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Hu CT, Diaz K, Yang LC, Sharma A, Greenberg HB, Smith JG. Corrected and republished from: "VP4 Is a Determinant of Alpha-Defensin Modulation of Rotaviral Infection". J Virol 2023; 97:e0096223. [PMID: 37787534 PMCID: PMC10617384 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00962-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrhea in young children. Like other fecal-oral pathogens, rotaviruses encounter abundant, constitutively expressed defensins in the small intestine. These peptides are a vital part of the vertebrate innate immune system. By investigating the impact that defensins from multiple species have on the infectivity of different strains of rotavirus, we show that some rotaviral infections can be inhibited by defensins. We also found that rotaviruses may have evolved resistance to defensins in the intestine of their host species, and some even appropriate defensins to increase their infectivity. Because rotaviruses infect a broad range of animals and rotaviral infections are highly prevalent in children, identifying immune defenses against infection and how they vary across species and among viral genotypes is important for our understanding of the evolution, transmission, and zoonotic potential of these viruses as well as the improvement of vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciara T. Hu
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Karina Diaz
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Linda C. Yang
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Anjali Sharma
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Harry B. Greenberg
- Department of Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jason G. Smith
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Condrat CE, Cretoiu D, Radoi VE, Mihele DM, Tovaru M, Bordea CI, Voinea SC, Suciu N. Unraveling Immunological Dynamics: HPV Infection in Women-Insights from Pregnancy. Viruses 2023; 15:2011. [PMID: 37896788 PMCID: PMC10611104 DOI: 10.3390/v15102011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, hormonal and immune adaptations are vital for supporting the genetically distinct fetus during elevated infection risks. The global prevalence of HPV necessitates its consideration during pregnancy. Despite a seemingly mild immune response, historical gestational viral infections underscore its significance. Acknowledging the established HPV infection risks during pregnancy, our review explores the unfolding immunological changes in pregnant women with HPV. Our analysis aims to uncover strategies for safely modulating the immune system, mitigating adverse pregnancy consequences, and enhancing maternal and child health. This comprehensive narrative review delves into the existing knowledge and studies on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Elena Condrat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Polizu Clinical Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd., 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.E.C.)
| | - Dragos Cretoiu
- Department of Genetics, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd., 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (D.C.); (V.E.R.)
- Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, 020395 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Viorica Elena Radoi
- Department of Genetics, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd., 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (D.C.); (V.E.R.)
- Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, 020395 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dana Mihaela Mihele
- Department of Dermatology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd., 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Dermatology Department, Victor Babes Clinical Hospital of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Tovaru
- Department of Dermatology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd., 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Dermatology Department, Victor Babes Clinical Hospital of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian Ioan Bordea
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Prof. Dr. Alexandru Trestioreanu Oncology Institute, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 252 Fundeni Rd., 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Silviu Cristian Voinea
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Prof. Dr. Alexandru Trestioreanu Oncology Institute, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 252 Fundeni Rd., 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Nicolae Suciu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Polizu Clinical Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd., 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.E.C.)
- Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, 020395 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Polizu Clinical Hospital, Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, 020395 Bucharest, Romania
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Avila E, Noriega-Mejía BJ, González-Macías J, Cortes-Hernández U, García-Quiroz J, García-Becerra R, Díaz L. The Preventive Role of the Vitamin D Endocrine System in Cervical Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:8665. [PMID: 37240017 PMCID: PMC10218637 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D along with its active metabolite calcitriol and its metabolic and signaling system, known as the vitamin D endocrine system, have been widely recognized as a pivotal regulator of calcium homeostasis in addition to non-calcemic antitumoral effects in a variety of human cancers, including cervical cancer. Several studies have found an inverse relationship between the incidence of cervical neoplasia and vitamin D levels. This narrative review updates the current evidence supporting the notion that the vitamin D endocrine system has a preventive role on cervical cancer, mainly in the early phases of the disease, acting at the level of suppressing cell proliferation, promoting apoptosis, modulating inflammatory responses, and probably favoring the clearance of human papillomavirus-dependent cervical lesions. Although an optimal vitamin D status helps in the prevention and regression of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions of the cervix, it appears that vitamin D alone or combined with chemotherapeutic agents has little effectivity once advanced cervical cancer is established. These observations suggest that an optimal vitamin D status might exert beneficial actions in the early phases of cervical cancer by preventing its onset and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Euclides Avila
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Av. Vasco de Quiroga No. 15, Col. Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Tlalpan, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico; (B.J.N.-M.); (J.G.-M.); (U.C.-H.); (J.G.-Q.); (L.D.)
| | - Bryan Javier Noriega-Mejía
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Av. Vasco de Quiroga No. 15, Col. Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Tlalpan, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico; (B.J.N.-M.); (J.G.-M.); (U.C.-H.); (J.G.-Q.); (L.D.)
| | - Jocelyn González-Macías
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Av. Vasco de Quiroga No. 15, Col. Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Tlalpan, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico; (B.J.N.-M.); (J.G.-M.); (U.C.-H.); (J.G.-Q.); (L.D.)
| | - Ulises Cortes-Hernández
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Av. Vasco de Quiroga No. 15, Col. Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Tlalpan, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico; (B.J.N.-M.); (J.G.-M.); (U.C.-H.); (J.G.-Q.); (L.D.)
| | - Janice García-Quiroz
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Av. Vasco de Quiroga No. 15, Col. Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Tlalpan, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico; (B.J.N.-M.); (J.G.-M.); (U.C.-H.); (J.G.-Q.); (L.D.)
| | - Rocío García-Becerra
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico;
| | - Lorenza Díaz
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Av. Vasco de Quiroga No. 15, Col. Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Tlalpan, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico; (B.J.N.-M.); (J.G.-M.); (U.C.-H.); (J.G.-Q.); (L.D.)
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Zhai YJ, Feng Y, Ma X, Ma F. Defensins: defenders of human reproductive health. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 29:126-154. [PMID: 36130055 PMCID: PMC9825273 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reproductive tract infection is an important factor leading to male and female infertility. Among female infertility factors, microbial and viral infections are the main factors affecting female reproductive health and causing tubal infertility, ectopic tubal pregnancy and premature delivery. Among male infertility factors, 13-15% of male infertility is related to infection. Defensins are cationic antibacterial and antiviral peptides, classified into α-defensins, β-defensins and θ-defensins. Humans only have α-defensins and β-defensins. Apart from their direct antimicrobial functions, defensins have an immunomodulatory function and are involved in many physiological processes. Studies have shown that defensins are widely distributed in the female reproductive tract (FRT) and male reproductive tract (MRT), playing a dual role of host defence and fertility protection. However, to our knowledge, the distribution, regulation and function of defensins in the reproductive tract and their relation to reproduction have not been reviewed. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review summarizes the expression, distribution and regulation of defensins in the reproductive tracts to reveal the updated research on the dual role of defensins in host defence and the protection of fertility. SEARCH METHODS A systematic search was conducted in PubMed using the related keywords through April 2022. Related data from original researches and reviews were integrated to comprehensively review the current findings and understanding of defensins in the human reproductive system. Meanwhile, female and male transcriptome data in the GEO database were screened to analyze defensins in the human reproductive tracts. OUTCOMES Two transcriptome databases from the GEO database (GSE7307 and GSE150852) combined with existing researches reveal the expression levels and role of the defensins in the reproductive tracts. In the FRT, a high expression level of α-defensin is found, and the expression levels of defensins in the vulva and vagina are higher than those in other organs. The expression of defensins in the endometrium varies with menstrual cycle stages and with microbial invasion. Defensins also participate in the local immune response to regulate the risk of spontaneous preterm birth. In the MRT, a high expression level of β-defensins is also found. It is mainly highly expressed in the epididymal caput and corpus, indicating that defensins play an important role in sperm maturation. The expression of defensins in the MRT varies with androgen levels, age and the status of microbial invasion. They protect the male reproductive system from bacterial infections by neutralizing lipopolysaccharide and downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, animal and clinical studies have shown that defensins play an important role in sperm maturation, motility and fertilization. WIDER IMPLICATIONS As a broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptide without drug resistance, defensin has great potential for developing new natural antimicrobial treatments for reproductive tract infections. However, increasing evidence has shown that defensins can not only inhibit microbial invasion but can also promote the invasion and adhesion of some microorganisms in certain biological environments, such as human immunodeficiency virus. Therefore, the safety of defensins as reproductive tract anti-infective drugs needs more in-depth research. In addition, the modulatory role of defensins in fertility requires more in-depth research since the current conclusions are based on small-size samples. At present, scientists have made many attempts at the clinical transformation of defensins. However, defensins have problems such as poor stability, low bioavailability and difficulties in their synthesis. Therefore, the production of safe, effective and low-cost drugs remains a challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xue Ma
- Correspondence address. Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7781-821X (F.M.); Department of Pediatric Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7650-6214 (X.M.)
| | - Fang Ma
- Correspondence address. Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7781-821X (F.M.); Department of Pediatric Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7650-6214 (X.M.)
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Zhao C, Yan S, Song Y, Xia X. Roles of Antimicrobial Peptides in Gynecological Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710104. [PMID: 36077500 PMCID: PMC9456504 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are essential components of the mucosal barrier of the female reproductive tract (FRT) and are involved in many important physiological processes, including shaping the microbiota and maintaining normal reproduction and pregnancy. Gynecological cancers seriously threaten women's health and bring a heavy burden to society so that new strategies are needed to deal with these diseases. Recent studies have suggested that AMPs also have a complex yet intriguing relationship with gynecological cancers. The expression level of AMPs changes during tumor progression and they may act as promising biomarkers in cancer detection and prognosis prediction. Although AMPs have long been considered as host protective, they actually play a "double-edged sword" role in gynecological cancers, either tumorigenic or antitumor, depending on factors such as AMP and cancer types, as well as AMP concentrations. Moreover, AMPs are associated with chemoresistance and regulation of AMPs' expression may alter sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy. However, more work is needed, especially on the identification of molecular mechanisms of AMPs in the FRT, as well as the clinical application of these AMPs in detection, diagnosis and treatment of gynecological malignancies.
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Johnstone KF, Herzberg MC. Antimicrobial peptides: Defending the mucosal epithelial barrier. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2022; 3:958480. [PMID: 35979535 PMCID: PMC9376388 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2022.958480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent epidemic caused by aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 virus illustrates the importance and vulnerability of the mucosal epithelial barrier against infection. Antimicrobial proteins and peptides (AMPs) are key to the epithelial barrier, providing immunity against microbes. In primitive life forms, AMPs protect the integument and the gut against pathogenic microbes. AMPs have also evolved in humans and other mammals to enhance newer, complex innate and adaptive immunity to favor the persistence of commensals over pathogenic microbes. The canonical AMPs are helictical peptides that form lethal pores in microbial membranes. In higher life forms, this type of AMP is exemplified by the defensin family of AMPs. In epithelial tissues, defensins, and calprotectin (complex of S100A8 and S100A9) have evolved to work cooperatively. The mechanisms of action differ. Unlike defensins, calprotectin sequesters essential trace metals from microbes, which inhibits growth. This review focuses on defensins and calprotectin as AMPs that appear to work cooperatively to fortify the epithelial barrier against infection. The antimicrobial spectrum is broad with overlap between the two AMPs. In mice, experimental models highlight the contribution of both AMPs to candidiasis as a fungal infection and periodontitis resulting from bacterial dysbiosis. These AMPs appear to contribute to innate immunity in humans, protecting the commensal microflora and restricting the emergence of pathobionts and pathogens. A striking example in human innate immunity is that elevated serum calprotectin protects against neonatal sepsis. Calprotectin is also remarkable because of functional differences when localized in epithelial and neutrophil cytoplasm or released into the extracellular environment. In the cytoplasm, calprotectin appears to protect against invasive pathogens. Extracellularly, calprotectin can engage pathogen-recognition receptors to activate innate immune and proinflammatory mechanisms. In inflamed epithelial and other tissue spaces, calprotectin, DNA, and histones are released from degranulated neutrophils to form insoluble antimicrobial barriers termed neutrophil extracellular traps. Hence, calprotectin and other AMPs use several strategies to provide microbial control and stimulate innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark C. Herzberg
- Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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Morante AV, Baboolal DD, Simon X, Pan ECY, Meneses PI. Human Papillomavirus Minor Capsid Protein L2 Mediates Intracellular Trafficking into and Passage beyond the Endoplasmic Reticulum. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0150522. [PMID: 35608352 PMCID: PMC9241893 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01505-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) consist of two capsid proteins: major capsid protein L1 and minor capsid protein L2. The L2 protein has been shown to be involved in intracellular trafficking events that lead to the deposition of the viral DNA into the nucleus. In this study, we investigate the role of HPV16 L2 residues 43-DQILQ-47 during intracellular trafficking in human keratinocytes. We demonstrate that the highly conserved amino acids aspartic acid, isoleucine, and leucine are involved with the intracellular trafficking of the virus. Amino acid substitution of the isoleucine and leucine residues with alanine residues results in a significant decrease in infectivity of the pseudovirions without any changes to the binding or internalization of the virus. The pseudovirions containing these substitutions exhibit an altered trafficking pattern and do not deposit the viral pseudogenome into the nucleus. Instead, these mutated pseudovirions display a lack of interaction with syntaxin 18, an ER SNARE protein, are unable to progress past the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and are redirected to the lysosomes. The results of this study help to elucidate the role and potential involvement of the 43-DQILQ-47 sequence during intracellular trafficking, specifically during trafficking beyond the ER. IMPORTANCE High-risk types of human papillomaviruses (HPVs), such as HPV16, are highly associated with cervical, anogenital, and oropharyngeal cancers. The minor capsid protein L2 is essential for the intracellular trafficking of the viral DNA to the nucleus. This study investigates the role of amino acid residues 43-DQILQ-47 of the HPV16 L2 protein in the intracellular trafficking of the virus. Understanding how the virus traffics through the cell is a key factor in the development of additional preventative antiviral therapies. This study illustrates, through modification of the 43-DQILQ-47 sequence in pseudovirions, the importance of the 43-DQILQ-47 sequence in the trafficking of the virus beyond the endoplasmic reticulum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony V. Morante
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, New York, USA
| | | | - Xavier Simon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, New York, USA
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Hu CT, Diaz K, Yang LC, Sharma A, Greenberg HB, Smith JG. VP4 Is a Determinant of Alpha-Defensin Modulation of Rotaviral Infection. J Virol 2022; 96:e0205321. [PMID: 35285683 PMCID: PMC9006894 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02053-21] [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: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fecal-oral pathogens encounter constitutively expressed enteric alpha-defensins in the intestine during replication and transmission. Alpha-defensins can be potently antiviral and antibacterial; however, their primary sequences, the number of isoforms, and their activity against specific microorganisms often vary greatly between species, reflecting adaptation to species-specific pathogens. Therefore, alpha-defensins might influence not only microbial evolution and tissue tropism within a host but also species tropism and zoonotic potential. To investigate these concepts, we generated a panel of enteric and myeloid alpha-defensins from humans, rhesus macaques, and mice and tested their activity against group A rotaviruses, an important enteric viral pathogen of humans and animals. Rotaviral adaptation to the rhesus macaque correlated with resistance to rhesus enteric, but not myeloid, alpha-defensins and sensitivity to human alpha-defensins. While mouse rotaviral infection was increased in the presence of mouse enteric alpha-defensins, two prominent genotypes of human rotaviruses were differentially sensitive to human enteric alpha-defensins. Furthermore, the effects of cross-species alpha-defensins on human and mouse rotaviruses did not follow an obvious pattern. Thus, exposure to alpha-defensins may have shaped the evolution of some, but not all, rotaviruses. We then used a genetic approach to identify the viral attachment and penetration protein, VP4, as a determinant of alpha-defensin sensitivity. Our results provide a foundation for future studies of the VP4-dependent mechanism of defensin neutralization, highlight the species-specific activities of alpha-defensins, and focus future efforts on a broader range of rotaviruses that differ in VP4 to uncover the potential for enteric alpha-defensins to influence species tropism. IMPORTANCE Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrhea in young children. Like other fecal-oral pathogens, rotaviruses encounter abundant, constitutively expressed defensins in the small intestine. These peptides are a vital part of the vertebrate innate immune system. By investigating the impact that defensins from multiple species have on the infectivity of different strains of rotavirus, we show that some rotaviral infections can be inhibited by defensins. We also found that some, but not all, rotaviruses may have evolved resistance to defensins in the intestine of their host species, and some even appropriate defensins to increase their infectivity. Because rotaviruses infect a broad range of animals and rotaviral infections are highly prevalent in children, identifying immune defenses against infection and how they vary across species and among viral genotypes is important for our understanding of the evolution, transmission, and zoonotic potential of these viruses as well as the improvement of vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciara T. Hu
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Karina Diaz
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Linda C. Yang
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Anjali Sharma
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Harry B. Greenberg
- Department of Medicine and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jason G. Smith
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Lebeau A, Bruyere D, Roncarati P, Peixoto P, Hervouet E, Cobraiville G, Taminiau B, Masson M, Gallego C, Mazzucchelli G, Smargiasso N, Fleron M, Baiwir D, Hendrick E, Pilard C, Lerho T, Reynders C, Ancion M, Greimers R, Twizere JC, Daube G, Schlecht-Louf G, Bachelerie F, Combes JD, Melin P, Fillet M, Delvenne P, Hubert P, Herfs M. HPV infection alters vaginal microbiome through down-regulating host mucosal innate peptides used by Lactobacilli as amino acid sources. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1076. [PMID: 35228537 PMCID: PMC8885657 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28724-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence of both cervico-vaginal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and bacterial vaginosis (BV) worldwide, their causal relationship remains unclear. While BV has been presumed to be a risk factor for HPV acquisition and related carcinogenesis for a long time, here, supported by both a large retrospective follow-up study (n = 6,085) and extensive in vivo data using the K14-HPV16 transgenic mouse model, we report a novel blueprint in which the opposite association also exists. Mechanistically, by interacting with several core members (NEMO, CK1 and β-TrCP) of both NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways, we show that HPV E7 oncoprotein greatly inhibits host defense peptide expression. Physiologically secreted by the squamous mucosa lining the lower female genital tract, we demonstrate that some of these latter are fundamental factors governing host-microbial interactions. More specifically, several innate molecules down-regulated in case of HPV infection are hydrolyzed, internalized and used by the predominant Lactobacillus species as amino acid source sustaining their growth/survival. Collectively, this study reveals a new viral immune evasion strategy which, by its persistent/negative impact on lactic acid bacteria, ultimately causes the dysbiosis of vaginal microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alizee Lebeau
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Diane Bruyere
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Patrick Roncarati
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Paul Peixoto
- INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR 1098, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
- EPIGENEXP platform, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Eric Hervouet
- INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR 1098, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
- EPIGENEXP platform, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Gael Cobraiville
- Laboratory for the Analysis of Medicines, Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines (CIRM), University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Bernard Taminiau
- Department of Food Sciences-Microbiology, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals and Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Murielle Masson
- Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie Strasbourg, UMR 7242, CNRS, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Carmen Gallego
- INSERM UMR 996, Inflammation Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, University of Paris-Saclay, Clamart, France
| | - Gabriel Mazzucchelli
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Smargiasso
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Maximilien Fleron
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
- GIGA Proteomic Facility, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Dominique Baiwir
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
- GIGA Proteomic Facility, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Elodie Hendrick
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Pilard
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Thomas Lerho
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Celia Reynders
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Marie Ancion
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Roland Greimers
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Center of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Jean-Claude Twizere
- Laboratory of Signaling and Protein Interactions, GIGA-Molecular Biology of Diseases, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Georges Daube
- Department of Food Sciences-Microbiology, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals and Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Geraldine Schlecht-Louf
- INSERM UMR 996, Inflammation Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, University of Paris-Saclay, Clamart, France
| | - Françoise Bachelerie
- INSERM UMR 996, Inflammation Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, University of Paris-Saclay, Clamart, France
| | - Jean-Damien Combes
- Infections and Cancer Epidemiology Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization, Lyon, France
| | - Pierrette Melin
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Center of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Marianne Fillet
- Laboratory for the Analysis of Medicines, Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines (CIRM), University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Philippe Delvenne
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Center of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Pascale Hubert
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Michael Herfs
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium.
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10
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Mikuličić S, Strunk J, Florin L. HPV16 Entry into Epithelial Cells: Running a Gauntlet. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122460. [PMID: 34960729 PMCID: PMC8706107 DOI: 10.3390/v13122460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
During initial infection, human papillomaviruses (HPV) take an unusual trafficking pathway through their host cell. It begins with a long period on the cell surface, during which the capsid is primed and a virus entry platform is formed. A specific type of clathrin-independent endocytosis and subsequent retrograde trafficking to the trans-Golgi network follow this. Cellular reorganization processes, which take place during mitosis, enable further virus transport and the establishment of infection while evading intrinsic cellular immune defenses. First, the fragmentation of the Golgi allows the release of membrane-encased virions, which are partially protected from cytoplasmic restriction factors. Second, the nuclear envelope breakdown opens the gate for these virus–vesicles to the cell nucleus. Third, the dis- and re-assembly of the PML nuclear bodies leads to the formation of modified virus-associated PML subnuclear structures, enabling viral transcription and replication. While remnants of the major capsid protein L1 and the viral DNA remain in a transport vesicle, the viral capsid protein L2 plays a crucial role during virus entry, as it adopts a membrane-spanning conformation for interaction with various cellular proteins to establish a successful infection. In this review, we follow the oncogenic HPV type 16 during its long journey into the nucleus, and contrast pro- and antiviral processes.
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11
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Recent Advances in Our Understanding of the Infectious Entry Pathway of Human Papillomavirus Type 16. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9102076. [PMID: 34683397 PMCID: PMC8540256 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9102076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Papillomaviruses are a diverse viral species, but several types such as HPV16 are given special attention due to their contribution towards the pathogenesis of several major cancers. In this review, we will summarize how the knowledge of HPV16 entry has expanded since the last comprehensive HPV16 entry review our lab published in 2017.
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12
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Sultana A, Luo H, Ramakrishna S. Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Applications in Biomedical Sector. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:1094. [PMID: 34572676 PMCID: PMC8465024 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10091094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In a report by WHO (2014), it was stated that antimicrobial resistance is an arising challenge that needs to be resolved. This resistance is a critical issue in terms of disease or infection treatment and is usually caused due to mutation, gene transfer, long-term usage or inadequate use of antimicrobials, survival of microbes after consumption of antimicrobials, and the presence of antimicrobials in agricultural feeds. One of the solutions to this problem is antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are ubiquitously present in the environment. These peptides are of concern due to their special mode of action against a wide spectrum of infections and health-related problems. The biomedical field has the highest need of AMPs as it possesses prominent desirable activity against HIV-1, skin cancer, breast cancer, in Behcet's disease treatment, as well as in reducing the release of inflammatory cells such as TNFα, IL-8, and IL-1β, enhancing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 and GM-CSF, and in wound healing properties. This review has highlighted all the major functions and applications of AMPs in the biomedical field and concludes the future potential of AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afreen Sultana
- Center for Nanotechnology & Sustainability, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117581, Singapore;
| | - Hongrong Luo
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China;
| | - Seeram Ramakrishna
- Center for Nanotechnology & Sustainability, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117581, Singapore;
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13
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Carse S, Bergant M, Schäfer G. Advances in Targeting HPV Infection as Potential Alternative Prophylactic Means. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2201. [PMID: 33672181 PMCID: PMC7926419 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection by oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer and other anogenital cancers. The majority of cervical cancer cases occur in low- and middle- income countries (LMIC). Concurrent infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) further increases the risk of HPV infection and exacerbates disease onset and progression. Highly effective prophylactic vaccines do exist to combat HPV infection with the most common oncogenic types, but the accessibility to these in LMIC is severely limited due to cost, difficulties in accessing the target population, cultural issues, and maintenance of a cold chain. Alternative preventive measures against HPV infection that are more accessible and affordable are therefore also needed to control cervical cancer risk. There are several efforts in identifying such alternative prophylactics which target key molecules involved in early HPV infection events. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the initial steps in HPV infection, from host cell-surface engagement to cellular trafficking of the viral genome before arrival in the nucleus. The key molecules that can be potentially targeted are highlighted, and a discussion on their applicability as alternative preventive means against HPV infection, with a focus on LMIC, is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinead Carse
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa;
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa
- Division of Medical Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa
| | - Martina Bergant
- Laboratory for Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Nova Gorica, Vipavska 13, 5000 Nova Gorica, Slovenia;
| | - Georgia Schäfer
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa;
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa
- Division of Medical Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa
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14
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Diaz K, Hu CT, Sul Y, Bromme BA, Myers ND, Skorohodova KV, Gounder AP, Smith JG. Defensin-driven viral evolution. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1009018. [PMID: 33232373 PMCID: PMC7723274 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Enteric alpha-defensins are potent effectors of innate immunity that are abundantly expressed in the small intestine. Certain enteric bacteria and viruses are resistant to defensins and even appropriate them to enhance infection despite neutralization of closely related microbes. We therefore hypothesized that defensins impose selective pressure during fecal-oral transmission. Upon passaging a defensin-sensitive serotype of adenovirus in the presence of a human defensin, mutations in the major capsid protein hexon accumulated. In contrast, prior studies identified the vertex proteins as important determinants of defensin antiviral activity. Infection and biochemical assays suggest that a balance between increased cell binding and a downstream block in intracellular trafficking mediated by defensin interactions with all of the major capsid proteins dictates the outcome of infection. These results extensively revise our understanding of the interplay between defensins and non-enveloped viruses. Furthermore, they provide a feasible rationale for defensins shaping viral evolution, resulting in differences in infection phenotypes of closely related viruses. Defensins are potent antimicrobial peptides that are found on human mucosal surfaces and can directly neutralize viruses. They are abundant in the small intestine, which is constantly challenged by ingested viral pathogens. Interestingly, non-enveloped viruses, such as adenovirus, that infect the gastrointestinal system are unaffected by defensins or can even appropriate defensins to enhance their infection. In contrast, respiratory adenoviruses are neutralized by the same defensins. How enteric viruses overcome defensin neutralization is not well understood. Our studies are the first to show that defensins can drive the evolution of non-enveloped viruses. Furthermore, we identify important components within human adenovirus that dictate sensitivity to defensins. This new insight into defensin-virus interactions informs our understanding of mucosal immunity to viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Diaz
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Ciara T. Hu
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Youngmee Sul
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Beth A. Bromme
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Nicolle D. Myers
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Ksenia V. Skorohodova
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Anshu P. Gounder
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jason G. Smith
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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15
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Skeate JG, Segerink WH, Garcia MD, Fernandez DJ, Prins R, Lühen KP, Voss FO, Da Silva DM, Kast WM. Theta-Defensins Inhibit High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infection Through Charge-Driven Capsid Clustering. Front Immunol 2020; 11:561843. [PMID: 33154746 PMCID: PMC7586039 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.561843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) genotypes results in a large number of anogenital and head and neck cancers worldwide. Although prophylactic vaccination coverage has improved, there remains a need to develop methods that inhibit viral transmission toward preventing the spread of HPV-driven disease. Defensins are a class of innate immune effector peptides that function to protect hosts from infection by pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. Previous work utilizing α and β defensins from humans has demonstrated that the α-defensin HD5 is effective at inhibiting the most common high-risk genotype, HPV16. A third class of defensin that has yet to be explored are θ-defensins: small, 18-amino acid cyclic peptides found in old-world monkeys whose unique structure makes them both highly cationic and resistant to degradation. Here we show that the prototype θ-defensin, rhesus theta defensin 1, inhibits hrHPV infection through a mechanism involving capsid clustering that inhibits virions from binding to cell surface receptor complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G Skeate
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Wouter H Segerink
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mauricio D Garcia
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Daniel J Fernandez
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ruben Prins
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kim P Lühen
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Féline O Voss
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Diane M Da Silva
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - W Martin Kast
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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16
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Hammond K, Ryadnov MG, Hoogenboom BW. Atomic force microscopy to elucidate how peptides disrupt membranes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2020; 1863:183447. [PMID: 32835656 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2020.183447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Atomic force microscopy is an increasingly attractive tool to study how peptides disrupt membranes. Often performed on reconstituted lipid bilayers, it provides access to time and length scales that allow dynamic investigations with nanometre resolution. Over the last decade, AFM studies have enabled visualisation of membrane disruption mechanisms by antimicrobial or host defence peptides, including peptides that target malignant cells and biofilms. Moreover, the emergence of high-speed modalities of the technique broadens the scope of investigations to antimicrobial kinetics as well as the imaging of peptide action on live cells in real time. This review describes how methodological advances in AFM facilitate new insights into membrane disruption mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Hammond
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0LW, UK; London Centre for Nanotechnology, University College London, London WC1H 0AH, UK; Department of Physics & Astronomy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Maxim G Ryadnov
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0LW, UK; Department of Physics, King's College London, Strand Lane, London WC2R 2LS, UK.
| | - Bart W Hoogenboom
- London Centre for Nanotechnology, University College London, London WC1H 0AH, UK; Department of Physics & Astronomy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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17
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Budhwani M, Lukowski SW, Porceddu SV, Frazer IH, Chandra J. Dysregulation of Stemness Pathways in HPV Mediated Cervical Malignant Transformation Identifies Potential Oncotherapy Targets. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:307. [PMID: 32670895 PMCID: PMC7330094 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with a range of malignancies that affect anogenital and oropharyngeal sites. α-HPVs dominantly infect basal epithelial cells of mucosal tissues, where they dysregulate cell division and local immunity. The cervix is one of the mucosal sites most susceptible to HPV infections. It consists of anatomically diverse regions, and the majority of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cancers arise within the cervical squamo-columnar junction where undifferentiated basal progenitor cells with stem cell properties are found. The cancer stem cell theory particularly associates tumorigenesis, invasion, dissemination, and metastasis with cancer cells exhibiting stem cell properties. In this perspective, we discuss evidence of a cervical cancer stem cell niche and explore the association of stemness related genes with 5-year survival using a publicly available transcriptomic dataset of a cervical cancer cohort. We report that poor prognosis in this cohort correlates with overexpression of a subset of stemness pathway genes, a majority of which regulate the central Focal Adhesion pathway, and are also found to be enriched in the HPV infection pathway. These observations support therapeutic targeting of stemness genes overexpressed by mucosal cells infected with high-risk HPVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megha Budhwani
- Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Samuel W Lukowski
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Sandro V Porceddu
- Cancer Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ian H Frazer
- Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Janin Chandra
- Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
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18
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Abstract
Defensins are a major family of host defense peptides expressed predominantly in neutrophils and epithelial cells. Their broad antimicrobial activities and multifaceted immunomodulatory functions have been extensively studied, cementing their role in innate immunity as a core host-protective component against bacterial, viral and fungal infections. More recent studies, however, paint defensins in a bad light such that they are "alleged" to promote viral and bacterial infections in certain biological settings. This mini review summarizes the latest findings on the potential pathogenic properties of defensins against the backdrop of their protective roles in antiviral and antibacterial immunity. Further, a succinct description of both tumor-proliferative and -suppressive activities of defensins is also given to highlight their functional and mechanistic complexity in antitumor immunity. We posit that given an enabling environment defensins, widely heralded as the "Swiss army knife," can function as a "double-edged sword" in host immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Xu
- Institute of Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wuyuan Lu
- Institute of Human Virology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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19
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Mookherjee N, Anderson MA, Haagsman HP, Davidson DJ. Antimicrobial host defence peptides: functions and clinical potential. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2020; 19:311-332. [DOI: 10.1038/s41573-019-0058-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 425] [Impact Index Per Article: 106.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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20
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Brice DC, Diamond G. Antiviral Activities of Human Host Defense Peptides. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:1420-1443. [PMID: 31385762 PMCID: PMC9008596 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190805151654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Peptides with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity are found widely expressed throughout nature. As they participate in a number of different aspects of innate immunity in mammals, they have been termed Host Defense Peptides (HDPs). Due to their common structural features, including an amphipathic structure and cationic charge, they have been widely shown to interact with and disrupt microbial membranes. Thus, it is not surprising that human HDPs have activity against enveloped viruses as well as bacteria and fungi. However, these peptides also exhibit activity against a wide range of non-enveloped viruses as well, acting at a number of different steps in viral infection. This review focuses on the activity of human host defense peptides, including alpha- and beta-defensins and the sole human cathelicidin, LL-37, against both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. The broad spectrum of antiviral activity of these peptides, both in vitro and in vivo suggest that they play an important role in the innate antiviral defense against viral infections. Furthermore, the literature suggests that they may be developed into antiviral therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C. Brice
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Box 100424, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
| | - Gill Diamond
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Box 100424, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
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21
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Ismail NO, Odendaal C, Serem JC, Strömstedt AA, Bester MJ, Sayed Y, Neitz AW, Gaspar AR. Antimicrobial function of short amidated peptide fragments from the tick‐derived OsDef2 defensin. J Pept Sci 2019; 25:e3223. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.3223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Naadhira O. Ismail
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and MicrobiologyUniversity of Pretoria Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028 Pretoria South Africa
| | - Clerisa Odendaal
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and MicrobiologyUniversity of Pretoria Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028 Pretoria South Africa
| | - June C. Serem
- Department of AnatomyUniversity of Pretoria Private Bag X323, Arcadia 0007 Pretoria South Africa
| | - Adam A. Strömstedt
- Pharmacognosy, Department of Medicinal ChemistryUppsala University Box 574 Uppsala SE 75123 Sweden
| | - Megan J. Bester
- Department of AnatomyUniversity of Pretoria Private Bag X323, Arcadia 0007 Pretoria South Africa
| | - Yasien Sayed
- Protein Structure‐Function Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell BiologyUniversity of the Witwatersrand Private Bag 3, WITS 2050 Johannesburg South Africa
| | - Albert W.H. Neitz
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and MicrobiologyUniversity of Pretoria Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028 Pretoria South Africa
| | - Anabella R.M. Gaspar
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and MicrobiologyUniversity of Pretoria Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028 Pretoria South Africa
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22
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Gulati NM, Miyagi M, Wiens ME, Smith JG, Stewart PL. α-Defensin HD5 Stabilizes Human Papillomavirus 16 Capsid/Core Interactions. Pathog Immun 2019; 4:196-234. [PMID: 31583330 PMCID: PMC6755940 DOI: 10.20411/pai.v4i2.314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to nearly all cases of cervical cancer. Despite available vaccines, a deeper understanding of the immune response to HPV is needed. Human α-defensin 5 (HD5), an innate immune effector peptide, blocks infection of multiple sero-types of HPV, including high-risk HPV16. While a common mechanism of α-defensin anti-viral activity against nonenveloped viruses such as HPV has emerged, there is limited understanding of how α-defensins bind to viral capsids to block infection. Methods: We have used cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM), mass spectrometry (MS) crosslinking and differential lysine modification studies, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to probe the interaction of HPV16 pseudovirions (PsVs) with HD5. Results: CryoEM single particle reconstruction did not reveal HD5 density on the capsid surface. Rather, increased density was observed under the capsid shell in the presence of HD5. MS studies indicate that HD5 binds near the L1 and L2 capsid proteins and specifically near the C-terminal region of L1. MD simulations indicate that favorable electrostatic interactions can be formed between HD5 and the L1 C-terminal tail. Conclusions: A model is presented for how HD5 affects HPV16 structure and cell entry. In this model, HD5 binds to disordered regions of L1 and L2 protruding from the icosahedrally ordered capsid. HD5 acts to cement interactions between L1 and L2 and leads to a closer association of the L2/genome core with the L1 capsid. This model provides a structural rationale for our prior observation that HD5 interferes with the separation of L1 from the L2/genome complex during cell entry. Graphical Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Neetu M Gulati
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.,Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Masaru Miyagi
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Mayim E Wiens
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jason G Smith
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Phoebe L Stewart
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.,Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
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23
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Ahmed A, Siman-Tov G, Hall G, Bhalla N, Narayanan A. Human Antimicrobial Peptides as Therapeutics for Viral Infections. Viruses 2019; 11:v11080704. [PMID: 31374901 PMCID: PMC6722670 DOI: 10.3390/v11080704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful in vivo infection following pathogen entry requires the evasion and subversion of multiple immunological barriers. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are one of the first immune pathways upregulated during infection by multiple pathogens, in multiple organs in vivo. In humans, there are many classes of AMPs exhibiting broad antimicrobial activities, with defensins and the human cathelicidin LL-37 being the best studied examples. Whereas historically the efficacy and therapeutic potential of AMPs against bacterial infection has been the primary focus of research, recent studies have begun to elucidate the antiviral properties of AMPs as well as their role in regulation of inflammation and chemoattraction. AMPs as therapeutic tools seem especially promising against emerging infectious viral pathogens for which no approved vaccines or treatments are currently available, such as dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV). In this review, we summarize recent studies elucidating the efficacy and diverse mechanisms of action of various classes of AMPs against multiple viral pathogens, as well as the potential use of human AMPs in novel antiviral therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslaa Ahmed
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Gavriella Siman-Tov
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Grant Hall
- United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Nishank Bhalla
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Aarthi Narayanan
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA.
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24
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Papillomaviruses and Endocytic Trafficking. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19092619. [PMID: 30181457 PMCID: PMC6163501 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocytic trafficking plays a major role in transport of incoming human papillomavirus (HPVs) from plasma membrane to the trans Golgi network (TGN) and ultimately into the nucleus. During this infectious entry, several cellular sorting factors are recruited by the viral capsid protein L2, which plays a critical role in ensuring successful transport of the L2/viral DNA complex to the nucleus. Later in the infection cycle, two viral oncoproteins, E5 and E6, have also been shown to modulate different aspects of endocytic transport pathways. In this review, we highlight how HPV makes use of and perturbs normal endocytic transport pathways, firstly to achieve infectious virus entry, secondly to produce productive infection and the completion of the viral life cycle and, finally, on rare occasions, to bring about the development of malignancy.
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25
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Park MS, Kim JI, Lee I, Park S, Bae JY, Park MS. Towards the Application of Human Defensins as Antivirals. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2018; 26:242-254. [PMID: 29310427 PMCID: PMC5933891 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2017.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Defensins are antimicrobial peptides that participate in the innate immunity of hosts. Humans constitutively and/or inducibly express α- and β-defensins, which are known for their antiviral and antibacterial activities. This review describes the application of human defensins. We discuss the extant experimental results, limited though they are, to consider the potential applicability of human defensins as antiviral agents. Given their antiviral effects, we propose that basic research be conducted on human defensins that focuses on RNA viruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza A virus (IAV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and dengue virus (DENV), which are considered serious human pathogens but have posed huge challenges for vaccine development for different reasons. Concerning the prophylactic and therapeutic applications of defensins, we then discuss the applicability of human defensins as antivirals that has been demonstrated in reports using animal models. Finally, we discuss the potential adjuvant-like activity of human defensins and propose an exploration of the ‘defensin vaccine’ concept to prime the body with a controlled supply of human defensins. In sum, we suggest a conceptual framework to achieve the practical application of human defensins to combat viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mee Sook Park
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Viral Diseases, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Il Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Viral Diseases, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Ilseob Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Viral Diseases, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sehee Park
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Viral Diseases, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon-Yong Bae
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Viral Diseases, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Man-Seong Park
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Viral Diseases, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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26
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Campos SK. Subcellular Trafficking of the Papillomavirus Genome during Initial Infection: The Remarkable Abilities of Minor Capsid Protein L2. Viruses 2017; 9:v9120370. [PMID: 29207511 PMCID: PMC5744145 DOI: 10.3390/v9120370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 2012, our understanding of human papillomavirus (HPV) subcellular trafficking has undergone a drastic paradigm shift. Work from multiple laboratories has revealed that HPV has evolved a unique means to deliver its viral genome (vDNA) to the cell nucleus, relying on myriad host cell proteins and processes. The major breakthrough finding from these recent endeavors has been the realization of L2-dependent utilization of cellular sorting factors for the retrograde transport of vDNA away from degradative endo/lysosomal compartments to the Golgi, prior to mitosis-dependent nuclear accumulation of L2/vDNA. An overview of current models of HPV entry, subcellular trafficking, and the role of L2 during initial infection is provided below, highlighting unresolved questions and gaps in knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel K Campos
- The Department of Immunobiology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721-0240, USA.
- The Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721-0240, USA.
- The Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721-0240, USA.
- The BIO5 Institute, Tucson, AZ 85721-0240, USA.
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27
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Lipovsky A, Erden A, Kanaya E, Zhang W, Crite M, Bradfield C, MacMicking J, DiMaio D, Schoggins JW, Iwasaki A. The cellular endosomal protein stannin inhibits intracellular trafficking of human papillomavirus during virus entry. J Gen Virol 2017; 98:2821-2836. [PMID: 29058661 PMCID: PMC5845663 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.000954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the most common sexually transmitted viruses and one of the most important infectious causes of cancers worldwide. While prophylactic vaccines are effective against certain strains of HPV, established infections still cause deadly cancers in both men and women. HPV traffics to the nucleus via the retrograde transport pathway, but the mechanism of intracellular transport of non-enveloped viruses such as HPV is incompletely understood. Using an overexpression screen, we identify several genes that control HPV16 entry. We focused on the mechanism by which one of the screen hits, stannin, blocks HPV16 infection. Stannin has not been previously implicated in virus entry. Overexpression of stannin specifically inhibits infection by several HPV types, but not other viruses tested. Stannin is constitutively expressed in human keratinocytes, and its basal levels limit entry by HPV16. Stannin is localized to the endolysosomal compartment and does not affect HPV16 binding to cells, virus uptake, or virus uncoating, but inhibits the entry of HPV into the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and stimulates HPV degradation. We further show that stannin interacts with L1 major capsid protein and impairs the interaction of the L2 minor capsid protein with retromer, which is required for virus trafficking to the TGN. Our findings shed light on a novel cellular protein that interferes with HPV entry and highlight the role of retrograde transport in HPV entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Lipovsky
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8011, P.O. Box 208011, USA
| | - Asu Erden
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8011, P.O. Box 208011, USA
| | - Eriko Kanaya
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8011, P.O. Box 208011, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8005, P.O. Box 208005, USA
| | - Mac Crite
- Microbiology Graduate Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, 295 Congress Avenue, USA
| | - Clinton Bradfield
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536-0812, P.O. Box 9812, USA
| | - John MacMicking
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536-0812, P.O. Box 9812, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20814, USA
| | - Daniel DiMaio
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8005, P.O. Box 208005, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT 06520-8028, PO Box 208028, USA
| | - John W. Schoggins
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Akiko Iwasaki
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8011, P.O. Box 208011, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20814, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT 06520-8028, PO Box 208028, USA
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28
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Abstract
α, β, and θ defensins are effectors of the innate immune system with potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity. Defensins have direct antiviral activity in cell culture, with varied mechanisms for individual viruses, although some common themes have emerged. In addition, defensins have potent immunomodulatory activity that can alter innate and adaptive immune responses to viral infection. In some cases, there is evidence for paradoxical escape from defensin neutralization or enhancement of viral infection. The direct and indirect activities of defensins have led to their development as therapeutics and vaccine components. The major area of investigation that continues to lag is the connection between the effects of defensins in cell culture models and viral pathogenesis in vivo. Model systems to study defensin biology, including more physiologic models designed to bridge this gap, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayumi K Holly
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195;
| | - Karina Diaz
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195;
| | - Jason G Smith
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195;
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29
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Herfs M, Soong TR, Delvenne P, Crum CP. Deciphering the Multifactorial Susceptibility of Mucosal Junction Cells to HPV Infection and Related Carcinogenesis. Viruses 2017; 9:v9040085. [PMID: 28425968 PMCID: PMC5408691 DOI: 10.3390/v9040085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced neoplasms have long been considered to originate from viral infection of the basal cell layer of the squamous mucosa. However, this paradigm has been recently undermined by accumulating data supporting the critical role of a discrete population of squamo-columnar (SC) junction cells in the pathogenesis of cervical (pre)cancers. The present review summarizes the current knowledge on junctional cells, discusses their high vulnerability to HPV infection, and stresses the potential clinical/translational value of the novel dualistic model of HPV-related carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Herfs
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liege, 4000 Liege, Belgium.
| | - Thing R Soong
- Division of Women's and Perinatal Pathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Philippe Delvenne
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liege, 4000 Liege, Belgium.
| | - Christopher P Crum
- Division of Women's and Perinatal Pathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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