome reporter plasmid. However, its ability to interact with the Z protein, counteract the cellular interferon response and bind to dsRNA analogs was retained. Additionally, we also document the dominant negative effect of D471G mutation on viral infection, suggesting that NP self-association is an excellent target for the development of new antivirals against arenaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Ortiz-Riaño
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, New York 14642; (E.O-R); (B.Y.H.C); (L. M-S)
| | - Benson Y. H. Cheng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, New York 14642; (E.O-R); (B.Y.H.C); (L. M-S)
| | - Juan C. de la Torre
- To whom correspondence should be addressed;
(L.M-S), Tel.: +1-585-276-4733; (J.C. dlT), Tel.: +1-858-784-9462
| | - Luis Martínez-Sobrido
- To whom correspondence should be addressed;
(L.M-S), Tel.: +1-585-276-4733; (J.C. dlT), Tel.: +1-858-784-9462
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Loureiro ME, D’Antuono A, Levingston Macleod JM, López N. Uncovering viral protein-protein interactions and their role in arenavirus life cycle. Viruses 2012; 4:1651-67. [PMID: 23170177 PMCID: PMC3499824 DOI: 10.3390/v4091651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2012] [Revised: 09/04/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Arenaviridae family includes widely distributed pathogens that cause severe hemorrhagic fever in humans. Replication and packaging of their single-stranded RNA genome involve RNA recognition by viral proteins and a number of key protein-protein interactions. Viral RNA synthesis is directed by the virus-encoded RNA dependent-RNA polymerase (L protein) and requires viral RNA encapsidation by the Nucleoprotein. In addition to the role that the interaction between L and the Nucleoprotein may have in the replication process, polymerase activity appears to be modulated by the association between L and the small multifunctional Z protein. Z is also a structural component of the virions that plays an essential role in viral morphogenesis. Indeed, interaction of the Z protein with the Nucleoprotein is critical for genome packaging. Furthermore, current evidence suggests that binding between Z and the viral envelope glycoprotein complex is required for virion infectivity, and that Z homo-oligomerization is an essential step for particle assembly and budding. Efforts to understand the molecular basis of arenavirus life cycle have revealed important details on these viral protein-protein interactions that will be reviewed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eugenia Loureiro
- Centro de Virología Animal (CEVAN), Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Dr. Cesar Milstein, Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONICET), Saladillo 2468, Buenos Aires C1440FFX, Argentina. (M.E.L.); (A.D.A.)
| | - Alejandra D’Antuono
- Centro de Virología Animal (CEVAN), Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Dr. Cesar Milstein, Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONICET), Saladillo 2468, Buenos Aires C1440FFX, Argentina. (M.E.L.); (A.D.A.)
| | - Jesica M. Levingston Macleod
- Department of Microbiology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA. (J.M.L.M.)
| | - Nora López
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; (N.L.); Tel/Fax: +54-11-4687-8735
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Arenavirus Z protein controls viral RNA synthesis by locking a polymerase-promoter complex. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 108:19743-8. [PMID: 22106304 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1112742108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Arenaviruses form a noncytolytic infection in their rodent hosts, yet can elicit severe hemorrhagic disease in humans. How arenaviruses regulate gene expression remains unclear, and further understanding may provide insight into the dichotomy of these disparate infection processes. Here we reconstitute arenavirus RNA synthesis initiation and gene expression regulation in vitro using purified components and demonstrate a direct role of the viral Z protein in controlling RNA synthesis. Our data reveal that Z forms a species-specific complex with the viral polymerase (L) and inhibits RNA synthesis initiation by impairing L catalytic activity. This Z-L complex locks the viral polymerase in a promoter-bound, catalytically inactive state and may additionally ensure polymerase packaging during virion maturation. Z modulates host factors involved in cellular translation, proliferation, and antiviral signaling. Our data defines an additional role in governing viral RNA synthesis, revealing Z as the center of a network of host and viral connections that regulates viral gene expression.
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