1
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Hickson SE, Hyde JL. RNA structures within Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus E1 alter macrophage replication fitness and contribute to viral emergence. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012179. [PMID: 39331659 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 10/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a mosquito-borne +ssRNA virus belonging to the Togaviridae. VEEV is found throughout Central and South America and is responsible for periodic epidemic/epizootic outbreaks of febrile and encephalitic disease in equines and humans. Endemic/enzootic VEEV is transmitted between Culex mosquitoes and sylvatic rodents, whereas epidemic/epizootic VEEV is transmitted between mosquitoes and equids, which serve as amplification hosts during outbreaks. Epizootic VEEV emergence has been shown to arise from mutation of enzootic VEEV strains. Specifically, epizootic VEEV has been shown to acquire amino acid mutations in the E2 viral glycoprotein that facilitate viral entry and equine amplification. However, the abundance of synonymous mutations which accumulate across the epizootic VEEV genome suggests that other viral determinants such as RNA secondary structure may also play a role in VEEV emergence. In this study we identify novel RNA structures in the E1 gene which specifically alter replication fitness of epizootic VEEV in macrophages but not other cell types. We show that SNPs are conserved within epizootic lineages and that RNA structures are conserved across different lineages. We also identified several novel RNA-binding proteins that are necessary for altered macrophage replication. These results suggest that emergence of VEEV in nature requires multiple mutations across the viral genome, some of which alter cell-type specific replication fitness in an RNA structure-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Hickson
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jennifer L Hyde
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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2
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Sizikova TE, Lebedev VN, Borisevich SV. [Comparative analysis of the taxonomic classification criteria for a number of groups of pathogenic DNA and RNA viruses based on genomic data]. Vopr Virusol 2024; 69:203-218. [PMID: 38996370 DOI: 10.36233/0507-4088-238] [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: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
The basis for criteria of the taxonomic classification of DNA and RNA viruses based on data of the genomic sequencing are viewed in this review. The genomic sequences of viruses, which have genome represented by double-stranded DNA (orthopoxviruses as example), positive-sense single-stranded RNA (alphaviruses and flaviviruses as example), non-segmented negative-sense single-stranded RNA (filoviruses as example), segmented negative-sense single-stranded RNA (arenaviruses and phleboviruses as example) are analyzed. The levels of genetic variability that determine the assignment of compared viruses to taxa of various orders are established for each group of viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- T E Sizikova
- 48th Central Scientific Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
| | - V N Lebedev
- 48th Central Scientific Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
| | - S V Borisevich
- 48th Central Scientific Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
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3
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Hickson SE, Hyde JL. RNA structures within Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus E1 alter macrophage replication fitness and contribute to viral emergence. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.09.588743. [PMID: 38645187 PMCID: PMC11030350 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.09.588743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a mosquito-borne +ssRNA virus belonging to the Togaviridae. VEEV is found throughout Central and South America and is responsible for periodic epidemic/epizootic outbreaks of febrile and encephalitic disease in equines and humans. Endemic/enzootic VEEV is transmitted between Culex mosquitoes and sylvatic rodents, whereas epidemic/epizootic VEEV is transmitted between mosquitoes and equids, which serve as amplification hosts during outbreaks. Epizootic VEEV emergence has been shown to arise from mutation of enzootic VEEV strains. Specifically, epizootic VEEV has been shown to acquire amino acid mutations in the E2 viral glycoprotein that facilitate viral entry and equine amplification. However, the abundance of synonymous mutations which accumulate across the epizootic VEEV genome suggests that other viral determinants such as RNA secondary structure may also play a role in VEEV emergence. In this study we identify novel RNA structures in the E1 gene which specifically alter replication fitness of epizootic VEEV in macrophages but not other cell types. We show that SNPs are conserved within epizootic lineages and that RNA structures are conserved across different lineages. We also identified several novel RNA-binding proteins that are necessary for altered macrophage replication. These results suggest that emergence of VEEV in nature requires multiple mutations across the viral genome, some of which alter cell-type specific replication fitness in an RNA structure-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Hickson
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Jennifer L. Hyde
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States of America
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4
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McBroome J, de Bernardi Schneider A, Roemer C, Wolfinger MT, Hinrichs AS, O'Toole AN, Ruis C, Turakhia Y, Rambaut A, Corbett-Detig R. A framework for automated scalable designation of viral pathogen lineages from genomic data. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:550-560. [PMID: 38316930 PMCID: PMC10847047 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01587-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Pathogen lineage nomenclature systems are a key component of effective communication and collaboration for researchers and public health workers. Since February 2021, the Pango dynamic lineage nomenclature for SARS-CoV-2 has been sustained by crowdsourced lineage proposals as new isolates were sequenced. This approach is vulnerable to time-critical delays as well as regional and personal bias. Here we developed a simple heuristic approach for dividing phylogenetic trees into lineages, including the prioritization of key mutations or genes. Our implementation is efficient on extremely large phylogenetic trees consisting of millions of sequences and produces similar results to existing manually curated lineage designations when applied to SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses including chikungunya virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus complex and Zika virus. This method offers a simple, automated and consistent approach to pathogen nomenclature that can assist researchers in developing and maintaining phylogeny-based classifications in the face of ever-increasing genomic datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob McBroome
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA.
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA.
| | - Adriano de Bernardi Schneider
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Cornelius Roemer
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael T Wolfinger
- Department of Theoretical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Research Group Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Faculty of Computer Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- RNA Forecast e.U., Vienna, Austria
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Angie S Hinrichs
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Aine Niamh O'Toole
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Christopher Ruis
- Molecular Immunity Unit, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Yatish Turakhia
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Rambaut
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Russell Corbett-Detig
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA.
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA.
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5
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Burkett-Cadena ND, Fish D, Weaver S, Vittor AY. Everglades virus: an underrecognized disease-causing subtype of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus endemic to Florida, USA. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 60:1149-1164. [PMID: 37862065 PMCID: PMC10645373 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjad070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Everglades virus (EVEV) is subtype II of the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) complex (Togaviridae: Alphavirus), endemic to Florida, USA. EVEV belongs to a clade that includes both enzootic and epizootic/epidemic VEEV subtypes. Like other enzootic VEEV subtypes, muroid rodents are important vertebrate hosts for EVEV and certain mosquitoes are important vectors. The hispid cotton rat Sigmodon hispidus and cotton mouse Peromyscus gossypinus are important EVEV hosts, based on natural infection (virus isolation and high seropositivity), host competence (experimental infections), and frequency of contact with the vector. The mosquito Culex (Melanoconion) cecedei is the only confirmed vector of EVEV based upon high natural infection rates, efficient vector competence, and frequent feeding upon muroid rodents. Human disease attributed to EVEV is considered rare. However, cases of meningitis and encephalitis are recorded from multiple sites, separated by 250 km or more. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that EVEV is evolving, possibly due to changes in the mammal community. Mutations in the EVEV genome are of concern, given that epidemic strains of VEEV (subtypes IAB and IC) are derived from enzootic subtype ID, the closest genetic relative of EVEV. Should epizootic mutations arise in EVEV, the abundance of Aedes taeniorhynchus and other epizootic VEEV vectors in southern Florida provides a conducive environment for widespread transmission. Other factors that will likely influence the distribution and frequency of EVEV transmission include the establishment of Culex panocossa in Florida, Everglades restoration, mammal community decline due to the Burmese python, land use alteration by humans, and climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan D Burkett-Cadena
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, 200 9th St. SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA
| | - Durland Fish
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Scott Weaver
- Department of Pathology, Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, USA
| | - Amy Y Vittor
- Department of Medicine & Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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6
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Kafai NM, Janova H, Cain MD, Alippe Y, Muraro S, Sariol A, Elam-Noll M, Klein RS, Diamond MS. Entry receptor LDLRAD3 is required for Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus peripheral infection and neurotropism leading to pathogenesis in mice. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112946. [PMID: 37556325 PMCID: PMC10529316 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an encephalitic alphavirus responsible for epidemics of neurological disease across the Americas. Low-density lipoprotein receptor class A domain-containing 3 (LDLRAD3) is a recently reported entry receptor for VEEV. Here, using wild-type and Ldlrad3-deficient mice, we define a critical role for LDLRAD3 in controlling steps in VEEV infection, pathogenesis, and neurotropism. Our analysis shows that LDLRAD3 is required for efficient VEEV infection and pathogenesis prior to and after central nervous system invasion. Ldlrad3-deficient mice survive intranasal and intracranial VEEV inoculation and show reduced infection of neurons in different brain regions. As LDLRAD3 is a determinant of pathogenesis and an entry receptor required for VEEV infection of neurons of the brain, receptor-targeted therapies may hold promise as countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha M Kafai
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Hana Janova
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Matthew D Cain
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Yael Alippe
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Stefanie Muraro
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Alan Sariol
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Michelle Elam-Noll
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Robyn S Klein
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Michael S Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; The Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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7
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Cao X, Yang D, Parvathareddy J, Chu YK, Kim EJ, Fitz-Henley JN, Li X, Lukka PB, Parmar KR, Temrikar ZH, Dhole P, Adcock RS, Gabbard J, Bansal S, Lee J, Zalduondo L, Hayes E, Stabenow J, Meibohm B, Fitzpatrick EA, Bailey K, Campos RK, Julander JG, Rossi SL, Chung D, Jonsson CB, Golden JE. Efficacy of a brain-penetrant antiviral in lethal Venezuelan and eastern equine encephalitis mouse models. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabl9344. [PMID: 37043558 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abl9344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Venezuelan and eastern equine encephalitis viruses (VEEV and EEEV, respectively) are mosquito-borne, neuroinvasive human pathogens for which no FDA-approved therapeutic exists. Besides the biothreat posed by these viruses when aerosolized, arthropod transmission presents serious health risks to humans, as demonstrated by the 2019 outbreak of EEE disease in the United States that resulted in 38 confirmed cases, 19 deaths, and neurological effects in survivors. Here, we describe the discovery of a 2-pyrrolidinoquinazolinone scaffold, efficiently synthesized in two to five steps, whose structural optimization resulted in profound antiviral activity. The lead quinazolinone, BDGR-49, potently reduced cellular VEEV and EEEV titers by >7 log at 1 μM and exhibited suitable intravenous and oral pharmacokinetic profiles in BALB/c mice to achieve excellent brain exposure. Outstanding in vivo efficacy was observed in several lethal, subcutaneous infection mouse models using an 8-day dosing regimen. Prophylactically administered BDGR-49 at 25 mg kg-1 per day fully protected against a 10× LD50 VEEV Trinidad donkey (TrD) challenge in BALB/c mice. Similarly, we observed 70% protection when 10× LD50 EEEV FL93-939-infected C57BL/6 mice were treated prophylactically with BDGR-49 at 50 mg kg-1 per day. Last, we observed 100% therapeutic efficacy when mice, challenged with 10× LD50 VEEV TrD, were dosed at 48 hours after infection with BDGR-49 at 25 mg kg-1 per day. Mouse brain viral titers at 96 hours after infection were reduced to values near the limit of detection. Collectively, these results underscore the substantial development potential of a well-tolerated, brain-penetrant lead compound that shows promise in preventing and treating encephalitic alphavirus disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xufeng Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Dong Yang
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Jyothi Parvathareddy
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Yong-Kyu Chu
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Department of Microbiology Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Eun Jung Kim
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Department of Microbiology Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Jhewelle N Fitz-Henley
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Pradeep B Lukka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Keyur R Parmar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Zaid H Temrikar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Priya Dhole
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Department of Microbiology Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Robert Scott Adcock
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Department of Microbiology Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Jon Gabbard
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Department of Microbiology Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Shruti Bansal
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Jasper Lee
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology, Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Lillian Zalduondo
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Ernestine Hayes
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Jennifer Stabenow
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Bernd Meibohm
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Fitzpatrick
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology, Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Kevin Bailey
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Rafael K Campos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Justin G Julander
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Shannan L Rossi
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Donghoon Chung
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Department of Microbiology Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Colleen B Jonsson
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology, Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Jennifer E Golden
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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8
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Mapping Eastern (EEE) and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitides (VEE) among Equines Using Geographical Information Systems, Colombia, 2008–2019. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030707. [PMID: 36992416 PMCID: PMC10056775 DOI: 10.3390/v15030707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) viruses are zoonotic pathogens affecting humans, particularly equines. These neuroarboviruses compromise the central nervous system and can be fatal in different hosts. Both have significantly influenced Colombia; however, few studies analyse its behaviour, and none develop maps using geographic information systems to characterise it. Objective: To describe the temporal-spatial distribution of those viruses in Colombia between 2008 and 2019. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study, based on weekly reports by municipalities of the ICA, of the surveillance of both arboviruses in equines, in Colombia, from 2008 to 2019. The data were converted into databases in Microsoft Access 365®, and multiple epidemiological maps were generated with the Kosmo RC1®3.0 software coupled to shape files of all municipalities in the country. Results: In the study period, 96 cases of EEE and 70 of VEE were reported, with 58% of EEE cases occurring in 2016 and 20% of EEV cases in 2013. The most affected municipalities for EEE corresponded to the department of Casanare: Yopal (20), Aguazul (16), and Tauramena (10). In total, 40 municipalities in the country reported ≥1 case of EEE. Conclusions: The maps allow a quick appreciation of groups of neighbouring municipalities in different departments (1° political division) and regions of the country affected by those viruses, which helps consider the expansion of the disease associated with mobility and transport of equines between other municipalities, also including international borders, such as is the case with Venezuela. In that country, especially for EEV, municipalities in the department of Cesar are bordering and at risk for that arboviral infection. there is a high risk of equine encephalitis outbreaks, especially for VEE. This poses a risk also, for municipalities in the department of Cesar, bordering with Venezuela.
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Boghdeh NA, McGraw B, Barrera MD, Anderson C, Baha H, Risner KH, Ogungbe IV, Alem F, Narayanan A. Inhibitors of the Ubiquitin-Mediated Signaling Pathway Exhibit Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Activities against New World Alphaviruses. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030655. [PMID: 36992362 PMCID: PMC10059822 DOI: 10.3390/v15030655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
New World alphaviruses including Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEEV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) are mosquito-transmitted viruses that cause disease in humans and equines. There are currently no FDA-approved therapeutics or vaccines to treat or prevent exposure-associated encephalitic disease. The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS)-associated signaling events are known to play an important role in the establishment of a productive infection for several acutely infectious viruses. The critical engagement of the UPS-associated signaling mechanisms by many viruses as host–pathogen interaction hubs led us to hypothesize that small molecule inhibitors that interfere with these signaling pathways will exert broad-spectrum inhibitory activity against alphaviruses. We queried eight inhibitors of the UPS signaling pathway for antiviral outcomes against VEEV. Three of the tested inhibitors, namely NSC697923 (NSC), bardoxolone methyl (BARM) and omaveloxolone (OMA) demonstrated broad-spectrum antiviral activity against VEEV and EEEV. Dose dependency and time of addition studies suggest that BARM and OMA exhibit intracellular and post-entry viral inhibition. Cumulatively, our studies indicate that inhibitors of the UPS-associated signaling pathways exert broad-spectrum antiviral outcomes in the context of VEEV and EEEV infection, supporting their translational application as therapeutic candidates to treat alphavirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloufar A. Boghdeh
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Brittany McGraw
- School of Systems Biology, College of Science, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Michael D. Barrera
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- School of Systems Biology, College of Science, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Carol Anderson
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- School of Systems Biology, College of Science, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Haseebullah Baha
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- School of Systems Biology, College of Science, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Kenneth H. Risner
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- School of Systems Biology, College of Science, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Ifedayo V. Ogungbe
- Department of Chemistry, Physics and Atmospheric Sciences, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA
| | - Farhang Alem
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- School of Systems Biology, College of Science, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Aarthi Narayanan
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- Department of Biology, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
- Correspondence:
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10
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Ogorek TJ, Golden JE. Advances in the Development of Small Molecule Antivirals against Equine Encephalitic Viruses. Viruses 2023; 15:413. [PMID: 36851628 PMCID: PMC9958955 DOI: 10.3390/v15020413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan, western, and eastern equine encephalitic alphaviruses (VEEV, WEEV, and EEEV, respectively) are arboviruses that are highly pathogenic to equines and cause significant harm to infected humans. Currently, human alphavirus infection and the resulting diseases caused by them are unmitigated due to the absence of approved vaccines or therapeutics for general use. These circumstances, combined with the unpredictability of outbreaks-as exemplified by a 2019 EEE surge in the United States that claimed 19 patient lives-emphasize the risks posed by these viruses, especially for aerosolized VEEV and EEEV which are potential biothreats. Herein, small molecule inhibitors of VEEV, WEEV, and EEEV are reviewed that have been identified or advanced in the last five years since a comprehensive review was last performed. We organize structures according to host- versus virus-targeted mechanisms, highlight cellular and animal data that are milestones in the development pipeline, and provide a perspective on key considerations for the progression of compounds at early and later stages of advancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J. Ogorek
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jennifer E. Golden
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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11
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Evolution and emergence of mosquito-borne viruses of medical importance: towards a routine metagenomic surveillance approach. JOURNAL OF TROPICAL ECOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266467423000019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
During the last two decades, the world has witnessed the emergence and re-emergence of arthropod-borne viruses, better known as arboviruses. The close contact between sylvatic, rural and peri-urban vector species and humans has been mainly determined by the environment-modifying human activity. The resulting interactions have led to multiple dead-end host infections and have allowed sylvatic arboviruses to eventually adapt to new vectors and hosts, contributing to the establishment of urban transmission cycles of some viruses with enormous epidemiologic impact. The metagenomic next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach has allowed obtaining unbiased sequence information of millions of DNA and RNA molecules from clinical and environmental samples. Robust bioinformatics tools have enabled the assembly of individual sequence reads into contigs and scaffolds partially or completely representing the genomes of the microorganisms and viruses being present in biological samples of clinical relevance. In this review, we describe the different ecological scenarios for the emergence of viral diseases, the virus adaptation process required for the establishment of a new transmission cycle and the usefulness of NGS and computational methods for the discovery and routine genomic surveillance of mosquito-borne viruses in their ecosystems.
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Valente MC, Prakoso D, Vittor AY, Blosser EM, Abid N, Pu R, Beachboard SE, Long MT, Burkett-Cadena ND, Mavian CN. Everglades virus evolution: Genome sequence analysis of the envelope 1 protein reveals recent mutation and divergence in South Florida wetlands. Virus Evol 2022; 8:veac111. [PMID: 36582503 PMCID: PMC9795574 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veac111] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Everglades virus (EVEV) is a subtype (II) of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), endemic in southern Florida, USA. EVEV has caused clinical encephalitis in humans, and antibodies have been found in a variety of wild and domesticated mammals. Over 29,000 Culex cedecei females, the main vector of EVEV, were collected in 2017 from Big Cypress and Fakahatchee Strand Preserves in Florida and pool-screened for the presence of EVEV using reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction. The entire 1 E1 protein gene was successfully sequenced from fifteen positive pools. Phylogenetic analysis showed that isolates clustered, based on the location of sampling, into two monophyletic clades that diverged in 2009. Structural analyses revealed two mutations of interest, A116V and H441R, which were shared among all isolates obtained after its first isolation of EVEV in 1963, possibly reflecting adaptation to a new host. Alterations of the Everglades ecosystem may have contributed to the evolution of EVEV and its geographic compartmentalization. This is the first report that shows in detail the evolution of EVEV in South Florida. This zoonotic pathogen warrants inclusion into routine surveillance given the high natural infection rate in the vectors. Invasive species, increasing urbanization, the Everglades restoration, and modifications to the ecosystem due to climate change and habitat fragmentation in South Florida may increase rates of EVEV spillover to the human population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amy Y Vittor
- Department of Pathology, Emerging Pathogens Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA,Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
| | | | | | - Ruiyu Pu
- Department of Comparative Diagnostic and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
| | - Sarah E Beachboard
- Department of Pathology, Emerging Pathogens Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
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Schein CH, Rafael G, Baker WS, Anaya ES, Schmidt JG, Weaver SC, Negi S, Braun W. PCP consensus protein/peptide alphavirus antigens stimulate broad spectrum neutralizing antibodies. Peptides 2022; 157:170844. [PMID: 35878658 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2022.170844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Vaccines based on proteins and peptides may be safer and if calculated based on many sequences, more broad-spectrum than those designed based on single strains. Physicochemical Property Consensus (PCPcon) alphavirus (AV) antigens from the B-domain of the E2 envelope protein were designed, synthesized recombinantly and shown to be immunogenic (i.e. sera after inoculation detected the antigen in dotspots and ELISA). Antibodies in sera after inoculation with B-region antigens based on individual AV species (eastern or Venezuelan equine encephalitis (EEEVcon, VEEVcon), or chikungunya (CHIKVcon) bound only their cognate protein, while those designed against multiple species (Mosaikcon and EVCcon) recognized all three serotype specific antigens. The VEEVcon and EEEVcon sera only showed antiviral activity against their related strains (in plaque reduction neutralization assays (PRNT50/80). Peptides designed to surface exposed areas of the E2-A-domain of CHIKVcon were added to CHIKVcon inocula to provide anti-CHIKV antibodies. EVCcon, based on three different alphavirus species, combined with E2-A-domain peptides from AllAVcon, a PCPcon of 24 diverse AV, generated broad spectrum, antiviral antibodies against VEEV, EEEV and CHIKV, AV with less than 35% amino acid identity to each other (>65% diversity). This is a promising start to a molecularly defined vaccine against all AV. Further study with these antigens can illuminate what areas are most important for a robust immune response, resistant to mutations in rapidly evolving viruses. The validated computational methods can also be used to design broad spectrum antigens against many other pathogen families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine H Schein
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UTMB; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity (IHII), UTMB; University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Grace Rafael
- Microbiology and Immunology, UTMB; University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Wendy S Baker
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UTMB; University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | | | | | - Scott C Weaver
- Microbiology and Immunology, UTMB; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity (IHII), UTMB; World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, UTMB; Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, UTMB; University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Surendra Negi
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UTMB; Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, UTMB; University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Werner Braun
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UTMB; Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, UTMB; University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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Members of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis complex entry into host cells by clathrin-mediated endocytosis in a pH-dependent manner. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14556. [PMID: 36008558 PMCID: PMC9411563 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18846-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Pixuna virus (PIXV) and Río Negro virus (RNV) are mosquito-borne alphaviruses belonging to the Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE) complex, which includes pathogenic epizootic and enzootic subtypes responsible for life-threatening diseases in equines. Considering that the first steps in viral infection are crucial for the efficient production of new progeny, the aim of this study was to elucidate the early events of the replication cycle of these two viruses. To this end, we used chemical inhibitors and the expression of dominant-negative constructs to study the dependence of clathrin and endosomal pH on PIXV and RNV internalization mechanisms. We demonstrated that both viruses are internalized primarily via clathrin-mediated endocytosis, where the low pH in endosomes is crucial for viral replication. Contributing knowledge regarding the entry route of VEE complex members is important to understand the pathogenesis of these viruses and also to develop new antiviral strategies.
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Toribio RE. Arboviral Equine Encephalitides. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2022; 38:299-321. [PMID: 35953146 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of viruses transmitted by biological vectors or through direct contact, air, or ingestion cause neurologic disease in equids. Of interest are viruses of the Togaviridae, Flaviviridae, Rhabdoviridae, Herpesviridae, Bornaviridae, and Bunyaviridae families. Many are classified as arboviruses because they use arthropod vectors, whereas others are transmitted directly via ingestion, inhalation, or integument damage. The goal of this article is to provide an overview on pathophysiologic and clinical aspects of arboviruses of equine importance, including alphaviruses (Togaviridae) and flaviviruses (Flaviviridae).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramiro E Toribio
- College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, 601 Vernon Tharp Street, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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16
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Rodrigues de Sá IL, Hutchings RSG, Hutchings RW, Sallum MAM. Revision of the Educator Group of Culex (Melanoconion) (Diptera, Culicidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:1252-1290. [PMID: 35641243 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The Educator Group of the Melanoconion Section of Culex (Melanoconion) (Diptera, Culicidae) is reviewed. Currently, the group includes the following valid species: Culex (Melanoconion) aphyllusTalaga, 2020, Culex (Melanoconion) cristovaoi Duret, 1968, Culex (Melanoconion) educatorDyar & Knab, 1906, Culex (Melanoconion) eknomiosForattini & Sallum, 1992, Culex (Melanoconion) inadmirabilisDyar, 1928, Culex (Melanoconion) rachoui Duret, 1968, Culex (Melanoconion) theobaldi (Lutz), 1904, Culex (Melanoconion) vaxusDyar, 1920, Culex (Melanoconion) angularis Sá & Sallum n. sp., Culex (Melanoconion) spiniformis Sá & Hutchings n. sp., Culex (Melanoconion) longistriatus Sá & Hutchings n. sp., Culex (Melanoconion) anelesDyar & Ludlow, 1922, Culex (Melanoconion) apeteticus Howard, Dyar & Ludlow, 1913, and Culex (Melanoconion) bibulusDyar, 1920. The last three species were resurrected from synonymy of either Cx. educator or Cx. vaxus. Descriptions, differential diagnoses, bionomics, and geographical data are provided for each species when available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivy Luizi Rodrigues de Sá
- Departamento de Epidemiologia, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Doutor Arnaldo, 715, São Paulo, SP, 01246-904, Brazil
| | - Rosa Sá Gomes Hutchings
- Laboratório de Bionomia e Sistemática de Culicidae, Coordenação de Biodiversidade, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Avenida André Araújo, 2.936, Manaus, AM, 69067-375, Brazil
| | - Roger William Hutchings
- Laboratório de Bionomia e Sistemática de Culicidae, Coordenação de Biodiversidade, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Avenida André Araújo, 2.936, Manaus, AM, 69067-375, Brazil
| | - Maria Anice Mureb Sallum
- Departamento de Epidemiologia, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Doutor Arnaldo, 715, São Paulo, SP, 01246-904, Brazil
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León B, González G, Nicoli A, Rojas A, Pizio AD, Ramirez-Carvajal L, Jimenez C. Phylogenetic and Mutation Analysis of the Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Sequence Isolated in Costa Rica from a Mare with Encephalitis. Vet Sci 2022; 9:258. [PMID: 35737310 PMCID: PMC9229380 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9060258] [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: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an arboviral pathogen in tropical America that causes lethal encephalitis in horses and humans. VEEV is classified into six subtypes (I to VI). Subtype I viruses are divided into epizootic (IAB and IC) and endemic strains (ID and IE) that can produce outbreaks or sporadic diseases, respectively. The objective of this study was to reconstruct the phylogeny and the molecular clock of sequences of VEEV subtype I complex and identify mutations within sequences belonging to epizootic or enzootic subtypes focusing on a sequence isolated from a mare in Costa Rica. Bayesian phylogeny of the VEEV subtype I complex tree with 110 VEEV complete genomes was analyzed. Evidence of positive selection was evaluated with Datamonkey server algorithms. The putative effects of mutations on the 3D protein structure in the Costa Rica sequence were evaluated. The phylogenetic analysis showed that Subtype IE-VEEV diverged earlier than other subtypes, Costa Rican VEEV-IE ancestors came from Nicaragua in 1963 and Guatemala in 1907. Among the observed non-synonymous mutations, only 17 amino acids changed lateral chain groups. Fourteen mutations located in the NSP3, E1, and E2 genes are unique in this sequence, highlighting the importance of E1-E2 genes in VEEV evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernal León
- LSE Laboratory, Veterinary Service National Laboratory, Animal Health National Service, Ministry of Agriculture and Cattle, Heredia 40104, Costa Rica
- Virology, Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTN), Atenas 20505, Costa Rica
| | - Gabriel González
- National Virus Reference Laboratory, College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Belfield, Ireland;
| | - Alessandro Nicoli
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany; (A.N.); (A.D.P.)
| | - Alicia Rojas
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica;
| | - Antonella Di Pizio
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany; (A.N.); (A.D.P.)
| | - Lisbeth Ramirez-Carvajal
- Veterinary Medicine Infection and Immunity, Virology, University of Utrecht, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Carlos Jimenez
- Laboratory of Virology, Tropical Diseases Research Program (PIET), School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 40101, Costa Rica;
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Evaluating sampling strategies for enzootic Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus vectors in Florida and Panama. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010329. [PMID: 35417476 PMCID: PMC9007344 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010329] [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: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Determining effective sampling methods for mosquitoes are among the first objectives in elucidating transmission cycles of vector-borne zoonotic disease, as the effectiveness of sampling methods can differ based on species, location, and physiological state. The Spissipes section of the subgenus Melanoconion of Culex represents an understudied group of mosquitoes which transmit Venezuelan equine encephalitis viruses (VEEV) in the Western Hemisphere. The objective of this study was to determine effective collection methods that target both blood-engorged and non-engorged females of the Spissipes section of Culex subgenus Melanoconion to test the hypothesis that favorable trapping methods differ between species and by physiological status within a species. Mosquitoes were collected using two commercially available traps, (CDC-light trap and BG-Sentinel trap), two novel passive traps (a novel mosquito drift fence and pop-up resting shelters), and two novel aspirators, (a small-diameter aspirator and a large-diameter aspirator) in Darién, Panama, and Florida, USA. The total number of female mosquitoes collected for each species was compared using rarefaction curves and diversity metrics. We also compared the utility of each trap for collecting total females and blood-engorged females of four Spissipes section mosquito species in Florida and Darién. In Darién, it was found that both blood-engorged and unfed females of Cx. pedroi were most effectively collected using the mosquito drift fence at 57.6% and 61.7% respectively. In contrast, the most unfed Cx. spissipes were collected using the mosquito drift fence (40.7%) while blood-engorged females were collected effectively by pop-up resting shelters (42.3%). In Florida, the best sampling technique for the collection of blood-engorged Cx. panocossa was the large diameter aspirator at 41.9%, while the best trap for collecting Cx. cedecei was the pop-up resting shelter at 45.9%. For unfed female Spissipes section mosquitoes in Florida, the CDC light trap with CO2 collected 84.5% and 98.3% of Cx. cedecei and Cx. panocossa respectively in Florida. Rarefaction analysis, and both the Shannon and Simpsons diversity indices all demonstrated that the mosquito drift fence was capable of collecting the greatest diversity of mosquito species regardless of location. The finding that the proportions of unfed and blood-engorged mosquitoes collected by traps differed both among and between species has implications for how studies of VEEV vectors will be carried out in future investigations. In Florida a combination of pop-up resting shelters and use of a large-diameter aspirator would be optimal for the collection of both VEEV vectors for host-use studies. Results demonstrate that traps can be constructed from common materials to collect mosquitoes for VEEV vector studies and could be assessed for their utilization in vectors of other systems as well. Unfortunately, no single method was effective for capturing all species and physiological states, highlighting a particular need for assessing trap utility for target species of a study. Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus is a potentially deadly human pathogen that is transmitted by an understudied group of tropical mosquitoes (Spissipes section of the Culex subgenus Melanoconion). These mosquitoes reside in swamps and jungles, and are challenging to identify, so studying their biology and importance in transmitting VEEV has been neglected. To further our understanding of VEEV, we compared six novel and commercially available traps to determine which traps are best for capturing these species in Panama and Florida. We found that several different types of traps are effective for collecting blood-engorged females of different species of VEEV vectors, and that traps utilized for collecting unfed specimens are not necessarily the same traps one should use for collecting blood-engorged females of the same species. Results of this study will enable researchers to better capture these important disease vectors, particularly those that are blood-engorged, which will allow researchers to determine host associations necessary for understanding VEEV transmission. This information can be used to make decisions on controlling vector species.
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Kafai NM, Williamson LE, Binshtein E, Sukupolvi-Petty S, Gardner CL, Liu J, Mackin S, Kim AS, Kose N, Carnahan RH, Jung A, Droit L, Reed DS, Handley SA, Klimstra WB, Crowe JE, Diamond MS. Neutralizing antibodies protect mice against Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus aerosol challenge. J Exp Med 2022; 219:e20212532. [PMID: 35297953 PMCID: PMC9195047 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20212532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) remains a risk for epidemic emergence or use as an aerosolized bioweapon. To develop possible countermeasures, we isolated VEEV-specific neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from mice and a human immunized with attenuated VEEV strains. Functional assays and epitope mapping established that potently inhibitory anti-VEEV mAbs bind distinct antigenic sites in the A or B domains of the E2 glycoprotein and block multiple steps in the viral replication cycle including attachment, fusion, and egress. A 3.2-Å cryo-electron microscopy reconstruction of VEEV virus-like particles bound by a human Fab suggests that antibody engagement of the B domain may result in cross-linking of neighboring spikes to prevent conformational requirements for viral fusion. Prophylaxis or postexposure therapy with these mAbs protected mice against lethal aerosol challenge with VEEV. Our study defines functional and structural mechanisms of mAb protection and suggests that multiple antigenic determinants on VEEV can be targeted for vaccine or antibody-based therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha M. Kafai
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Lauren E. Williamson
- Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Elad Binshtein
- Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | | | - Christina L. Gardner
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- United States Army Research Institute for Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD
| | - Jaclyn Liu
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Samantha Mackin
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Arthur S. Kim
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Nurgun Kose
- Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Robert H. Carnahan
- Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Ana Jung
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Lindsay Droit
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Douglas S. Reed
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Scott A. Handley
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - William B. Klimstra
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - James E. Crowe
- Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Michael S. Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- The Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
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20
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Kafai NM, Diamond MS, Fox JM. Distinct Cellular Tropism and Immune Responses to Alphavirus Infection. Annu Rev Immunol 2022; 40:615-649. [PMID: 35134315 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-immunol-101220-014952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Alphaviruses are emerging and reemerging viruses that cause disease syndromes ranging from incapacitating arthritis to potentially fatal encephalitis. While infection by arthritogenic and encephalitic alphaviruses results in distinct clinical manifestations, both virus groups induce robust innate and adaptive immune responses. However, differences in cellular tropism, type I interferon induction, immune cell recruitment, and B and T cell responses result in differential disease progression and outcome. In this review, we discuss aspects of immune responses that contribute to protective or pathogenic outcomes after alphavirus infection. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Immunology, Volume 40 is April 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha M Kafai
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA; , .,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Michael S Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA; , .,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.,Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.,Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Julie M Fox
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA;
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Lambert V, Enfissi A, Lefebvre M, Pomar L, Kedous S, Guimiot F, Carles G, Lavergne A, Rousset D, Hcini N. Tonate Virus and Fetal Abnormalities, French Guiana, 2019. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:445-448. [PMID: 35076005 PMCID: PMC8798706 DOI: 10.3201/eid2802.210884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
We report a case of vertical transmission of Tonate virus in a pregnant woman from French
Guiana. The fetus showed severe necrotic and hemorrhagic lesions of the brain and spinal
cord. Clinicians should be made aware of possible adverse fetal outcomes in pregnant women
infected with Tonate virus.
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22
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Emergence potential of mosquito-borne arboviruses from the Florida Everglades. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259419. [PMID: 34807932 PMCID: PMC8608345 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Greater Everglades Region of South Florida is one of the largest natural wetlands and the only subtropical ecosystem found in the continental United States. Mosquitoes are seasonally abundant in the Everglades where several potentially pathogenic mosquito-borne arboviruses are maintained in natural transmission cycles involving vector-competent mosquitoes and reservoir-competent vertebrate hosts. The fragile nature of this ecosystem is vulnerable to many sources of environmental change, including a wetlands restoration project, climate change, invasive species and residential development. In this study, we obtained baseline data on the distribution and abundance of both mosquitos and arboviruses occurring in the southern Everglades region during the summer months of 2013, when water levels were high, and in 2014, when water levels were low. A total of 367,060 mosquitoes were collected with CO2-baited CDC light traps at 105 collection sites stratified among the major landscape features found in Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, Fakahatchee State Park Preserve and Picayune State Forest, an area already undergoing restoration. A total of 2,010 pools of taxonomically identified mosquitoes were cultured for arbovirus isolation and identification. Seven vertebrate arboviruses were isolated: Everglades virus, Tensaw virus, Shark River virus, Gumbo Limbo virus, Mahogany Hammock virus, Keystone virus, and St. Louis encephalitis virus. Except for Tensaw virus, which was absent in 2013, the remaining viruses were found to be most prevalent in hardwood hammocks and in Fakahatchee, less prevalent in mangroves and pinelands, and absent in cypress and sawgrass. In contrast, in the summer of 2014 when water levels were lower, these arboviruses were far less prevalent and only found in hardwood hammocks, but Tensaw virus was present in cypress, sawgrass, pinelands, and a recently burned site. Major environmental changes are anticipated in the Everglades, many of which will result in increased water levels. How these might lead to the emergence of arboviruses potentially pathogenic to both humans and wildlife is discussed.
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Painter GR, Natchus MG, Cohen O, Holman W, Painter WP. Developing a direct acting, orally available antiviral agent in a pandemic: the evolution of molnupiravir as a potential treatment for COVID-19. Curr Opin Virol 2021; 50:17-22. [PMID: 34271264 PMCID: PMC8277160 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Despite the availability of vaccines, there remains an urgent need for antiviral drugs with potent activity against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19. Millions of people are immune-suppressed and may not be able to mount a fully protective immune response after vaccination. There is also an increasingly critical need for a drug to cover emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, against which existing vaccines may be less effective. Here, we describe the evolution of molnupiravir (EIDD-2801, MK-4482), a broad-spectrum antiviral agent originally designed for the treatment of Alphavirus infections, into a potential drug for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. When the pandemic began, molnupiravir was in pre-clinical development for the treatment of seasonal influenza. As COVID-19 spread, the timeline for the development program was moved forward significantly, and focus shifted to treatment of coronavirus infections. Real time consultation with regulatory authorities aided in making the acceleration of the program possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- George R Painter
- Emory Institute for Drug Development (EIDD), Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Drug Innovation Ventures at Emory (DRIVE), Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Michael G Natchus
- Emory Institute for Drug Development (EIDD), Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Oren Cohen
- Covance Clinical Research Unit Ltd., Springfield House, Hyde Street, Leeds LS2 9LH, UK
| | - Wendy Holman
- Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP, 3480 Main Highway, Unit 402, Miami, Florida 33133, USA
| | - Wendy P Painter
- Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP, 3480 Main Highway, Unit 402, Miami, Florida 33133, USA
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24
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Fischer C, Pontier D, Filippi-Codaccioni O, Pons JB, Postigo-Hidalgo I, Duhayer J, Brünink S, Drexler JF. Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Complex Alphavirus in Bats, French Guiana. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27. [PMID: 33756099 PMCID: PMC8007291 DOI: 10.3201/eid2704.202676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Although essential for control strategies, knowledge about transmission cycles is limited for Venezuelan equine encephalitis complex alphaviruses (VEEVs). After testing 1,398 bats from French Guiana for alphaviruses, we identified and isolated a new strain of the encephalitogenic VEEV species Tonate virus (TONV). Bats may contribute to TONV spread in Latin America.
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25
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Seroprevalence of arboviruses in Ecuador: Implications for improved surveillance. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 41:247-259. [PMID: 34214266 PMCID: PMC8382292 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.5623] [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: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) cause morbidity and mortality in humans and domestic animals worldwide. The percentage of population immunity or susceptibility to these viruses in Ecuador is unknown. Objectives: To investigate the proportion of Ecuadorian populations with IgG antibodies (Abs) (past exposure/immunity) and IgM Abs (current exposure) against flaviviruses and alphaviruses and to study the activity of these viruses in Ecuador. Materials and methods: During 2009-2011, we conducted a serosurvey for selected arboviruses in humans (n=1,842), equines (n=149), and sentinel hamsters (n=84) at two coastal locations and one in the Amazon basin (Eastern Ecuador) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and hemagglutination inhibition test. Results: From 20.63% to 63.61% of humans showed IgG-antibodies for the flaviviruses: Dengue virus (DENV), yellow fever virus (YFV) Saint Louis encephalitis virus, and West Nile virus (WNV); from 4.67% to 8.63% showed IgG-Abs for the alphaviruses: Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, eastern equine encephalitis virus, and western equine encephalitis virus. IgM-Abs were found for DENV and WNV. Equines and hamsters showed antibodies to alphaviruses in all locations; two hamsters seroconverted to YFV in the Amazonia. Conclusions: The results show a YFV vaccination history and suggest the activity of arboviruses not included in the current surveillance scheme. Enhanced arbovirus and mosquito surveillance, as well as continued YFV vaccination and evaluation of its coverage/ effectiveness, are recommended.
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26
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Meganck RM, Baric RS. Developing therapeutic approaches for twenty-first-century emerging infectious viral diseases. Nat Med 2021; 27:401-410. [PMID: 33723456 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-021-01282-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The twenty-first century has already recorded more than ten major epidemic or pandemic virus emergence events, including the ongoing and devastating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. As viral disease emergence is expected to accelerate, these data dictate a need for proactive approaches to develop broadly active family-specific and cross-family therapeutics for use in future disease outbreaks. Emphasis should focus not only on the development of broad-spectrum small-molecule and antibody direct-acting antivirals, but also on host-factor therapeutics, including repurposing previously approved or in-pipeline drugs. Another new class of therapeutics with great antiviral therapeutic potential is RNA-based therapeutics. Rather than only focusing on known risks, dedicated efforts must be made toward pre-emptive research focused on outbreak-prone virus families, ultimately offering a strategy to shorten the gap between outbreak and response. Emphasis should also focus on orally available drugs for outpatient use, if possible, and on identifying combination therapies that combat viral and immune-mediated pathologies, extend the effectiveness of therapeutic windows and reduce drug resistance. While such an undertaking will require new vision, dedicated funding and private, federal and academic partnerships, this approach offers hope that global populations need never experience future pandemics such as COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita M Meganck
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ralph S Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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27
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Read CM, Plante K, Rafael G, Rossi SL, Braun W, Weaver SC, Schein CH. Designing multivalent immunogens for alphavirus vaccine optimization. Virology 2021; 561:117-124. [PMID: 33823988 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2020.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There is a pressing need for vaccines against mosquito-borne alphaviruses such as Venezualen and eastern equine encephalitis viruses (VEEV, EEEV). We demonstrate an approach to vaccine development based on physicochemical properties (PCP) of amino acids to design a PCP-consensus sequence of the epitope-rich B domain of the VEEV major antigenic E2 protein. The consensus "spike" domain was incorporated into a live-attenuated VEEV vaccine candidate (ZPC/IRESv1). Mice inoculated with either ZPC/IRESv1 or the same virus containing the consensus E2 protein fragment (VEEVconE2) were protected against lethal challenge with VEEV strains ZPC-738 and 3908, and Mucambo virus (MUCV, related to VEEV), and had comparable neutralizing antibody titers against each virus. Both vaccines induced partial protection against Madariaga virus (MADV), a close relative of EEEV, lowering mortality from 60% to 20%. Thus PCP-consensus sequences can be integrated into a replicating virus that could, with further optimization, provide a broad-spectrum vaccine against encephalitic alphaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Read
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Kenneth Plante
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity (IHII), University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA; World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Grace Rafael
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Shannan L Rossi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity (IHII), University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Werner Braun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA; Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity (IHII), University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA; World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA; Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Catherine H Schein
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity (IHII), University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
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28
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Talaga S, Duchemin JB, Girod R, Dusfour I. The Culex Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) of French Guiana: A Comprehensive Review With the Description of Three New Species. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:182-221. [PMID: 33269802 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The taxonomically intricate genus Culex Linnaeus includes numerous known vector species of parasites and viruses to humans. The aim of this article is to comprehensively review the Culex species which occur in French Guiana to provide a stronger taxonomic foundation for future studies on this genus in South America. The occurrence of Culex species was investigated in light of current taxonomic knowledge through an extensive examination of voucher specimens deposited in the entomological collections of four French depositories and additional specimens recently collected at various localities in French Guiana. Based on this review, 104 Culex species classified in eight subgenera are confirmed to occur in French Guiana. Compared to the most recent checklist, 18 species are added, and 10 species excluded, resulting in a total number of 242 valid mosquito species known to occur in French Guiana. Three nominal species are synonymized, three others are newly described, and a last one is transferred to another informal infrasubgeneric group. Overall, this review also highlights the limits of the use of only bibliographic data when dealing with taxonomically complex groups of insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislas Talaga
- Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, Vectopôle Amazonien Emile Abonnenc, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Jean-Bernard Duchemin
- Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, Vectopôle Amazonien Emile Abonnenc, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Romain Girod
- Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Unité d'Entomologie Médicale, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Isabelle Dusfour
- Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, Vectopôle Amazonien Emile Abonnenc, Cayenne, French Guiana
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29
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Shechter S, Thomas DR, Jans DA. Application of In Silico and HTS Approaches to Identify Nuclear Import Inhibitors for Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Capsid Protein: A Case Study. Front Chem 2020; 8:573121. [PMID: 33505952 PMCID: PMC7832173 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.573121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of new drugs is costly and time-consuming, with estimates of over $US1 billion and 15 years for a product to reach the market. As understanding of the molecular basis of disease improves, various approaches have been used to target specific molecular interactions in the search for effective drugs. These include high-throughput screening (HTS) for novel drug identification and computer-aided drug design (CADD) to assess the properties of putative drugs before experimental work begins. We have applied conventional HTS and CADD approaches to the problem of identifying antiviral compounds to limit infection by Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV). Nuclear targeting of the VEEV capsid (CP) protein through interaction with the host nuclear import machinery has been shown to be essential for viral pathogenicity, with viruses incapable of this interaction being greatly attenuated. Our previous conventional HTS and in silico structure-based drug design (SBDD) screens were successful in identifying novel inhibitors of CP interaction with the host nuclear import machinery, thus providing a unique opportunity to assess the relative value of the two screening approaches directly. This focused review compares and contrasts the two screening approaches, together with the properties of the inhibitors identified, as a case study for parallel use of the two approaches to identify antivirals. The utility of SBDD screens, especially when used in parallel with traditional HTS, in identifying agents of interest to target the host-pathogen interface is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Shechter
- Shechter Computational Solutions, Andover, MA, United States.,Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, United States
| | - David R Thomas
- Nuclear Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Monash, VIC, Australia
| | - David A Jans
- Nuclear Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Monash, VIC, Australia
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30
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Paniz-Mondolfi AE, van den Akker T, Márquez-Colmenarez MC, Delgado-Noguera LA, Valderrama O, Sordillo EM. Kawasaki disease seasonality in Venezuela supports an arbovirus infection trigger. J Med Virol 2020; 92:2903-2910. [PMID: 32740967 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Kawasaki disease (KD) is an inflammatory disease primarily affecting infants and young children, whose etiology remains uncertain. Observational studies of the overlap between KD outbreaks and seasonal peaks of arboviral infections, suggest the possible role of these pathogens as triggers of KD. In Venezuela, regions with the highest reported arboviral infections simultaneously have the highest incidence of KD. One proposed explanation for this association involves the role of proinflammatory mediators, interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor as mediators of coronary endothelial damage. The promotion of inflammation and tissue destruction by these cytokines is thought to contribute to the coronary endothelial damage experienced in KD. The utilization of overlapping KD and arboviral infection trends contribute to the comprehension of KD etiology, with improvements in diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto E Paniz-Mondolfi
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Academia Nacional de Medicina de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Tayler van den Akker
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Marilianna C Márquez-Colmenarez
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas IDB, Emerging Pathogens Network-Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia, Cabudare, Venezuela
| | - Lourdes A Delgado-Noguera
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas IDB, Emerging Pathogens Network-Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia, Cabudare, Venezuela
| | - Omar Valderrama
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas IDB, Emerging Pathogens Network-Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia, Cabudare, Venezuela
| | - Emilia M Sordillo
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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31
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Baker WS, Negi S, Braun W, Schein CH. Producing physicochemical property consensus alphavirus protein antigens for broad spectrum vaccine design. Antiviral Res 2020; 182:104905. [PMID: 32800880 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
There is a pressing need for new vaccines against alphaviruses, which can cause fatal encephalitis (Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) and others) and severe arthralgia (e.g. Chikungunya virus, CHIKV). These positive-strand RNA viruses are diverse and evolve rapidly, meaning that the sequence of any vaccine should cover multiple strains that may be quite different from any previous isolate. Here, consensus proteins were produced to represent the common physicochemical properties (PCPs) of the epitope rich, B domain of the E2 envelope protein. PCP-consensus proteins were based on multiple strains of VEEV (VEEVcon) and CHIKV (CHIKVcon) or the conserved PCPs of 24 different alphaviruses (AllAVcon). The AllAVcon was altered to include binding sites for neutralizing antibodies of both VEEV and CHIKV strains (Mosaikcon). All four designed proteins were produced solubly in E. coli and purified. They formed the β-strand core expected from experimental structures of this region of the wild type E2 proteins as indicated by circular dichroism (CD) spectra. Furthermore, the CHIKVcon protein bound to a structure dependent, CHIKV neutralizing monoclonal antibody. The AllAVcon and Mosaikcon proteins bound to polyclonal antibodies generated during natural infection with either VEEV or CHIKV, indicating they contained epitopes of both serotypes. The Mosaikcon antigen induced antibodies in rabbit sera that recognized both the VEEVcon and CHIKVcon spike proteins. These PCP-consensus antigens are promising starting points for novel, broad-spectrum alphavirus vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy S Baker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Surendra Negi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA; Sealy Center for Structural Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Werner Braun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA; Sealy Center for Structural Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Catherine H Schein
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
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32
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Lello LS, Utt A, Bartholomeeusen K, Wang S, Rausalu K, Kendall C, Coppens S, Fragkoudis R, Tuplin A, Alphey L, Ariën KK, Merits A. Cross-utilisation of template RNAs by alphavirus replicases. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008825. [PMID: 32886709 PMCID: PMC7498090 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Most alphaviruses (family Togaviridae) including Sindbis virus (SINV) and other human pathogens, are transmitted by arthropods. The first open reading frame in their positive strand RNA genome encodes for the non-structural polyprotein, a precursor to four separate subunits of the replicase. The replicase interacts with cis-acting elements located near the intergenic region and at the ends of the viral RNA genome. A trans-replication assay was developed and used to analyse the template requirements for nine alphavirus replicases. Replicases of alphaviruses of the Semliki Forest virus complex were able to cross-utilize each other’s templates as well as those of outgroup alphaviruses. Templates of outgroup alphaviruses, including SINV and the mosquito-specific Eilat virus, were promiscuous; in contrast, their replicases displayed a limited capacity to use heterologous templates, especially in mosquito cells. The determinants important for efficient replication of template RNA were mapped to the 5' region of the genome. For SINV these include the extreme 5'- end of the genome and sequences corresponding to the first stem-loop structure in the 5' untranslated region. Mutations introduced in these elements drastically reduced infectivity of recombinant SINV genomes. The trans-replicase tools and approaches developed here can be instrumental in studying alphavirus recombination and evolution, but can also be applied to study other viruses such as picornaviruses, flaviviruses and coronaviruses. Alphaviruses are positive-strand RNA viruses, most of which use mosquitoes to spread between vertebrate hosts; many are human pathogens with potentially severe medical consequences. Some alphavirus species are believed to have resulted from the recombination between different members of the genus and there is evidence of movement of alphaviruses between continents. Here, a novel assay uncoupling viral replicase and template RNA production was developed and used to analyse cross-utilization of alphavirus template RNAs. We observed that replicases of closely related alphaviruses belonging to the Semliki Forest virus complex can generally use each other’s template RNAs as well as those of distantly related outgroup viruses. In contrast, replicases of outgroup viruses clearly preferred homologous template RNAs. These trends were observed in both mammalian and mosquito cells, with template preferences generally more pronounced in mosquito cells. Interestingly, the template RNA of the mosquito-specific Eilat virus was efficiently used by other alphavirus replicases while Eilat replicase could not use heterologous templates. Determinants for template selectivity were mapped to the beginning of the RNA genome and template recognition was more likely based on the recognition of RNA sequences than recognition of structural elements formed by the RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Age Utt
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Koen Bartholomeeusen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Sainan Wang
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kai Rausalu
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Catherine Kendall
- Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra Coppens
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Rennos Fragkoudis
- University of Nottingham, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Tuplin
- Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Luke Alphey
- The Pirbright Institute, Woking, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin K. Ariën
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Andres Merits
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- * E-mail:
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33
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Rossi SL, Russell-Lodrigue KE, Plante KS, Bergren NA, Gorchakov R, Roy CJ, Weaver SC. Rationally Attenuated Vaccines for Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Protect Against Epidemic Strains with a Single Dose. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E497. [PMID: 32887313 PMCID: PMC7563393 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a re-emerging virus of human, agriculture, and bioweapon threat importance. No FDA-approved treatment is available to combat Venezuelan equine encephalitis in humans, prompting the need to create a vaccine that is safe, efficacious, and cannot be replicated in the mosquito vector. Here we describe the use of a serotype ID VEEV (ZPC-738) vaccine with an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) to alter gene expression patterns. This ZPC/IRES vaccine was genetically engineered in two ways based on the position of the IRES insertion to create a vaccine that is safe and efficacious. After a single dose, both versions of the ZPC/IRES vaccine elicited neutralizing antibody responses in mice and non-human primates after a single dose, with more robust responses produced by version 2. Further, all mice and primates were protected from viremia following VEEV challenge. These vaccines were also safer in neonatal mice than the current investigational new drug vaccine, TC-83. These results show that IRES-based attenuation of alphavirus genomes consistently produce promising vaccine candidates, with VEEV/IRES version 2 showing promise for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannan L. Rossi
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology and Immunology, Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | | | - Kenneth S. Plante
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA;
| | - Nicholas A. Bergren
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA;
| | - Rodion Gorchakov
- Department of Health, Safety and Environment, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Chad J. Roy
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA 70433, USA; (K.E.R.-L.); (C.J.R.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Scott C. Weaver
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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34
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Michie A, Ernst T, Chua ILJ, Lindsay MDA, Neville PJ, Nicholson J, Jardine A, Mackenzie JS, Smith DW, Imrie A. Phylogenetic and Timescale Analysis of Barmah Forest Virus as Inferred from Genome Sequence Analysis. Viruses 2020; 12:E732. [PMID: 32640629 PMCID: PMC7412159 DOI: 10.3390/v12070732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Barmah Forest virus (BFV) is a medically important mosquito-borne alphavirus endemic to Australia. Symptomatic disease can be a major cause of morbidity, associated with fever, rash, and debilitating arthralgia. BFV disease is similar to that caused by Ross River virus (RRV), the other major Australian alphavirus. Currently, just four BFV whole-genome sequences are available with no genome-scale phylogeny in existence to robustly characterise genetic diversity. Thirty novel genome sequences were derived for this study, for a final 34-taxon dataset sampled over a 44 year period. Three distinct BFV genotypes were characterised (G1-3) that have circulated in Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG). Evidence of spatio-temporal co-circulation of G2 and G3 within regions of Australia was noted, including in the South West region of Western Australia (WA) during the first reported disease outbreaks in the state's history. Compared with RRV, the BFV population appeared more stable with less frequent emergence of novel lineages. Preliminary in vitro assessment of RRV and BFV replication kinetics found that RRV replicates at a significantly faster rate and to a higher, more persistent titre compared with BFV, perhaps indicating mosquitoes may be infectious with RRV for longer than with BFV. This investigation resolved a greater diversity of BFV, and a greater understanding of the evolutionary dynamics and history was attained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Michie
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (A.M.); (T.E.)
| | - Timo Ernst
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (A.M.); (T.E.)
| | - I-Ly Joanna Chua
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine Western Australia, Perth, WA 6000, Australia; (I-L.J.C.); (J.S.M.); (D.W.S.)
| | - Michael D. A. Lindsay
- Environmental Health Hazards, Department of Health, Perth, WA 6000, Australia; (M.D.A.L.); (P.J.N.); (J.N.); (A.J.)
| | - Peter J. Neville
- Environmental Health Hazards, Department of Health, Perth, WA 6000, Australia; (M.D.A.L.); (P.J.N.); (J.N.); (A.J.)
| | - Jay Nicholson
- Environmental Health Hazards, Department of Health, Perth, WA 6000, Australia; (M.D.A.L.); (P.J.N.); (J.N.); (A.J.)
| | - Andrew Jardine
- Environmental Health Hazards, Department of Health, Perth, WA 6000, Australia; (M.D.A.L.); (P.J.N.); (J.N.); (A.J.)
| | - John S. Mackenzie
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine Western Australia, Perth, WA 6000, Australia; (I-L.J.C.); (J.S.M.); (D.W.S.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley WA 6102, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia 4067, Australia
| | - David W. Smith
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine Western Australia, Perth, WA 6000, Australia; (I-L.J.C.); (J.S.M.); (D.W.S.)
| | - Allison Imrie
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (A.M.); (T.E.)
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Stromberg ZR, Fischer W, Bradfute SB, Kubicek-Sutherland JZ, Hraber P. Vaccine Advances against Venezuelan, Eastern, and Western Equine Encephalitis Viruses. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8020273. [PMID: 32503232 PMCID: PMC7350001 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8020273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccinations are a crucial intervention in combating infectious diseases. The three neurotropic Alphaviruses, Eastern (EEEV), Venezuelan (VEEV), and Western (WEEV) equine encephalitis viruses, are pathogens of interest for animal health, public health, and biological defense. In both equines and humans, these viruses can cause febrile illness that may progress to encephalitis. Currently, there are no licensed treatments or vaccines available for these viruses in humans. Experimental vaccines have shown variable efficacy and may cause severe adverse effects. Here, we outline recent strategies used to generate vaccines against EEEV, VEEV, and WEEV with an emphasis on virus-vectored and plasmid DNA delivery. Despite candidate vaccines protecting against one of the three viruses, few studies have demonstrated an effective trivalent vaccine. We evaluated the potential of published vaccines to generate cross-reactive protective responses by comparing DNA vaccine sequences to a set of EEEV, VEEV, and WEEV genomes and determining the vaccine coverages of potential epitopes. Finally, we discuss future directions in the development of vaccines to combat EEEV, VEEV, and WEEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary R. Stromberg
- Physical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy, Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 505, USA; (Z.R.S.); (J.Z.K.-S.)
| | - Will Fischer
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 505, USA;
| | - Steven B. Bradfute
- Center for Global Health, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 505, USA;
| | - Jessica Z. Kubicek-Sutherland
- Physical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy, Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 505, USA; (Z.R.S.); (J.Z.K.-S.)
| | - Peter Hraber
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 505, USA;
- Correspondence:
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Guzmán-Terán C, Calderón-Rangel A, Rodriguez-Morales A, Mattar S. Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus: the problem is not over for tropical America. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2020; 19:19. [PMID: 32429942 PMCID: PMC7236962 DOI: 10.1186/s12941-020-00360-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The equine encephalitis viruses, Venezuelan (VEEV), East (EEEV) and West (WEEV), belong to the genus alphavirus, family Togaviridae and still represent a threat for human and animal public health in the Americas. In both, these infections are characterized by high viremia, rash, fever, encephalitis and death. VEEV encephalitis is similar, clinically, to other arboviral diseases, such as dengue, Zika or chikungunya. Most of the alphaviruses are transmitted between vertebrates and mosquitoes. They are able to replicate in a wide number of hosts, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibian and arthropods. The VEEV has enzootic and epizootic transmission cycles. At the enzootic one, enzootic strains (subtype I, serotypes D-F and serotypes II-VI) are continuously circulating between mosquitoes and wild rodents in tropical forests and mangroves of the Americas. The main reseroivrs are wild rodent species of the subfamily Sigmodontinae. However, bats can be also accidental reservoirs of VEEV. In this article, we reviewed the main features, epidemiology, clinical aspects and the current perspectives of the VEEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Guzmán-Terán
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico (IIBT), Programa Regencia en Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Alfonso Calderón-Rangel
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico (IIBT), Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Alfonso Rodriguez-Morales
- Public Health and Infection Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Faculty of Medicine, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
| | - Salim Mattar
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico (IIBT), Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia.
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Johnson DM, Sokoloski KJ, Jokinen JD, Pfeffer TL, Chu YK, Adcock RS, Chung D, Tretyakova I, Pushko P, Lukashevich IS. Advanced Safety and Genetic Stability in Mice of a Novel DNA-Launched Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Vaccine with Rearranged Structural Genes. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8010114. [PMID: 32121666 PMCID: PMC7157698 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The safety and genetic stability of V4020, a novel Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEEV) vaccine based on the investigational VEEV TC-83 strain, was evaluated in mice. V4020 was generated from infectious DNA, contains a stabilizing mutation in the E2-120 glycoprotein, and includes rearrangement of structural genes. After intracranial inoculation (IC), replication of V4020 was more attenuated than TC-83, as documented by low clinical scores, inflammation, viral load in brain, and earlier viral clearance. During the first 9 days post-inoculation (DPI), genes involved in inflammation, cytokine signaling, adaptive immune responses, and apoptosis were upregulated in both groups. However, the magnitude of upregulation was greater in TC-83 than V4020 mice, and this pattern persisted till 13 DPI, while V4020 gene expression profiles declined to mock-infected levels. In addition, genetic markers of macrophages, DCs, and microglia were strongly upregulated in TC-83 mice. During five serial passages in the brain, less severe clinical manifestations and a lower viral load were observed in V4020 mice and all animals survived. In contrast, 13.3% of mice met euthanasia criteria during the passages in TC-83 group. At 2 DPI, RNA-Seq analysis of brain tissues revealed that V4020 mice had lower rates of mutations throughout five passages. A higher synonymous mutation ratio was observed in the nsP4 (RdRP) gene of TC-83 compared to V4020 mice. At 2 DPI, both viruses induced different expression profiles of host genes involved in neuro-regeneration. Taken together, these results provide evidence for the improved safety and genetic stability of the experimental V4020 VEEV vaccine in a murine model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan M. Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (K.J.S.); (D.C.)
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
- Correspondence: (D.M.J.); (I.S.L.)
| | - Kevin J. Sokoloski
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (K.J.S.); (D.C.)
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
| | - Jenny D. Jokinen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA;
| | - Tia L. Pfeffer
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA;
| | - Yong-Kyu Chu
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
| | - Robert S. Adcock
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
| | - Donghoon Chung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (K.J.S.); (D.C.)
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
| | | | - Peter Pushko
- Medigen, Inc., Frederick, MD 21701, USA; (I.T.); (P.P.)
| | - Igor S. Lukashevich
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA;
- Correspondence: (D.M.J.); (I.S.L.)
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Guzmán C, Calderón A, Oviedo T, Mattar S, Castañeda J, Rodriguez V, Moraes Figueiredo LT. Molecular and cellular evidence of natural Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus infection in frugivorous bats in Colombia. Vet World 2020; 13:495-501. [PMID: 32367955 PMCID: PMC7183472 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.495-501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an alphavirus that causes encephalitis with a high impact on public health in Latin America. However, only in Guatemala, Trinidad and Tobago, and Mexico have found antibodies in VEEV in bats, using immunohistochemistry, the sensitivity and specificity are improved; thus, it is better for demonstrating natural infection in bats as potential hosts. This study aimed to determine the presence of VEEV in tissues of frugivorous bats. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective descriptive cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic sampling was carried out in 12 localities of Córdoba and Sucre area of the Colombian Caribbean. Two hundred and eighty-six bats were captured using fog nets, and the specimens according to taxonomic keys were classified. According to the Ethics Committee of the University of Córdoba, the bats were treated with analgesics and anesthetics. Blood samples were taken and then euthanized to obtain tissues and organs which were preserved in liquid N2 at -196°C. A portion of each organ was fixed in 10% buffered formalin for the detection of antigens by immunohistochemistry. Several pathological anatomy analyses were performed to determine the histological characteristics of tissue lesions of frugivorous bats naturally infected with the VEEV. RESULTS Of the 286 bats captured, 23 species were identified. In samples of the brain, spleen, and lung of two frugivorous bats (2/286=0.70%) Artibeus planirostris and Sturnira lilium, the presence of VEEV was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION A fragment of the nsP4 non-structural protein gene corresponding to the alphavirus was amplified. Two samples were positive (2/286=0.70%) in frugivorous bats; A. planirostris (code GenBank: MG820274) and S. lilium (code GenBank: MG820275). The present study showed the first molecular evidence and cellular evidence (histopathology and immunohistochemistry) of natural VEEV infection in frugivorous bats in Colombia; these bats could be a host of this zoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Guzmán
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Biological Research of the Tropics, University of Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Alfonso Calderón
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal, Institute for Biological Research in the Tropics, University of Córdoba, Colombia
| | | | - Salim Mattar
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal, Institute of Biological Research of the Tropics, University of Córdoba, Colombia
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Genome-Scale Phylogeny and Evolutionary Analysis of Ross River Virus Reveals Periodic Sweeps of Lineage Dominance in Western Australia, 1977-2014. J Virol 2020; 94:JVI.01234-19. [PMID: 31666378 PMCID: PMC6955267 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01234-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ross River virus (RRV) causes the most common mosquito-borne infection in Australia and causes a significant burden of suffering to infected individuals as well as being a large burden to the Australian economy. The genetic diversity of RRV and its evolutionary history have so far only been studied using partial E2 gene analysis with a limited number of isolates. Robust whole-genome analysis has not yet been conducted. This study generated 94 novel near-whole-genome sequences to investigate the evolutionary history of RRV to better understand its genetic diversity through comprehensive whole-genome phylogeny. A better understanding of RRV genetic diversity will enable better diagnostics, surveillance, and potential future vaccine design. Ross River virus (RRV), an alphavirus of the Togaviridae family, is the most medically significant mosquito-borne virus of Australia. Past RRV phylogenetic and evolutionary analyses have been based on partial genome analyses only. Three geographically distinct RRV lineages, the Eastern, the Western, and the supposedly extinct North-Eastern lineage, were classified previously. We sought to expand on past phylogenies through robust genome-scale phylogeny to better understand RRV genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics. We analyzed 106 RRV complete coding sequences, which included 13 genomes available on NCBI and 94 novel sequences derived for this study, sampled throughout Western Australia (1977–2014) and during the substantial Pacific Islands RRV epidemic (1979–1980). Our final data set comprised isolates sampled over 59 years (1959–2018) from a range of locations. Four distinct genotypes were defined, with the newly described genotype 4 (G4) found to be the contemporary lineage circulating in Western Australia. The prior geographical classification of RRV lineages was not supported by our findings, with evidence of geographical and temporal cocirculation of distinct genetic groups. Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) analysis revealed that RRV lineages diverged from a common ancestor approximately 94 years ago, with distinct lineages emerging roughly every 10 years over the past 50 years in periodic bursts of genetic diversity. Our study has enabled a more robust analysis of RRV evolutionary history and resolved greater genetic diversity that had been previously defined by partial E2 gene analysis. IMPORTANCE Ross River virus (RRV) causes the most common mosquito-borne infection in Australia and causes a significant burden of suffering to infected individuals as well as being a large burden to the Australian economy. The genetic diversity of RRV and its evolutionary history have so far only been studied using partial E2 gene analysis with a limited number of isolates. Robust whole-genome analysis has not yet been conducted. This study generated 94 novel near-whole-genome sequences to investigate the evolutionary history of RRV to better understand its genetic diversity through comprehensive whole-genome phylogeny. A better understanding of RRV genetic diversity will enable better diagnostics, surveillance, and potential future vaccine design.
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Rusnak JM, Glass PJ, Weaver SC, Sabourin CL, Glenn AM, Klimstra W, Badorrek CS, Nasar F, Ward LA. Approach to Strain Selection and the Propagation of Viral Stocks for Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Vaccine Efficacy Testing under the Animal Rule. Viruses 2019; 11:v11090807. [PMID: 31480472 PMCID: PMC6784384 DOI: 10.3390/v11090807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Licensure of a vaccine to protect against aerosolized Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) requires use of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Animal Rule to assess vaccine efficacy as human studies are not feasible or ethical. An approach to selecting VEEV challenge strains for use under the Animal Rule was developed, taking into account Department of Defense (DOD) vaccine requirements, FDA Animal Rule guidelines, strain availability, and lessons learned from the generation of filovirus challenge agents within the Filovirus Animal Nonclinical Group (FANG). Initial down-selection to VEEV IAB and IC epizootic varieties was based on the DOD objective for vaccine protection in a bioterrorism event. The subsequent down-selection of VEEV IAB and IC isolates was based on isolate availability, origin, virulence, culture and animal passage history, known disease progression in animal models, relevancy to human disease, and ability to generate sufficient challenge material. Methods for the propagation of viral stocks (use of uncloned (wild-type), plaque-cloned, versus cDNA-cloned virus) to minimize variability in the potency of the resulting challenge materials were also reviewed. The presented processes for VEEV strain selection and the propagation of viral stocks may serve as a template for animal model development product testing under the Animal Rule to other viral vaccine programs. This manuscript is based on the culmination of work presented at the “Alphavirus Workshop” organized and hosted by the Joint Vaccine Acquisition Program (JVAP) on 15 December 2014 at Fort Detrick, Maryland, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice M Rusnak
- Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND), Joint Project Manager-Medical Countermeasure Systems (JMP-MCS), Joint Vaccine Acquisition Program (JVAP), 1564 Freedman Drive, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA.
| | - Pamela J Glass
- Department of Virology, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Carol L Sabourin
- Battelle Biomedical Research Center, 1425 Plain City-Georgesville Road, West Jefferson, OH 43162, USA
| | - Andrew M Glenn
- Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND), Joint Project Manager-Medical Countermeasure Systems (JMP-MCS), Joint Vaccine Acquisition Program (JVAP), 1564 Freedman Drive, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | - William Klimstra
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Christopher S Badorrek
- Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND), Joint Project Manager-Medical Countermeasure Systems (JMP-MCS), Joint Vaccine Acquisition Program (JVAP), 1564 Freedman Drive, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Farooq Nasar
- Department of Virology, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Lucy A Ward
- Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND), Joint Project Manager-Medical Countermeasure Systems (JMP-MCS), Joint Vaccine Acquisition Program (JVAP), 1564 Freedman Drive, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
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Barba M, Fairbanks EL, Daly JM. Equine viral encephalitis: prevalence, impact, and management strategies. VETERINARY MEDICINE (AUCKLAND, N.Z.) 2019; 10:99-110. [PMID: 31497528 PMCID: PMC6689664 DOI: 10.2147/vmrr.s168227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Members of several different virus families cause equine viral encephalitis, the majority of which are arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) with zoonotic potential. The clinical signs caused are rarely pathognomonic; therefore, a clinical diagnosis is usually presumptive according to the geographical region. However, recent decades have seen expansion of the geographical range and emergence in new regions of numerous viral diseases. In this context, this review presents an overview of the prevalence and distribution of the main viral causes of equine encephalitis and discusses their impact and potential approaches to limit their spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Barba
- Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Emma L Fairbanks
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Janet M Daly
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, UK
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Introduction and Dispersal of Sindbis Virus from Central Africa to Europe. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.00620-19. [PMID: 31142666 PMCID: PMC6675900 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00620-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study shows that only a single introduction of SINV into a new geographical area is required for spread and establishment, provided that the requisite vector(s) and reservoir(s) of epizootological and epidemiological importance are present. Furthermore, we present the first report of recombination between two strains of SINV in nature. Our study increases the knowledge on new introductions and dispersal of arboviruses in general and of SINV in particular. Bird-hosted viruses have the potential to be transported over large areas of the world and to be transmitted in distant geographical regions. Sindbis virus (SINV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus that is locally amplified in a bird-mosquito enzootic cycle and distributed all over the Old World and Australia/Oceania. Sindbis virus genotype I (SINV-I) is the cause of disease outbreaks in humans in South Africa as well as in northern Europe. To trace the evolutionary history and potential strain-disease association of SINV-I, we sequenced 36 complete genomes isolated from field material in Europe, as well as in Africa and the Middle East, collected over 58 years. These were analyzed together with 30 additional published whole SINV-I genomes using Bayesian analysis. Our results suggested that SINV-I was introduced only once to northern Europe from central Africa, in the 1920s. After its first introduction to Sweden, it spread east and southward on two separate occasions in the 1960s and 1970s. Another introduction from central Africa to southern/central Europe seems to have occurred, and where these two introductions meet, one recombination event was detected in central Europe. In addition, another recombinant strain was found in central Africa, where the most divergent SINV-I strains also originated. IMPORTANCE This study shows that only a single introduction of SINV into a new geographical area is required for spread and establishment, provided that the requisite vector(s) and reservoir(s) of epizootological and epidemiological importance are present. Furthermore, we present the first report of recombination between two strains of SINV in nature. Our study increases the knowledge on new introductions and dispersal of arboviruses in general and of SINV in particular.
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Guzmán C, Calderón A, Martinez C, Oviedo M, Mattar S. Eco-epidemiology of the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus in bats of Córdoba and Sucre, Colombia. Acta Trop 2019; 191:178-184. [PMID: 30578748 PMCID: PMC7172953 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Alphavirus infection associated encephalitis is an emerging infectious disease with a high impact on public health in Latin America. OBJECTIVE To study the eco-epidemiology of alphaviruses in bats of departments of Córdoba and Sucre, Colombia. METHODOLOGY A prospective descriptive cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic sampling, in 12 localities of Córdoba and Sucre was carried out. Using mist nets capture of the specimens was carried out. The size of the sample was 286 bats, each specimen captured was taxonomically classified. The bats were immobilized with anesthetic and analgesic treatment according to the ethics committee of the University of Córdoba, morphometric measurements and blood samples were taken, later they were necropsied in the field to obtain a collection of tissues which were preserved in liquid N2 -190 °C. The averages of the climatic conditions of the sampling sites were extracted from the WorldClim database (http://www.worldclim.org/). The open source software QGIS (Quantum GIS Development Team.2015) was used to map and visualize bioclimatic regions of Córdoba. We used descriptive and retrospective information about the equine population and reports of foci of equine encephalitis. RESULTS In Córdoba and Sucre, 286 bats were captured and 23 species were classified, Artibeus and Phyllostomus discolor were the most frequent captured genus. The geographic ranges of the captured species were variable, some had a wide distribution and others were restricted to some areas. Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus RNA was detected in Artibeus planirostris and Sturnira lilium (2/286 = 0.70%) from Cordoba - Colombia. The univariate descriptive analysis showed no significant association for any of the analyzed variables climatic. CONCLUSIONS Frugivorous bats from the Caribbean area of Colombia may be involved in the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus enzootic cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Guzmán
- Universidad de Córdoba, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Montería, Colombia; Doctorado en Medicina Tropical SUE-Caribe, Universidad de Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Alfonso Calderón
- Universidad de Córdoba, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Montería, Colombia; Doctorado en Medicina Tropical SUE-Caribe, Universidad de Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Catty Martinez
- Universidad de Córdoba, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Montería, Colombia
| | - Misael Oviedo
- Universidad de Córdoba, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Montería, Colombia
| | - Salim Mattar
- Universidad de Córdoba, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Montería, Colombia.
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Kenfak A, Eperon G, Schibler M, Lamoth F, Vargas MI, Stahl JP. Diagnostic approach to encephalitis and meningoencephalitis in adult returning travellers. Clin Microbiol Infect 2019; 25:415-421. [PMID: 30708123 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Encephalitis and meningoencephalitis are severe, sometime life-threatening infections of the central nervous system. Travellers may be exposed to a variety of neurotropic pathogens. AIMS We propose to review known infectious causes of encephalitis in adults acquired outside Europe, and how to identify them. SOURCES We used Pubmed and Embase, to search the most relevant publications over the last years. CONTENT Microbiologic tests and radiological tools to best identify the causative pathogen in travellers presenting with encephalitis and ME are presented in this narrative review, as well as a diagnostic approach tailored to the visited area and types of exposures. IMPLICATIONS This review highlights the diagnostic difficulties inherent to exotic causes of central nervous system infections, and attempts to guide clinicians with respect to which microbiological tests to consider, in addition to brain MRI, when approaching a returning traveller presenting with encephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kenfak
- Internal Medicine Service, Jura Bernois Hospital, Moutier, Switzerland
| | - G Eperon
- Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine Division, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - M Schibler
- Infectious Diseases Division and Laboratory of Virology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - F Lamoth
- Infectious Diseases Service and Institute of Microbiology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - M I Vargas
- Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology Division, Geneva University, Switzerland
| | - J P Stahl
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, Grenoble, France
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Bowser NH, Anderson NE. Dogs ( Canis familiaris) as Sentinels for Human Infectious Disease and Application to Canadian Populations: A Systematic Review. Vet Sci 2018; 5:E83. [PMID: 30248931 PMCID: PMC6313866 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci5040083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In a world where climate change, vector expansion, human activity, and pathogen dispersal do not respect boundaries, the human⁻animal⁻pathogen interface has become less defined. Consequently, a One Health approach to disease surveillance and control has generated much interest across several disciplines. This systematic review evaluates current global research on the use of domestic dogs as sentinels for human infectious disease, and critically appraises how this may be applied within Canada. Results highlighted a bias in research from high- and middle-income-economy countries, with 35% of the studies describing data from the Latin America/Caribbean region, 25% from North America, and 11% from the European/Central Asia region. Bacteria were the most studied type of infectious agent, followed by protozoa, viruses, helminths, and fungi. Only six out of 142 studies described disease in Canada: four researched a variety of pathogens within Indigenous communities, one researched Borrelia burgdorferi in British Columbia, and one researched arboviruses in Quebec. Results from this review suggest that dogs could provide excellent sentinels for certain infectious-disease pathogens in Canada, yet are currently overlooked. Further research into the use of dog-sentinel surveillance is specifically recommended for California serogroup viruses, Chikungunya virus, West Nile virus, Lyme borreliosis, Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Dirofilaria immitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha H Bowser
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Roslin EH25 9RG, UK.
| | - Neil E Anderson
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Roslin EH25 9RG, UK.
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