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Cheng KKW, Fingerhut L, Duncan S, Prajna NV, Rossi AG, Mills B. In vitro and ex vivo models of microbial keratitis: Present and future. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 102:101287. [PMID: 39004166 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101287] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Microbial keratitis (MK) is an infection of the cornea, caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites, or viruses. MK leads to significant morbidity, being the fifth leading cause of blindness worldwide. There is an urgent requirement to better understand pathogenesis in order to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcomes. Many in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo MK models have been developed and implemented to meet this aim. Here, we present current in vitro and ex vivo MK model systems, examining their varied design, outputs, reporting standards, and strengths and limitations. Major limitations include their relative simplicity and the perceived inability to study the immune response in these MK models, an aspect widely accepted to play a significant role in MK pathogenesis. Consequently, there remains a dependence on in vivo models to study this aspect of MK. However, looking to the future, we draw from the broader field of corneal disease modelling, which utilises, for example, three-dimensional co-culture models and dynamic environments observed in bioreactors and organ-on-a-chip scenarios. These remain unexplored in MK research, but incorporation of these approaches will offer further advances in the field of MK corneal modelling, in particular with the focus of incorporation of immune components which we anticipate will better recapitulate pathogenesis and yield novel findings, therefore contributing to the enhancement of MK outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin Kah Wai Cheng
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Leonie Fingerhut
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sheelagh Duncan
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - N Venkatesh Prajna
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery Services, Aravind Eye Hospital and Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Adriano G Rossi
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Bethany Mills
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
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Wang H, Chen G, Gong Q, Wu J, Chen P. Primary immunodeficiency-related genes and varicella-zoster virus reactivation syndrome: a Mendelian randomization study. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1403429. [PMID: 39253091 PMCID: PMC11381235 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1403429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Currently, evidence regarding the causal relationship between primary immunodeficiency-related genes and varicella-zoster virus reactivation syndrome is limited and inconsistent. Therefore, this study employs Mendelian randomization (MR) methodology to investigate the causal relationship between the two. Methods This study selected 110 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of primary immunodeficiency-related genes as instrumental variables (IVs). Genetic associations of primary immunodeficiency-related genes were derived from recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data on human plasma protein levels and circulating immune cells. Data on genes associated with varicella-zoster virus reactivation syndrome were obtained from the GWAS Catalog and FINNGEN database, primarily analyzed using inverse variance weighting (IVW) and sensitivity analysis. Results Through MR analysis, we identified 9 primary immunodeficiency-related genes causally associated with herpes zoster and its subsequent neuralgia; determined causal associations of 20 primary immunodeficiency-related genes with three vascular lesions (stroke, cerebral aneurysm, giant cell arteritis); revealed causal associations of 10 primary immunodeficiency-related genes with two ocular diseases (retinopathy, keratitis); additionally, three primary immunodeficiency-related genes each were associated with encephalitis, cranial nerve palsy, and gastrointestinal infections. Conclusions This study discovers a certain association between primary immunodeficiency-related genes and varicella-zoster virus reactivation syndrome, yet further investigations are warranted to explore the specific mechanisms underlying these connections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Guanglei Chen
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Qian Gong
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
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Borodianskiy-Shteinberg T, Bisht P, Das B, Kinchington PR, Goldstein RS. Commercial human 3D corneal epithelial equivalents for modeling epithelial infection in herpes keratitis. Virology 2024; 595:110096. [PMID: 38710129 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2024.110096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Herpes stromal keratitis is the leading cause of infectious blindness in the western world. Infection by HSV1 is most common, but VZV and hCMV also infect the cornea. Multiple models of HSV1 corneal infection exist, but none for VZV and hCMV because of their host specificity. Here, we used commercially available 3D human corneal epithelial equivalents (HCEE) to study infection by these herpesviruses. HCEE was infected by HSV-1 and hCMV without requiring scarification and resulted in spreading infections. Spread of HSV-1 infection was rapid, while that of hCMV was slow. In contrast, infections with VZV required damage to the HCEE and did not spread. Acyclovir dramatically reduced replication of HSV-1 in this model. We conclude that highly quality-controlled, readily available HCEE is a useful model to study human-restricted herpesvirus infection of the human corneal epithelium and for screening of antiviral drugs for treating HSK in an 3D model system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Punam Bisht
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 52900, Israel
| | - Biswajit Das
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 52900, Israel
| | - Paul R Kinchington
- Departments of Ophthalmology and of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Ronald S Goldstein
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 52900, Israel.
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Niemeyer CS, Harlander-Locke M, Bubak AN, Rzasa-Lynn R, Birlea M. Trigeminal Postherpetic Neuralgia: From Pathophysiology to Treatment. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2024; 28:295-306. [PMID: 38261232 PMCID: PMC10940365 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-023-01209-z] [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] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Trigeminal postherpetic neuralgia (TG-PHN) is a neuropathic pain condition complicating herpes zoster (HZ) attributed to the trigeminal nerve. It poses significant challenges due to its persistent and debilitating nature. This review explores the clinical characteristics of TG-PHN, analyzes its pathophysiological underpinnings, and addresses existent and potential therapies. RECENT FINDINGS TG-PHN is one of the most common and complex PHN locations. It has distinguishing clinical and pathophysiological characteristics, starting with viral triggered injuries to the trigeminal ganglion (TG) and peripheral tissue and involving the ascending and descending brain modulation pathways. Current therapies include vaccines, oral and topical medications, and interventional approaches, like nerve blocks and neurostimulation. This review covers TG-PHN's clinical and physiological components, treatment options, and potential future targets for improved management. By exploring the complexities of this condition, we aim to contribute to developing more effective and targeted therapies for patients suffering from trigeminal PHN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christy S Niemeyer
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Michael Harlander-Locke
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Andrew N Bubak
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Rachael Rzasa-Lynn
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Marius Birlea
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
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VZV Infection of Primary Human Adrenal Cortical Cells Produces a Proinflammatory Environment without Cell Death. Viruses 2022; 14:v14040674. [PMID: 35458404 PMCID: PMC9030771 DOI: 10.3390/v14040674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus infection of adrenal glands can disrupt secretion of mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and sex hormones from the cortex and catecholamines from the medulla, leading to a constellation of symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, weight loss, nausea, and muscle and joint pain. Specifically, varicella zoster virus (VZV) can produce bilateral adrenal hemorrhage and adrenal insufficiency during primary infection or following reactivation. However, the mechanisms by which VZV affects the adrenal glands are not well-characterized. Herein, we determined if primary human adrenal cortical cells (HAdCCs) infected with VZV support viral replication and produce a proinflammatory environment. Quantitative PCR showed VZV DNA increasing over time in HAdCCs, yet no cell death was seen at 3 days post-infection by TUNEL staining or Western Blot analysis with PARP and caspase 9 antibodies. Compared to conditioned supernatant from mock-infected cells, supernatant from VZV-infected cells contained significantly elevated IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-4, and TNF-α. Overall, VZV can productively infect adrenal cortical cells in the absence of cell death, suggesting that these cells may be a potential reservoir for ongoing viral replication and proinflammatory cytokine production, leading to chronic adrenalitis and dysfunction.
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Blackmon AM, Como CN, Bubak AN, Mescher T, Jones D, Nagel MA. Varicella Zoster Virus Alters Expression of Cell Adhesion Proteins in Human Perineurial Cells via Interleukin 6. J Infect Dis 2019; 220:1453-1461. [PMID: 30835269 PMCID: PMC6761973 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In temporal arteries (TAs) from patients with giant cell arteritis, varicella zoster virus (VZV) is seen in perineurial cells that surround adventitial nerve bundles and form the peripheral nerve-extrafascicular tissue barrier (perineurium). We hypothesized that during VZV reactivation from ganglia, virus travels transaxonally and disrupts the perineurium to infect surrounding cells. METHODS Mock- and VZV-infected primary human perineurial cells (HPNCs) were examined for alterations in claudin-1, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin. Conditioned supernatant was analyzed for a soluble factor(s) mediating these alterations and for the ability to increase cell migration. To corroborate in vitro findings, a VZV-infected TA was examined. RESULTS In VZV-infected HPNCs, claudin-1 redistributed to the nucleus; E-cadherin was lost and N-cadherin gained, with similar changes seen in VZV-infected perineurial cells in a TA. VZV-conditioned supernatant contained increased interleukin 6 (IL-6) that induced E-cadherin loss and N-cadherin gain and increased cell migration when added to uninfected HPNCs; anti-IL-6 receptor antibody prevented these changes. CONCLUSIONS IL-6 secreted from VZV-infected HPNCs facilitated changes in E- and N-cadherin expression and cell migration, reminiscent of an epithelial-to-mesenchymal cell transition, potentially contributing to loss of perineurial cell barrier integrity and viral spread. Importantly, an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody prevented virus-induced perineurial cell disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Blackmon
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
| | - Christina N Como
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
| | - Andrew N Bubak
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
| | - Teresa Mescher
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
| | - Dallas Jones
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
| | - Maria A Nagel
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
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