Respiratory syncytial virus glycoprotein G interacts with DC-SIGN and L-SIGN to activate ERK1 and ERK2

The role of respiratory syncytial virus G protein in immune cell infection and pathogenesis

Severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease is a significant contributor to the global burden of disease in infants and children. The RSV attachment protein (G) has been shown to be critical in invading airway epithelial cells through its CX3C motif interacting with the host receptor CX3CR1. The ubiquitous expression of this receptor on immune cells may explain their susceptibility to RSV infection. The RSV G protein may enhance disease severity through reprogramming of normal cellular functionality leading to inhibition of antiviral responses. While existing preventives targeting the RSV fusion (F) protein are highly effective, there are no RSV therapeutics based on the G protein to limit RSV pathogenesis. Monoclonal antibodies targeting the RSV G protein administered as post-infection therapeutics in mice have been shown to improve the antiviral response, reduce viral load and limit disease severity. Further research is required to better understand how RSV infection of immune cells contributes to pathogenesis for the development of more targeted and efficacious therapeutics.

Intranasal Vaccination with a Respiratory-Syncytial-Virus-Based Virus-like Particle Displaying the G Protein Conserved Region Induces Severe Weight Loss and Pathology upon Challenge with Wildtype Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of severe respiratory tract disease worldwide, and a pediatric vaccine is not available. We generated a filamentous RSV-based virus-like particle (VLP) that presents the central conserved region of the attachment protein G. This was achieved by co-expressing the matrix protein, phosphoprotein, nucleoprotein, and a hybrid fusion protein in which the F ectodomain was replaced with the G central region (GCR). The latter is relatively conserved and contains a receptor binding site and hence is a logical vaccine target. The immunogenicity and efficacy of the resulting VLP, termed VLP-GCR, were examined in mice using intranasal application without adjuvant. VLP-GCR induced substantial anti-N antibody levels but very low anti-G antibody levels, even after three vaccinations. In contrast, a VLP presenting prefusion-stabilized fusion (preF) protein instead of GCR induced both high anti-F and anti-nucleoprotein antibody levels, suggesting that our GCR antigen was poorly immunogenic. Challenge of VLP-GCR-vaccinated mice caused increased weight loss and lung pathology, and both VLPs induced mucus in the lungs. Thus, neither VLP is suitable as a vaccine for RSV-naive individuals. However, VLP-preF enhanced the proportion of preF antibodies and could serve as a multi-antigen mucosal booster vaccine in the RSV-experienced population.

Antibodies internalization mechanisms by dendritic cells and their role in therapeutic antibody immunogenicity

Internalization and processing by antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells (DCs) are critical steps for initiating a T-cell response to therapeutic antibodies. Consequences are the production of neutralizing antidrug antibodies altering the clinical response, the presence of immune complexes, and, in some rare cases, hypersensitivity reactions. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the knowledge of cellular uptake mechanisms of antibodies in DCs. The uptake of antibodies could be directly related to their immunogenicity by regulating the quantity of materials entering the DCs in relation to antibody structure. Here, we summarize the latest insights into cellular uptake mechanisms and pathways in DCs. We highlight the approaches to study endocytosis, the impact of endocytosis routes on T-cell response, and discuss the link between how DCs internalize therapeutic antibodies and the potential mechanisms that could give rise to immunogenicity. Understanding these processes could help in developing assays to evaluate the immunogenicity potential of biotherapeutics.

Non-glycosylated G protein with CpG ODN provides robust protection against respiratory syncytial virus without inducing eosinophilia

Introduction

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines targeting the fusion glycoprotein (F protein) are highly effective clinically in preventing RSV challenges. The attachment glycoprotein (G protein) is a potentially effective vaccine antigen candidate, as it is important for cell adhesion during infection. However, vaccine-associated enhanced diseases in mice, such as eosinophilic lung inflammation following RSV challenge, are a concern with G protein vaccines. This study aimed to design an effective G protein vaccine with enhanced safety and efficacy by evaluating the efficacy and adverse reactions of vaccines composed of different recombinant G proteins and adjuvants in mice.

Methods

Mice were subcutaneously immunized with glycosylated G protein expressed in mammalian cells (mG), non-glycosylated G protein expressed in Escherichia coli (eG), or F protein with or without aluminum salts (alum), CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG ODN), or AddaVax. After vaccination, the levels of G-specific antibody and T-cell responses were measured. The immunized mice were challenged with RSV and examined for the viral load in the lungs and nasal turbinates, lung-infiltrating cells, and lung pathology.

Results

mG with any adjuvant was ineffective at inducing G-specific antibodies and had difficulty achieving both protection against RSV challenge and eosinophilia suppression. In particular, mG+CpG ODN induced G-specific T helper 1 (Th1) cells but only a few G-specific antibodies and did not protect against RSV challenge. However, eG+CpG ODN induced high levels of G-specific antibodies and Th1 cells and protected against RSV challenge without inducing pulmonary inflammation. Moreover, the combination vaccine of eG+F+CpG ODN showed greater protection against upper respiratory tract RSV challenge than using each single antigen vaccine alone.

Discussion

These results indicate that the efficacy of recombinant G protein vaccines can be enhanced without inducing adverse reactions by using appropriate antigens and adjuvants, and their efficacy is further enhanced in the combination vaccine with F protein. These data provide valuable information for the clinical application of G protein vaccines.

Host Responses to Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections are a constant public health problem, especially in infants and older adults. Virtually all children will have been infected with RSV by the age of two, and reinfections are common throughout life. Since antigenic variation, which is frequently observed among other respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 or influenza viruses, can only be observed for RSV to a limited extent, reinfections may result from short-term or incomplete immunity. After decades of research, two RSV vaccines were approved to prevent lower respiratory tract infections in older adults. Recently, the FDA approved a vaccine for active vaccination of pregnant women to prevent severe RSV disease in infants during their first RSV season. This review focuses on the host response to RSV infections mediated by epithelial cells as the first physical barrier, followed by responses of the innate and adaptive immune systems. We address possible RSV-mediated immunomodulatory and pathogenic mechanisms during infections and discuss the current vaccine candidates and alternative treatment options.

Virus-like Particle Vaccine Expressing the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Pre-Fusion and G Proteins Confers Protection against RSV Challenge Infection

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes severe lower respiratory tract disease in children and the elderly. However, there are no effective antiviral drugs or licensed vaccines available for RSV infection. Here, RSV virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines expressing Pre-F, G, or Pre-F and G proteins on the surface of influenza virus matrix protein 1 (M1) were produced using the baculovirus expression system, and their protective efficacy was evaluated in mice. The morphology and successful assembly of VLPs were confirmed by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Western blot. High levels of serum IgG antibody response were detected in VLP-immunized mice, and significantly higher levels of IgG2a and IgG2b were found in the Pre-F+G VLP immunization group compared to the unimmunized control. Serum-neutralizing activity was higher in the VLP immunization groups compared to the naïve group, with Pre-F+G VLPs demonstrating superior neutralizing activity to the single antigen-expressing VLP groups. Pulmonary IgA and IgG responses were generally comparable across the immunization groups, with VLPs expressing the Pre-F antigen eliciting higher IFN-γ in spleens. The frequencies of eosinophils and IL-4-producing CD4+ T cell populations were substantially lower in the lungs of VLP-immunized mice, with the PreF+G vaccine inducing a significant increase in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. VLP immunization significantly decreased the viral titer and inflammation in the lungs of mice, with Pre-F+G VLPs conferring the best protection. In conclusion, our present study suggests that the Pre-F+G VLPs could be a potential vaccine candidate against RSV infection.

Responding to Higher-Than-Expected Infant Mortality Rates from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): Improving Treatment and Reporting Strategies

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has a major role in respiratory infections in young infants around the world. However, substantial progress has been made in recent years in the field of RSV. A wide variety of observational studies and clinical trials published in the past decade provide a thorough idea of the health and economic burden of RSV disease in the developing world. In this review, we discuss the impact of RSV burden of disease, major gaps in disease estimations, and challenges in generating new therapeutic options and an immune response against the virus, and briefly describe next generation technologies that are being evaluated.

How RSV Proteins Join Forces to Overcome the Host Innate Immune Response

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of severe acute lower respiratory tract infections in infants worldwide. Although several pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) can sense RSV-derived pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), infection with RSV is typically associated with low to undetectable levels of type I interferons (IFNs). Multiple RSV proteins can hinder the host’s innate immune response. The main players are NS1 and NS2 which suppress type I IFN production and signalling in multiple ways. The recruitment of innate immune cells and the production of several cytokines are reduced by RSV G. Next, RSV N can sequester immunostimulatory proteins to inclusion bodies (IBs). N might also facilitate the assembly of a multiprotein complex that is responsible for the negative regulation of innate immune pathways. Furthermore, RSV M modulates the host’s innate immune response. The nuclear accumulation of RSV M has been linked to an impaired host gene transcription, in particular for nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins. In addition, RSV M might also directly target mitochondrial proteins which results in a reduced mitochondrion-mediated innate immune recognition of RSV. Lastly, RSV SH might prolong the viral replication in infected cells and influence cytokine production.

Role of CCR3 in respiratory syncytial virus infection of airway epithelial cells

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is the principal cause of severe lower respiratory tract disease and accounts for a significant risk for developing asthma later in life. Clinical studies have shown an increase in airway responsiveness and a concomitant Th₂ response in the lungs of RSV-infected patients. These indications suggest that RSV may modulate aspects of the immune response to promote virus replication. Here, we show that CCR3 facilitates RSV infection of airway epithelial cells, an effect that was inhibited by eotaxin-1/CCL11 or upon CCR3 gene silencing. Mechanistically, cellular entry of RSV is mediated by binding of the viral G protein to CCR3 and selective chemotaxis of Th₂ cells and eosinophils. In vivo, mice lacking CCR3 display a significant reduction in RSV infection, airway inflammation, and mucus production. Overall, RSV G protein-CCR3 interaction may participate in pulmonary infection and inflammation by enhancing eosinophils' recruitment and less potent antiviral Th₂ cells.

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CCR3 mediates RSV infection of human airway epithelial cells

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Eotaxin-1 blocks RSV-G binding to CCR3 and significantly decreases RSV infection

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RSV-G secreted protein (sG) attracts human eosinophils and Th₂ cells through CCR3

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RSV infection of mice lacking CCR3 exhibited reduced inflammation and mucus secretion

New preventive strategies for respiratory syncytial virus infection in children

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections result in significant morbidity and mortality for young children worldwide. The development of preventive strategies for RSV has faced different challenges, including the legacy of the first vaccine attempt, and an incomplete understanding of the host immune response to the virus. However, promising preventive strategies against RSV are in the pipeline and their development has advanced rapidly in the past decade due in part to our improved knowledge about the structural conformation of key RSV proteins. These strategies include monoclonal antibodies and different vaccines platforms directed towards the main target populations.

L-SIGN is a receptor on liver sinusoidal endothelial cells for SARS-CoV-2 virus

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), remains a pandemic. Severe disease is associated with dysfunction of multiple organs, but some infected cells do not express ACE2, the canonical entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2. Here, we report that the C-type lectin receptor L-SIGN interacted in a Ca²⁺-dependent manner with high-mannose–type N-glycans on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. We found that L-SIGN was highly expressed on human liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and lymph node lymphatic endothelial cells but not on blood endothelial cells. Using high-resolution confocal microscopy imaging, we detected SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins within the LSECs from liver autopsy samples from patients with COVID-19. We found that both pseudo-typed virus enveloped with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and authentic SARS-CoV-2 virus infected L-SIGN–expressing cells relative to control cells. Moreover, blocking L-SIGN function reduced CoV-2–type infection. These results indicate that L-SIGN is a receptor for SARS-CoV-2 infection. LSECs are major sources of the clotting factors vWF and factor VIII (FVIII). LSECs from liver autopsy samples from patients with COVID-19 expressed substantially higher levels of vWF and FVIII than LSECs from uninfected liver samples. Our data demonstrate that L-SIGN is an endothelial cell receptor for SARS-CoV-2 that may contribute to COVID-19–associated coagulopathy.

Functional Features of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus G Protein

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of serious lower respiratory tract infections in children <5 years of age worldwide and repeated infections throughout life leading to serious disease in the elderly and persons with compromised immune, cardiac, and pulmonary systems. The disease burden has made it a high priority for vaccine and antiviral drug development but without success except for immune prophylaxis for certain young infants. Two RSV proteins are associated with protection, F and G, and F is most often pursued for vaccine and antiviral drug development. Several features of the G protein suggest it could also be an important to vaccine or antiviral drug target design. We review features of G that effect biology of infection, the host immune response, and disease associated with infection. Though it is not clear how to fit these together into an integrated picture, it is clear that G mediates cell surface binding and facilitates cellular infection, modulates host responses that affect both immunity and disease, and its CX3C aa motif contributes to many of these effects. These features of G and the ability to block the effects with antibody, suggest G has substantial potential in vaccine and antiviral drug design.

C-type lectins and extracellular vesicles in virus-induced NETosis

Dysregulated formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) is observed in acute viral infections. Moreover, NETs contribute to the pathogenesis of acute viral infections, including those caused by the dengue virus (DV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Furthermore, excessive NET formation (NETosis) is associated with disease severity in patients suffering from SARS-CoV-2-induced multiple organ injuries. Dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN) and other members of C-type lectin family (L-SIGN, LSECtin, CLEC10A) have been reported to interact with viral glycans to facilitate virus spreading and exacerbates inflammatory reactions. Moreover, spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk)-coupled C-type lectin member 5A (CLEC5A) has been shown as the pattern recognition receptor for members of flaviviruses, and is responsible for DV-induced cytokine storm and Japanese encephalomyelitis virus (JEV)-induced neuronal inflammation. Moreover, DV activates platelets via CLEC2 to release extracellular vesicles (EVs), including microvesicles (MVs) and exosomes (EXOs). The DV-activated EXOs (DV-EXOs) and MVs (DV-MVs) stimulate CLEC5A and Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), respectively, to enhance NET formation and inflammatory reactions. Thus, EVs from virus-activated platelets (PLT-EVs) are potent endogenous danger signals, and blockade of C-type lectins is a promising strategy to attenuate virus-induced NETosis and intravascular coagulopathy.

C-type Lectin CD209L/L-SIGN and CD209/DC-SIGN: Cell Adhesion Molecules Turned to Pathogen Recognition Receptors

C-type lectin CD209/DC-SIGN and CD209L/L-SIGN proteins are distinct cell adhesion and pathogen recognition receptors that mediate cellular interactions and recognize a wide range of pathogens, including viruses such as SARS, SARS-CoV-2, bacteria, fungi and parasites. Pathogens exploit CD209 family proteins to promote infection and evade the immune recognition system. CD209L and CD209 are widely expressed in SARS-CoV-2 target organs and can contribute to infection and pathogenesis. CD209 family receptors are highly susceptible to alternative splicing and genomic polymorphism, which may influence virus tropism and transmission in vivo. The carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) and the neck/repeat region represent the key features of CD209 family proteins that are also central to facilitating cellular ligand interactions and pathogen recognition. While the neck/repeat region is involved in oligomeric dimerization, the CRD recognizes the mannose-containing structures present on specific glycoproteins such as those found on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Considering the role of CD209L and related proteins in diverse pathogen recognition, this review article discusses the recent advances in the cellular and biochemical characterization of CD209 and CD209L and their roles in viral uptake, which has important implications in understanding the host-pathogen interaction, the viral pathobiology and driving vaccine development of SARS-CoV-2.

Disease severity of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection correlate to a novel set of five amino acid substitutions in the RSV attachment glycoprotein (G) in China

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the major viruses of acute respiratory tract disease among infants and young children. We performed molecular epidemiology analysis of RSV among inpatient children in Guangzhou, China. Phylogenetic and Bayesian analysis showed that genotype ON1 was the only subgroup A virus in this study. Interestingly, the majority of Guangzhou ON1 strains formed a well-supported cluster, and these strains shared a novel set of five amino acid substitutions that never illustrated before. Furthermore, the degree of disease severity was assessed using a severity scoring system. The patients carrying the novel RSV A strain were associated with milder respiratory symptoms compared to other RSV A positives. In conclusion, a specific set of five amino acid substitutions was found in China and further analysis showed that disease severity was associated with these alterations. These findings will provide valuable information for the pathogenic mechanism and vaccine development of RSV.

Contribution of Dendritic Cells in Protective Immunity against Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of severe respiratory disease in infants and the elderly. The socioeconomic burden of RSV infection is substantial because it leads to serious respiratory problems, subsequent hospitalization, and mortality. Despite its clinical significance, a safe and effective vaccine is not yet available to prevent RSV infection. Upon RSV infection, lung dendritic cells (DCs) detecting pathogens migrate to the lymph nodes and activate the adaptive immune response. Therefore, RSV has evolved various immunomodulatory strategies to inhibit DC function. Due to the capacity of RSV to modulate defense mechanisms in hosts, RSV infection results in inappropriate activation of immune responses resulting in immunopathology and frequent reinfection throughout life. This review discusses how DCs recognize invading RSV and induce adaptive immune responses, as well as the regulatory mechanisms mediated by RSV to disrupt DC functions and ultimately avoid host defenses.

Preliminary functional and phylogeographic analyses of the 72 nucleotide duplication region in the emerging human respiratory syncytial virus ON1 strain attachment glycoprotein gene

The emerging human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) ON1 strain, which is characterized by a 72-nt duplication in the attachment glycoprotein (G) gene, has replaced other prevailing global genotypes since its discovery in 2012. In this study, we used the pseudotype lentiviral system to directly address the effect of the duplication on hRSV infection. In addition, representative 199 ON1 sequences selected from 2599 ON1 sequences that were downloaded from GenBank were used to perform Bayesian skyline and phylogeographic analyses. Our results showed that lentiviral pseudoparticles mimicked the key functions of the G-protein on hRSV cell entry. Further, we showed that deletion of the G-protein duplication decreased the efficiency of pLV infection. The mean substitution rate of the second mucin-like highly variable region for the ON1 G-protein gene was 2.14 × 10^-3 (95 % HPD: 1.23 × 10^-3, 3.08 × 10^-3) nucleotide substitutions per site per year. Phylogeographic analyses showed that the ON1 isolates might originate from Europe at the time of MRCA (i.e., the most recent common ancestors), which dated back to 1998.3 (95 % HPD: 1989.2, 2005.2). These preliminary findings revealed the enhanced attachment function of the duplication region in the ON1 G gene and highlighted the importance of ongoing surveillance of ON1 to better understand the molecular epidemiology of hRSV.

Structure-Based Vaccine Antigen Design

Enabled by new approaches for rapid identification and selection of human monoclonal antibodies, atomic-level structural information for viral surface proteins, and capacity for precision engineering of protein immunogens and self-assembling nanoparticles, a new era of antigen design and display options has evolved. While HIV-1 vaccine development has been a driving force behind these technologies and concepts, clinical proof-of-concept for structure-based vaccine design may first be achieved for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), where conformation-dependent access to neutralization-sensitive epitopes on the fusion glycoprotein determines the capacity to induce potent neutralizing activity. Success with RSV has motivated structure-based stabilization of other class I viral fusion proteins for use as immunogens and demonstrated the importance of structural information for developing vaccines against other viral pathogens, particularly difficult targets that have resisted prior vaccine development efforts. Solving viral surface protein structures also supports rapid vaccine antigen design and application of platform manufacturing approaches for emerging pathogens.

Immunological goals for respiratory syncytial virus vaccine development

Defining the immunological goals for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination requires understanding of RSV biology and tropism, mechanisms of cell-to-cell spread and immunity, epidemiology, and transmission dynamics. The immunological goals for a particular vaccine would be product-specific based on antigen selection, delivery approach, and target population. There are many ways to achieve immunity against RSV infection involving innate and adaptive responses, humoral, and cellular effector mechanisms, and mucosal and systemic responses. Both protective and pathological immune response patterns have been demonstrated in animal models and humans. In this short commentary, the entire information matrix that may inform the design of particular vaccine candidates cannot be fully reviewed, but the rationale behind the major vaccine approaches in key target populations will be discussed.

Immune-Modulation by the Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Focus on Dendritic Cells

The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is the leading cause of pneumonia in infants and produces a significant burden in the elderly. It can also infect and produce disease in otherwise healthy adults and recurrently infect those previously exposed to the virus. Importantly, recurrent infections are not necessarily a consequence of antigenic variability, as described for other respiratory viruses, but most likely due to the capacity of this virus to interfere with the host's immune response and the establishment of a protective and long-lasting immunity. Although some genes encoded by hRSV are known to have a direct participation in immune evasion, it seems that repeated infection is mainly given by its capacity to modulate immune components in such a way to promote non-optimal antiviral responses in the host. Importantly, hRSV is known to interfere with dendritic cell (DC) function, which are key cells involved in establishing and regulating protective virus-specific immunity. Notably, hRSV infects DCs, alters their maturation, migration to lymph nodes and their capacity to activate virus-specific T cells, which likely impacts the host antiviral response against this virus. Here, we review and discuss the most important and recent findings related to DC modulation by hRSV, which might be at the basis of recurrent infections in previously infected individuals and hRSV-induced disease. A focus on the interaction between DCs and hRSV will likely contribute to the development of effective prophylactic and antiviral strategies against this virus.

Contribution of Fcγ Receptor-Mediated Immunity to the Pathogenesis Caused by the Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus

The human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (hRSV) is the leading cause of severe acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTIs) in humans at all ages and is the main cause of hospitalization due to pneumonia, asthma, and bronchiolitis in infants. hRSV symptoms mainly develop due to an excessive host immune and inflammatory response in the respiratory tissue. hRSV infection during life is frequent and likely because of non-optimal immunological memory is developed against this virus. Vaccine development against this pathogen has been delayed after the detrimental effects produced in children by vaccination with a formalin-inactivated hRSV preparation (FI-hRSV), which caused enhanced disease upon natural viral infection. Since then, several studies have focused on understanding the mechanisms underlying such disease exacerbation. Along these lines, several studies have suggested that antibodies elicited by immunization with FI-hRSV show low neutralizing capacity and promote the formation of immune complexes containing hRSV (hRSV-ICs), which contribute to hRSV pathogenesis through the engagement of Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs) expressed on the surface of immune cells. Furthermore, a role for FcγRs is supported by studies evaluating the contribution of these molecules to hRSV-induced disease. These studies have shown that FcγRs can modulate viral clearance by the host and the inflammatory response triggered by hRSV infection. In addition, ICs can facilitate viral entry into host cells expressing FcγRs, thus extending hRSV infectivity. In this article, we discuss current knowledge relative to the contribution of hRSV-ICs and FcγRs to the pathogenesis caused by hRSV and their putative role in the exacerbation of the disease caused by this virus after FI-hRSV vaccination. A better understanding FcγRs involvement in the immune response against hRSV will contribute to the development of new prophylactic or therapeutic tools to promote virus clearance with limited inflammatory damage to the airways.

Effects of Alterations to the CX3C Motif and Secreted Form of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) G Protein on Immune Responses to a Parainfluenza Virus Vector Expressing the RSV G Protein

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major pediatric respiratory pathogen. The attachment (G) and fusion (F) glycoproteins are major neutralization and protective antigens. RSV G is expressed as membrane-anchored (mG) and -secreted (sG) forms, both containing a central fractalkine-like CX3C motif. The CX3C motif and sG are thought to interfere with host immune responses and have been suggested to be omitted from a vaccine. We used a chimeric bovine/human parainfluenza virus type 3 (rB/HPIV3) vector to express RSV wild-type (wt) G and modified forms, including sG alone, mG alone, mutants with ablated CX3C, and G with enhanced packaging into vector virions. In hamsters, these viruses replicated to similar titers. When assayed with a complement-enhanced neutralization assay in Vero cells, sG did not reduce the serum RSV- or PIV3-neutralizing antibody (NAb) responses, whereas ablating CX3C drastically reduced the RSV NAb response. Protective efficacy against RSV challenge was not reduced by sG but was strongly dependent on the CX3C motif. In ciliated human airway epithelial (HAE) cells, NAbs induced by wt G, but not by wt F, completely blocked RSV infection in the absence of added complement. This activity was dependent on the integrity of the CX3C motif. In hamsters, the rB/HPIV3 expressing wt G conferred better protection against RSV challenge than that expressing wt F. Codon optimization of the wt G further increased its immunogenicity and protective efficacy. This study showed that ablation of the CX3C motif or sG in an RSV vaccine, as has been suggested previously, would be ill advised.IMPORTANCE Human RSV is the leading viral cause of severe pediatric respiratory illness. An RSV vaccine is not yet available. The RSV attachment protein G is an important protective and neutralization antigen. G contains a conserved fractalkine-like CX3C motif and is expressed in mG and sG forms. sG and the CX3C motif are thought to interfere with host immune responses, but this remains poorly characterized. Here, we used an attenuated chimeric bovine/human parainfluenza virus type 3 (rB/HPIV3) vector to express various modified forms of RSV G. We demonstrated that strong antibody and protective responses could be induced by G alone, and that this was highly dependent on the integrity of the CX3C motif. There was no evidence that sG or the CX3C motif impaired immune responses against RSV G or the rB/HPIV3 vector. rB/HPIV3 expressing wt RSV G provides a bivalent vaccine against RSV and HPIV3.

Human Metapneumovirus: Mechanisms and Molecular Targets Used by the Virus to Avoid the Immune System

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a respiratory virus, first reported the year 2001. Since then, it has been described as one of the main etiological agents that causes acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTIs), which is characterized by symptoms such as bronchiolitis, wheezing and coughing. Susceptible population to hMPV-infection includes newborn, children, elderly and immunocompromised individuals. This viral agent is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA enveloped virus, that belongs to the Pneumoviridae family and Metapneumovirus genus. Early reports—previous to 2001—state several cases of respiratory illness without clear identification of the responsible pathogen, which could be related to hMPV. Despite the similarities of hMPV with several other viruses, such as the human respiratory syncytial virus or influenza virus, mechanisms used by hMPV to avoid the host immune system are still unclear. In fact, evidence indicates that hMPV induces a poor innate immune response, thereby affecting the adaptive immunity. Among these mechanisms, is the promotion of an anergic state in T cells, instead of an effective polarization or activation, which could be induced by low levels of cytokine secretion. Further, the evidences support the notion that hMPV interferes with several pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and cell signaling pathways triggered by interferon-associated genes. However, these mechanisms reported in hMPV are not like the ones reported for hRSV, as the latter has two non-structural proteins that are able to inhibit these pathways. Several reports suggest that viral glycoproteins, such as G and SH, could play immune-modulator roles during infection. In this work, we discuss the state of the art regarding the mechanisms that underlie the poor immunity elicited by hMPV. Importantly, these mechanisms will be compared with those elicited by other common respiratory viruses.

Human respiratory syncytial virus: pathogenesis, immune responses, and current vaccine approaches

Respiratory syncytial virus continues to pose a serious threat to the pediatric populations worldwide. With a genomic makeup of 15,200 nucleotides, the virus encodes for 11 proteins serving as envelope spikes, inner envelope proteins, and non-structural and ribonucleocapsid complexes. The fusion (F) and attachment (G) surface glycoproteins are the key targets for neutralizing antibodies. The highly variable G with altered glycosylations and the conformational alternations of F create challenges for vaccine development. The metastable F protein is responsible for RSV-host cell fusion and thus infectivity. Novel antigenic sites were identified on this form following its stabilization and solving its crystal structure. Importantly, site ø displays neutralizing activity exceeding those of post-F-specific and shared antigenic sites, such as site II which is the target for Palivizumab therapeutic antibody. Induction of high neutralizing antibody responses by pre-F immunization in animal models promoted it as a major vaccine candidate. Since RSV infection is more serious at age extremities and in individuals with undermining health conditions, vaccines are being developed to target these populations. Infants below three months of age have a suppressive immune system, making vaccines' immunogenicity weak. Therefore, a suggested strategy to protect newborns from RSV infection would be through passive immunity of maternal antibodies. Hence, pregnant women at their third trimester have been selected as an ideal target for vaccination with RSV pre-F vaccine. This review summarizes the different modes of RSV pathogenesis and host's immune response to the infection, and illustrates on the latest updates of vaccine development and vaccination approaches.

Neonatal Immunity, Respiratory Virus Infections, and the Development of Asthma

Infants are exposed to a wide range of potential pathogens in the first months of life. Although maternal antibodies acquired transplacentally protect full-term neonates from many systemic pathogens, infections at mucosal surfaces still occur with great frequency, causing significant morbidity and mortality. At least part of this elevated risk is attributable to the neonatal immune system that tends to favor T regulatory and Th2 type responses when microbes are first encountered. Early-life infection with respiratory viruses is of particular interest because such exposures can disrupt normal lung development and increase the risk of chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma. The immunologic mechanisms that underlie neonatal host-virus interactions that contribute to the subsequent development of asthma have not yet been fully defined. The goals of this review are (1) to outline the differences between the neonatal and adult immune systems and (2) to present murine and human data that support the hypothesis that early-life interactions between the immune system and respiratory viruses can create a lung environment conducive to the development of asthma.

Functional Impairment of Mononuclear Phagocyte System by the Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus

The mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) comprises of monocytes, macrophages (MΦ), and dendritic cells (DCs). MPS is part of the first line of immune defense against a wide range of pathogens, including viruses, such as the human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV). The hRSV is an enveloped virus that belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, Orthopneumovirus genus. This virus is the main etiological agent causing severe acute lower respiratory tract infection, especially in infants, children and the elderly. Human RSV can cause bronchiolitis and pneumonia and it has also been implicated in the development of recurrent wheezing and asthma. Monocytes, MΦ, and DCs significantly contribute to acute inflammation during hRSV-induced bronchiolitis and asthma exacerbation. Furthermore, these cells seem to be an important component for the association between hRSV and reactive airway disease. After hRSV infection, the first cells encountered by the virus are respiratory epithelial cells, alveolar macrophages (AMs), DCs, and monocytes in the airways. Because AMs constitute the predominant cell population at the alveolar space in healthy subjects, these cells work as major innate sentinels for the recognition of pathogens. Although adaptive immunity is crucial for viral clearance, AMs are required for the early immune response against hRSV, promoting viral clearance and controlling immunopathology. Furthermore, exposure to hRSV may affect the phagocytic and microbicidal capacity of monocytes and MΦs against other infectious agents. Finally, different studies have addressed the roles of different DC subsets during infection by hRSV. In this review article, we discuss the role of the lung MPS during hRSV infection and their involvement in the development of bronchiolitis.

Vaccine development for respiratory syncytial virus

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important and ubiquitous respiratory pathogen for which no vaccine is available notwithstanding more than 50 years of effort. It causes the most severe disease at the extremes of age and in settings of immunodeficiency. Although RSV is susceptible to neutralizing antibody, it has evolved multiple mechanisms of immune evasion allowing it to repeatedly infect people despite relatively little genetic diversity. Recent breakthroughs in determining the structure and antigenic content of the fusion (F) glycoprotein in its metastable untriggered prefusion form (pre-F) and the stable rearranged postfusion form (post-F) have yielded vaccine strategies that can induce potent neutralizing antibody responses and effectively boost pre-existing neutralizing activity. In parallel, novel live-attenuated and chimeric virus vaccine candidates and other novel approaches to deliver vaccine antigens have been developed. These events and activities have aroused optimism and a robust pipeline of potential vaccine products that promise to provide a means to reduce the public health burden of RSV infection.

Mutating the CX3C Motif in the G Protein Should Make a Live Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine Safer and More Effective

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) belongs to the family Paramyxoviridae and is the single most important cause of serious lower respiratory tract infections in young children, yet no highly effective treatment or vaccine is available. Through a CX3C chemokine motif (182CWAIC186) in the G protein, RSV binds to the corresponding chemokine receptor, CX3CR1. Since RSV binding to CX3CR1 contributes to disease pathogenesis, we investigated whether a mutation in the CX3C motif by insertion of an alanine, A186, within the CX3C motif, mutating it to CX4C (182CWAIAC187), which is known to block binding to CX3CR1, might decrease disease. We studied the effect of the CX4C mutation in two strains of RSV (A2 and r19F) in a mouse challenge model. We included RSV r19F because it induces mucus production and airway resistance, two manifestations of RSV infection in humans, in mice. Compared to wild-type (wt) virus, mice infected with CX4C had a 0.7 to 1.2 log10-fold lower virus titer in the lung at 5 days postinfection (p.i.) and had markedly reduced weight loss, pulmonary inflammatory cell infiltration, mucus production, and airway resistance after challenge. This decrease in disease was not dependent on decrease in virus replication but did correspond to a decrease in pulmonary Th2 and inflammatory cytokines. Mice infected with CX4C viruses also had higher antibody titers and a Th1-biased T cell memory response at 75 days p.i. These results suggest that the CX4C mutation in the G protein could improve the safety and efficacy of a live attenuated RSV vaccine.IMPORTANCE RSV binds to the corresponding chemokine receptor, CX3CR1, through a CX3C chemokine motif (182CWAIC186) in the G protein. RSV binding to CX3CR1 contributes to disease pathogenesis; therefore, we investigated whether a mutation in the CX3C motif by insertion of an alanine, A186, within the CX3C motif, mutating it to CX4C (182CWAIAC187), known to block binding to CX3CR1, might decrease disease. The effect of this mutation and treatment with the F(ab')2 form of the anti-RSV G 131-2G monoclonal antibody (MAb) show that mutating the CX3C motif to CX4C blocks much of the disease and immune modulation associated with the G protein and should improve the safety and efficacy of a live attenuated RSV vaccine.

Modulation of the host immune response by respiratory syncytial virus proteins

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes severe respiratory disease in both the very young and the elderly. Nearly all individuals become infected in early childhood, and reinfections with the virus are common throughout life. Despite its clinical impact, there remains no licensed RSV vaccine. RSV infection in the respiratory tract induces an inflammatory response by the host to facilitate efficient clearance of the virus. However, the host immune response also contributes to the respiratory disease observed following an RSV infection. RSV has evolved several mechanisms to evade the host immune response and promote virus replication through interactions between RSV proteins and immune components. In contrast, some RSV proteins also play critical roles in activating, rather than suppressing, host immunity. In this review, we discuss the interactions between individual RSV proteins and host factors that modulate the immune response and the implications of these interactions for the course of an RSV infection.

Preclinical evaluation of bacterially produced RSV-G protein vaccine: Strong protection against RSV challenge in cotton rat model

In current study, we evaluated the safety and protective efficacy of recombinant unglycosylated RSV G protein ectodomain produced in E. coli (in presence and absence of oil-in-water adjuvant) in a preclinical RSV susceptible cotton rat challenge model compared to formaldehyde inactivated RSV (FI-RSV) and live RSV experimental infection. The adjuvanted G protein vaccine induced robust neutralization antibody responses comparable to those generated by live RSV infection. Importantly, adjuvanted G protein significantly reduced viral loads in both the lungs and nose at early time points following viral challenge. Antibody kinetics determined by Surface Plasmon Resonance showed that adjuvanted G generated 10-fold higher G-binding antibodies compared to non-adjvuanted G vaccine and live RSV infection, which correlated strongly with both neutralization titers and viral load titers in the nose and lungs post-viral challenge. Antibody diversity analysis revealed immunodominant antigenic sites in the N- and C-termini of the RSV-G protein, that were boosted >10-fold by adjuvant and inversely correlated with viral load titers. Enhanced lung pathology was observed only in animals vaccinated with FI-RSV, but not in animals vaccinated with unadjuvanted or adjuvanted RSV-G vaccine after viral challenge. The bacterially produced unglycosylated G protein could be developed as a protective vaccine against RSV disease.

Novel roles of DC-SIGNR in colon cancer cell adhesion, migration, invasion, and liver metastasis

Background

Tumor metastasis is an essential cause of the poor prognosis of colon cancer. DC-SIGNR is a C-type lectin that is frequently found on human liver sinusoidal endothelial cells. LSECtin, which is a homologue of DC-SIGNR, has been demonstrated to participate in colon cancer liver metastasis. Due to the similarities in the expression pattern and structure of the two proteins, we speculated that DC-SIGNR could also be involved in this process.

Methods

Colon cancer cells were treated with the DC-SIGNR protein or control IgG, after which cell migration, invasion, and morphology were assayed. Xenograft mouse models were used to determine the role of DC-SIGNR in colon cancer liver metastasis in vivo. In addition, a human gene expression array was used to detect differential gene expression in colon cancer cells stimulated with the DC-SIGNR protein. The serum level of DC-SIGNR was examined in colon cancer patients by ELISA, and the significance of DC-SIGNR was determined.

Results

In our research, we investigated whether DC-SIGNR promotes colon cancer cell adhesion, migration, and invasion. Knocking down mouse DC-SIGNR decreased the liver metastatic potency of colon cancer cells and increased survival time. Expressing human DC-SIGNR enhanced colon cancer liver metastasis. Furthermore, DC-SIGNR conferred metastatic capability on cancer cells by upregulating various metallothionein isoforms. To validate the above results, we also found that the serum DC-SIGNR level was statistically higher in colon cancer patients with liver metastasis compared with those without metastasis.

Conclusions

These results imply that DC-SIGNR may promote colon carcinoma hepatic metastasis and could serve as a promising therapeutic target for anticancer treatment.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13045-016-0383-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Monoclonal Antibody against G Glycoprotein Increases Respiratory Syncytial Virus Clearance In Vivo and Prevents Vaccine-Enhanced Diseases

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of lower respiratory tract illness in infants, young children, and the elderly. The G glycoprotein plays a role in host cell attachment and also modulates the host immune response, thereby inducing disease pathogenesis. We generated two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs; 5H6 and 3A5) against G protein core fragment (Gcf), which consisted of amino acid residues 131 to 230 from RSV A2 G protein. Epitope mapping study revealed that 5H6 specifically binds to the G/164-176 peptide that includes conserved sequences shared by both RSV A and B subtypes, and 3A5 binds to the G/190-204 peptide. Studies with mutant Gcf proteins in which cysteine residues were substituted with alanine revealed that 5H6 requires four cysteines for binding and 3A5 binds to Gcf variants with alanine substitutions better than wild-type. To determine if these mAbs reduce pulmonary viral infection, BALB/c mice were administered mAb and subsequently challenged with RSV. On day 4 post-infection, lung viral titers were reduced by up to 93% with the 5H6 injection and 90% with the 3A5 injection, indicating that prophylactic injection of these mAbs contributes to RSV clearance in vivo. Importantly, 5H6 injection reduced vaccine-enhanced diseases. Overall, our results suggest that this novel anti-G mAb could be used as a prophylactic regimen against RSV diseases.

A live RSV vaccine with engineered thermostability is immunogenic in cotton rats despite high attenuation

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of infant hospitalization and there remains no pediatric vaccine. RSV live-attenuated vaccines (LAVs) have a history of safe testing in infants; however, achieving an effective balance of attenuation and immunogenicity has proven challenging. Here we seek to engineer an RSV LAV with enhanced immunogenicity. Genetic mapping identifies strain line 19 fusion (F) protein residues that correlate with pre-fusion antigen maintenance by ELISA and thermal stability of infectivity in live RSV. We generate a LAV candidate named OE4 which expresses line 19F and is attenuated by codon-deoptimization of non-structural (NS1 and NS2) genes, deletion of the small hydrophobic (SH) gene, codon-deoptimization of the attachment (G) gene and ablation of the secreted form of G. OE4 (RSV-A2-dNS1-dNS2-ΔSH-dGm-Gsnull-line19F) exhibits elevated pre-fusion antigen levels, thermal stability, immunogenicity, and efficacy despite heavy attenuation in the upper and lower airways of cotton rats.

DC-SIGN and L-SIGN Are Attachment Factors That Promote Infection of Target Cells by Human Metapneumovirus in the Presence or Absence of Cellular Glycosaminoglycans

It is well established that glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) function as attachment factors for human metapneumovirus (HMPV), concentrating virions at the cell surface to promote interaction with other receptors for virus entry and infection. There is increasing evidence to suggest that multiple receptors may exhibit the capacity to promote infectious entry of HMPV into host cells; however, definitive identification of specific transmembrane receptors for HMPV attachment and entry is complicated by the widespread expression of cell surface GAGs. pgsA745 Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are deficient in the expression of cell surface GAGs and resistant to HMPV infection. Here, we demonstrate that the expression of the Ca(2+)-dependent C-type lectin receptor (CLR) DC-SIGN (CD209L) or L-SIGN (CD209L) rendered pgsA745 cells permissive to HMPV infection. Unlike infection of parental CHO cells, HMPV infection of pgsA745 cells expressing DC-SIGN or L-SIGN was dynamin dependent and inhibited by mannan but not by pretreatment with bacterial heparinase. Parental CHO cells expressing DC-SIGN/L-SIGN also showed enhanced susceptibility to dynamin-dependent HMPV infection, confirming that CLRs can promote HMPV infection in the presence or absence of GAGs. Comparison of pgsA745 cells expressing wild-type and endocytosis-defective mutants of DC-SIGN/L-SIGN indicated that the endocytic function of CLRs was not essential but could contribute to HMPV infection of GAG-deficient cells. Together, these studies confirm a role for CLRs as attachment factors and entry receptors for HMPV infection. Moreover, they define an experimental system that can be exploited to identify transmembrane receptors and entry pathways where permissivity to HMPV infection can be rescued following the expression of a single cell surface receptor.

IMPORTANCE

On the surface of CHO cells, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) function as the major attachment factor for human metapneumoviruses (HMPV), promoting dynamin-independent infection. Consistent with this, GAG-deficient pgaA745 CHO cells are resistant to HMPV. However, expression of DC-SIGN or L-SIGN rendered pgsA745 cells permissive to dynamin-dependent infection by HMPV, although the endocytic function of DC-SIGN/L-SIGN was not essential for, but could contribute to, enhanced infection. These studies provide direct evidence implicating DC-SIGN/L-SIGN as an alternate attachment factor for HMPV attachment, promoting dynamin-dependent infection via other unknown receptors in the absence of GAGs. Moreover, we describe a unique experimental system for the assessment of putative attachment and entry receptors for HMPV.

Genome-wide analysis of the transcriptional response to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection at the maternal/fetal interface and in the fetus

Background

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) infection of pregnant pigs can result in congenital infection and ultimately fetal death. Little is known about immune responses to infection at the maternal-fetal interface and in the fetus itself, or the molecular events behind virus transmission and disease progression in the fetus. To investigate these processes, RNA-sequencing of two sites, uterine endothelium with adherent placental tissue and fetal thymus, was performed 21 days post-challenge on four groups of fetuses selected from a large PRRSV challenge experiment of pregnant gilts: control (CON), uninfected (UNINF), infected (INF), and meconium-stained (MEC) (n = 12/group). Transcriptional analyses consisted of multiple contrasts between groups using two approaches: differential gene expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Biological functions, pathways, and regulators enriched for differentially expressed genes or module members were identified through functional annotation analyses. Expression data were validated by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RTqPCR) carried out for 16 genes of interest.

Results

The immune response to infection in endometrium was mainly adaptive in nature, with the most upregulated genes functioning in either humoral or cell-mediated immunity. In contrast, the expression profile of infected fetal thymus revealed a predominantly innate immune response to infection, featuring the upregulation of genes regulated by type I interferon and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Fetal infection was associated with an increase in viral load coupled with a reduction in T cell signaling in the endometrium that could be due to PRRSV-controlled apoptosis of uninfected bystander cells. There was also evidence for a reduction in TWIST1 activity, a transcription factor involved in placental implantation and maturation, which could facilitate virus transmission or fetal pathology through dysregulation of placental function. Finally, results suggested that events within the fetus could also drive fetal pathology. Thymus samples of meconium-stained fetuses exhibited an increase in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine and granulocyte genes previously implicated in swine infectious disease pathology.

Conclusions

This study identified major differences in the response to PRRSV infection in the uterine endometrium and fetus at the gene expression level, and provides insight into the molecular basis of virus transmission and disease progression.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-2720-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Vaccines against respiratory syncytial virus: The time has finally come

Respiratory syncytial virus causes a significant public health burden, particularly in very young infants and the frail elderly. The legacy of enhanced RSV disease (ERD) from a whole formalin-inactivated RSV vaccine, and the complex biology of the virus and the neonate have delayed the development of effective vaccines. However, new insights into factors associated with ERD and breakthroughs in understanding the antigenic structure of the fusion (F) glycoprotein have increased optimism that vaccine development is possible. This has led to investment of time and resources by industry, regulatory authorities, governments, and nonprofit organizations to develop the infrastructure needed to make the advanced clinical development of RSV vaccine candidates a reality.

Modulation of host adaptive immunity by hRSV proteins

Globally, the human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is the major cause of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in infants and children younger than 2 years old. Furthermore, the number of hospitalizations due to LRTIs has shown a sustained increase every year due to the lack of effective vaccines against hRSV. Thus, this virus remains as a major public health and economic burden worldwide. The lung pathology developed in hRSV-infected humans is characterized by an exacerbated inflammatory and Th2 immune response. In order to rationally design new vaccines and therapies against this virus, several studies have focused in elucidating the interactions between hRSV virulence factors and the host immune system. Here, we discuss the main features of hRSV biology, the processes involved in virus recognition by the immune system and the most relevant mechanisms used by this pathogen to avoid the antiviral host response.

CX3CR1 is an important surface molecule for respiratory syncytial virus infection in human airway epithelial cells

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of severe pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants and young children, and causes disease throughout life. Understanding the biology of infection, including virus binding to the cell surface, should help develop antiviral drugs or vaccines. The RSV F and G glycoproteins bind cell surface heparin sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) through heparin-binding domains. The G protein also has a CX3C chemokine motif which binds to the fractalkine receptor CX3CR1. G protein binding to CX3CR1 is not important for infection of immortalized cell lines, but reportedly is so for primary human airway epithelial cells (HAECs), the primary site for human infection. We studied the role of CX3CR1 in RSV infection with CX3CR1-transfected cell lines and HAECs with variable percentages of CX3CR1-expressing cells, and the effect of anti-CX3CR1 antibodies or a mutation in the RSV CX3C motif. Immortalized cells lacking HSPGs had low RSV binding and infection, which was increased markedly by CX3CR1 transfection. CX3CR1 was expressed primarily on ciliated cells, and ∼50 % of RSV-infected cells in HAECs were CX3CR1+. HAECs with more CX3CR1-expressing cells had a proportional increase in RSV infection. Blocking G binding to CX3CR1 with anti-CX3CR1 antibody or a mutation in the CX3C motif significantly decreased RSV infection in HAECs. The kinetics of cytokine production suggested that the RSV/CX3CR1 interaction induced RANTES (regulated on activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted protein), IL-8 and fractalkine production, whilst it downregulated IL-15, IL1-RA and monocyte chemotactic protein-1. Thus, the RSV G protein/CX3CR1 interaction is likely important in infection and infection-induced responses of the airway epithelium, the primary site of human infection.

Nonglycosylated G-Protein Vaccine Protects against Homologous and Heterologous Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Challenge, while Glycosylated G Enhances RSV Lung Pathology and Cytokine Levels

New efforts are under way to develop a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) that will provide protective immunity without the potential for vaccine-associated disease enhancement such as that observed in infants following vaccination with formalin-inactivated RSV vaccine. In addition to the F fusion protein, the G attachment surface protein is a target for neutralizing antibodies and thus represents an important vaccine candidate. However, glycosylated G protein expressed in mammalian cells has been shown to induce pulmonary eosinophilia upon RSV infection in a mouse model. In the current study, we evaluated in parallel the safety and protective efficacy of the RSV A2 recombinant unglycosylated G protein ectodomain (amino acids 67 to 298) expressed in Escherichia coli (REG) and those of glycosylated G produced in mammalian cells (RMG) in a mouse RSV challenge model. Vaccination with REG generated neutralizing antibodies against RSV A2 in 7/11 BALB/c mice, while RMG did not elicit neutralizing antibodies. Total serum binding antibodies against the recombinant proteins (both REG and RMG) were measured by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and were found to be >10-fold higher for REG- than for RMG-vaccinated animals. Reduction of lung viral loads to undetectable levels after homologous (RSV-A2) and heterologous (RSV-B1) viral challenge was observed in 7/8 animals vaccinated with REG but not in RMG-vaccinated animals. Furthermore, enhanced lung pathology and elevated Th2 cytokines/chemokines were observed exclusively in animals vaccinated with RMG (but not in those vaccinated with REG or phosphate-buffered saline [PBS]) after homologous or heterologous RSV challenge. This study suggests that bacterially produced unglycosylated G protein could be developed alone or as a component of a protective vaccine against RSV disease.

IMPORTANCE

New efforts are under way to develop vaccines against RSV that will provide protective immunity without the potential for disease enhancement. The G attachment protein represents an important candidate for inclusion in an effective RSV vaccine. In the current study, we evaluated the safety and protective efficacy of the RSV A2 recombinant unglycosylated G protein ectodomain produced in E. coli (REG) and those of glycosylated G produced in mammalian cells (RMG) in a mouse RSV challenge model (strains A2 and B1). The unglycosylated G generated high protective immunity and no lung pathology, even in animals that lacked anti-RSV neutralizing antibodies prior to RSV challenge. Control of viral loads correlated with antibody binding to the G protein. In contrast, the glycosylated G protein provided poor protection and enhanced lung pathology after RSV challenge. Therefore, bacterially produced unglycosylated G protein holds promise as an economical approach to a protective vaccine against RSV.

Functional Analysis of the 60-Nucleotide Duplication in the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Buenos Aires Strain Attachment Glycoprotein

There are two subgroups of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), A and B, and within each subgroup, isolates are further divided into clades. Several years ago, multiple subgroup B isolates which contained a duplication of 60 nucleotides in the glycoprotein (G) gene were described. These isolates were given a new clade designation of BA based on the site of isolation, Buenos Aires, Argentina. BA RSV strains have since become the predominant circulating clade of RSV B viruses. We hypothesized that the duplicated region in G serves to enhance the function of G in the virus life cycle. We generated recombinant viruses that express a consensus BA G gene or a consensus BA G gene lacking the duplication (GΔdup). We determined that the duplicated region functions during virus attachment to cells. Additionally, we showed that in vitro, the virus containing the duplication has a fitness advantage compared to the virus without the duplication. Our data demonstrate that the duplicated region in the BA strain G protein augments virus attachment and fitness.

IMPORTANCE

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important pathogen for infants for which there is no vaccine. Different strains of RSV circulate from year to year, and the predominating strains change over time. Subgroup B RSV strains with a duplication in the attachment glycoprotein (G) emerged and then became the dominant B genotype. We found that a recombinant virus harboring the duplication bound more efficiently to cells and was more fit than a recombinant strain lacking the duplication. Our work advances a mechanism for an important natural RSV mutation.

Human Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Elicited Different Responses after Infection with Pathogenic and Nonpathogenic Junin Virus Strains

The arenavirus Junin virus (JUNV) is the etiologic agent of Argentine hemorrhagic fever. We characterized the JUNV infection of human peripheral blood-derived plasmacytoid dendritic cells (hpDC), demonstrating that hpDC are susceptible to infection with the C#1 strain (attenuated) and even more susceptible to infection with the P (virulent) JUNV strain. However, hpDC elicited different responses in terms of viability, activation, maturation, and cytokine expression after infection with both JUNV strains.

Dendritic cell expression of the C-type lectin receptor CD209a: A novel innate parasite-sensing mechanism inducing Th17 cells that drive severe immunopathology in murine schistosome infection

Following infection with the trematode helminth Schistosoma mansoni, CBA mice develop severe parasite egg-induced hepatic granulomatous inflammation as well as prominent CD4(+) T helper 17 (Th17) cell responses driven by dendritic cell (DC)-derived IL-1β and IL-23. By comparison, C57BL/6 mice develop mild hepatic immunopathology, egg stimulation of DCs does not result in IL-1β and IL-23 production, and Th17 cells fail to develop. To investigate the reasons for strain-specific differences in antigen presenting cell (APC) reactivity to eggs, we performed a comparative gene profiling analysis of normal bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) and found that CBA DCs display markedly elevated expression of C-type lectin receptors (CLRs). In particular, expression of CD209a, a murine homologue of human DC-specific ICAM-3-grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN, CD209), was strikingly higher in CBA than BL/6 DCs. High CD209a surface expression was observed in various CBA splenic and granuloma APC subpopulations; however, only DCs, and not macrophages, B cells or neutrophils, were able to induce Th17 cell differentiation in response to schistosome eggs. Lentiviral gene silencing in CBA DCs, and over-expression in BL/6 DCs, demonstrated CD209a to be critical for egg-induced DC IL-1β and IL-23 production necessary for Th17 cell differentiation and expansion. These findings reveal a novel innate parasite-sensing mechanism promoting CD4(+) Th17 cells that mediate severe immunopathology in schistosomiasis.

Immunology of bovine respiratory syncytial virus in calves

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) is an important cause of respiratory disease in young calves. The virus is genetically and antigenically closely related to human (H)RSV, which is a major cause of respiratory disease in young infants. As a natural pathogen of calves, BRSV infection recapitulates the pathogenesis of respiratory disease in man more faithfully than semi-permissive, animal models of HRSV infection. With the increasing availability of immunological reagents, the calf can be used to dissect the pathogenesis of and mechanisms of immunity to RSV infection, to analyse the ways in which the virus proteins interact with components of the innate response, and to evaluate RSV vaccine strategies. Passively transferred, neutralising bovine monoclonal antibodies, which recognise the same epitopes in the HRSV and BRSV fusion (F) protein, can protect calves against BRSV infection, and depletion of different T cells subsets in calves has highlighted the importance of CD8(+) T cells in viral clearance. Calves can be used to model maternal-antibody mediated suppression of RSV vaccine efficacy, and to increase understanding of the mechanisms responsible for RSV vaccine-enhanced respiratory disease.

Identification of cellular proteins that interact with Newcastle Disease Virus and human Respiratory Syncytial Virus by a two-dimensional virus overlay protein binding assay (VOPBA)

Although it is well documented that the initial attachment receptors for Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are sialic acid-containing molecules and glycosaminoglycans respectively, the exact nature of the receptors for both viruses remains to be deciphered. Moreover, additional molecules at the host cell surface might be involved in the entry mechanism. With the aim of identifying the cellular proteins that interact with NDV and RSV at the cell surface, we performed a virus overlay protein binding assay (VOPBA). Cell membrane lysates were separated by two dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis and electrotransferred to PVDF membranes, after which they were probed with high viral concentrations. NDV interacted with a Protein Disulfide Isomerase from chicken fibroblasts. In the case of RSV, we detected 15 reactive spots, which were identified as six different proteins, of which nucleolin was outstanding. We discuss the possible role of PDI and nucleolin in NDV and RSV entry, respectively.

NMR evidence for oligosaccharide release from the dendritic-cell specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3-grabbing non-integrin-related (CLEC4M) carbohydrate recognition domain at low pH

Dendritic cell‐specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3‐grabbing non‐integrin‐related (DC‐SIGNR), also known as liver/lymph node‐specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3‐grabbing non‐integrin, CLEC4M, CD209L, and CD299, is a Ca²⁺‐dependent lectin that has been implicated in increasing the infection rates of several viruses, including HIV, but the physiological role of DC‐SIGNR in healthy cells is currently not known with certainty. A close homologue of DC‐SIGNR, dendritic‐cell specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3‐grabbing non‐integrin, has been shown to act as a recycling endocytic receptor, which binds pathogens at the cell's surface and then releases them in the low pH environment of endosomal compartments. However, it is currently under debate in the literature as to whether DC‐SIGNR plays a similar role. In this work, we used NMR to explore whether the DC‐SIGNR carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) shows any pH dependence in its ability to bind carbohydrates and Ca²⁺. We found clear evidence of reduced or abolished CRD‐binding affinities for three different glycans at low pH (4.2) as compared to neutral pH (6.8). We also report the assignment of the DC‐SIGNR CRD in the apo form, and use these new results to characterize the degree of structural rearrangement upon binding (or release) of Ca²⁺. Finally, we report a differential effect of pH on the affinities of glycans containing mannose exclusively versus glycans containing GlcNAc moieties. Our results lead us to propose that the DC‐SIGNR CRD rapidly and reversibly releases glycan ligands and Ca²⁺ at reduced pH (behaviour that would be expected for an endocytic receptor), and that the binding of mannose‐containing oligosaccharides is more strongly affected by pH than the binding of GlcNAc‐containing oligosaccharides.

Prophylaxis with a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) anti-G protein monoclonal antibody shifts the adaptive immune response to RSV rA2-line19F infection from Th2 to Th1 in BALB/c mice

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the single most important cause of serious lower respiratory tract infections in young children, yet no highly effective treatment or vaccine is available. In the present study, we investigated the effect of prophylactic treatment with the intact and F(ab')2 forms of an anti-G protein monoclonal antibody (MAb), 131-2G, on the humoral and cellular adaptive immune responses to RSV rA2-line19F (r19F) challenge in BALB/c mice. The F(ab')2 form of 131-2G does not decrease virus replication, but intact 131-2G does. The serum specimens for antibodies and spleen cells for memory T cell responses to RSV antigens were analyzed at 30, 45, 75, and 95 days postinfection (p.i.) with or without prior treatment with 131-2G. The ratios of Th2 to Th1 antibody isotypes at each time p.i indicated that both forms of MAb 131-2G shifted the subclass response from a Th2 (IgG1 and IgG2b) to a Th1 (IgG2A) bias. The ratio of IgG1 to IgG2A antibody titer was 3-fold to 10-fold higher for untreated than MAb-treated mice. There was also some increase in IgG (22% ± 13% increase) and neutralization (32% increase) in antibodies with MAb 131-2G prophylaxis at 75 days p.i. Treatment with 131-2G significantly (P ≤ 0.001) decreased the percentage of interleukin-4 (IL-4)-positive CD4 and CD8 cells in RSV-stimulated spleen cells at all times p.i., while the percentage of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) T cells significantly (P ≤ 0.001) increased ≥ 75 days p.i. The shift from a Th2- to a Th1-biased T cell response in treated compared to untreated mice likely was directed by the much higher levels of T-box transcription factor (T-bet) (≥ 45% versus <10%) in CD4 and CD8 T cells and lower levels of Gata-3 (≤ 2% versus ≥ 6%) in CD4 T cells in peptide-stimulated, day 75 p.i. spleen cells. These data show that the RSV G protein affects both humoral and cellular adaptive immune responses, and induction of 131-2G-like antibodies might improve the safety and long-term efficacy of an RSV vaccine.

IMPORTANCE

The data in this report suggest that the RSV G protein not only contributes to disease but also dampens the host immune response to infection. Both effects of G likely contribute to difficulties in achieving an effective vaccine. The ability of MAb 131-2G to block these effects of G suggests that inducing antibodies similar to 131-2G should prevent disease and enhance the adaptive immune response with later RSV infection. The fact that 131-2G binds to the 13-amino-acid region conserved among all strains and that flanking sequences are conserved within group A or group B strains simplifies the task of developing a vaccine to induce 131-2G-like antibodies. If our findings in mice apply to humans, then including the 131-2G binding region of G in a vaccine should improve its safety and efficacy.

Molecular factors in dendritic cell responses to adsorbed glycoconjugates

Carbohydrates and glycoconjugates have been shown to exert pro-inflammatory effects on the dendritic cells (DCs), supporting pathogen-induced innate immunity and antigen processing, as well as immunosuppressive effects in the tolerance to self-proteins. Additionally, the innate inflammatory response to implanted biomaterials has been hypothesized to be mediated by inflammatory cells interacting with adsorbed proteins, many of which are glycosylated. However, the molecular factors relevant for surface displayed glycoconjugate modulation of dendritic cell (DC) phenotype are unknown. Thus, in this study, a model system was developed to establish the role of glycan composition, density, and carrier cationization state on DC response. Thiol modified glycans were covalently bound to a model protein carrier, maleimide functionalized bovine serum albumin (BSA), and the number of glycans per BSA modulated. Additionally, the carrier isoelectric point was scaled from a pI of ∼4.0 to ∼10.0 using ethylenediamine (EDA). The DC response to the neoglycoconjugates adsorbed to wells of a 384-well plate was determined via a high throughput assay. The underlying trends in DC phenotype in relation to conjugate properties were elucidated via multivariate general linear models. It was found that glycoconjugates with more than 20 glycans per carrier had the greatest impact on the pro-inflammatory response from DCs, followed by conjugates having an isoelectric point above 9.5. Surfaces displaying terminal α1-2 linked mannose structures were able to increase the inflammatory DC response to a greater extent than did any other terminal glycan structure. The results herein can be applied to inform the design of the next generation of combination products and biomaterials for use in future vaccines and implanted materials.

CD209a expression on dendritic cells is critical for the development of pathogenic Th17 cell responses in murine schistosomiasis

In murine schistosomiasis, immunopathology and cytokine production in response to parasite eggs are uneven and strain dependent. CBA/J (CBA) mice develop severe hepatic granulomatous inflammation associated with prominent Th17 cell responses driven by dendritic cell (DC)-derived IL-1β and IL-23. Such Th17 cells fail to develop in low-pathology C57BL/6 (BL/6) mice, and the reasons for these strain-specific differences in APC reactivity to eggs remain unclear. We show by gene profiling that CBA DCs display an 18-fold higher expression of the C-type lectin receptor CD209a, a murine homolog of human DC-specific ICAM-3-grabbing nonintegrin, compared with BL/6 DCs. Higher CD209a expression was observed in CBA splenic and granuloma APC subpopulations, but only DCs induced Th17 cell differentiation in response to schistosome eggs. Gene silencing in CBA DCs and overexpression in BL/6 DCs demonstrated that CD209a is essential for egg-elicited IL-1β and IL-23 production and subsequent Th17 cell development, which is associated with SRC, RAF-1, and ERK1/2 activation. These findings reveal a novel mechanism controlling the development of Th17 cell-mediated severe immunopathology in helminthic disease.