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Zorec TM, Skubic L, Poljak M. A novel digital PCR assay for detection and comprehensive characterization of Molluscum contagiosum virus genotypes MOCV1, MOCV2, and MOCV3 and recombinant lineages. J Virol Methods 2024; 329:114993. [PMID: 38960327 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2024.114993] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Molluscum contagiosum virus (MOCV) is an important human pathogen causing a high disease burden worldwide. It is the last exclusively human-infecting poxvirus still circulating in its natural reservoir-a valuable model of poxviral evolution. Unfortunately, MOCV remains neglected, and little is known about its evolutionary history and circulating genomic variants, especially in non-privileged countries. The design weaknesses of available MOCV detection/genotyping assays surfaced with recent accumulation of abundant sequence information: all existing MOCV assays fail at accurate genotyping and capturing sub-genotype level diversity. Because complete MOCV genome characterization is an expensive and labor-intensive task, it makes sense to prioritize samples for whole-genome sequencing by diversity triage screening. To meet this demand, we developed a novel assay for accurate MOCV detection and genotyping, and comprehensive sub-genotype qualification to the level of phylogenetic groups (PGs). The assay included a novel set of oligonucleotide primers and probes, and it was implemented using digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR). It offers sensitive, specific, and accurate detection, genotyping (MOCV1-MOCV3), and PG qualification (PG1-6) of MOCV DNA from clinical samples. The novel dPCR assay is suitable for MOCV diversity triage screening and prioritization of samples for complete MOCV genome characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomaž M Zorec
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Celica Biomedical, Tehnološki park 24, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lucijan Skubic
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mario Poljak
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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2
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Guan H, Nuth M, Scott RW, Parker MH, Strobel ED, Reitz AB, Kulp JL, Ricciardi RP. Potency of a small molecule that targets the molluscum contagiosum virus processivity factor increases when conjugated to a tripeptide. Antiviral Res 2024; 226:105899. [PMID: 38705201 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
We recently developed compound FC-7269 for targeting the Molluscum contagiosum virus processivity factor (mD4) and demonstrated its ability to inhibit viral processive DNA synthesis in vitro and cellular infection of an mD4-dependent virus (Antiviral Res 211, 2023,105520). However, despite a thorough medicinal chemistry campaign we were unable to generate a potent second analog as a requisite for drug development. We overcame this impasse, by conjugating a short hydrophobic trivaline peptide to FC-7269 to produce FC-TriVal-7269 which significantly increased antiviral potency and reduced cellular toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hancheng Guan
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Manunya Nuth
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - John L Kulp
- Conifer Point Pharmaceuticals, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Robert P Ricciardi
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, USA; Abramson Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, USA.
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3
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Zorec TM, Alm E, Lind Karlberg M, Advani R, Hošnjak L, Poljak M. Comprehensive analysis of 66 complete molluscum contagiosum virus (MOCV) genomes: characterization and functional annotation of 47 novel complete MOCV genomes, including the first genome of MOCV genotype 3, and a proposal for harmonized MOCV genotyping indexing. mBio 2023; 14:e0222423. [PMID: 37947415 PMCID: PMC10746250 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02224-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Four molluscum contagiosum virus (MOCV) genotypes (MOCV1-4) and four subtype variants (MOCV1p, MOCV1va, MOCV1vb, and MOCV1vc) were partially characterized using restriction enzyme profiling in the early 1980s/1990s. However, complete genome sequences of only MOCV1 and MOCV2 are available. The evolutionary pathways of MOCV genotypes and subtype variants with unavailable sequences remain unclear, and also whether all MOCV genotypes/subtype variants can be reliably detected and appropriately categorized using available PCR-based protocols. We de novo fully characterized and functionally annotated 47 complete MOCV genomes, including two putative non-MOCV1/2 isolates, expanding the number of fully characterized MOCV genomes to 66. To ascertain the placement of any putative novel MOCV sequence into the restriction profiling typing scheme, we developed an original framework for extracting complete MOCV genome sequence-based restriction profiles and matching them with reference restriction profiles. We confirmed that two putative non-MOCV1/2 isolates represent the first complete genomes of MOCV3. Comprehensive phylogenomic, recombination, and restriction enzyme recognition site analysis of all 66 currently available MOCV genomes showed that they can be agglomerated into six phylogenetic subgroups (PG1-6), corresponding to the subtype variants from the pioneering studies. PG5 was a novel subtype variant of MOCV2, but no PGs corresponded to the subtype variants MOCV1vb or MOCV4. We showed that the phylogenetic subgroups may have diverged from the prototype MOCV genotype lineages following large-scale recombination events and hinted at partial sequence content of MOCV4 and direction of recombinant transfer in the events that spawned PG5 and the yet undetected subtype variant MOCV1vb.IMPORTANCEFour molluscum contagiosum virus (MOCV) genotypes (MOCV1-4) and four subtype variants were partially characterized using restriction enzyme profiling in the 1980s/1990s, but complete genome sequences of only MOCV1 and MOCV2 are available. The evolutionary pathways whereby genotypes/subtype variants with unavailable sequences emerged and whether all MOCVs can be detected using current diagnostic approaches remain unclear. We fully characterized 47 novel complete MOCV genomes, including the first complete MOCV3 genome, expanding the number of fully characterized genomes to 66. For reliably classifying the novel non-MOCV1/2 genomes, we developed and validated a framework for matching sequence-derived restriction maps with those defining MOCV subtypes in pioneering studies. Six phylogenetic subgroups (PG1-6) were identified, PG5 representing a novel MOCV2 subtype. The phylogenetic subgroups diverged from the prototype lineages following large-scale recombination events and hinted at partial sequence content of MOCV4 and direction of recombinant transfer in the events spawning PG5 and yet undetected MOCV1vb variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomaž Mark Zorec
- Laboratory for Molecular Microbiology and Slovenian HIV/AIDS Reference Center, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Erik Alm
- Department of Microbiology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | | | - Reza Advani
- Department of Microbiology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | - Lea Hošnjak
- Laboratory for Molecular Microbiology and Slovenian HIV/AIDS Reference Center, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mario Poljak
- Laboratory for Molecular Microbiology and Slovenian HIV/AIDS Reference Center, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Alghamdi A, Alghamdi YS, Hanafi H, Karami MM, Khayyat W, Hersi RM, Naaman NK. A Giant Eyelid Molluscum Contagiosum Revealing an HIV Infection: A Case Report and Literature Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e41187. [PMID: 37525809 PMCID: PMC10387225 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common benign cutaneous viral infection. It can affect any part of the skin with a high propensity for facial skin, especially in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients with low CD4 count. We report a case of a 16-year-old female patient who presented with a giant isolated right upper eyelid MC lesion that served as the first clinical indicator of her HIV infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). A final diagnosis of MC was made based on the history, clinical findings, and histopathological examination. Moreover, due to its vital location, large size, and atypical presentation, a surgical excision by simple unroofing and curettage was performed under local anesthesia to speed recovery, prevent corneal complications, and reduce transmission. Her follow-up visits showed satisfactory clinical and cosmetic outcomes. Patients presenting with giant atypical eyelid lesions must be thoroughly investigated for immunosuppressive states, especially HIV infection. MC can have atypical presentations in HIV patients. To our knowledge, this is one of a few cases in the literature reporting a giant isolated eyelid MC lesion leading to a diagnosis of HIV infection with AIDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amer Alghamdi
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, SAU
| | | | - Hany Hanafi
- Department of Ophthalmology, East Jeddah General Hospital, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Mohamed M Karami
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Waleed Khayyat
- Department of Ophthalmology, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Reem M Hersi
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Nada K Naaman
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, SAU
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5
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Vorwerk P, Dießel L, Heichel J. [Treatment-resistant chronic conjunctivitis]. DERMATOLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 74:997-999. [PMID: 37707555 PMCID: PMC10661817 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-023-05225-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Vorwerk
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Halle, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Deutschland.
| | - Linda Dießel
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsklinikum Halle, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Deutschland
| | - Jens Heichel
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Halle, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Deutschland
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6
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Sherwani S, Khan MWA, Mallik A, Khan M, Saleem M, Raafat M, Shati AA, Alam N. Seroprevalence of Anti-S1-RBD Antibodies in Pre-pandemic and Pandemic Subjects From Hail Region, KSA. Front Public Health 2022; 10:874741. [PMID: 35757607 PMCID: PMC9218105 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.874741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Two years into the pandemic, yet the threat of new SARS-CoV-2 variants continues to loom large. Sustained efforts are required to fully understand the infection in asymptomatic individuals and those with complications. Identification, containment, care, and preventative strategies rely on understanding the varied humoral immune responses. Methods An in-house ELISA was developed and standardized to screen for serum IgG antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 S1-RBD protein as an antigen. This study aims to investigate the seroprevalence of serum antibodies against S1-RBD antigen in pre-pandemic (n = 120) and during the early pandemic period (n = 120) in subjects from the Hail region, KSA and to correlate it with clinical and demographic factors. Results Samples collected from both male (n = 60) and female (n = 60) subjects during the pandemic in the age groups of 20–40 (0.31 ± 0.029 and 0.29 ± 0.024, respectively) and 41–60 years (0.35 ± 0.026 and 0.30 ± 0.025, respectively) showed significantly higher levels of serum antibodies against S-RBD antigen than the age-matched pre-pandemic samples [male (n = 60) and female (n = 60)]. Pandemic subjects exhibited significantly (p < 0.01) higher inhibition (80–88%) than age-matched pre-pandemic subjects (32–39%). Antibodies against S1-RBD antigen were detected in approximately 10% of the total pre-pandemic population (males and females). However, subjects > 60 years did not show antibodies. Conclusion Antibody levels increased in samples collected during the pandemic, even though these subjects were not clinically COVID-19 positive. A small number of pre-pandemic subjects showed serum antibodies, suggesting prior exposure to other coronaviruses in the region. With dwindling neutralizing antibody levels and reduced vaccine efficacy against newer variants, it remains crucial to develop better assays for surveillance, management, and future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subuhi Sherwani
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Wajid Ali Khan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arshi Mallik
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahvish Khan
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Saleem
- Department of Pathology, Sub-division of Medical Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Raafat
- Department of Physiotherapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayed A Shati
- Department of Child Health, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noor Alam
- Department of Basic Sciences, Deanship of Preparatory Year, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
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Molluscum contagiosum. ACTUALITES PHARMACEUTIQUES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actpha.2022.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Patokar A, Gandhi M, Kukreja M, Khatu S, Chaudhari N. Giant molluscum contagiosum in an HIV-Positive patient – A case with unusual presentation and review of diagnostic modalities. MEDICAL JOURNAL OF DR. D.Y. PATIL VIDYAPEETH 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/mjdrdypu.mjdrdypu_455_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Meza-Romero R, Navarrete-Dechent C, Downey C. Molluscum contagiosum: an update and review of new perspectives in etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2019; 12:373-381. [PMID: 31239742 PMCID: PMC6553952 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s187224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a self-limited infectious dermatosis, frequent in pediatric population, sexually active adults, and immunocompromised individuals. It is caused by molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) which is a virus of the Poxviridae family. MCV is transmitted mainly by direct contact with infected skin, which can be sexual, non-sexual, or autoinoculation. Clinically, MC presents as firm rounded papules, pink or skin-colored, with a shiny and umbilicated surface. The duration of the lesions is variable, but in most cases, they are self-limited in a period of 6–9 months. The skin lesions may vary in size, shape, and location, which is more frequent in immunosuppressed patients, and could present complications such as eczema and bacterial superinfection. The diagnosis is based on clinical findings. A useful clinical tool is dermoscopy. If the diagnostic doubt persists, confocal microscopy or skin biopsy could be performed. The need for active treatment for MC is controversial; however, there is a consensus that it should be indicated in cases of extensive disease, associated with complications or aesthetic complaints. There are several treatment modalities which include mechanical, chemical, immunomodulatory, and antivirals. The objective of this article is to review the current evidence in etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management alternatives of MC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Meza-Romero
- Department of Dermatology, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristián Navarrete-Dechent
- Department of Dermatology, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Dermatology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Camila Downey
- Department of Dermatology, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Jang Y, Kim N, Khwarg SI, Choung HK. Molluscum Contagiosum of the Eyelid Margin: a Case Series and Literature Review. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN OPHTHALMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 2019. [DOI: 10.3341/jkos.2019.60.2.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yeonji Jang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Namju Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Sang In Khwarg
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ho Kyung Choung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
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Zorec TM, Kutnjak D, Hošnjak L, Kušar B, Trčko K, Kocjan BJ, Li Y, Križmarić M, Miljković J, Ravnikar M, Poljak M. New Insights into the Evolutionary and Genomic Landscape of Molluscum Contagiosum Virus (MCV) based on Nine MCV1 and Six MCV2 Complete Genome Sequences. Viruses 2018; 10:v10110586. [PMID: 30373153 PMCID: PMC6266040 DOI: 10.3390/v10110586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is the sole member of the Molluscipoxvirus genus and the causative agent of molluscum contagiosum (MC), a common skin disease. Although it is an important and frequent human pathogen, its genetic landscape and evolutionary history remain largely unknown. In this study, ten novel complete MCV genome sequences of the two most common MCV genotypes were determined (five MCV1 and five MCV2 sequences) and analyzed together with all MCV complete genomes previously deposited in freely accessible sequence repositories (four MCV1 and a single MCV2). In comparison to MCV1, a higher degree of nucleotide sequence conservation was observed among MCV2 genomes. Large-scale recombination events were identified in two newly assembled MCV1 genomes and one MCV2 genome. One recombination event was located in a newly identified recombinant region of the viral genome, and all previously described recombinant regions were re-identified in at least one novel MCV genome. MCV genes comprising the identified recombinant segments have been previously associated with viral interference with host T-cell and NK-cell immune responses. In conclusion, the two most common MCV genotypes emerged along divergent evolutionary pathways from a common ancestor, and the differences in the heterogeneity of MCV1 and MCV2 populations may be attributed to the strictness of the constraints imposed by the host immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomaž M Zorec
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Denis Kutnjak
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Lea Hošnjak
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Blanka Kušar
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Katarina Trčko
- Department of Dermatovenereology, University Medical Centre Maribor, Ljubljanska ulica 5, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia.
| | - Boštjan J Kocjan
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Yu Li
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
| | - Miljenko Križmarić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska Ulica 6b, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia.
| | - Jovan Miljković
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska Ulica 6b, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia.
| | - Maja Ravnikar
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Mario Poljak
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Sherwani S, Chowdhury M, Bugert JJ. ELISA for Molluscum Contagiosum Virus. CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN MICROBIOLOGY 2017; 47:14A.6.1-14A.6.9. [PMID: 29120484 DOI: 10.1002/cpmc.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is a common skin pathogen of children and young adults. Infection with MCV causes benign skin tumors in children and young adults and is mostly self-limiting. In contrast to orthopoxviruses, MCV infections tend to take a subacute clinical course but may persist for up to 12 months. Current numbers for MCV seroprevalence in different geographical areas are based on a variety of historical serological methods from complement fixation assays to MCV ELISAs based on purified MCV virions and MC133 antigen expressed in a Semliki Forest Virus expression system. A standardized ELISA for the assessment of MCV seroprevalence would be useful to determine global MCV seroprevalence. The methods described show that polypeptides derived from MCV open reading frames MC084 (residues V123 to R230 and V33 to G117), mc133 (residues M1 to N370), and glutathione S-transferase (GST)-H3L (residues I142 to W251) expressed in E. coli RIL+ as GST fusion proteins can be used to assess antibody binding in a GST capture ELISA. We show how the ELISA can be used to screen a panel of patient sera previously characterized with the mc084 V123-R230 ELISA. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subuhi Sherwani
- Department of Microbiology, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammed Chowdhury
- Department of Microbiology, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Joachim J Bugert
- Department of Microbiology, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom.,Institut für Mikrobiologie der Bundeswehr, München, Deutschland
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13
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Molluscum Contagiosum Virus MC159 Abrogates cIAP1-NEMO Interactions and Inhibits NEMO Polyubiquitination. J Virol 2017; 91:JVI.00276-17. [PMID: 28515292 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00276-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is a dermatotropic poxvirus that causes benign skin lesions. MCV lesions persist because of virally encoded immune evasion molecules that inhibit antiviral responses. The MCV MC159 protein suppresses NF-κB activation, a powerful antiviral response, via interactions with the NF-κB essential modulator (NEMO) subunit of the IκB kinase (IKK) complex. Binding of MC159 to NEMO does not disrupt the IKK complex, implying that MC159 prevents IKK activation via an as-yet-unidentified strategy. Here, we demonstrated that MC159 inhibited NEMO polyubiquitination, a posttranslational modification required for IKK and downstream NF-κB activation. Because MCV cannot be propagated in cell culture, MC159 was expressed independent of infection or during a surrogate vaccinia virus infection to identify how MC159 prevented polyubiquitination. Cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1 (cIAP1) is a cellular E3 ligase that ubiquitinates NEMO. Mutational analyses revealed that MC159 and cIAP1 each bind to the same NEMO region, suggesting that MC159 may competitively inhibit cIAP1-NEMO interactions. Indeed, MC159 prevented cIAP1-NEMO interactions. MC159 also diminished cIAP1-mediated NEMO polyubiquitination and cIAP1-induced NF-κB activation. These data suggest that MC159 competitively binds to NEMO to prevent cIAP1-induced NEMO polyubiquitination. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a viral protein disrupting NEMO-cIAP1 interactions to strategically suppress IKK activation. All viruses must antagonize antiviral signaling events for survival. We hypothesize that MC159 inhibits NEMO polyubiquitination as a clever strategy to manipulate the host cell environment to the benefit of the virus.IMPORTANCE Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is a human-specific poxvirus that causes persistent skin neoplasms. The persistence of MCV has been attributed to viral downregulation of host cell immune responses such as NF-κB activation. We show here that the MCV MC159 protein interacts with the NEMO subunit of the IKK complex to prevent NEMO interactions with the cIAP1 E3 ubiquitin ligase. This interaction correlates with a dampening of cIAP1 to polyubiquitinate NEMO and to activate NF-κB. This inhibition of cIAP1-NEMO interactions is a new viral strategy to minimize IKK activation and to control NEMO polyubiquitination. This research provides new insights into mechanisms that persistent viruses may use to cause long-term infection of host cells.
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López-Bueno A, Parras-Moltó M, López-Barrantes O, Belda S, Alejo A. Recombination events and variability among full-length genomes of co-circulating molluscum contagiosum virus subtypes 1 and 2. J Gen Virol 2017; 98:1073-1079. [PMID: 28555548 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.000759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is the sole member of the Molluscipoxvirus genus and causes a highly prevalent human disease of the skin characterized by the formation of a variable number of lesions that can persist for prolonged periods of time. Two major genotypes, subtype 1 and subtype 2, are recognized, although currently only a single complete genomic sequence corresponding to MCV subtype 1 is available. Using next-generation sequencing techniques, we report the complete genomic sequence of four new MCV isolates, including the first one derived from a subtype 2. Comparisons suggest a relatively distant evolutionary split between both MCV subtypes. Further, our data illustrate concurrent circulation of distinct viruses within a population and reveal the existence of recombination events among them. These results help identify a set of MCV genes with potentially relevant roles in molluscum contagiosum epidemiology and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto López-Bueno
- Centro de Biología Molecular 'Severo Ochoa' (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Cantoblanco, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Marcos Parras-Moltó
- Centro de Biología Molecular 'Severo Ochoa' (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Cantoblanco, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | | | - Sylvia Belda
- Unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid 28041, Spain
| | - Alí Alejo
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal; Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Valdeolmos, Madrid 28130, Spain
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Molluscum Contagiosum Virus Transcriptome in Abortively Infected Cultured Cells and a Human Skin Lesion. J Virol 2016; 90:4469-4480. [PMID: 26889040 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02911-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Molluscum contagiosum virus (MOCV), the only circulating human-specific poxvirus, has a worldwide distribution and causes benign skin lesions that may persist for months in young children and severe infections in immunosuppressed adults. Studies of MOCV are restricted by the lack of an efficient animal model or a cell culture replication system. We used next-generation sequencing to analyze and compare polyadenylated RNAs from abortive MOCV infections of several cell lines and a human skin lesion. Viral RNAs were detected for 14 days after MOCV infection of cultured cells; however, there was little change in the RNA species during this time and a similar pattern occurred in the presence of an inhibitor of protein synthesis, indicating a block preventing postreplicative gene expression. Moreover, a considerable number of MOCV RNAs mapped to homologs of orthopoxvirus early genes, but few did so to homologs of intermediate or late genes. The RNAs made during in vitro infections represent a subset of RNAs detected in human skin lesions which mapped to homologs of numerous postreplicative as well as early orthopoxvirus genes. Transfection experiments using fluorescent protein and luciferase reporters demonstrated that vaccinia virus recognized MOCV intermediate and late promoters, indicating similar gene regulation. The specific recognition of the intermediate promoter in MOCV-infected cells provided evidence for the synthesis of intermediate transcription factors, which are products of early genes, but not for late transcription factors. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) and reporter gene assays may be useful for testing engineered cell lines and conditions that ultimately could provide an in vitro replication system. IMPORTANCE The inability to propagate molluscum contagiosum virus, which causes benign skin lesions in young children and more extensive infections in immunosuppressed adults, has constrained our understanding of the biology of this human-specific virus. In the present study, we characterized the RNAs synthesized in abortively infected cultured cells and a human skin lesion by next-generation sequencing. These studies provided an initial transcription map of the MOCV genome, suggested temporal regulation of gene expression, and indicated that the in vitro replication block occurs prior to intermediate and late gene expression. RNA-seq and reporter assays, as described here, may help to further evaluate MOCV gene expression and define conditions that could enable MOCV replication in vitro.
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Functional Comparison of Molluscum Contagiosum Virus vFLIP MC159 with Murine Cytomegalovirus M36/vICA and M45/vIRA Proteins. J Virol 2015; 90:2895-905. [PMID: 26719271 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02729-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) gene MC159 encodes a viral FLICE inhibitory protein (vFLIP) that inhibits caspase-8-mediated apoptosis. The MC159 protein was also reported to inhibit programmed necrosis (necroptosis) and modulate NF-κB activation by interacting with RIP1 and NEMO. The importance of MC159 during MCV infection has remained unknown, as there is no system for propagation and genetic manipulation of this virus. Here we investigated the functions of MC159 during viral infection using murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) as a surrogate virus. MC159 was inserted into the MCMV genome, replacing M36 or M45, two MCMV genes with functions similar to those reported for MC159. M36 encodes a viral inhibitor of caspase-8-induced apoptosis (vICA) and M45 a viral inhibitor of RIP activation (vIRA), which inhibits RIP1/RIP3-mediated necroptosis. The M45 protein also blocks NF-κB activation by interacting with NEMO. When expressed by MCMV, MC159 blocked tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-induced apoptosis of infected cells and partially restored MCMV replication in macrophages. However, MC159 did not fully replace M45, as it did not inhibit necroptosis in murine cells, but it reduced TNF-α-induced necroptosis in MCMV-infected human HT-29 cells. MC159 also differed from M45 in its effect on NF-κB. While MCMV-encoded M45 blocked NF-κB activation by TNF-α and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), MC159 inhibited TNF-α- but not IL-1β-induced NF-κB activation in infected mouse fibroblasts. These results indicate that the spectrum of MC159's functions differs depending on cell type and expression system and that a cell culture system for the propagation of MCV is needed to determine the biological relevance of presumed viral gene functions. IMPORTANCE MCV is a human-pathogenic poxvirus that cannot be propagated in cell culture or laboratory animals. Therefore, MCV gene products have been studied predominantly in cells expressing individual viral genes. In this study, we analyzed the function of the MCV gene MC159 by expressing it from a different virus and comparing its functions to those of two well-characterized MCMV genes. In this system, MC159 displayed some but not all of the previously described functions, suggesting that the functions of a viral gene depend on the conditions under which it is expressed. Until a cell culture system for the analysis of MCV becomes available, it might be necessary to analyze MCV genes in several different systems to extrapolate their biological importance.
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Abstract
Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is the causative agent of molluscum contagiosum (MC), the third most common viral skin infection in children, and one of the five most prevalent skin diseases worldwide. No FDA-approved treatments, vaccines, or commercially available rapid diagnostics for MCV are available. This review discusses several aspects of this medically important virus including: physical properties of MCV, MCV pathogenesis, MCV replication, and immune responses to MCV infection. Sequencing of the MCV genome revealed novel immune evasion molecules which are highlighted here. Special attention is given to the MCV MC159 and MC160 proteins. These proteins are FLIPs with homologs in gamma herpesviruses and in the cell. They are of great interest because each protein regulates apoptosis, NF-κB, and IRF3. However, the mechanism that each protein uses to impart its effects is different. It is important to elucidate how MCV inhibits immune responses; this knowledge contributes to our understanding of viral pathogenesis and also provides new insights into how the immune system neutralizes virus infections.
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Shen Z, Hou N, Jin M, Qiu Z, Wang J, Zhang B, Wang X, Wang J, Zhou D, Li J. A novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 using immunomagnetic and beacon gold nanoparticles. Gut Pathog 2014; 6:14. [PMID: 24864164 PMCID: PMC4033681 DOI: 10.1186/1757-4749-6-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper presents a functional nanoparticle-enhanced enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (FNP-ELISA) for detection of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7. Immunomagnetic nanoparticles (IMMPs) conjugated with monoclonal anti-O157:H7 antibody were used to capture E. coli O157:H7. Beacon gold nanoparticles (B-GNPs) coated with polyclonal anti-O157:H7 and biotin single-stranded DNA (B-DNA) were then subjective to immunoreaction with E. coli O157:H7, which was followed by streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase (Strep-HRP) conjugated with B-GNPs based on a biotin-avidin system. The solutions containing E. coli O157:H7, IMMPs, B-GNPs, and Strep-HRP were collected for detecting color change. The signal was significantly amplified with detection limits of 68 CFU mL-1 in PBS and 6.8 × 102 to 6.8 × 103 CFU mL-1 in the food samples. The FNP-ELISA method developed in this study was two orders of magnitude more sensitive than immunomagnetic separation ELISA (IMS-ELISA) and four orders of magnitude more sensitive than C-ELISA. The entire detection process of E. coli O157:H7 lasted only 3 h, and thus FNP-ELISA is considered as a time-saving method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Shen
- Tianjin Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Nannan Hou
- Tianjin Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Min Jin
- Tianjin Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Zhigang Qiu
- Tianjin Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Jingfeng Wang
- Tianjin Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Xinwei Wang
- Tianjin Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Dongsheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Junwen Li
- Tianjin Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin 300050, China
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