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Schreiner TG, Romanescu C, Schreiner OD, Nhambasora F. New insights on the link between Epstein‑Barr virus infection and cognitive decline in neurodegenerative diseases (Review). Exp Ther Med 2024; 28:413. [PMID: 39268367 PMCID: PMC11391170 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2024.12702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Cognitive decline is a frequent complaint in healthy controls and neurological patients, regardless of the underlying pathology. Whilst cognitive impairment can be easily diagnosed in the more advanced stages of neurodegenerative diseases, early detection can be challenging. This is mainly the consequence of the incomplete understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. In addition, currently available neurological treatments do not specifically target cognitive decline, since other motor and non-motor symptoms, such as bradykinesia, tremor, autonomic disturbances and depression, are of greater relevance from a therapeutic perspective. In this context, prospective studies must address a number of issues, including the risk factors associated with cognitive deficits in neurodegenerative diseases. The present review aims to offer a novel perspective on the association between Epstein-Barr virus infection and cognitive decline found in patients with neurodegenerative disorders. Specifically, relevant epidemiological studies and clinical trials explaining this connection were reviewed, focusing on the most frequent neurodegenerative disorders. They are namely Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. Despite their limitations, possible underlying pathophysiological mechanisms that explain the impact of Epstein-Barr virus infection on cognitive decline are expected to offer novel study directions on this clinically relevant topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Gabriel Schreiner
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy 'Gr. T. Popa', 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Department of Electrical Measurements and Materials, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, 700050 Iasi, Romania
| | - Constantin Romanescu
- Clinical Section IV, 'St. Parascheva' Infectious Disease Hospital, 700116 Iasi, Romania
| | - Oliver Daniel Schreiner
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy 'Gr. T. Popa', 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Department of Medical Oncology, Regional Institute of Oncology, 700483 Iasi, Romania
| | - Farai Nhambasora
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Luke's Hospital, R95 FY71 Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland
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2
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Awasthi P, Kumar D, Hasan S. Role of 14-3-3 protein family in the pathobiology of EBV in immortalized B cells and Alzheimer's disease. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1353828. [PMID: 39144488 PMCID: PMC11322100 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1353828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Several studies have revealed that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection raised the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) via infecting B lymphocytes. The purpose of the current investigation was to assess the possible association between EBV infection and AD. Methods The microarray datasets GSE49628, GSE126379, GSE122063, and GSE132903 were utilized to extract DEGs by using the GEO2R tool of the GEO platform. The STRING tool was used to determine the interaction between the DEGs, and Cytoscape was used to visualize the results. The DEGs that were found underwent function analysis, including pathway and GO, using the DAVID 2021 and ClueGo/CluePedia. By using MNC, MCC, Degree, and Radiality of cytoHubba, we identified seven common key genes. Gene co-expression analysis was performed through the GeneMANIA web tool. Furthermore, expression analysis of key genes was performed through GTEx software, which have been identified in various human brain regions. The miRNA-gene interaction was performed through the miRNet v 2.0 tool. DsigDB on the Enrichr platform was utilized to extract therapeutic drugs connected to key genes. Results In GEO2R analysis of datasets with |log2FC|≥ 0.5 and p-value <0.05, 8386, 10,434, 7408, and 759 genes were identified. A total of 141 common DEGs were identified by combining the extracted genes of different datasets. A total of 141 nodes and 207 edges were found during the PPI analysis. The DEG GO analysis with substantial alterations disclosed that they are associated to molecular functions and biological processes, such as positive regulation of neuron death, autophagy regulation of mitochondrion, response of cell to insulin stimulus, calcium signaling regulation, organelle transport along microtubules, protein kinase activity, and phosphoserine binding. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis discovered the correlation between the DEGs in pathways of neurodegeneration: multiple disease, cell cycle, and cGMP-PKG signaling pathway. Finally, YWHAH, YWHAG, YWHAB, YWHAZ, MAP2K1, PPP2CA, and TUBB genes were identified that are strongly linked to EBV and AD. Three miRNAs, i.e., hsa-mir-15a-5p, hsa-let-7a-5p, and hsa-mir-7-5p, were identified to regulate most of hub genes that are associated with EBV and AD. Further top 10 significant therapeutic drugs were predicted. Conclusion We have discovered new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AD, as well as the possible biological mechanisms whereby infection with EBV may be involved in AD susceptibility for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prankur Awasthi
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, India
| | - Dhruv Kumar
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES University Dehradun, Dehradun, India
| | - Saba Hasan
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, India
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3
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Tarlinton R, Tanasescu R, Shannon-Lowe C, Gran B. Ocrelizumab B cell depletion has no effect on HERV RNA expression in PBMC in MS patients. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 86:105597. [PMID: 38598954 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105597] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epstein barr virus (EBV) infection of B cells is now understood to be one of the triggering events for the development of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a progressive immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system. EBV infection is also linked to expression of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) of the HERV-W group, a further risk factor for the development of MS. Ocrelizumab is a high-potency disease-modifying treatment (DMT) for MS, which depletes B cells by targeting CD20. OBJECTIVES We studied the effects of ocrelizumab on gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from paired samples from 20 patients taken prior to and 6 months after beginning ocrelizumab therapy. We hypothesised that EBV and HERV-W loads would be lower in post-treatment samples. METHODS Samples were collected in Paxgene tubes, subject to RNA extraction and Illumina paired end short read mRNA sequencing with mapping of sequence reads to the human genome using Salmon and differential gene expression compared with DeSeq2. Mapping was also performed separately to the HERV-D database of HERV sequences and the EBV reference sequence. RESULTS Patient samples were more strongly clustered by individual rather than disease type (relapsing/remitting or primary progressive), treatment (pre and post), age, or sex. Fourteen genes, all clearly linked to B cell function were significantly down regulated in the post treatment samples. Interestingly only one pre-treatment sample had detectable EBV RNA and there were no significant differences in HERV expression (of any group) between pre- and post-treatment samples. CONCLUSIONS While EBV and HERV expression are clearly linked to triggering MS pathogenesis, it does not appear that high level expression of these viruses is a part of the ongoing disease process or that changes in virus load are associated with ocrelizumab treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Tarlinton
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom.
| | - Radu Tanasescu
- Department of Neurology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Queens Medical Centre, Derby Road, Nottingham, United Kingdom; School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Shannon-Lowe
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Bruno Gran
- Department of Neurology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Queens Medical Centre, Derby Road, Nottingham, United Kingdom; School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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4
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Borghol AH, Bitar ER, Hanna A, Naim G, Rahal EA. The role of Epstein-Barr virus in autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024:1-21. [PMID: 38634723 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2024.2344114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), a dsDNA herpesvirus, is believed to play a significant role in exacerbating and potentially triggering autoimmune and autoinflammatory maladies. Around 90% of the world is infected with the virus, which establishes latency within lymphocytes. EBV is also known to cause infectious mononucleosis, a self-limited flu-like illness, in adolescents. EBV is often reactivated and it employs several mechanisms of evading the host immune system. It has also been implicated in inducing host immune dysfunction potentially resulting in exacerbation or triggering of inflammatory processes. EBV has therefore been linked to a number of autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren's syndrome. The review examines the molecular mechanisms through which the virus alters host immune system components thus possibly resulting in autoimmune processes. Understanding the mechanisms underpinning EBV-associated autoimmunity is pivotal; however, the precise causal pathways remain elusive. Research on therapeutic agents and vaccines for EBV has been stagnant for a long number of years until recent advances shed light on potential therapeutic targets. The implications of EBV in autoimmunity underscore the importance of developing targeted therapeutic strategies and, potentially, vaccines to mitigate the autoimmune burden associated with this ubiquitous virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Hamid Borghol
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research (CIDR), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Elio R Bitar
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research (CIDR), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Aya Hanna
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research (CIDR), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Georges Naim
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research (CIDR), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Elias A Rahal
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research (CIDR), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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5
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Eid K, Bjørk MH, Gilhus NE, Torkildsen Ø. Adverse Childhood Experiences and the Risk of Multiple Sclerosis Development: A Review of Potential Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1520. [PMID: 38338799 PMCID: PMC10855716 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031520] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, contribute to long-term systemic toxic stress and inflammation that may last well into adulthood. Such early-life stressors have been associated with increased susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS) in observational studies and with the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in animal models. In this review, we summarize the evidence for an ACE-mediated increase in MS risk, as well as the potential mechanisms for this association. ACEs dysregulate neurodevelopment, stress responses, and immune reactivity; they also alter the interplay between the immune system and neural networks. All of this may be relevant for MS risk. We further discuss how ACEs induce epigenetic changes and how the toxic stress caused by ACEs may reactivate the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), a key risk factor for MS. We conclude by suggesting new initiatives to obtain further insights into this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Eid
- Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 71, 5053 Bergen, Norway; (M.-H.B.); (N.E.G.)
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway;
| | - Marte-Helene Bjørk
- Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 71, 5053 Bergen, Norway; (M.-H.B.); (N.E.G.)
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway;
- NorHead, Norwegian Center for Headache Research, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Nils Erik Gilhus
- Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 71, 5053 Bergen, Norway; (M.-H.B.); (N.E.G.)
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway;
| | - Øivind Torkildsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway;
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
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6
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Bogers L, Kuiper KL, Smolders J, Rip J, van Luijn MM. Epstein-Barr virus and genetic risk variants as determinants of T-bet + B cell-driven autoimmune diseases. Immunol Lett 2023; 261:66-74. [PMID: 37451321 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
B cells expressing the transcription factor T-bet are found to have a protective role in viral infections, but are also considered major players in the onset of different types of autoimmune diseases. Currently, the exact mechanisms driving such 'atypical' memory B cells to contribute to protective immunity or autoimmunity are unclear. In addition to general autoimmune-related factors including sex and age, the ways T-bet+ B cells instigate autoimmune diseases may be determined by the close interplay between genetic risk variants and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The impact of EBV on T-bet+ B cells likely relies on the type of risk variants associated with each autoimmune disease, which may affect their differentiation, migratory routes and effector function. In this hypothesis-driven review, we discuss the lines of evidence pointing to such genetic and/or EBV-mediated influence on T-bet+ B cells in a range of autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and multiple sclerosis (MS). We provide examples of how genetic risk variants can be linked to certain signaling pathways and are differentially affected by EBV to shape T-bet+ B-cells. Finally, we propose options to improve current treatment of B cell-related autoimmune diseases by more selective targeting of pathways that are critical for pathogenic T-bet+ B-cell formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurens Bogers
- MS Center ErasMS, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Kirsten L Kuiper
- MS Center ErasMS, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Joost Smolders
- MS Center ErasMS, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands; MS Center ErasMS, Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands; Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Neuroimmunology research group, Amsterdam 1105 BA, The Netherlands
| | - Jasper Rip
- MS Center ErasMS, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Marvin M van Luijn
- MS Center ErasMS, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands.
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7
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Afrasiabi A, Ahlenstiel C, Swaminathan S, Parnell GP. The interaction between Epstein-Barr virus and multiple sclerosis genetic risk loci: insights into disease pathogenesis and therapeutic opportunities. Clin Transl Immunology 2023; 12:e1454. [PMID: 37337612 PMCID: PMC10276892 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative autoimmune disease, characterised by the demyelination of neurons in the central nervous system. Whilst it is unclear what precisely leads to MS, it is believed that genetic predisposition combined with environmental factors plays a pivotal role. It is estimated that close to half the disease risk is determined by genetic factors. However, the risk of developing MS cannot be attributed to genetic factors alone, and environmental factors are likely to play a significant role by themselves or in concert with host genetics. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is the strongest known environmental risk factor for MS. There has been increasing evidence that leaves little doubt that EBV is necessary, but not sufficient, for developing MS. One plausible explanation is EBV may alter the host immune response in the presence of MS risk alleles and this contributes to the pathogenesis of MS. In this review, we discuss recent findings regarding how EBV infection may contribute to MS pathogenesis via interactions with genetic risk loci and discuss possible therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Afrasiabi
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- The Graduate School of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Chantelle Ahlenstiel
- Kirby InstituteUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
- RNA InstituteUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Sanjay Swaminathan
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Department of MedicineWestern Sydney UniversitySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Grant P Parnell
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
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8
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Ortega-Hernandez OD, Martínez-Cáceres EM, Presas-Rodríguez S, Ramo-Tello C. Epstein-Barr Virus and Multiple Sclerosis: A Convoluted Interaction and the Opportunity to Unravel Predictive Biomarkers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087407. [PMID: 37108566 PMCID: PMC10138841 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the early 1980s, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection has been described as one of the main risk factors for developing multiple sclerosis (MS), and recently, new epidemiological evidence has reinforced this premise. EBV seroconversion precedes almost 99% of the new cases of MS and likely predates the first clinical symptoms. The molecular mechanisms of this association are complex and may involve different immunological routes, perhaps all running in parallel (i.e., molecular mimicry, the bystander damage theory, abnormal cytokine networks, and coinfection of EBV with retroviruses, among others). However, despite the large amount of evidence available on these topics, the ultimate role of EBV in the pathogenesis of MS is not fully understood. For instance, it is unclear why after EBV infection some individuals develop MS while others evolve to lymphoproliferative disorders or systemic autoimmune diseases. In this regard, recent studies suggest that the virus may exert epigenetic control over MS susceptibility genes by means of specific virulence factors. Such genetic manipulation has been described in virally-infected memory B cells from patients with MS and are thought to be the main source of autoreactive immune responses. Yet, the role of EBV infection in the natural history of MS and in the initiation of neurodegeneration is even less clear. In this narrative review, we will discuss the available evidence on these topics and the possibility of harnessing such immunological alterations to uncover predictive biomarkers for the onset of MS and perhaps facilitate prognostication of the clinical course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar-Danilo Ortega-Hernandez
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol-IGTP, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Eva M Martínez-Cáceres
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol-IGTP, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Silvia Presas-Rodríguez
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol-IGTP, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Cristina Ramo-Tello
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol-IGTP, 08916 Badalona, Spain
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9
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Sedighi S, Gholizadeh O, Yasamineh S, Akbarzadeh S, Amini P, Favakehi P, Afkhami H, Firouzi-Amandi A, Pahlevan D, Eslami M, Yousefi B, Poortahmasebi V, Dadashpour M. Comprehensive Investigations Relationship Between Viral Infections and Multiple Sclerosis Pathogenesis. Curr Microbiol 2023; 80:15. [PMID: 36459252 PMCID: PMC9716500 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-022-03112-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). Compared to other types of self-limiting myelin disorders, MS compartmentalizes and maintains chronic inflammation in the CNS. Even though the exact cause of MS is unclear, it is assumed that genetic and environmental factors play an important role in susceptibility to this disease. The progression of MS is triggered by certain environmental factors, such as viral infections. The most important viruses that affect MS are Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6), human endogenous retrovirus (HERV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and varicella zoster virus (VZV). These viruses all have latent stages that allow them to escape immune detection and reactivate after exposure to various stimuli. Furthermore, their tropism for CNS and immune system cells explains their possible deleterious function in neuroinflammation. In this study, the effect of viral infections on MS disease focuses on the details of viruses that can change the risk of the disease. Paying attention to the most recent articles on the role of SARS-CoV-2 in MS disease, laboratory indicators show the interaction of the immune system with the virus. Also, strategies to prevent viruses that play a role in triggering MS are discussed, such as EBV, which is one of the most important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Sedighi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Science of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Omid Gholizadeh
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saman Yasamineh
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sama Akbarzadeh
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parya Amini
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parnia Favakehi
- Department of Microbiology, Falavargan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hamed Afkhami
- Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Science of Shahed, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akram Firouzi-Amandi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Daryoush Pahlevan
- Determinants of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Majid Eslami
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Vahdat Poortahmasebi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Dadashpour
- Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
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10
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Kalinichenko EN, Babitskaya SV. The Development of the Combination Drug Leukovir ® Tablets for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis: A Comprehensive Review. Curr Drug Targets 2023; 24:1271-1281. [PMID: 38037996 DOI: 10.2174/0113894501272301231124074141] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The review is devoted to the development and study of the drug Leukovir® (cladribine+ ribavirin) and its use in the treatment of relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive forms of multiple sclerosis, a chronic neurodegenerative disease aiming the risk reduction of relapse and progression of a disability. In clinical trials Leukovir® has proved to be efficient by up to 56 weeks for the treatment of relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive forms of multiple sclerosis. The drug is registered in the Republic of Belarus. The efficacy, safety and tolerability profile of the drug Leukovir® suggests that it is well suited for disease-modifying therapy of multiple sclerosis. Patients require four 35-day courses of treatment, each consisting of seven days of treatment followed by a break of 28 days. The use of Leukovir® has contributed to the suppression of inflammatory process activity according to MRI data and stabilization of the clinical condition. It has reduced the number of relapses in patients with relapsing-remitting and secondary-progressive forms of multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena N Kalinichenko
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, BY-220141, 5/2 Academician V.F. Kuprevich Street, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Svetlana V Babitskaya
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, BY-220141, 5/2 Academician V.F. Kuprevich Street, Minsk, Belarus
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11
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Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous human lymphotropic herpesvirus with a well-established causal role in several cancers. Recent studies have provided compelling epidemiological and mechanistic evidence for a causal role of EBV in multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is the most prevalent chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system and is thought to be triggered in genetically predisposed individuals by an infectious agent, with EBV as the lead candidate. How a ubiquitous virus that typically leads to benign latent infections can promote cancer and autoimmune disease in at-risk populations is not fully understood. Here we review the evidence that EBV is a causal agent for MS and how various risk factors may affect EBV infection and immune control. We focus on EBV contributing to MS through reprogramming of latently infected B lymphocytes and the chronic presentation of viral antigens as a potential source of autoreactivity through molecular mimicry. We consider how knowledge of EBV-associated cancers may be instructive for understanding the role of EBV in MS and discuss the potential for therapies that target EBV to treat MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha S. Soldan
- grid.251075.40000 0001 1956 6678The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Paul M. Lieberman
- grid.251075.40000 0001 1956 6678The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA USA
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12
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Labani M, Beheshti A, Lovell NH, Alinejad-Rokny H, Afrasiabi A. KARAJ: An Efficient Adaptive Multi-Processor Tool to Streamline Genomic and Transcriptomic Sequence Data Acquisition. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:14418. [PMID: 36430895 PMCID: PMC9694301 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we developed KARAJ, a fast and flexible Linux command-line tool to automate the end-to-end process of querying and downloading a wide range of genomic and transcriptomic sequence data types. The input to KARAJ is a list of PMCIDs or publication URLs or various types of accession numbers to automate four tasks as follows; firstly, it provides a summary list of accessible datasets generated by or used in these scientific articles, enabling users to select appropriate datasets; secondly, KARAJ calculates the size of files that users want to download and confirms the availability of adequate space on the local disk; thirdly, it generates a metadata table containing sample information and the experimental design of the corresponding study; and lastly, it enables users to download supplementary data tables attached to publications. Further, KARAJ provides a parallel downloading framework powered by Aspera connect which reduces the downloading time significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdieh Labani
- Biomedical Machine Learning Lab, The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Data Analytics Lab, Department of Computing, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Amin Beheshti
- Data Analytics Lab, Department of Computing, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Nigel H. Lovell
- The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering (GSBmE), University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Tyree Institute of Health Engineering (IHealthE), University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Hamid Alinejad-Rokny
- Biomedical Machine Learning Lab, The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- UNSW Data Science Hub, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Health Data Analytics Program, Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Ali Afrasiabi
- Biomedical Machine Learning Lab, The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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13
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MINI-review of Epstein-Barr virus involvement in multiple sclerosis etiology and pathogenesis. J Neuroimmunol 2022; 371:577935. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2022.577935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Kearns PKA. Prevention of MS Requires Intervention on the Causes of the Disease: Reconciling Genes, Epigenetics, and Epstein Barr Virus. Front Neurol 2022; 13:817677. [PMID: 35273557 PMCID: PMC8902355 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.817677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevention of multiple sclerosis requires intervention on modifiable causes of the condition making it necessary to establish what those causes are. MS is often stated to be a polygenic disease, with causal contributions from environmental factors and gene-environment interactions, implying an additive and independent relationship of these factors. Mechanistically there are no independent contributions of genes or environmental factors to traits. This model is unrealistic but still useful and underlies the concept of heritability, a foundational parameter in population genetics. However, it perpetuates a debate on an irreconcilable dichotomy about whether MS is primarily genetic or environmental. In particular, epidemiological evidence now exists for a causal, possibly even necessary, role for Epstein Barr Virus in MS. The additive model makes it unintuitive to reconcile MS as a genetic disease but also independently a viral illness. In this perspective it is argued that starting from a realistic interaction only model, based on broadly accepted biological premises, and working forward to explain why the classical additive model gives useful results, there is actually no paradox. An integrated approach using population genetic studies, immunology and molecular virology offers a particularly promising route to establish the elusive role of EBV in MS pathology, as EBV is a large and complex virus and its latency, dysregulated in most EBV-related pathologies, is hard to study in vivo. This approach may offer a route to prevention of MS altogether.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick K A Kearns
- Chromatin Lab, MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Department of Clinical Neurosciences (Neurology), Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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15
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The low abundance of CpG in the SARS-CoV-2 genome is not an evolutionarily signature of ZAP. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2420. [PMID: 35165300 PMCID: PMC8844275 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06046-5] [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: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The zinc finger antiviral protein (ZAP) is known to restrict viral replication by binding to the CpG rich regions of viral RNA, and subsequently inducing viral RNA degradation. This enzyme has recently been shown to be capable of restricting SARS-CoV-2. These data have led to the hypothesis that the low abundance of CpG in the SARS-CoV-2 genome is due to an evolutionary pressure exerted by the host ZAP. To investigate this hypothesis, we performed a detailed analysis of many coronavirus sequences and ZAP RNA binding preference data. Our analyses showed neither evidence for an evolutionary pressure acting specifically on CpG dinucleotides, nor a link between the activity of ZAP and the low CpG abundance of the SARS-CoV-2 genome.
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16
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Rang X, Liu Y, Wang J, Wang Y, Xu C, Fu J. Identification of multiple sclerosis-related genes regulated by EBV-encoded microRNAs in B cells. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 59:103563. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.103563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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17
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Afrasiabi A, Keane JT, Ong LTC, Alinejad-Rokny H, Fewings NL, Booth DR, Parnell GP, Swaminathan S. Genetic and transcriptomic analyses support a switch to lytic phase in Epstein Barr virus infection as an important driver in developing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. J Autoimmun 2021; 127:102781. [PMID: 34952359 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2021.102781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the molecular mechanisms through which Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may contribute to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) pathogenesis, we interrogated SLE genetic risk loci for signatures of EBV infection. We first compared the gene expression profile of SLE risk genes across 459 different cell/tissue types. EBV-infected B cells (LCLs) had the strongest representation of highly expressed SLE risk genes. By determining an SLE risk allele effect on gene expression (expression quantitative trait loci, eQTL) in LCLs and 16 other immune cell types, we identified 79 SLE risk locus:gene pairs putatively interacting with EBV infection. A total of 10 SLE risk genes from this list (CD40, LYST, JAZF1, IRF5, BLK, IKZF2, IL12RB2, FAM167A, PTPRC and SLC15A) were targeted by the EBV transcription factor, EBNA2, differentially expressed between LCLs and B cells, and the majority were also associated with EBV DNA copy number, and expression level of EBV encoded genes. Our final gene network model based on these genes is suggestive of a nexus involving SLE risk loci and EBV latency III and B cell proliferation signalling pathways. Collectively, our findings provide further evidence to support the interaction between SLE risk loci and EBV infection that is in part mediated by EBNA2. This interplay may increase the tendency towards EBV lytic switching dependent on the presence of SLE risk alleles. These results support further investigation into targeting EBV as a therapeutic strategy for SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Afrasiabi
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; BioMedical Machine Learning Lab (BML), The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jeremy Thomas Keane
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lawrence T C Ong
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hamid Alinejad-Rokny
- BioMedical Machine Learning Lab (BML), The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Health Data Analytics Program Leader, AI-enabled Processes (AIP) Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, Australia; Core Member of UNSW Data Science Hub, The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Nicole Louise Fewings
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - David Richmond Booth
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Grant Peter Parnell
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Sanjay Swaminathan
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Pham HPT, Gupta R, Lindsey JW. The cellular immune response against Epstein-Barr virus decreases during ocrelizumab treatment. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2021; 56:103282. [PMID: 34624646 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.103282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is strongly associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). After initial infection, EBV maintains a life-long latent infection in B lymphocytes. Depletion of B lymphocytes from the blood with the anti-CD20 antibody ocrelizumab markedly reduces disease activity in MS. Our objective was to measure the effect of ocrelizumab treatment on the cellular immune response to EBV. METHODS Blood was collected from MS patients before and during ocrelizumab treatment. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with various antigens, and the response was measured using tritiated thymidine for proliferation and ELIspot for number of interferon-γ producing cells. RESULTS The proliferation to autologous EBV-infected cells (LCL) was decreased after both 6 and 12 months of treatment. The number of interferon-γ producing cells on ELIspot in response to stimulation with either LCL or EBV also decreased. Responses to varicella zoster virus, influenza virus, and a mitogen did not change significantly. CONCLUSION The cellular immune response to EBV and LCL decreases during treatment with ocrelizumab. The benefit of ocrelizumab for MS may be through removal of EBV antigenic stimulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Phuong T Pham
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Resmi Gupta
- Division of Clinical and Translational Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - J William Lindsey
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
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Keane JT, Afrasiabi A, Schibeci SD, Fewings N, Parnell GP, Swaminathan S, Booth DR. Gender and the Sex Hormone Estradiol Affect Multiple Sclerosis Risk Gene Expression in Epstein-Barr Virus-Infected B Cells. Front Immunol 2021; 12:732694. [PMID: 34566997 PMCID: PMC8455923 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.732694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complex immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system. Treatment is based on immunomodulation, including specifically targeting B cells. B cells are the main host for the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), which has been described as necessary for MS development. Over 200 genetic loci have been identified as increasing susceptibility to MS. Many MS risk genes have altered expression in EBV infected B cells, dependent on the risk genotype, and are themselves regulated by the EBV transcription factor EBNA2. Females are 2-3 times more likely to develop MS than males. We investigated if MS risk loci might mediate the gender imbalance in MS. From a large public dataset, we identified gender-specific associations with EBV traits, and MS risk SNP/gene pairs with gender differences in their associations with gene expression. Some of these genes also showed gender differences in correlation of gene expression level with Estrogen Receptor 2. To test if estrogens may drive these gender specific differences, we cultured EBV infected B cells (lymphoblastoid cell lines, LCLs), in medium depleted of serum to remove the effects of sex hormones as well as the estrogenic effect of phenol red, and then supplemented with estrogen (100 nM estradiol). Estradiol treatment altered MS risk gene expression, LCL proliferation rate, EBV DNA copy number and EBNA2 expression in a sex-dependent manner. Together, these data indicate that there are estrogen-mediated gender-specific differences in MS risk gene expression and EBV functions. This may in turn contribute to gender differences in host response to EBV and to MS susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy T. Keane
- Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ali Afrasiabi
- Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- BioMedical Machine Learning Lab (BML), The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW SYDNEY, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen D. Schibeci
- Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicole Fewings
- Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Grant P. Parnell
- Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sanjay Swaminathan
- Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David R. Booth
- Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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20
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Keane JT, Afrasiabi A, Schibeci SD, Swaminathan S, Parnell GP, Booth DR. The interaction of Epstein-Barr virus encoded transcription factor EBNA2 with multiple sclerosis risk loci is dependent on the risk genotype. EBioMedicine 2021; 71:103572. [PMID: 34488019 PMCID: PMC8426200 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection may be necessary for the development of Multiple sclerosis (MS). Earlier we had identified six MS risk loci that are co-located with binding sites for the EBV transcription factor Epstein-Barr Nuclear Antigen 2 (EBNA2) in EBV-infected B cells (lymphoblastoid cell lines – LCLs). Methods We used an allele-specific chromatin immunoprecipitation PCR assay to assess EBNA2 allelic preference. We treated LCLs with a peptide inhibitor of EBNA2 (EBNA2-TAT), reasoning that inhibiting EBNA2 function would alter gene expression at these loci if it was mediated by EBNA2. Findings We found that EBNA2 binding was dependent on the risk allele for five of these six MS risk loci (p < 0·05). Treatment with EBNA2-TAT significantly altered the expression of TRAF3 (p < 0·05), CD40 (p < 0·001), CLECL1 (p <0·0001), TNFAIP8 (p < 0·001) and TNFRSF1A (p < 0·001). Interpretation These data suggest that EBNA2 can enhance or reduce expression of the gene depending on the risk allele, likely promoting EBV infection. This is consistent with the concept that these MS risk loci affect MS risk through altering the response to EBNA2. Together with the extensive data indicating a pathogenic role for EBV in MS, this study supports targeting EBV and EBNA2 to reduce their effect on MS pathogenesis. Funding Funding was provided by grants from MS Research Australia, National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, Australian Government Research Training Program, Multiple Sclerosis International Federation, Trish Multiple Sclerosis Research Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Thomas Keane
- Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ali Afrasiabi
- Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; BioMedical Machine Learning Lab, The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Stephen Donald Schibeci
- Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sanjay Swaminathan
- Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Department of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Grant Peter Parnell
- Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - David Richmond Booth
- Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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21
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Quantitative neurogenetics: applications in understanding disease. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:1621-1631. [PMID: 34282824 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders (NNDs) are a group of conditions with a broad range of core and co-morbidities, associated with dysfunction of the central nervous system. Improvements in high throughput sequencing have led to the detection of putative risk genetic loci for NNDs, however, quantitative neurogenetic approaches need to be further developed in order to establish causality and underlying molecular genetic mechanisms of pathogenesis. Here, we discuss an approach for prioritizing the contribution of genetic risk loci to complex-NND pathogenesis by estimating the possible impacts of these loci on gene regulation. Furthermore, we highlight the use of a tissue-specificity gene expression index and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the interpretation of the role of genetic risk elements in NND pathogenesis. Given that NND symptoms are associated with brain dysfunction, risk loci with direct, causative actions would comprise genes with essential functions in neural cells that are highly expressed in the brain. Indeed, NND risk genes implicated in brain dysfunction are disproportionately enriched in the brain compared with other tissues, which we refer to as brain-specific expressed genes. In addition, the tissue-specificity gene expression index can be used as a handle to identify non-brain contexts that are involved in NND pathogenesis. Lastly, we discuss how using an AI approach provides the opportunity to integrate the biological impacts of risk loci to identify those putative combinations of causative relationships through which genetic factors contribute to NND pathogenesis.
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22
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Veroni C, Aloisi F. The CD8 T Cell-Epstein-Barr Virus-B Cell Trialogue: A Central Issue in Multiple Sclerosis Pathogenesis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:665718. [PMID: 34305896 PMCID: PMC8292956 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.665718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The cause and the pathogenic mechanisms leading to multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS), are still under scrutiny. During the last decade, awareness has increased that multiple genetic and environmental factors act in concert to modulate MS risk. Likewise, the landscape of cells of the adaptive immune system that are believed to play a role in MS immunopathogenesis has expanded by including not only CD4 T helper cells but also cytotoxic CD8 T cells and B cells. Once the key cellular players are identified, the main challenge is to define precisely how they act and interact to induce neuroinflammation and the neurodegenerative cascade in MS. CD8 T cells have been implicated in MS pathogenesis since the 80's when it was shown that CD8 T cells predominate in MS brain lesions. Interest in the role of CD8 T cells in MS was revived in 2000 and the years thereafter by studies showing that CNS-recruited CD8 T cells are clonally expanded and have a memory effector phenotype indicating in situ antigen-driven reactivation. The association of certain MHC class I alleles with MS genetic risk implicates CD8 T cells in disease pathogenesis. Moreover, experimental studies have highlighted the detrimental effects of CD8 T cell activation on neural cells. While the antigens responsible for T cell recruitment and activation in the CNS remain elusive, the high efficacy of B-cell depleting drugs in MS and a growing number of studies implicate B cells and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a B-lymphotropic herpesvirus that is strongly associated with MS, in the activation of pathogenic T cells. This article reviews the results of human studies that have contributed to elucidate the role of CD8 T cells in MS immunopathogenesis, and discusses them in light of current understanding of autoreactivity, B-cell and EBV involvement in MS, and mechanism of action of different MS treatments. Based on the available evidences, an immunopathological model of MS is proposed that entails a persistent EBV infection of CNS-infiltrating B cells as the target of a dysregulated cytotoxic CD8 T cell response causing CNS tissue damage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Aloisi
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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Wu J, Zhang M, Faruq O, Zacksenhaus E, Chen W, Liu A, Chang H. SMAD1 as a biomarker and potential therapeutic target in drug-resistant multiple myeloma. Biomark Res 2021; 9:48. [PMID: 34134766 PMCID: PMC8207655 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-021-00296-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SMAD1, a central mediator in TGF-β signaling, is involved in a broad range of biological activities including cell growth, apoptosis, development and immune response, and is implicated in diverse type of malignancies. Whether SMAD1 plays an important role in multiple myeloma (MM) pathogenesis and can serve as a therapeutic target are largely unknown. METHODS Myeloma cell lines and primary MM samples were used. Cell culture, cytotoxicity and apoptosis assay, siRNA transfection, Western blot, RT-PCR, Soft-agar colony formation, and migration assay, Chromatin immunoprecipitation (Chip), animal xenograft model studies and statistical analysis were applied in this study. RESULTS We demonstrate that SMAD1 is highly expressed in myeloma cells of MM patients with advanced stages or relapsed disease, and is associated with significantly shorter progression-free and overall survivals. Mechanistically, we show that SMAD1 is required for TGFβ-mediated proliferation in MM via an ID1/p21/p27 pathway. TGF-β also enhanced TNFα-Induced protein 8 (TNFAIP8) expression and inhibited apoptosis through SMAD1-mediated induction of NF-κB1. Accordingly, depletion of SMAD1 led to downregulation of NF-κB1 and TNFAIP8, resulting in caspase-8-induced apoptosis. In turn, inhibition of NF-κB1 suppressed SMAD1 and ID1 expression uncovering an autoregulatory loop. Dorsomorphin (DM), a SMAD1 inhibitor, exerted a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on drug-resistant MM cells with minimal cytotoxicity to normal hematopoietic cells, and further synergized with the proteasomal-inhibitor bortezomib to effectively kill drug-resistant MM cells in vitro and in a myeloma xenograft model. CONCLUSIONS This study identifies SMAD1 regulation of NF-κB1/TNFAIP8 and ID1-p21/p27 as critical axes of MM drug resistance and provides a potentially new therapeutic strategy to treat drug resistance MM through targeted inhibition of SMAD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Omar Faruq
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eldad Zacksenhaus
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Wenming Chen
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Aijun Liu
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Hong Chang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Laboratory Hematology, Laboratory Medicine Program, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Kiselev IS, Kulakova OG, Boyko AN, Favorova OO. DNA Methylation As an Epigenetic Mechanism in the Development of Multiple Sclerosis. Acta Naturae 2021; 13:45-57. [PMID: 34377555 PMCID: PMC8327151 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.11043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The epigenetic mechanisms of gene expression regulation are a group of the key cellular and molecular pathways that lead to inherited alterations in genes' activity without changing their coding sequence. DNA methylation at the C5 position of cytosine in CpG dinucleotides is amongst the central epigenetic mechanisms. Currently, the number of studies that are devoted to the identification of methylation patterns specific to multiple sclerosis (MS), a severe chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, is on a rapid rise. However, the issue of the contribution of DNA methylation to the development of the different clinical phenotypes of this highly heterogeneous disease has only begun to attract the attention of researchers. This review summarizes the data on the molecular mechanisms underlying DNA methylation and the MS risk factors that can affect the DNA methylation profile and, thereby, modulate the expression of the genes involved in the disease's pathogenesis. The focus of our attention is centered on the analysis of the published data on the differential methylation of DNA from various biological samples of MS patients obtained using both the candidate gene approach and high-throughput methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- I. S. Kiselev
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, 117997 Russia
| | - O. G. Kulakova
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, 117997 Russia
| | - A. N. Boyko
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, 117997 Russia
| | - O. O. Favorova
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, 117997 Russia
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25
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Afrasiabi A, Fewings NL, Schibeci SD, Keane JT, Booth DR, Parnell GP, Swaminathan S. The Interaction of Human and Epstein-Barr Virus miRNAs with Multiple Sclerosis Risk Loci. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22062927. [PMID: 33805769 PMCID: PMC8000127 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the causes of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) still remain largely unknown, multiple lines of evidence suggest that Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection may contribute to the development of MS. Here, we aimed to identify the potential contribution of EBV-encoded and host cellular miRNAs to MS pathogenesis. We identified differentially expressed host miRNAs in EBV infected B cells (LCLs) and putative host/EBV miRNA interactions with MS risk loci. We estimated the genotype effect of MS risk loci on the identified putative miRNA:mRNA interactions in silico. We found that the protective allele of MS risk SNP rs4808760 reduces the expression of hsa-mir-3188-3p. In addition, our analysis suggests that hsa-let-7b-5p may interact with ZC3HAV1 differently in LCLs compared to B cells. In vitro assays indicated that the protective allele of MS risk SNP rs10271373 increases ZC3HAV1 expression in LCLs, but not in B cells. The higher expression for the protective allele in LCLs is consistent with increased IFN response via ZC3HAV1 and so decreased immune evasion by EBV. Taken together, this provides evidence that EBV infection dysregulates the B cell miRNA machinery, including MS risk miRNAs, which may contribute to MS pathogenesis via interaction with MS risk genes either directly or indirectly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Afrasiabi
- Systems Biology and Health Data Analytics Lab, The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (N.L.F.); (S.D.S.); (J.T.K.)
| | - Nicole L. Fewings
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (N.L.F.); (S.D.S.); (J.T.K.)
| | - Stephen D. Schibeci
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (N.L.F.); (S.D.S.); (J.T.K.)
| | - Jeremy T. Keane
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (N.L.F.); (S.D.S.); (J.T.K.)
| | - David R. Booth
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (N.L.F.); (S.D.S.); (J.T.K.)
- Correspondence: (D.R.B.); (G.P.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Grant P. Parnell
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (N.L.F.); (S.D.S.); (J.T.K.)
- Correspondence: (D.R.B.); (G.P.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Sanjay Swaminathan
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (N.L.F.); (S.D.S.); (J.T.K.)
- Department of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2560, Australia
- Correspondence: (D.R.B.); (G.P.P.); (S.S.)
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Ruprecht K. The role of Epstein-Barr virus in the etiology of multiple sclerosis: a current review. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2020; 16:1143-1157. [PMID: 33152255 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2021.1847642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. While its exact etiology is unknown, it is generally believed that MS is caused by environmental triggers in genetically predisposed individuals. Strong and consistent evidence suggests a key role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a B lymphotropic human gammaherpesvirus, in the etiology of MS. Areas covered: This review summarizes recent developments in the field of EBV and MS with a focus on potential mechanisms underlying the role of EBV in MS. PubMed was searched for the terms 'Epstein-Barr virus' and 'multiple sclerosis'. Expert opinion: The current evidence is compatible with the working hypothesis that MS is a rare complication of EBV infection. Under the premise of a causative role of EBV in MS, it needs to be postulated that EBV causes a specific, and likely persistent, change(s) that is necessarily required for the development of MS. However, although progress has been made, the nature of that change and thus the precise mechanism explaining the role of EBV in MS remain elusive. The mechanism of EBV in MS therefore is a pressing question, whose clarification may substantially advance the pathophysiological understanding, rational therapies, and prevention of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klemens Ruprecht
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health , Berlin, Germany
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Wang Z, Kennedy PG, Dupree C, Wang M, Lee C, Pointon T, Langford TD, Graner MW, Yu X. Antibodies from Multiple Sclerosis Brain Identified Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigen 1 & 2 Epitopes which Are Recognized by Oligoclonal Bands. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2020; 16:567-580. [PMID: 32808238 PMCID: PMC7431217 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-020-09948-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), the etiology of which is poorly understood. The most common laboratory abnormality associated with MS is increased intrathecal immunoglobulin G (IgG) synthesis and the presence of oligoclonal bands (OCBs) in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). However, the major antigenic targets of these antibody responses are unknown. The risk of MS is increased after infectious mononucleosis (IM) due to EBV infection, and MS patients have higher serum titers of anti-EBV antibodies than control populations. Our goal was to identify disease-relevant epitopes of IgG antibodies in MS; to do so, we screened phage-displayed random peptide libraries (12-mer) with total IgG antibodies purified from the brain of a patient with acute MS. We identified and characterized the phage peptides for binding specificity to intrathecal IgG from patients with MS and from controls by ELISA, phage-mediated Immuno-PCR, and isoelectric focusing. We identified two phage peptides that share sequence homologies with EBV nuclear antigens 1 and 2 (EBNA1 and EBNA2), respectively. The specificity of the EBV epitopes found by panning with MS brain IgG was confirmed by ELISA and competitive inhibition assays. Using a highly sensitive phage-mediated immuno-PCR assay, we determined specific bindings of the two EBV epitopes to IgG from CSF from 46 MS and 5 inflammatory control (IC) patients. MS CSF IgG have significantly higher bindings to EBNA1 epitope than to EBNA2 epitope, whereas EBNA1 and EBNA2 did not significantly differ in binding to IC CSF IgG. Further, the EBNA1 epitope was recognized by OCBs from multiple MS CSF as shown in blotting assays with samples separated by isoelectric focusing. The EBNA1 epitope is reactive to MS intrathecal antibodies corresponding to oligoclonal bands. This reinforces the potential role of EBV in the etiology of MS. Antibodies purified from an MS brain plaque were panned by phage display peptide libraries to discern potential antigens. Phage displaying peptide sequences resembling Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens 1 & 2 (EBNA1 & 2) epitopes were identified. Antibodies from sera and CSF from other MS patients also reacted to those epitopes. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Protein Drugs, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Peter Ge Kennedy
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Cecily Dupree
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Min Wang
- Immunoah Therapeutics, Inc., 12635 East Montview Boulevard, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Catherin Lee
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Tiffany Pointon
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - T Dianne Langford
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 N. Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Michael W Graner
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Xiaoli Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
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Soldan SS, Lieberman PM. Epstein-Barr Virus Infection in the Development of Neurological Disorders. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 32:35-52. [PMID: 33897799 DOI: 10.1016/j.ddmod.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous human herpesvirus that contributes to the etiology of diverse human cancers and auto-immune diseases. EBV establishes a relatively benign, long-term latent infection in over 90 percent of the adult population. Yet, it also increases risk for certain cancers and auto-immune disorders depending on complex viral, host, and environmental factors that are only partly understood. EBV latent infection is found predominantly in memory B-cells, but the natural infection cycle and pathological aberrations enable EBV to infect numerous other cell types, including oral, nasopharyngeal, and gastric epithelia, B-, T-, and NK-lymphoid cells, myocytes, adipocytes, astrocytes, and neurons. EBV infected cells, free virus, and gene products can also be found in the CNS. In addition to the direct effects of EBV on infected cells and tissue, the effect of chronic EBV infection on the immune system is also thought to contribute to pathogenesis, especially auto-immune disease. Here, we review properties of EBV infection that may shed light on its potential pathogenic role in neurological disorders.
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Ong LTC, Parnell GP, Afrasiabi A, Stewart GJ, Swaminathan S, Booth DR. Transcribed B lymphocyte genes and multiple sclerosis risk genes are underrepresented in Epstein-Barr Virus hypomethylated regions. Genes Immun 2020; 21:91-99. [PMID: 31619767 PMCID: PMC7182534 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-019-0089-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection appears to be necessary for the development of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), although the specific mechanisms are unknown. More than 200 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are known to be associated with the risk of developing MS. About a quarter of these are also highly associated with proximal gene expression in B cells infected with EBV (lymphoblastoid cell lines-LCLs). The DNA of LCLs is hypomethylated compared with both uninfected and activated B cells. Since methylation can affect gene expression, and so cell differentiation and immune evasion, we hypothesised that EBV-driven hypomethylation may affect the interaction between EBV infection and MS. We interrogated an existing dataset comprising three individuals with whole-genome bisulfite sequencing data from EBV transformed B cells and CD40L-activated B cells. DNA methylation surrounding MS risk SNPs associated with gene expression in LCLs (LCLeQTL) was less likely to be hypomethylated than randomly selected chromosomal regions. Differential methylation was independent of genomic features such as promoter regions, but genes preferentially expressed in EBV-infected B cells, including the LCLeQTL genes, were underrepresented in the hypomethylated regions. Our data does not indicate MS genetic risk is affected by EBV hypomethylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence T C Ong
- Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, 176 Hawkesbury Rd, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Westmead Hospital, Cnr Darcy and Hawkesbury Rds, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Grant P Parnell
- Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, 176 Hawkesbury Rd, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Ali Afrasiabi
- Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, 176 Hawkesbury Rd, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Graeme J Stewart
- Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, 176 Hawkesbury Rd, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Westmead Hospital, Cnr Darcy and Hawkesbury Rds, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Sanjay Swaminathan
- Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, 176 Hawkesbury Rd, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Westmead Hospital, Cnr Darcy and Hawkesbury Rds, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - David R Booth
- Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, 176 Hawkesbury Rd, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.
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Reworking GWAS Data to Understand the Role of Nongenetic Factors in MS Etiopathogenesis. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11010097. [PMID: 31947683 PMCID: PMC7017269 DOI: 10.3390/genes11010097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies have identified more than 200 multiple sclerosis (MS)-associated loci across the human genome over the last decade, suggesting complexity in the disease etiology. This complexity poses at least two challenges: the definition of an etiological model including the impact of nongenetic factors, and the clinical translation of genomic data that may be drivers for new druggable targets. We reviewed studies dealing with single genes of interest, to understand how MS-associated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variants affect the expression and the function of those genes. We then surveyed studies on the bioinformatic reworking of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data, with aggregate analyses of many GWAS loci, each contributing with a small effect to the overall disease predisposition. These investigations uncovered new information, especially when combined with nongenetic factors having possible roles in the disease etiology. In this context, the interactome approach, defined as “modules of genes whose products are known to physically interact with environmental or human factors with plausible relevance for MS pathogenesis”, will be reported in detail. For a future perspective, a polygenic risk score, defined as a cumulative risk derived from aggregating the contributions of many DNA variants associated with a complex trait, may be integrated with data on environmental factors affecting the disease risk or protection.
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Afrasiabi A, Parnell GP, Swaminathan S, Stewart GJ, Booth DR. The interaction of Multiple Sclerosis risk loci with Epstein-Barr virus phenotypes implicates the virus in pathogenesis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:193. [PMID: 31932685 PMCID: PMC6957475 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55850-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Translating the findings of genome wide association studies (GWAS) to new therapies requires identification of the relevant immunological contexts to interrogate for genetic effects. In one of the largest GWAS, more than 200 risk loci have been identified for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) susceptibility. Infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) appears to be necessary for the development of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Many MS risk loci are associated with altered gene expression in EBV infected B cells (LCLs). We have interrogated this immunological context to identify interaction between MS risk loci and EBV DNA copy number, intrinsic growth rate and EBV encoded miRNA expression. The EBV DNA copy number was associated with significantly more risk alleles for MS than for other diseases or traits. EBV miRNAs BART4-3p and BART3-5p were highly associated with EBV DNA copy number and MS risk loci. The poliovirus receptor (PVR) risk SNP was associated with EBV DNA copy number, PVR and miRNA expression. Targeting EBV miRNAs BART4-3p and BART3-5p, and the gene PVR, may provide therapeutic benefit in MS. This study also indicates how immunological context and risk loci interactions can be exploited to validate and develop novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Afrasiabi
- Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Grant P Parnell
- Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sanjay Swaminathan
- Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Graeme J Stewart
- Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - David R Booth
- Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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32
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Bar-Or A, Pender MP, Khanna R, Steinman L, Hartung HP, Maniar T, Croze E, Aftab BT, Giovannoni G, Joshi MA. Epstein-Barr Virus in Multiple Sclerosis: Theory and Emerging Immunotherapies. Trends Mol Med 2019; 26:296-310. [PMID: 31862243 PMCID: PMC7106557 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2019.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
New treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS) focused on B cells have created an atmosphere of excitement in the MS community. B cells are now known to play a major role in disease, demonstrated by the highly impactful effect of a B cell-depleting antibody on controlling MS. The idea that a virus may play a role in the development of MS has a long history and is supported mostly by studies demonstrating a link between B cell-tropic Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and disease onset. Efforts to develop antiviral strategies for treating MS are underway. Although gaps remain in our understanding of the etiology of MS, the role, if any, of viruses in propagating pathogenic immune responses deserves attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Bar-Or
- Center for Neuroinflammation and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael P Pender
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Rajiv Khanna
- Centre for Immunotherapy and Vaccine Development, Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lawrence Steinman
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Beckman Center for Molecular Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Hans-Peter Hartung
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tap Maniar
- Clinical Development, Torque Therapeutics, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ed Croze
- IRIS-Bay, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Blake T Aftab
- Preclinical Science and Translational Medicine, Atara Biotherapeutics, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gavin Giovannoni
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University London, Barts and the London School of Medicine, London, UK
| | - Manher A Joshi
- Medical Affairs, Atara Biotherapeutics, South San Francisco, CA, USA
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Ramasamy R, Mohammed F, Meier UC. HLA DR2b-binding peptides from human endogenous retrovirus envelope, Epstein-Barr virus and brain proteins in the context of molecular mimicry in multiple sclerosis. Immunol Lett 2019; 217:15-24. [PMID: 31689443 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2019.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The aetiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) is as yet poorly understood. Multiple mechanisms in different disease stages are responsible for immunopathology in MS. HLA Class II DR2b (DRB1*1501 β, DRA1*0101 α) is the strongest genetic risk factor for MS. Remnants of ancient retroviruses in the human genome, termed human endogenous retroviruses (HERV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection are also associated with MS. In silico analyses of human endogenous retroviral envelope (HERV env) proteins and three myelin proteins that are principal targets of an autoimmune response in MS showed sequence similarities between potential TH epitopes within pairs of viral and myelin peptides predicted to bind HLA DR2b. This led to the proposal that such molecular mimicry may potentially trigger MS. HLA DR2b binding characteristics of previously identified peptides from the three myelin proteins and HERV env proteins as well as additional in silico predicted peptides from other encephalitogenic brain proteins and EBV proteins were studied to further investigate molecular mimicry. Peptides containing potential TH epitopes from the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein and HERV env previously predicted to bind HLA DR2b as well as other pertinent potential HLA DR2b-restricted TH epitopes were confirmed to bind HLA DR2b molecules. Molecular modelling of HLA DR2b in complex with high affinity peptides derived from MOG and HERV env proteins showed that their binding could occur in a similar manner to a HLA DR2b-binding peptide containing a known TH epitope. A structurally related pair of peptides predicted to bind HLA DR2b from the EBV protein EBNA1 and β synuclein, a brain protein implicated in MS, were also shown to similarly bind HLA DR2b. The findings justify investigating CD4+ T cell responses to the identified peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjan Ramasamy
- ID-FISH Technology Inc., 556 Gibraltar Drive, Milpitas, CA 95035, United States.
| | - Fiyaz Mohammed
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Ute-C Meier
- Department of Neuroscience and Trauma, Blizard Institute, 4 Newark St, Whitechapel, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom
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Abstract
A new mathematical model of a general autoimmune disease is presented. Basic information about autoimmune diseases is given and illustrated with examples. The model is developed by using ideas from the kinetic theory describing individuals expressing certain functions. The modeled problem is formulated by ordinary and partial equations involving a variable for a functional state. Numerical results are presented and discussed from a medical view point.
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35
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Cone AS, York SB, Meckes DG. Extracellular Vesicles in Epstein-Barr Virus Pathogenesis. CURRENT CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2019; 6:121-131. [PMID: 32051811 DOI: 10.1007/s40588-019-00123-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of review Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a known determinant for numerous malignancies and may contribute to autoimmune diseases. The underlining mechanisms behind EBV pathologies is not completely understood. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from infected cells have been found to produce profound effects on cellular microenvironments. Therefore, in this review we sought to critically evaluate the roles of EVs in EBV pathogenesis and assess their potential therapeutic and diagnostic utility. Recent findings EBV-altered EVs are capable of activating signaling cascades and phenotypic changes in recipient cells through the transfer of viral proteins and RNAs. Moreover, several EV-associated microRNAs have encouraging prognostic or diagnostic potential in EBV-associated cancers. Summary Current evidence suggests that EBV-modified EVs affect viral pathogenesis and cancer progression. However, further research is needed to investigate the direct role of both viral and host products on recipient cells and the mechanisms driving viral protein and RNA EV packaging and content modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allaura S Cone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Sara B York
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - David G Meckes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
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