1
|
Karaaslan E, Sorvillo TE, Scholte FEM, O'Neal TJ, Welch SR, Davies KA, Coleman-McCray JD, Harmon JR, Ritter JM, Pegan SD, Montgomery JM, Spengler JR, Spiropoulou CF, Bergeron É. Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus nucleoprotein and GP38 subunit vaccine combination prevents morbidity in mice. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:148. [PMID: 39143104 PMCID: PMC11324950 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00931-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunizing mice with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) nucleoprotein (NP), glycoprotein precursor (GPC), or with the GP38 domain of GPC, can be protective when the proteins are delivered with viral vectors or as a DNA or RNA vaccine. Subunit vaccines are a safe and cost-effective alternative to some vaccine platforms, but Gc and Gn glycoprotein subunit vaccines for CCHFV fail to protect despite eliciting high levels of neutralizing antibodies. Here, we investigated humoral and cellular immune responses and the protective efficacy of recombinant NP, GP38, and GP38 forms (GP85 and GP160) associated with the highly glycosylated mucin-like (MLD) domain, as well as the NP + GP38 combination. Vaccination with GP160, GP85, or GP38 did not confer protection, and vaccination with the MLD-associated GP38 forms blunted the humoral immune responses to GP38, worsened clinical chemistry, and increased viral RNA in the blood compared to the GP38 vaccination. In contrast, NP vaccination conferred 100% protection from lethal outcome and was associated with mild clinical disease, while the NP + GP38 combination conferred even more robust protection by reducing morbidity compared to mice receiving NP alone. Thus, recombinant CCHFV NP alone is a promising vaccine candidate conferring 100% survival against heterologous challenge. Moreover, incorporation of GP38 should be considered as it further enhances subunit vaccine efficacy by reducing morbidity in surviving animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elif Karaaslan
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Teresa E Sorvillo
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Florine E M Scholte
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Troy Justin O'Neal
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stephen R Welch
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Katherine A Davies
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Zoonotic and Emerging Disease Research Unit, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - JoAnn D Coleman-McCray
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jessica R Harmon
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jana M Ritter
- Infectious Disease Pathology Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Scott D Pegan
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Joel M Montgomery
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jessica R Spengler
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christina F Spiropoulou
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Éric Bergeron
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Muzammil K, Rayyani S, Abbas Sahib A, Gholizadeh O, Naji Sameer H, Jwad Kazem T, Badran Mohammed H, Ghafouri Kalajahi H, Zainul R, Yasamineh S. Recent Advances in Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Detection, Treatment, and Vaccination: Overview of Current Status and Challenges. Biol Proced Online 2024; 26:20. [PMID: 38926669 PMCID: PMC11201903 DOI: 10.1186/s12575-024-00244-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne virus, and zoonosis, and affects large regions of Asia, Southwestern and Southeastern Europe, and Africa. CCHFV can produce symptoms, including no specific clinical symptoms, mild to severe clinical symptoms, or deadly infections. Virus isolation attempts, antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) are all possible diagnostic tests for CCHFV. Furthermore, an efficient, quick, and cheap technology, including biosensors, must be designed and developed to detect CCHFV. The goal of this article is to offer an overview of modern laboratory tests available as well as other innovative detection methods such as biosensors for CCHFV, as well as the benefits and limits of the assays. Furthermore, confirmed cases of CCHF are managed with symptomatic assistance and general supportive care. This study examined the various treatment modalities, as well as their respective limitations and developments, including immunotherapy and antivirals. Recent biotechnology advancements and the availability of suitable animal models have accelerated the development of CCHF vaccines by a substantial margin. We examined a range of potential vaccines for CCHF in this research, comprising nucleic acid, viral particles, inactivated, and multi-epitope vaccines, as well as the present obstacles and developments in this field. Thus, the purpose of this review is to present a comprehensive summary of the endeavors dedicated to advancing various diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive strategies for CCHF infection in anticipation of forthcoming hazards.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khursheed Muzammil
- Department of Public Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Khamis Mushait Campus, Abha, 62561, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saba Rayyani
- Medical Faculty, University of Georgi, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | | | | | - Hayder Naji Sameer
- Collage of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, 64001, Iraq
| | - Tareq Jwad Kazem
- Scientific Affairs Department, Al-Mustaqbal University, Hillah, Babylon, 51001, Iraq
| | - Haneen Badran Mohammed
- Optics techniques department, health and medical techniques college, Al-Noor University, Mosul, Iraq
| | | | - Rahadian Zainul
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Padang, Padang, Indonesia.
| | - Saman Yasamineh
- Center for Advanced Material Processing, Artificial Intelligence, and Biophysics Informatics (CAMPBIOTICS), Universitas Negeri Padang, Padang, Indonesia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zarate-Sanchez E, George SC, Moya ML, Robertson C. Vascular dysfunction in hemorrhagic viral fevers: opportunities for organotypic modeling. Biofabrication 2024; 16:032008. [PMID: 38749416 PMCID: PMC11151171 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad4c0b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
The hemorrhagic fever viruses (HFVs) cause severe or fatal infections in humans. Named after their common symptom hemorrhage, these viruses induce significant vascular dysfunction by affecting endothelial cells, altering immunity, and disrupting the clotting system. Despite advances in treatments, such as cytokine blocking therapies, disease modifying treatment for this class of pathogen remains elusive. Improved understanding of the pathogenesis of these infections could provide new avenues to treatment. While animal models and traditional 2D cell cultures have contributed insight into the mechanisms by which these pathogens affect the vasculature, these models fall short in replicatingin vivohuman vascular dynamics. The emergence of microphysiological systems (MPSs) offers promising avenues for modeling these complex interactions. These MPS or 'organ-on-chip' models present opportunities to better mimic human vascular responses and thus aid in treatment development. In this review, we explore the impact of HFV on the vasculature by causing endothelial dysfunction, blood clotting irregularities, and immune dysregulation. We highlight how existing MPS have elucidated features of HFV pathogenesis as well as discuss existing knowledge gaps and the challenges in modeling these interactions using MPS. Understanding the intricate mechanisms of vascular dysfunction caused by HFV is crucial in developing therapies not only for these infections, but also for other vasculotropic conditions like sepsis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Zarate-Sanchez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Steven C George
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Monica L Moya
- Materials Engineering Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States of America
| | - Claire Robertson
- Materials Engineering Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States of America
- UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Davis, CA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hawman DW, Leventhal SS, Meade-White K, Khandhar A, Murray J, Lovaglio J, Shaia C, Saturday G, Hinkley T, Erasmus J, Feldmann H. A replicating RNA vaccine confers protection in a rhesus macaque model of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:86. [PMID: 38769294 PMCID: PMC11106275 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00887-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne febrile illness with a wide geographic distribution. In recent years the geographic range of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) and its tick vector have increased, placing an increasing number of people at risk of CCHFV infection. Currently, there are no widely available vaccines, and although the World Health Organization recommends ribavirin for treatment, its efficacy is unclear. Here we evaluate a promising replicating RNA vaccine in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) model of CCHF. This model provides an alternative to the established cynomolgus macaque model and recapitulates mild-to-moderate human disease. Rhesus macaques infected with CCHFV consistently exhibit viremia, detectable viral RNA in a multitude of tissues, and moderate pathology in the liver and spleen. We used this model to evaluate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a replicating RNA vaccine. Rhesus macaques vaccinated with RNAs expressing the CCHFV nucleoprotein and glycoprotein precursor developed robust non-neutralizing humoral immunity against the CCHFV nucleoprotein and had significant protection against the CCHFV challenge. Together, our data report a model of CCHF using rhesus macaques and demonstrate that our replicating RNA vaccine is immunogenic and protective in non-human primates after a prime-boost immunization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David W Hawman
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA.
| | - Shanna S Leventhal
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Kimberly Meade-White
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | | | - Justin Murray
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Jamie Lovaglio
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Carl Shaia
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Greg Saturday
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | | | | | - Heinz Feldmann
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Frank MG, Weaver G, Raabe V. Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus for Clinicians-Virology, Pathogenesis, and Pathology. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:847-853. [PMID: 38666566 PMCID: PMC11060449 DOI: 10.3201/eid3005.231646] [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] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), caused by CCHF virus, is a tickborne disease that can cause a range of illness outcomes, from asymptomatic infection to fatal viral hemorrhagic fever; the disease has been described in >30 countries. We conducted a literature review to provide an overview of the virology, pathogenesis, and pathology of CCHF for clinicians. The virus life cycle and molecular interactions are complex and not fully described. Although pathogenesis and immunobiology are not yet fully understood, it is clear that multiple processes contribute to viral entry, replication, and pathological damage. Limited autopsy reports describe multiorgan involvement with extravasation and hemorrhages. Advanced understanding of CCHF virus pathogenesis and immunology will improve patient care and accelerate the development of medical countermeasures for CCHF.
Collapse
|
6
|
Alatrash R, Herrera BB. The Adaptive Immune Response against Bunyavirales. Viruses 2024; 16:483. [PMID: 38543848 PMCID: PMC10974645 DOI: 10.3390/v16030483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The Bunyavirales order includes at least fourteen families with diverse but related viruses, which are transmitted to vertebrate hosts by arthropod or rodent vectors. These viruses are responsible for an increasing number of outbreaks worldwide and represent a threat to public health. Infection in humans can be asymptomatic, or it may present with a range of conditions from a mild, febrile illness to severe hemorrhagic syndromes and/or neurological complications. There is a need to develop safe and effective vaccines, a process requiring better understanding of the adaptive immune responses involved during infection. This review highlights the most recent findings regarding T cell and antibody responses to the five Bunyavirales families with known human pathogens (Peribunyaviridae, Phenuiviridae, Hantaviridae, Nairoviridae, and Arenaviridae). Future studies that define and characterize mechanistic correlates of protection against Bunyavirales infections or disease will help inform the development of effective vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reem Alatrash
- Rutgers Global Health Institute, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases and Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Bobby Brooke Herrera
- Rutgers Global Health Institute, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases and Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen T, Ding Z, Li X, Li Y, Lan J, Wong G. A mRNA Vaccine for Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Expressing Non-Fusion GnGc Using NSm Linker Elicits Unexpected Immune Responses in Mice. Viruses 2024; 16:378. [PMID: 38543744 PMCID: PMC10975845 DOI: 10.3390/v16030378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), caused by Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic virus (CCHFV), is listed in the World Health Organization's list of priority diseases. The high fatality rate in humans, the widespread distribution of CCHFV, and the lack of approved specific vaccines are the primary concerns regarding this disease. We used microfluidic technology to optimize the mRNA vaccine delivery system and demonstrated that vaccination with nucleoside-modified CCHFV mRNA vaccines encoding GnNSmGc (vLMs), Gn (vLMn), or Gc (vLMc) induced different immune responses. We found that both T-cell and B-cell immune responses induced by vLMc were better than those induced by vLMn. Interestingly, immune responses were found to be lower for vLMs, which employed NSm to link Gn and Gc for non-fusion expression, compared to those for vLMc. In conclusion, our results indicated that NSm could be a factor that leads to decreased specific immune responses in the host and should be avoided in the development of CCHFV vaccine antigens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tong Chen
- Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Research Unit, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection (Formerly Institut Pasteur of Shanghai), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China (X.L.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhe Ding
- Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Research Unit, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection (Formerly Institut Pasteur of Shanghai), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China (X.L.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xuejie Li
- Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Research Unit, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection (Formerly Institut Pasteur of Shanghai), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China (X.L.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yingwen Li
- Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Research Unit, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection (Formerly Institut Pasteur of Shanghai), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China (X.L.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jiaming Lan
- Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Research Unit, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection (Formerly Institut Pasteur of Shanghai), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China (X.L.)
| | - Gary Wong
- Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Research Unit, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection (Formerly Institut Pasteur of Shanghai), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China (X.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rao D, Meade-White K, Leventhal S, Mihalakakos E, Carmody A, Feldmann H, Hawman DW. CD8 + T-cells target the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus Gc protein to control the infection in wild-type mice. EBioMedicine 2023; 97:104839. [PMID: 37866114 PMCID: PMC10623175 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104839] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a serious viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the CCHF virus (CCHFV). Spread by the bites of infected ticks or handling of viremic livestock, human disease is characterized by a non-specific febrile illness that can rapidly progress to fatal hemorrhagic disease. No vaccines or antivirals are available. Case fatality rates can vary but can be higher than 30%, although sub-clinical infections are often unrecognized and unreported. Yet, while most humans infected with CCHFV will survive the infection, often with little-to-no symptoms, the host responses that control the infection are unknown. METHODS Here we investigated the role of cellular immunity in control of CCHFV infection in an immunocompetent mouse model. FINDINGS We found that CD8+ T-cells are crucial for efficient control of the acute infection and rapidly acquired CCHFV-specific antiviral effector functions such as production of antiviral cytokines and degranulating in response to CCHFV peptides. We further identified the minimal CD8+ T-cell epitopes in the viral Gc proteins and that infection of mice lacking IFNγ resulted in worsened disease and higher viral loads. INTERPRETATION Together our data suggest that CD8+ T-cells are important for control of acute CCHFV infection likely through production of antiviral cytokines. FUNDING This work was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the NIH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepashri Rao
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Kimberly Meade-White
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Shanna Leventhal
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Evan Mihalakakos
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Aaron Carmody
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Heinz Feldmann
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - David W Hawman
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Maotoana MG, Burt FJ, Goedhals D. Identification of T cell responses to the nonstructural glycoproteins in survivors of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in South Africa. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29154. [PMID: 37812041 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29154] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever orthonairovirus (CCHFV) is listed as a priority pathogen by the World Health Organization due to the severity of disease, propensity for spread to nonendemic regions, and absence of a vaccine or specific treatment. The immune correlates of protection are not clearly defined and hence the importance of investigating host immune responses in survivors. We have previously shown that survivors generate memory T cell responses that are long-lived and this study aimed to further define specific viral proteins targeted by the T cell response. The NSM , GP38, highly variable mucin-like domain, and N-terminus of GC regions in CCHFV are considered immunogenic regions and were investigated using peptide libraries representing regions of interest. An interferon gamma ELISpot assay was used to identify responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from 12 survivors of laboratory confirmed CCHFV infections. IFN-γ responses were detected from eight survivors, against nine peptides, including four peptides located in the NSM region and five peptides located in the GP38 protein. No response was detected against peptides representing the mucin-like domain. In conclusion, the results suggest the presence of a long-lasting T cell memory response upon stimulation with viral epitopes in survivors of infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Felicity Jane Burt
- Division of Virology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
- Division of Virology, National Health Laboratory Service, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Dominique Goedhals
- Division of Virology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
- Division of Virology, National Health Laboratory Service, Bloemfontein, South Africa
- PathCare, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Scholte FEM, Karaaslan E, O’Neal TJ, Sorvillo TE, Genzer SC, Welch SR, Coleman-McCray JD, Spengler JR, Kainulainen MH, Montgomery JM, Pegan SD, Bergeron E, Spiropoulou CF. Vaccination with the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus viral replicon vaccine induces NP-based T-cell activation and antibodies possessing Fc-mediated effector functions. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1233148. [PMID: 37671145 PMCID: PMC10475602 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1233148] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV; family Nairoviridae) is a tick-borne pathogen that frequently causes lethal disease in humans. CCHFV has a wide geographic distribution, and cases have been reported in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Availability of a safe and efficacious vaccine is critical for restricting outbreaks and preventing disease in endemic countries. We previously developed a virus-like replicon particle (VRP) vaccine that provides complete protection against homologous and heterologous lethal CCHFV challenge in mice after a single dose. However, the immune responses induced by this vaccine are not well characterized, and correlates of protection remain unknown. Here we comprehensively characterized the kinetics of cell-mediated and humoral immune responses in VRP-vaccinated mice, and demonstrate that they predominantly target the nucleoprotein (NP). NP antibodies are not associated with protection through neutralizing activity, but VRP vaccination results in NP antibodies possessing Fc-mediated antibody effector functions, such as complement activation (ADCD) and antibody-mediated cellular phagocytosis (ADCP). This suggests that Fc-mediated effector functions may contribute to this vaccine's efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F. E. M. Scholte
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens & Pathology, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - E. Karaaslan
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens & Pathology, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - T. J. O’Neal
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens & Pathology, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - T. E. Sorvillo
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens & Pathology, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - S. C. Genzer
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens & Pathology, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - S. R. Welch
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens & Pathology, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - J. D. Coleman-McCray
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens & Pathology, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - J. R. Spengler
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens & Pathology, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - M. H. Kainulainen
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens & Pathology, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - J. M. Montgomery
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens & Pathology, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - S. D. Pegan
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - E. Bergeron
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens & Pathology, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - C. F. Spiropoulou
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens & Pathology, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ozdarendeli A. Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus: Progress in Vaccine Development. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2708. [PMID: 37627967 PMCID: PMC10453274 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13162708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), a member of the Nairoviridae family and Bunyavirales order, is transmitted to humans via tick bites or contact with the blood of infected animals. It can cause severe symptoms, including hemorrhagic fever, with a mortality rate between 5 to 30%. CCHFV is classified as a high-priority pathogen by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to its high fatality rate and the absence of effective medical countermeasures. CCHFV is endemic in several regions across the world, including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, and has the potential for global spread. The emergence of the disease in new areas, as well as the presence of the tick vector in countries without reported cases, emphasizes the need for preventive measures to be taken. In the past, the lack of a suitable animal model susceptible to CCHFV infection has been a major obstacle in the development of vaccines and treatments. However, recent advances in biotechnology and the availability of suitable animal models have significantly expedited the development of vaccines against CCHF. These advancements have not only contributed to an enhanced understanding of the pathogenesis of CCHF but have also facilitated the evaluation of potential vaccine candidates. This review outlines the immune response to CCHFV and animal models utilized for the study of CCHFV and highlights the progress made in CCHFV vaccine studies. Despite remarkable advancements in vaccine development for CCHFV, it remains crucial to prioritize continued research, collaboration, and investment in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aykut Ozdarendeli
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, 38039 Kayseri, Türkiye;
- Vaccine Research, Development and Application Centre (ERAGEM), Erciyes University, 38039 Kayseri, Türkiye
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Guerra GS, Barriales D, Lorenzo G, Moreno S, Anguita J, Brun A, Abrescia NGA. Immunization with a small fragment of the Schmallenberg virus nucleoprotein highly conserved across the Orthobunyaviruses of the Simbu serogroup reduces viremia in SBV challenged IFNAR -/- mice. Vaccine 2023; 41:3275-3284. [PMID: 37085455 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Schmallenberg Virus (SBV), an arbovirus from the Peribunyaviridae family and Orthobunyavirus genus, was discovered in late 2011 in Germany and has been circulating in Europe, Asia and Africa ever since. The virus causes a disease associated with ruminants that includes fever, fetal malformation, drop in milk production, diarrhoea and stillbirths, becoming a burden for small and large farms. Building on previous studies on SBV nucleoprotein (SBV-N) as a promising vaccine candidate, we have investigated the possible protein regions responsible for protection. Based on selective truncation of domains designed from the available crystal structure of the SBV-N, we identified both the N-terminal domain (N-term; Met1 - Thr133) and a smaller fragment within (C4; Met1 - Ala58) as vaccine prototypes. Two injections of the N-term and C4 polypeptides protected mice knockout for type I interferon (IFN) receptors (IFNAR-/-) challenged with virulent SBV, opposite to control groups that presented severe signs of morbidity and weight loss. Viremia analyses along with the presence of IFN-γ secreted from splenocytes re-stimulated with the N-terminal region of the protein corroborate that these two portions of SBV-N can be employed as subunit vaccines. Apart from both proteinaceous fragments being easily produced in bacterial cells, the C4 polypeptide shares a high sequence homology (∼87.1 %) with the corresponding region of nucleoproteins of several viruses of the Simbu serogroup, a group of Orthobunyaviruses that comprises SBV and veterinary pathogens like Akabane virus and human infecting viruses like Oropouche. Thus, we propose that this smaller fragment is better suited for vaccine nanoparticle formulation, and it paves the way to further research with other related Orthobunyaviruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Soares Guerra
- Structure and Cell Biology of Viruses Lab, CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia 48160, Spain
| | - Diego Barriales
- Inflammation and Macrophage Plasticity Laboratory, CIC bioGUNE-BRTA, Derio, Spain
| | - Gema Lorenzo
- Animal Health Research Center (INIA-CISA/CSIC), 28130 Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Moreno
- Animal Health Research Center (INIA-CISA/CSIC), 28130 Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Anguita
- Inflammation and Macrophage Plasticity Laboratory, CIC bioGUNE-BRTA, Derio, Spain; Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Bizkaia 48015, Spain
| | - Alejandro Brun
- Animal Health Research Center (INIA-CISA/CSIC), 28130 Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nicola G A Abrescia
- Structure and Cell Biology of Viruses Lab, CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia 48160, Spain; Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Bizkaia 48015, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Simo Tchetgna H, Yousseu FS, Cosset FL, de Freitas NB, Kamgang B, McCall PJ, Ndip RN, Legros V, Wondji CS. Molecular and serological evidence of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever orthonairovirus prevalence in livestock and ticks in Cameroon. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1132495. [PMID: 37056704 PMCID: PMC10086150 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1132495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite a high fatality rate in humans, little is known about the occurrence of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) in Cameroon. Hence, this pioneer study was started with the aim of determining the prevalence of CCHFV in domestic ruminants and its potential vector ticks in Cameroon. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out in two livestock markets of Yaoundé to collect blood and ticks from cattle, sheep, and goats. CCHFV-specific antibodies were detected in the plasma using a commercial ELISA assay and confirmed using a modified seroneutralization test. Ticks were screened for the presence of orthonairoviruses by amplification of a fragment of the L segment using RT-PCR. Phylogeny was used to infer the genetic evolution of the virus. Results Overall, 756 plasma samples were collected from 441 cattle, 168 goats, and 147 sheep. The seroprevalence of CCHFV was 61.77% for all animals, with the highest rate found in cattle (433/441, 98.18%) followed by sheep (23/147, 15.65%), and goats (11/168, 6.55%), (p-value < 0.0001). The highest seroprevalence rate was found in cattle from the Far North region (100%). Overall, 1500 ticks of the Rhipicephalus (773/1500, 51.53%), Amblyomma (341/1500, 22.73%), and Hyalomma (386/1500, 25.73%) genera were screened. CCHFV was identified in one Hyalomma truncatum pool collected from cattle. Phylogenetic analysis of the L segment classified this CCHFV strain within the African genotype III. Conclusion These seroprevalence results call for additional epidemiological studies on CCHFV, especially among at-risk human and animal populations in high-risk areas of the country.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huguette Simo Tchetgna
- Microbiology and Parasitology Department, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Francine S. Yousseu
- Microbiology and Parasitology Department, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - François-Loïc Cosset
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Team Enveloped Viruses, Vectors and Immunotherapy (EVIR), Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR5308, Ecole Normal Superieur (ENS) Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Natalia Bezerra de Freitas
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Team Enveloped Viruses, Vectors and Immunotherapy (EVIR), Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR5308, Ecole Normal Superieur (ENS) Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Basile Kamgang
- Microbiology and Parasitology Department, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Philip J. McCall
- Vector Biology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Roland Ndip Ndip
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Vincent Legros
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Team Enveloped Viruses, Vectors and Immunotherapy (EVIR), Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR5308, Ecole Normal Superieur (ENS) Lyon, Lyon, France
- Campus vétérinaire de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Charles S. Wondji
- Microbiology and Parasitology Department, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Vector Biology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Saunders JE, Gilbride C, Dowall S, Morris S, Ulaszewska M, Spencer AJ, Rayner E, Graham VA, Kennedy E, Thomas K, Hewson R, Gilbert SC, Belij-Rammerstorfer S, Lambe T. Adenoviral vectored vaccination protects against Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever disease in a lethal challenge model. EBioMedicine 2023; 90:104523. [PMID: 36933409 PMCID: PMC10025009 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tick-borne bunyavirus, Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever virus (CCHFV), can cause severe febrile illness in humans and has a wide geographic range that continues to expand due to tick migration. Currently, there are no licensed vaccines against CCHFV for widespread usage. METHODS In this study, we describe the preclinical assessment of a chimpanzee adenoviral vectored vaccine (ChAdOx2 CCHF) which encodes the glycoprotein precursor (GPC) from CCHFV. FINDINGS We demonstrate here that vaccination with ChAdOx2 CCHF induces both a humoral and cellular immune response in mice and 100% protection in a lethal CCHF challenge model. Delivery of the adenoviral vaccine in a heterologous vaccine regimen with a Modified Vaccinia Ankara vaccine (MVA CCHF) induces the highest levels of CCHFV-specific cell-mediated and antibody responses in mice. Histopathological examination and viral load analysis of the tissues of ChAdOx2 CCHF immunised mice reveals an absence of both microscopic changes and viral antigen associated with CCHF infection, further demonstrating protection against disease. INTERPRETATION There is the continued need for an effective vaccine against CCHFV to protect humans from lethal haemorrhagic disease. Our findings support further development of the ChAd platform expressing the CCHFV GPC to seek an effective vaccine against CCHFV. FUNDING This research was supported by funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (UKRI-BBSRC) [BB/R019991/1 and BB/T008784/1].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack E Saunders
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Ciaran Gilbride
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Stuart Dowall
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK
| | - Susan Morris
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Marta Ulaszewska
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alexandra J Spencer
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Emma Rayner
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK
| | - Victoria A Graham
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK
| | - Emma Kennedy
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK
| | - Kelly Thomas
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK
| | - Roger Hewson
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK
| | - Sarah C Gilbert
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sandra Belij-Rammerstorfer
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Teresa Lambe
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Chinese Academy of Medical Science (CAMS) Oxford Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhang G, Wang P, Jiang L, Wang S, Zhang S, Li Y. Evaluation of the immunogenicity of vaccine candidates developed using a baculovirus surface display system for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in mice. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1107874. [PMID: 37007525 PMCID: PMC10061074 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1107874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), which has a fatality rate of 20–30%, is widely prevalent in several regions in Asia, Europe, and Africa and has spread to a wider range of areas in recent years. At present, there is a lack of safe and effective vaccines for the prevention of CCHF. In this study, we prepared three vaccine candidates, rvAc-Gn, rvAc-Np, and rvAc-Gn-Np, that encoded the CCHF virus (CCHFV) glycoprotein Gn and the nucleocapsid protein (Np) on the surface of baculovirus using an insect baculovirus vector expression system (BVES) and evaluated their immunogenicity in BALB/c mice. The experimental results showed that both CCHFV Gn and Np were expressed by the respective recombinant baculoviruses and anchored to the viral envelope. BALB/c mice were immunized, and all three recombinant baculoviruses showed significant humoral immunity. At the cellular level, the level of immunity in the rvAc-Gn group was significantly higher than that in the rvAc-Np and rvAc-Gn-Np groups, and the rvAc-Gn-Np coexpression group exhibited the lowest level of cellular immunity. In conclusion, the strategy of coexpressing Gn and Np in the baculovirus surface display system did not result in improvements in immunogenicity, whereas the recombinant baculovirus displaying Gn alone could induce significant humoral and cellular immunity in mice, indicating that rvAc-Gn has potential as a CCHF vaccine candidate. This study thus provides new ideas for the development of a CCHF baculovirus vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in Western China, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
- School of Life Sciences, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Pu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in Western China, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
- School of Life Sciences, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Lingling Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in Western China, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
- School of Life Sciences, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in Western China, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
- School of Life Sciences, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Sinong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in Western China, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
- School of Life Sciences, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
- Sinong Zhang,
| | - Yong Li
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in Western China, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
- School of Life Sciences, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
- *Correspondence: Yong Li,
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe tick-borne illness with a wide geographical distribution and case fatality rates of 30% or higher. Caused by infection with the CCHF virus (CCHFV), cases are reported throughout Africa, the Middle East, Asia and southern and eastern Europe. The expanding range of the Hyalomma tick vector is placing new populations at risk for CCHF, and no licensed vaccines or specific antivirals exist to treat CCHF. Furthermore, despite cases of CCHF being reported annually, the host and viral determinants of CCHFV pathogenesis are poorly understood. CCHFV can productively infect a multitude of animal species, yet only humans develop a severe illness. Within human populations, subclinical infections are underappreciated and may represent a substantial proportion of clinical outcomes. Compared with other members of the Bunyavirales order, CCHFV has a more complex genomic organization, with many viral proteins having unclear functions in viral pathogenesis. In recent years, improved animal models have led to increased insights into CCHFV pathogenesis, and several antivirals and vaccines for CCHFV have shown robust efficacy in preclinical models. Translation of these insights and candidate therapeutics to the clinic will hopefully reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by CCHFV.
Collapse
|
17
|
Alam R, Samad A, Ahammad F, Nur SM, Alsaiari AA, Imon RR, Talukder MEK, Nain Z, Rahman MM, Mohammad F, Karpiński TM. In silico formulation of a next-generation multiepitope vaccine for use as a prophylactic candidate against Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. BMC Med 2023; 21:36. [PMID: 36726141 PMCID: PMC9891764 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-02750-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a widespread disease transmitted to humans and livestock animals through the bite of infected ticks or close contact with infected persons' blood, organs, or other bodily fluids. The virus is responsible for severe viral hemorrhagic fever outbreaks, with a case fatality rate of up to 40%. Despite having the highest fatality rate of the virus, a suitable treatment option or vaccination has not been developed yet. Therefore, this study aimed to formulate a multiepitope vaccine against CCHF through computational vaccine design approaches. METHODS The glycoprotein, nucleoprotein, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of CCHF were utilized to determine immunodominant T- and B-cell epitopes. Subsequently, an integrative computational vaccinology approach was used to formulate a multi-epitopes vaccine candidate against the virus. RESULTS After rigorous assessment, a multiepitope vaccine was constructed, which was antigenic, immunogenic, and non-allergenic with desired physicochemical properties. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the vaccine-receptor complex show strong stability of the vaccine candidates to the targeted immune receptor. Additionally, the immune simulation of the vaccine candidates found that the vaccine could trigger real-life-like immune responses upon administration to humans. CONCLUSIONS Finally, we concluded that the formulated multiepitope vaccine candidates would provide excellent prophylactic properties against CCHF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahat Alam
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh.,Laboratory of Computational Biology, Biological Solution Centre (BioSol Centre), Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Abdus Samad
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh.,Laboratory of Computational Biology, Biological Solution Centre (BioSol Centre), Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Foysal Ahammad
- Laboratory of Computational Biology, Biological Solution Centre (BioSol Centre), Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh.,Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS), College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), 34110, Doha, Qatar
| | - Suza Mohammad Nur
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine Case, Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Ahad Amer Alsaiari
- College of Applied Medical Science, Clinical Laboratories Science Department, Taif University, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raihan Rahman Imon
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh.,Laboratory of Computational Biology, Biological Solution Centre (BioSol Centre), Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Md Enamul Kabir Talukder
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh.,Laboratory of Computational Biology, Biological Solution Centre (BioSol Centre), Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Zulkar Nain
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Md Mashiar Rahman
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Farhan Mohammad
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS), College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), 34110, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Tomasz M Karpiński
- Chair and Department of Medical Microbiology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 10, 60-806, Poznań, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Hu YL, Zhang LQ, Liu XQ, Ye W, Zhao YX, Zhang L, Qiang ZX, Zhang LX, Lei YF, Jiang DB, Cheng LF, Zhang FL. Construction and evaluation of DNA vaccine encoding Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus nucleocapsid protein, glycoprotein N-terminal and C-terminal fused with LAMP1. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1121163. [PMID: 37026060 PMCID: PMC10072157 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1121163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) can cause severe hemorrhagic fever in humans and is mainly transmitted by ticks. There is no effective vaccine for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) at present. We developed three DNA vaccines encoding CCHFV nucleocapsid protein (NP), glycoprotein N-terminal (Gn) and C-terminal (Gc) fused with lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1) and assessed their immunogenicity and protective efficacy in a human MHC (HLA-A11/DR1) transgenic mouse model. The mice that were vaccinated three times with pVAX-LAMP1-CCHFV-NP induced balanced Th1 and Th2 responses and could most effectively protect mice from CCHFV transcription and entry-competent virus-like particles (tecVLPs) infection. The mice vaccinated with pVAX-LAMP1-CCHFV-Gc mainly elicited specific anti-Gc and neutralizing antibodies and provided a certain protection from CCHFV tecVLPs infection, but the protective efficacy was less than that of pVAX-LAMP1-CCHFV-NP. The mice vaccinated with pVAX-LAMP1-CCHFV-Gn only elicited specific anti-Gn antibodies and could not provide sufficient protection from CCHFV tecVLPs infection. These results suggest that pVAX-LAMP1-CCHFV-NP would be a potential and powerful candidate vaccine for CCHFV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Liang Hu
- Department of Microbiology, Air Force Medical University (The Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, China
- Department of Dermatology, The Eighth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lian-Qing Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Air Force Medical University (The Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, China
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiao-Qian Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Air Force Medical University (The Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, China
- School of Medical Technology, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Wei Ye
- Department of Microbiology, Air Force Medical University (The Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, China
| | - Yue-Xi Zhao
- Department of Microbiology, Air Force Medical University (The Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, China
- School of Medical Technology, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Air Force Medical University (The Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, China
| | - Zun-Xian Qiang
- Department of Microbiology, Air Force Medical University (The Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, China
| | - Lin-Xuan Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Air Force Medical University (The Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, China
| | - Ying-Feng Lei
- Department of Microbiology, Air Force Medical University (The Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, China
| | - Dong-Bo Jiang
- Department of Immunology, Air Force Medical University (The Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Dong-Bo Jiang, ; Lin-Feng Cheng, ; Fang-Lin Zhang,
| | - Lin-Feng Cheng
- Department of Microbiology, Air Force Medical University (The Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Dong-Bo Jiang, ; Lin-Feng Cheng, ; Fang-Lin Zhang,
| | - Fang-Lin Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Air Force Medical University (The Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Dong-Bo Jiang, ; Lin-Feng Cheng, ; Fang-Lin Zhang,
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rodriguez SE, Hawman DW, Sorvillo TE, O'Neal TJ, Bird BH, Rodriguez LL, Bergeron É, Nichol ST, Montgomery JM, Spiropoulou CF, Spengler JR. Immunobiology of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. Antiviral Res 2022; 199:105244. [PMID: 35026307 PMCID: PMC9245446 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Human infection with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), a tick-borne pathogen in the family Nairoviridae, can result in a spectrum of outcomes, ranging from asymptomatic infection through mild clinical signs to severe or fatal disease. Studies of CCHFV immunobiology have investigated the relationship between innate and adaptive immune responses with disease severity, attempting to elucidate factors associated with differential outcomes. In this article, we begin by highlighting unanswered questions, then review current efforts to answer them. We discuss in detail current clinical studies and research in laboratory animals on CCHF, including immune targets of infection and adaptive and innate immune responses. We summarize data about the role of the immune response in natural infections of animals and humans and experimental studies in vitro and in vivo and from evaluating immune-based therapies and vaccines, and present recommendations for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio E Rodriguez
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - David W Hawman
- Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Teresa E Sorvillo
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - T Justin O'Neal
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Brian H Bird
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Luis L Rodriguez
- Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit, Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Orient Point, New York, USA
| | - Éric Bergeron
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Stuart T Nichol
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Joel M Montgomery
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Christina F Spiropoulou
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jessica R Spengler
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Enhanced Seroconversion to West Nile Virus Proteins in Mice by West Nile Kunjin Replicon Virus-like Particles Expressing Glycoproteins from Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020233. [PMID: 35215177 PMCID: PMC8874638 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Removal of genes coding for major parts of capsid (C), premembrane (prM), and envelope (E) proteins on the flavivirus genome aborts the production of infectious virus particles where the remaining genome forms a replicon that retains replicability in host cells. The C-prM-E proteins can also be expressed in trans with the flavivirus replicons to generate single-round infectious replicon virus-like particles (RVPs). In this study, we characterized the use of RVPs based on the Kunjin strain of WNV (WNVKUN) as a putative WNV vaccine candidate. In addition, the WNVKUN C-prM-E genes were substituted with the Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) genes encoding the glycoproteins Gn and Gc to generate a WNVKUN replicon expressing the CCHFV proteins. To generate RVPs, the WNVKUN replicon was transfected into a cell line expressing the WNVKUN C-prM-E. Using immunoblotting and immunofluorescence assays, we showed that the replicon can express the CCHFV Gn and Gc proteins and the RVPs can transduce cells to express WNVKUN proteins and the CCHFV Gn and Gc proteins. Our study also revealed that these RVPs have potential as a vaccine platform with low risk of recombination as it infects cells only in one cycle. The immunization of mice with the RVPs resulted in high seroconversion to both WNV E and NS1 but limited seroconversion to CCHFV Gn and Gc proteins. Interestingly, we found that there was enhanced production of WNV E, NS1 antibodies, and neutralizing antibodies by the inclusion of CCHFV Gc and Gn into WNVKUN RVPs. Thus, this study indicates a complementary effect of the CCHFV Gn and Gc proteins on the immunogenicity by WNVKUN RVPs, which may be applied to develop a future vaccine against the WNV.
Collapse
|
21
|
Appelberg S, John L, Pardi N, Végvári Á, Bereczky S, Ahlén G, Monteil V, Abdurahman S, Mikaeloff F, Beattie M, Tam Y, Sällberg M, Neogi U, Weissman D, Mirazimi A. Nucleoside-Modified mRNA Vaccines Protect IFNAR -/- Mice against Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Infection. J Virol 2022; 96:e0156821. [PMID: 34817199 PMCID: PMC8826901 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01568-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), caused by Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), is on the World Health Organizations' list of prioritized diseases and pathogens. With global distribution, high fatality rate, and no approved vaccine or effective treatment, CCHF constitutes a threat against global health. In the current study, we demonstrate that vaccination with nucleoside-modified mRNA-lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNP), encoding for the CCHFV nucleoprotein (N) or glycoproteins (GcGn) protect IFNAR-/- mice against lethal CCHFV infection. In addition, we found that both mRNA-LNP induced strong humoral and cellular immune responses in IFNAR-/- and immunocompetent mice and that neutralizing antibodies are not necessary for protection. When evaluating immune responses induced by immunization including CCHFV Gc and Gn antigens, we found the Gc protein to be more immunogenic compared with the Gn protein. Hepatic injury is prevalent in CCHF and contributes to the severity and mortality of the disease in humans. Thus, to understand the immune response in the liver after infection and the potential effect of the vaccine, we performed a proteomic analysis on liver samples from vaccinated and control mice after CCHFV infection. Similar to observations in humans, vaccination affected the metabolic pathways. In conclusion, this study shows that a CCHFV mRNA-LNP vaccine, based on viral nucleo- or glycoproteins, mediate protection against CCHFV induced disease. Consequently, genetic immunization is an attractive approach to prevent disease caused by CCHFV and we believe we have necessary evidence to bring this vaccine platform to the next step in the development of a vaccine against CCHFV infection. IMPORTANCE Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a zoonotic pathogen causing Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), a severe fever disease. CCHFV has a wide distribution and is endemic in several areas around the world. Cases of CCHF are also being reported in new areas, indicating an expansion of the disease, which is of high concern. Dispersion of the disease, high fatality rate, and no approved vaccine makes CCHF a threat to global health. The development of a vaccine is thus of great importance. Here we show 100% protection against lethal CCHFV infection in mice immunized with mRNA-LNP encoding for different CCHFV proteins. The vaccination showed both robust humoral and cellular immunity. mRNA-LNP vaccines combine the ability to induce an effective immune response, the safety of a transient carrier, and the flexibility of genetic vaccines. This and our results from the current study support the development of a mRNA-LNP based vaccine against CCHFV.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Computational Biology/methods
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic
- Female
- Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, Crimean-Congo/immunology
- Hemorrhagic Fever, Crimean/prevention & control
- High-Throughput Screening Assays
- Immunization
- Immunogenicity, Vaccine
- Liposomes
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Nanoparticles
- Proteomics/methods
- Receptor, Interferon alpha-beta/deficiency
- Vaccination
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
- mRNA Vaccines/immunology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lijo John
- National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ákos Végvári
- Division of Chemistry I, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Gustaf Ahlén
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vanessa Monteil
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Flora Mikaeloff
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Ying Tam
- Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Matti Sällberg
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ujjwal Neogi
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ali Mirazimi
- Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
- National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Mears MC, Bente DA. In silico Design of a Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Glycoprotein Multi-Epitope Antigen for Vaccine Development. ZOONOSES (BURLINGTON, MASS.) 2022; 2:34. [PMID: 37206318 PMCID: PMC10195060 DOI: 10.15212/zoonoses-2022-0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Objective There is no licensed vaccine available to prevent the severe tick-borne disease Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), caused by the CCHF virus (CCHFV). This study sought to show that a combination of computational methods and data from published literature can inform the design of a multi-epitope antigen for CCHFV that has the potential to be immunogenic. Methods Cytotoxic and helper T-cell epitopes were evaluated on the CCHFV GPC using bioinformatic servers, and this data was combined with work from previous studies to identify potentially immunodominant regions of the GPC. Regions of the GPC were selected for generation of a model multi-epitope antigen in silico, and the percent residue identity and similarity of each region was compared across sequences representing the widespread geographical and ecological distribution of CCHFV. Results Eleven multi-epitope regions were joined together with flexible linkers in silico to generate a model multi-epitope antigen, termed EPIC, which included 812 (75.7%) of all predicted epitopes. EPIC was predicted to be antigenic by two independent bioinformatic servers, suggesting that multi-epitope antigens should be explored further for CCHFV vaccine development. Conclusion The results presented within this manuscript provide information for potential targets within the CCHFV GPC for guiding future vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan C. Mears
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Correspondent: , 301 University Blvd., Route 0610, Galveston, Texas 77550
| | - Dennis A. Bente
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Immunogenicity of a DNA-Based Sindbis Replicon Expressing Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Nucleoprotein. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9121491. [PMID: 34960237 PMCID: PMC8703447 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9121491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) infrequently causes hemorrhagic fever in humans with a case fatality rate of 30%. Currently, there is neither an internationally approved antiviral drug nor a vaccine against the virus. A replicon based on the Sindbis virus vector encoding the complete open reading frame of a CCHFV nucleoprotein from a South African isolate was prepared and investigated as a possible candidate vaccine. The transcription of CCHFV RNA and recombinant protein production by the replicon were characterized in transfected baby hamster kidney cells. A replicon encoding CCHFV nucleoprotein inserted in plasmid DNA, pSinCCHF-52S, directed transcription of CCHFV RNA in the transfected cells. NIH-III heterozygous mice immunized with pSinCCHF-52S generated CCHFV IgG specific antibodies with notably higher levels of IgG2a compared to IgG1. Splenocytes from mice immunized with pSinCCHF-52S secreted IFN-γ and IL-2, low levels of IL-6 or IL-10, and no IL-4. No specific cytokine production was registered in splenocytes of mock-immunized mice (p < 0.05). Thus, our study demonstrated the expression of CCHFV nucleoprotein by a Sindbis virus vector and its immunogenicity in mice. The spectrum of cytokine production and antibody profile indicated predominantly Th1-type of an anti-CCHFV immune response. Further studies in CCHFV-susceptible animals are necessary to determine whether the induced immune response is protective.
Collapse
|
24
|
Babuadze GG, Echanove J, Lamarre C, deLaVega MA, Fausther-Bovendo H, Racine T, M Gomez A, Azizi H, Wade M, Kozak R, Kobinger GP. A novel DNA platform designed for vaccine use with high transgene expression and immunogenicity. Vaccine 2021; 39:7175-7181. [PMID: 34774358 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The development of new, low-cost vaccines and effective gene therapies requires accurate delivery and high-level expression of candidate genes. We developed a plasmid vector, pIDV-II, that allows for both easy manipulation and high expression of exogenous genes in mammalian cells. This plasmid is based upon the pVax1 plasmid and shares a common structure with typical mammalian transcription units. It is composed of a chicken β-actin promoter (CAG), followed by an intron and flanked by two restriction sites, and also includes a post-transcriptional regulatory element, followed by a transcriptional termination signal. While the modification of pVax1 elements either decreased eGFP expression levels or had no effect at all, replacement of the promoter, the poly-A signal, deletion of the T7 and AmpR promoters, and inversion of the ORI-Neo/Kan cassette, significantly increased in vitro eGFP expression with the modified plasmid called pIDV-II. To further evaluate our vector, expression levels of three viral antigens were compared in cell lines transfected either with pVax1 or pCAGGS backbones as controls. Higher transgene expression was consistently observed with pIDV-II. The humoral and cellular responses generated in mice immunized with pIDV-II vs pVax1 expressing each viral antigen individually were superior by 2-fold or more as measured by ELISA and ELISPOT assays. Overall these results indicate that pIDV-II induces robust transgene expression, with concomitant improved cellular and humoral immune responses against the transgene of interest over pVax1. The new vector, pIDV-II, offers an additional alternative for DNA based vaccination and gene therapy for animal and human use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George Giorgi Babuadze
- Axe des Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Jose Echanove
- Axe des Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Claude Lamarre
- Axe des Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Marc-Antoine deLaVega
- Axe des Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 4G2, Canada; Département de Microbiologie-Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Hugues Fausther-Bovendo
- Axe des Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Trina Racine
- Axe des Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 4G2, Canada; Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization - International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac), Canada
| | - Alejandro M Gomez
- Axe des Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Hiva Azizi
- Axe des Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Mathew Wade
- Axe des Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Robert Kozak
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Diagnostics, Division of Microbiology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gary P Kobinger
- Département de Microbiologie-Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada; Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Karaaslan E, Çetin NS, Kalkan-Yazıcı M, Hasanoğlu S, Karakeçili F, Özdarendeli A, Kalkan A, Kılıç AO, Doymaz MZ. Immune responses in multiple hosts to Nucleocapsid Protein (NP) of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV). PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009973. [PMID: 34851958 PMCID: PMC8635347 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2019, the World Health Organization declared 3 billion to be at risk of developing Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF). The causative agent of this deadly infection is CCHFV. The data related to the biology and immunology of CCHFV are rather scarce. Due to its indispensable roles in the viral life cycle, NP becomes a logical target for detailed viral immunology studies. In this study, humoral immunity to NP was investigated in CCHF survivors, as well as in immunized mice and rabbits. Abundant antibody response against NP was demonstrated both during natural infection in humans and following experimental immunizations in mice and rabbits. Also, cellular immune responses to recombinant NP (rNP) was detected in multispecies. This study represents the most comprehensive investigation on NP as an inducer of both humoral and cellular immunity in multiple hosts and proves that rNP is an excellent candidate warranting further immunological studies specifically on vaccine investigations. Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) is the most lethal human pathogen of medical importance after the dengue virus among arboviruses. The increasing geographic spread of Hyalomma ticks, which are responsible for viral transmission widespread, threatens billions of people. WHO currently declares the field of research on CCHFV as the second most urgently needed areas of investigations on emerging pathogens. About 10 to 40% of those infected with the virus lose their life due to the rapidly developing severe clinical manifestations. Pandemic potential and the lack of any approved treatment or vaccine make raise the studies on CCHFV as critical. The studies on CCHFV are challenging due to the necessities of BSL-4 facilities and the immunological characterization of individual structural proteins will lay the groundwork for the steps to be taken to treat and prevent this emerging disease. As is known from other RNA viruses, nucleoprotein (NP) has crucial roles in the viral life cycle, both in viral replication and transcription and in the formation of the virion structure. So far, detailed and comprehensive immunological characterizations on NP in multiple are not undertaken. Our study was set out to embark such detailed investigation. The strong humoral and cellular immune response to NP demonstrated by this study indicates that NP might be an excellent candidate for future scrutinies on vaccines and diagnostic reagents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elif Karaaslan
- Beykoz Institute of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nesibe Selma Çetin
- Beykoz Institute of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Merve Kalkan-Yazıcı
- Beykoz Institute of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sevde Hasanoğlu
- Beykoz Institute of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Faruk Karakeçili
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Erzincan University School of Medicine, Erzincan, Turkey
| | - Aykut Özdarendeli
- Erciyes University Vectors and Vector Borne Diseases Implementation and Research Center, Kayseri, Turkey; Department of Microbiology, Erciyes University School of Medicine, Kayseri, Turkey
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Kalkan
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Medical Faculty, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Ali Osman Kılıç
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ziya Doymaz
- Beykoz Institute of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul, Turkey
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Kuehnert PA, Stefan CP, Badger CV, Ricks KM. Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV): A Silent but Widespread Threat. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2021; 8:141-147. [PMID: 33747715 PMCID: PMC7959879 DOI: 10.1007/s40475-021-00235-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review This review is aimed at highlighting recent research and articles on the complicated relationship between virus, vector, and host and how biosurveillance at each level informs disease spread and risk. Recent Findings While human cases of CCHFV and tick identification in non-endemic areas in 2019–2020 were reported to sites such as ProMed, there is a gap in recent published literature on these and broader CCHFV surveillance efforts from the late 2010s. Summary A review of the complex aspects of CCHFV maintenance in the environment coupled with high fatality rate and lack of vaccines and therapeutics warrants the need for a One-Health approach toward detection and increased biosurveillance programs for CCHFV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Kuehnert
- Diagnostic Systems Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter St, Frederick, MD 21702 USA
| | - Christopher P Stefan
- Diagnostic Systems Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter St, Frederick, MD 21702 USA
| | - Catherine V Badger
- Virology Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter St, Frederick, MD 21702 USA
| | - Keersten M Ricks
- Diagnostic Systems Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter St, Frederick, MD 21702 USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
T-Cells and Interferon Gamma Are Necessary for Survival Following Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Infection in Mice. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9020279. [PMID: 33572859 PMCID: PMC7912317 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe tick-borne febrile illness with wide geographic distribution. In humans, the disease follows infection by the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) and begins as flu-like symptoms that can rapidly progress to hemorrhaging and death. Case fatality rates can be as high as 30%. An important gap in our understanding of CCHF are the host immune responses necessary to control the infection. A better understanding of these responses is needed to direct therapeutic strategies to limit the often-severe morbidity and mortality seen in humans. In this report, we have utilized a mouse model in which mice develop severe disease but ultimately recover. T-cells were robustly activated, differentiated to produce antiviral cytokines, and were critical for survival following CCHFV infection. We further identified a key role for interferon gamma (IFNγ) in survival following CCHFV infection. These results significantly improve our understanding of the host adaptive immune response to severe CCHFV infection.
Collapse
|
28
|
Boshra H, Lorenzo G, Charro D, Moreno S, Guerra GS, Sanchez I, Garrido JM, Geijo M, Brun A, Abrescia NGA. A novel Schmallenberg virus subunit vaccine candidate protects IFNAR -/- mice against virulent SBV challenge. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18725. [PMID: 33230115 PMCID: PMC7684302 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73424-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Schmallenberg virus (SBV), an arthropod-transmitted pathogenic bunyavirus, continues to be a threat to the European livestock industry, causing morbidity and mortality among young ruminant livestock. Here, we describe a novel SBV subunit vaccine, based on bacterially expressed SBV nucleoprotein (SBV-N) administered with a veterinary-grade Saponin adjuvant. When assayed in an IFNAR-/- mouse model, SBV-N with Saponin induced strong non-neutralizing broadly virus-reactive antibodies, decreased clinical signs, as well as significantly reduced viremia. Vaccination assays also suggest that this level of immune protection is cell mediated, as evidenced by the lack of neutralizing antibodies, as well as interferon-γ secretion observed in vitro. Therefore, based on these results, bacterially expressed SBV-N, co-administered with veterinary-grade Saponin adjuvant may serve as a promising economical alternative to current SBV vaccines, and warrant further evaluation in large ruminant animal models. Moreover, we propose that this strategy may be applicable to other bunyaviruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hani Boshra
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, 48160, Derio, Spain. .,Department of Pathology, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Bât B43, avenue de Cureghem 6, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Gema Lorenzo
- Animal Health Research Center (INIA-CISA), 28130, Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Charro
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, 48160, Derio, Spain
| | - Sandra Moreno
- Animal Health Research Center (INIA-CISA), 28130, Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gabriel Soares Guerra
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, 48160, Derio, Spain
| | - Isbene Sanchez
- Vacunek SL, Bizkaia Technology Park, 48160, Derio, Spain
| | - Joseba M Garrido
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Marivi Geijo
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Alejandro Brun
- Animal Health Research Center (INIA-CISA), 28130, Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nicola G A Abrescia
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, 48160, Derio, Spain. .,Basque Foundation for Science, IKERBASQUE, 48013, Bilbao, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Sorvillo TE, Rodriguez SE, Hudson P, Carey M, Rodriguez LL, Spiropoulou CF, Bird BH, Spengler JR, Bente DA. Towards a Sustainable One Health Approach to Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Prevention: Focus Areas and Gaps in Knowledge. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:tropicalmed5030113. [PMID: 32645889 PMCID: PMC7558268 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5030113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) infection is identified in the 2018 World Health Organization Research and Development Blueprint and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIH/NIAID) priority A list due to its high risk to public health and national security. Tick-borne CCHFV is widespread, found in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent. It circulates between ticks and several vertebrate hosts without causing overt disease, and thus can be present in areas without being noticed by the public. As a result, the potential for zoonotic spillover from ticks and animals to humans is high. In contrast to other emerging viruses, human-to-human transmission of CCHFV is typically limited; therefore, prevention of spillover events should be prioritized when considering countermeasures. Several factors in the transmission dynamics of CCHFV, including a complex transmission cycle that involves both ticks and vertebrate hosts, lend themselves to a One Health approach for the prevention and control of the disease that are often overlooked by current strategies. Here, we examine critical focus areas to help mitigate CCHFV spillover, including surveillance, risk assessment, and risk reduction strategies concentrated on humans, animals, and ticks; highlight gaps in knowledge; and discuss considerations for a more sustainable One Health approach to disease control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa E. Sorvillo
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (S.E.R.); (C.F.S.); (J.R.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-530-752-7526
| | - Sergio E. Rodriguez
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (S.E.R.); (C.F.S.); (J.R.S.)
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (M.C.); (D.A.B.)
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Peter Hudson
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA;
| | - Megan Carey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (M.C.); (D.A.B.)
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Luis L. Rodriguez
- Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit, Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Orient Point, NY 11957, USA;
| | - Christina F. Spiropoulou
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (S.E.R.); (C.F.S.); (J.R.S.)
| | - Brian H. Bird
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (S.E.R.); (C.F.S.); (J.R.S.)
| | - Jessica R. Spengler
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (S.E.R.); (C.F.S.); (J.R.S.)
| | - Dennis A. Bente
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (M.C.); (D.A.B.)
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Reverse genetics approaches for the development of bunyavirus vaccines. Curr Opin Virol 2020; 44:16-25. [PMID: 32619950 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The Bunyavirales order is the largest group of RNA viruses, which includes important human and animal pathogens, that cause serious diseases. Licensed vaccines are often not available for many of these pathogens. The establishment of bunyavirus reverse genetics systems has facilitated the generation of recombinant infectious viruses, which have been employed as powerful tools for understanding bunyavirus biology and identifying important virulence factors. Technological advances in this area have enabled the development of novel strategies, including codon-deoptimization, viral genome rearrangement and single-cycle replicable viruses, for the generation of live-attenuated vaccine candidates. In this review, we have summarized the current knowledge of the bunyavirus reverse genetics approaches for the generation of live-attenuated vaccine candidates and their evaluation in animal models.
Collapse
|
31
|
Tipih T, Burt FJ. Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus: Advances in Vaccine Development. Biores Open Access 2020; 9:137-150. [PMID: 32461819 PMCID: PMC7247048 DOI: 10.1089/biores.2019.0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe human disease with mortality rates of up to 30%. The disease is widespread in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. The last few years have seen disease emergence in Spain for the first time and disease re-emergence in other regions of the world after periods of inactivity. Factors, such as climate change, movement of infected ticks, animals, and changes in human activity, are likely to broaden endemic foci. There are therefore concerns that CCHF might emerge in currently nonendemic regions. The absence of approved vaccines or therapies heightens these concerns; thus Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is listed by the World Health Organization as a priority organism. However, the current sporadic nature of CCHF cases may call for targeted vaccination of risk groups as opposed to mass vaccinations. CCHF vaccine development has accelerated in recent years, partly because of the discovery of CCHF animal models. In this review, we discuss CCHF risk groups who are most likely to benefit from vaccine development, the merits and demerits of available CCHF animal models, and the various approaches which have been explored for CCHF vaccine development. Lastly, we present concluding remarks and research areas which can be further explored to enhance the available CCHFV vaccine data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Tipih
- Division of Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Felicity Jane Burt
- Division of Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Garrison AR, Smith DR, Golden JW. Animal Models for Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Human Disease. Viruses 2019; 11:E590. [PMID: 31261754 PMCID: PMC6669593 DOI: 10.3390/v11070590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is an important tick-borne human pathogen endemic throughout Asia, Africa and Europe. CCHFV is also an emerging virus, with recent outbreaks in Western Europe. CCHFV can infect a large number of wild and domesticated mammalian species and some avian species, however the virus does not cause severe disease in these animals, but can produce viremia. In humans, CCHFV infection can lead to a severe, life-threating disease characterized by hemodynamic instability, hepatic injury and neurological disorders, with a worldwide lethality rate of ~20-30%. The pathogenic mechanisms of CCHF are poorly understood, largely due to the dearth of animal models. However, several important animal models have been recently described, including novel murine models and a non-human primate model. In this review, we examine the current knowledge of CCHF-mediated pathogenesis and describe how animal models are helping elucidate the molecular and cellular determinants of disease. This information should serve as a reference for those interested in CCHFV animal models and their utility for evaluation of medical countermeasures (MCMs) and in the study of pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aura R Garrison
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA.
- Mailing address: Virology Division, USAMRIID, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA.
| | - Darci R Smith
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA.
- Mailing address: Virology Division, USAMRIID, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA.
| | - Joseph W Golden
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA.
- Mailing address: Virology Division, USAMRIID, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Scholte FEM, Spengler JR, Welch SR, Harmon JR, Coleman-McCray JD, Freitas BT, Kainulainen MH, Pegan SD, Nichol ST, Bergeron É, Spiropoulou CF. Single-dose replicon particle vaccine provides complete protection against Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in mice. Emerg Microbes Infect 2019; 8:575-578. [PMID: 30947619 PMCID: PMC6455139 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2019.1601030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Florine E M Scholte
- a Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , USA
| | - Jessica R Spengler
- a Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , USA
| | - Stephen R Welch
- a Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , USA
| | - Jessica R Harmon
- a Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , USA
| | - JoAnn D Coleman-McCray
- a Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , USA
| | - Brendan T Freitas
- b Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences , University of Georgia , Athens , USA
| | - Markus H Kainulainen
- a Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , USA
| | - Scott D Pegan
- b Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences , University of Georgia , Athens , USA
| | - Stuart T Nichol
- a Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , USA
| | - Éric Bergeron
- a Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , USA
| | - Christina F Spiropoulou
- a Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Perdomo-Celis F, Salvato MS, Medina-Moreno S, Zapata JC. T-Cell Response to Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers. Vaccines (Basel) 2019; 7:E11. [PMID: 30678246 PMCID: PMC6466054 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) are a group of clinically similar diseases that can be caused by enveloped RNA viruses primarily from the families Arenaviridae, Filoviridae, Hantaviridae, and Flaviviridae. Clinically, this group of diseases has in common fever, fatigue, dizziness, muscle aches, and other associated symptoms that can progress to vascular leakage, bleeding and multi-organ failure. Most of these viruses are zoonotic causing asymptomatic infections in the primary host, but in human beings, the infection can be lethal. Clinical and experimental evidence suggest that the T-cell response is needed for protection against VHF, but can also cause damage to the host, and play an important role in disease pathogenesis. Here, we present a review of the T-cell immune responses to VHF and insights into the possible ways to improve counter-measures for these viral agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Perdomo-Celis
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, 050010, Colombia.
- Institute of Human Virology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Maria S Salvato
- Institute of Human Virology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Sandra Medina-Moreno
- Institute of Human Virology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Juan C Zapata
- Institute of Human Virology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Monette A, Mouland AJ. T Lymphocytes as Measurable Targets of Protection and Vaccination Against Viral Disorders. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 342:175-263. [PMID: 30635091 PMCID: PMC7104940 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Continuous epidemiological surveillance of existing and emerging viruses and their associated disorders is gaining importance in light of their abilities to cause unpredictable outbreaks as a result of increased travel and vaccination choices by steadily growing and aging populations. Close surveillance of outbreaks and herd immunity are also at the forefront, even in industrialized countries, where previously eradicated viruses are now at risk of re-emergence due to instances of strain recombination, contractions in viral vector geographies, and from their potential use as agents of bioterrorism. There is a great need for the rational design of current and future vaccines targeting viruses, with a strong focus on vaccine targeting of adaptive immune effector memory T cells as the gold standard of immunity conferring long-lived protection against a wide variety of pathogens and malignancies. Here, we review viruses that have historically caused large outbreaks and severe lethal disorders, including respiratory, gastric, skin, hepatic, neurologic, and hemorrhagic fevers. To observe trends in vaccinology against these viral disorders, we describe viral genetic, replication, transmission, and tropism, host-immune evasion strategies, and the epidemiology and health risks of their associated syndromes. We focus on immunity generated against both natural infection and vaccination, where a steady shift in conferred vaccination immunogenicity is observed from quantifying activated and proliferating, long-lived effector memory T cell subsets, as the prominent biomarkers of long-term immunity against viruses and their associated disorders causing high morbidity and mortality rates.
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a widely distributed hemorrhagic fever virus and the cause of hemorrhagic disease in Africa, Southern and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, India and Asia. Recent emergence of CCHFV into Spain indicates that the geographic range of this virus is expanding and the presence of its tick vector in several countries without reported disease suggest that CCHFV will continue to spread. Research into CCHFV was historically limited by a lack of suitable animal models and tools to study viral pathogenesis. However, in the past few years the toolset for studying CCHFV has expanded with small animal and non-human primate models for CCHFV being developed along with a reverse genetics system that allows for investigation of viral determinants of disease. These tools have been utilized to understand how CCHFV antagonizes host restriction factors and to develop novel vaccine candidates that may help limit the substantial morbidity and mortality in humans caused by CCHFV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David W Hawman
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, NIAID/NIH, Hamilton, Montana, 59840, USA
| | - Heinz Feldmann
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, NIAID/NIH, Hamilton, Montana, 59840, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Fritzen A, Risinger C, Korukluoglu G, Christova I, Corli Hitzeroth A, Viljoen N, Burt FJ, Mirazimi A, Blixt O. Epitope-mapping of the glycoprotein from Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus using a microarray approach. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006598. [PMID: 29985929 PMCID: PMC6053253 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) causes severe acute human disease with lethal outcome. The knowledge about the immune response for this human health threat is highly limited. In this study, we have screened the glycoprotein of CCHFV for novel linear B-cell epitopic regions using a microarray approach. The peptide library consisted of 168 synthesized 20mer peptides with 10 amino acid overlap covering the entire glycoprotein. Using both pooled and individual human sera from survivors of CCHF disease in Turkey five peptide epitopes situated in the mucin-like region and GP 38 (G15-515) and GN G516-1037 region of the glycoprotein were identified as epitopes for a CCHF immune response. An epitope walk of the five peptides revealed a peptide sequence located in the GN region with high specificity and sensitivity. This peptide sequence, and a sequence downstream, reacted also against sera from survivors of CCHF disease in South Africa. The cross reactivity of these peptides with samples from a geographically distinct region where genetically diverse strains of the virus circulate, enabled the identification of unique peptide epitopes from the CCHF glycoprotein that could have application in development of diagnostic tools. In this study clinical samples from geographically distinct regions were used to identify conserved linear epitopic regions of the glycoprotein of CCHF. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a widespread disease caused by a tick-borne virus belonging to the genus Orthonairovirus of the Nairoviridae family. The virus is responsible for outbreaks of severe viral hemorrhagic fever with a case fatality rate of approximately 30%. The CCHF virus is transmitted to people either by tick bites or through contact with infected animal blood or tissues. A mouse brain-derived vaccine against CCHF has been developed (included in this study) and used on a small scale in eastern Europe. There is no safe and effective vaccine widely available for human use. Currently, there are a limited number of serological assays commercially available for testing for CCHFV specific IgG and IgM. There are enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and imunnofluorescent assays (IFA) designed for screening human samples for diagnostic purposes however they are not cost effective for surveillance studies. The limiting factor for the replication of these protocols in other laboratories is the availability of antigens and (where relevant) specified monoclonal antibodies. To contribute to the improvement of the diagnostic methods for CCHFV, we aimed to identify and characterize new synthetic antigens that were more sensitive and specific and could be applied in epidemiologic surveys.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Fritzen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Christian Risinger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | | | - Iva Christova
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Arina Corli Hitzeroth
- Division of Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, Republic of South Africa
| | - Natalie Viljoen
- Division of Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, Republic of South Africa
| | - Felicity Jane Burt
- Division of Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, Republic of South Africa
- Division of Virology, NHLS Universitas, Bloemfontein, Republic of South Africa
| | - Ali Mirazimi
- Folkhälsomyndigheten, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska Hospital University, Solna, Sweden
- National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
- * E-mail: (AM); (OB)
| | - Ola Blixt
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
- Department for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska Hospital University, Solna, Sweden
- * E-mail: (AM); (OB)
| |
Collapse
|