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Stachura P, Stencel O, Lu Z, Borkhardt A, Pandyra AA. Arenaviruses: Old viruses present new solutions for cancer therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1110522. [PMID: 37033933 PMCID: PMC10079900 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1110522] [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: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral-based cancer therapies have tremendous potential, especially in the context of treating poorly infiltrated cold tumors. However, in tumors with intact anti-viral interferon (IFN) pathways, while some oncolytic viruses induce strong innate and adaptive immune responses, they are neutralized before exerting their therapeutic effect. Arenaviruses, particularly the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a noncytopathic virus with preferential cancer tropism and evolutionary mechanisms to escape the immune system for longer and to block early clearance. These escape mechanisms include inhibition of the MAVS dependent IFN pathway and spike protein antigen masking. Regarding its potential for cancer treatment, LCMV is therefore able to elicit long-term responses within the tumor microenvironment (TME), boost anti-tumor immune responses and polarize poorly infiltrating tumors towards a hot phenotype. Other arenaviruses including the attenuated Junin virus vaccine also have anti-tumor effects. Furthermore, the LCMV and Pichinde arenaviruses are currently being used to create vector-based vaccines with attenuated but replicating virus. This review focuses on highlighting the potential of arenaviruses as anti-cancer therapies. This includes providing a molecular understanding of its tropism as well as highlighting past and present preclinical and clinical applications of noncytophatic arenavirus therapies and their potential in bridging the gap in the treatment of cancers weakly responsive or unresponsive to oncolytic viruses. In summary, arenaviruses represent promising new therapies to broaden the arsenal of anti-tumor therapies for generating an immunogenic tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Stachura
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Molecular Medicine II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Olivia Stencel
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Zhe Lu
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Arndt Borkhardt
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Aleksandra A. Pandyra
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- *Correspondence: Aleksandra A. Pandyra,
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Holzerland J, Fénéant L, Groseth A. Regulation of Stress-Activated Kinases in Response to Tacaribe Virus Infection and Its Implications for Viral Replication. Viruses 2022; 14:v14092018. [PMID: 36146824 PMCID: PMC9505436 DOI: 10.3390/v14092018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Arenaviruses include important zoonotic pathogens that cause hemorrhagic fever (e.g., Junín virus; JUNV) as well as other viruses that are closely related but apathogenic (e.g., Tacaribe virus; TCRV). We have found that, while TCRV and JUNV differ in their ability to induce apoptosis in infected cells, due to active inhibition of caspase activation by the JUNV nucleoprotein, both viruses trigger similar upstream pro-apoptotic signaling events, including the activation/phosphorylation of p53. In the case of TCRV, the pro-apoptotic factor Bad is also phosphorylated (leading to its inactivation). These events clearly implicate upstream kinases in regulating the induction of apoptosis. Consistent with this, here we show activation in TCRV-infected cells of the stress-activated protein kinases p38 and JNK, which are known to regulate p53 activation, as well as the downstream kinase MK2 and transcription factor c-Jun. We also observed the early transient activation of Akt, but not Erk. Importantly, the chemical inhibition of Akt, p38, JNK and c-Jun all dramatically reduced viral growth, even though we have shown that inhibition of apoptosis itself does not. This indicates that kinase activation is crucial for viral infection, independent of its downstream role in apoptosis regulation, a finding that has the potential to shed further light on the determinants of arenavirus pathogenesis, as well as to inform future therapeutic approaches.
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Holzerland J, Fénéant L, Banadyga L, Hölper JE, Knittler MR, Groseth A. BH3-only sensors Bad, Noxa and Puma are Key Regulators of Tacaribe virus-induced Apoptosis. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008948. [PMID: 33045019 PMCID: PMC7598930 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogenicity often differs dramatically among even closely related arenavirus species. For instance, Junín virus (JUNV), the causative agent of Argentine hemorrhagic fever (AHF), is closely related to Tacaribe virus (TCRV), which is normally avirulent in humans. While little is known about how host cell pathways are regulated in response to arenavirus infection, or how this contributes to virulence, these two viruses have been found to differ markedly in their ability to induce apoptosis. However, details of the mechanism(s) governing the apoptotic response to arenavirus infections are unknown. Here we confirm that TCRV-induced apoptosis is mitochondria-regulated, with associated canonical hallmarks of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, and go on to identify the pro- and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 factors responsible for regulating this process. In particular, levels of the pro-apoptotic BH3-only proteins Noxa and Puma, as well as their canonical transcription factor p53, were strongly increased. Interestingly, TCRV infection also led to the accumulation of the inactive phosphorylated form of another pro-apoptotic BH3-only protein, Bad (i.e. as phospho-Bad). Knockout of Noxa or Puma suppressed apoptosis in response to TCRV infection, whereas silencing of Bad increased apoptosis, confirming that these factors are key regulators of apoptosis induction in response to TCRV infection. Further, we found that while the highly pathogenic JUNV does not induce caspase activation, it still activated upstream pro-apoptotic factors, consistent with current models suggesting that JUNV evades apoptosis by interfering with caspase activation through a nucleoprotein-mediated decoy function. This new mechanistic insight into the role that individual BH3-only proteins and their regulation play in controlling apoptotic fate in arenavirus-infected cells provides an important experimental framework for future studies aimed at dissecting differences in the apoptotic responses between arenaviruses, their connection to other cell signaling events and ultimately the relationship of these processes to pathogenesis. Arenaviruses are important zoonotic pathogens that present a serious threat to human health. While some virus species cause severe disease, resulting in hemorrhagic fever and/or neurological symptoms, other closely related species exhibit little or no pathogenicity. The basis for these dramatically different outcomes is insufficiently understood, but investigations of host cell responses have suggested that apoptosis, i.e. non-inflammatory programmed cell death, is regulated differently between pathogenic and apathogenic arenaviruses. However, many questions remain regarding how these viruses interact with cell death pathways upon infection. Here we demonstrate that apoptosis induced by the avirulent Tacaribe virus (TCRV), proceeds via the mitochondria (i.e. the intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway), and is regulated by a combination of factors that appear to balance activation (i.e. Noxa and Puma) and inactivation (i.e. Bad-P) of this cascade. During TCRV infection, the balance of these pro- and anti-apoptotic signals shifts the equilibrium late in the infection towards cell death. Importantly, we also found that the highly pathogenic Junín virus (JUNV), which does not trigger caspase activation or apoptotic cell death, nonetheless induces pro-apoptotic factors, thus supporting the existence of a specific mechanism by which this virus is able to evade apoptosis at late stages in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Holzerland
- Junior Research Group Arenavirus Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Animal Health, Greifswald—Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Lucie Fénéant
- Junior Research Group Arenavirus Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Animal Health, Greifswald—Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Logan Banadyga
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Julia E. Hölper
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Animal Health, Greifswald—Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Michael R. Knittler
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Animal Health, Greifswald—Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Allison Groseth
- Junior Research Group Arenavirus Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Animal Health, Greifswald—Isle of Riems, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Cytosolic Sensors for Pathogenic Viral and Bacterial Nucleic Acids in Fish. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197289. [PMID: 33023222 PMCID: PMC7582293 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recognition of the non-self signature of invading pathogens is a crucial step for the initiation of the innate immune mechanisms of the host. The host response to viral and bacterial infection involves sets of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which bind evolutionarily conserved pathogen structures, known as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Recent advances in the identification of different types of PRRs in teleost fish revealed a number of cytosolic sensors for recognition of viral and bacterial nucleic acids. These are DExD/H-box RNA helicases including a group of well-characterized retinoic acid inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs) and non-RLR DExD/H-box RNA helicases (e.g., DDX1, DDX3, DHX9, DDX21, DHX36 and DDX41) both involved in recognition of viral RNAs. Another group of PRRs includes cytosolic DNA sensors (CDSs), such as cGAS and LSm14A involved in recognition of viral and intracellular bacterial dsDNAs. Moreover, dsRNA-sensing protein kinase R (PKR), which has a role in antiviral immune responses in higher vertebrates, has been identified in fish. Additionally, fish possess a novel PKR-like protein kinase containing Z-DNA binding domain, known as PKZ. Here, we review the current knowledge concerning cytosolic sensors for recognition of viral and bacterial nucleic acids in teleosts.
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Mojzesz M, Klak K, Wojtal P, Adamek M, Podlasz P, Chmielewska-Krzesinska M, Matras M, Reichert M, Chadzinska M, Rakus K. Viral infection-induced changes in the expression profile of non-RLR DExD/H-box RNA helicases (DDX1, DDX3, DHX9, DDX21 and DHX36) in zebrafish and common carp. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 104:62-73. [PMID: 32526283 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2020.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, several non-RLR DExD/H-box RNA helicases are involve in sensing of viral nucleic acids and activation of antiviral immune response, however their role in the immune defense of fish is much less known. In this study, the expression profile of non-RLR DExD/H-box RNA helicase genes: ddx1, ddx3, dhx9, ddx21 and dhx36, was studied in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) during infection with two RNA viruses: spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) and Chum salmon reovirus (CSV). Bioinformatic analysis of the amino acid sequences of the core helicase of DDX1, DDX3, DHX9, DDX21 and DHX36 in zebrafish and common carp revealed presence of all conserved motifs found amongst all other species, with the exception of common carp DHX9 which do not possess motif V. The transcripts of studied DExD/H-box RNA helicases were found in zebrafish ZF4 cell line as well as in all studied organs from zebrafish and common carp. The expression study demonstrated the up-regulation of the expression of selected non-RLR DExD/H-box RNA helicases during viral infections in ZF4 cell line (in vitro study) and in zebrafish and common carp organs (in vivo study). DDX1 was the only DExD/H-box RNA helicase which expression was repetitively up-regulated during in vivo infections with SVCV and CSV in zebrafish and SVCV in common carp. In ZF4 cells and kidney of common carp, viral infection-induced up-regulation of DExD/H-box RNA helicases preceded the up-regulation of type I IFN gene. Our results suggest that studied non-RLR DExD/H-box RNA helicases might be involved in antiviral immune response in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Mojzesz
- Department of Evolutionary Immunology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Klak
- Department of Evolutionary Immunology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Paulina Wojtal
- Department of Evolutionary Immunology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Mikolaj Adamek
- Fish Disease Research Unit, Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Piotr Podlasz
- Department of Pathophysiology, Forensic Veterinary and Administration, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, Michała Oczapowskiego 13, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Chmielewska-Krzesinska
- Department of Pathophysiology, Forensic Veterinary and Administration, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, Michała Oczapowskiego 13, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Marek Matras
- Department of Fish Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantow 57, 24-100, Pulawy, Poland
| | - Michal Reichert
- Department of Fish Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantow 57, 24-100, Pulawy, Poland
| | - Magdalena Chadzinska
- Department of Evolutionary Immunology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Rakus
- Department of Evolutionary Immunology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland.
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Distinct Molecular Mechanisms of Host Immune Response Modulation by Arenavirus NP and Z Proteins. Viruses 2020; 12:v12070784. [PMID: 32708250 PMCID: PMC7412275 DOI: 10.3390/v12070784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endemic to West Africa and South America, mammalian arenaviruses can cross the species barrier from their natural rodent hosts to humans, resulting in illnesses ranging from mild flu-like syndromes to severe and fatal haemorrhagic zoonoses. The increased frequency of outbreaks and associated high fatality rates of the most prevalent arenavirus, Lassa, in West African countries, highlights the significant risk to public health and to the socio-economic development of affected countries. The devastating impact of these viruses is further exacerbated by the lack of approved vaccines and effective treatments. Differential immune responses to arenavirus infections that can lead to either clearance or rapid, widespread and uncontrolled viral dissemination are modulated by the arenavirus multifunctional proteins, NP and Z. These two proteins control the antiviral response to infection by targeting multiple cellular pathways; and thus, represent attractive targets for antiviral development to counteract infection. The interplay between the host immune responses and viral replication is a key determinant of virus pathogenicity and disease outcome. In this review, we examine the current understanding of host immune defenses against arenavirus infections and summarise the host protein interactions of NP and Z and the mechanisms that govern immune evasion strategies.
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The Glycoprotein of the Live-Attenuated Junin Virus Vaccine Strain Induces Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Forms Aggregates prior to Degradation in the Lysosome. J Virol 2020; 94:JVI.01693-19. [PMID: 31996435 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01693-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Argentine hemorrhagic fever is a potentially lethal disease that is caused by Junin virus (JUNV). There are currently around 5 million individuals at risk of infection within regions of endemicity in Argentina. The live attenuated vaccine strain Candid #1 (Can) is approved for use in regions of endemicity and has substantially decreased the number of annual Argentine hemorrhagic fever (AHF) cases. The glycoprotein (GPC) gene is primarily responsible for attenuation of the Can strain, and we have shown that the absence of an N-linked glycosylation motif in the subunit G1 of the glycoprotein complex of Can, which is otherwise present in the wild-type pathogenic JUNV, causes GPC retention in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Here, we show that Can GPC aggregates in the ER of infected cells, forming incorrect cross-chain disulfide bonds, which results in impaired GPC processing into G1 and G2. The GPC fails to cleave into its G1 and G2 subunits and is targeted for degradation within lysosomes. Cells infected with the wild-type Romero (Rom) strain do not produce aggregates that are observed in Can infection, and the stress on the ER remains minimal. While the mutation of the N-linked glycosylation motif (T168A) is primarily responsible for the formation of aggregates, other mutations within G1 that occurred earlier in the passage history of the Can strain also contribute to aggregation of the GPC within the ER.IMPORTANCE The development of vaccines and therapeutics to combat viral hemorrhagic fevers remains a top priority within the Implementation Plan of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise. The Can strain, derived from the pathogenic XJ strain of JUNV, has been demonstrated to be both safe and protective against AHF. While the vaccine strain is approved for use in regions of endemicity within Argentina, the mechanisms of Can attenuation have not been elucidated. A better understanding of the viral genetic determinants of attenuation will improve our understanding of the mechanisms contributing to disease pathogenesis and provide critical information for the rational design of live attenuated vaccine candidates for other viral hemorrhagic fevers.
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Zhou B, Liang X, Feng Q, Li J, Pan X, Xie P, Jiang Z, Yang Z. Ergosterol peroxide suppresses influenza A virus-induced pro-inflammatory response and apoptosis by blocking RIG-I signaling. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 860:172543. [PMID: 31323223 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.172543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Ergosterol peroxide has been shown to exhibit anti-tumor, antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties. However, the effects of ergosterol peroxide isolated from the herbal Baphicacanthus cusia root on influenza virus infection remain poorly understood. In the present study, ergosterol peroxide (compound 22) was obtained from the B. cusia root and subjected to investigation regarding its immunoregulatory effect on influenza A virus (IAV)-induced inflammation in A549 human alveolar epithelial cells. The structure of compound 22 isolated from B. cusia root. was elucidated by NMR analyses. Structure determination showed that the chemical structure of compound 22 closely resembles that of ergosterol peroxide. We observed that ergosterol peroxide treatment significantly suppressed IAV-induced upregulation of RIG-I expression. Additionally, ergosterol peroxide inhibited the activation of RIG-I downstream signaling pathways, including p38 MAP kinase and NF-κB, which ultimately resulted in the reduced production of an array of pro-inflammatory mediators and interferons (IFN-β and IFN-λ1). Interestingly, inhibitory effects of ergosterol peroxide on the expression of IFNs did not affect the expression of antiviral effectors or enhance viral replication. On the other hand, ergosterol peroxide effectively abolished the amplified production of pro-inflammatory mediators in cells pretreated with IFN-β (500 ng/ml) prior to IAV infection. Moreover, Annexin V and Hoechst 33258 staining revealed that increased apoptosis of IAV-infected cells was reversed by the presence of ergosterol peroxide. Our findings suggest that ergosterol peroxide from the B. cusia root suppressed IAV-associated inflammation and apoptosis via blocking RIG-I signaling, which may serve as a supplementary approach to the treatment of influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beixian Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, The People's Hospital of Gaozhou, Gaozhou, Guangdong, 525200, China
| | - Xiaoli Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Centre of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China
| | - Qitong Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau, 999078, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Centre of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China
| | - Xiping Pan
- Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, China
| | - Peifang Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Centre of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China
| | - Zhihong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau, 999078, China
| | - Zifeng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Centre of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau, 999078, China.
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Comparison of the Innate Immune Responses to Pathogenic and Nonpathogenic Clade B New World Arenaviruses. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.00148-19. [PMID: 31270228 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00148-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The New World (NW) arenaviruses are a diverse group of zoonotic viruses, including several causative agents of severe hemorrhagic fevers in humans. All known human-pathogenic NW arenaviruses belong to clade B, where they group into sublineages with phylogenetically closely related nonpathogenic viruses, e.g., the highly pathogenic Junin (JUNV) and Machupo viruses with the nonpathogenic Tacaribe virus (TCRV). Considering the close genetic relationship of nonpathogenic and pathogenic NW arenaviruses, the identification of molecular determinants of virulence is of great importance. The host cell's innate antiviral defense represents a major barrier for zoonotic infection. Here, we performed a side-by-side comparison of the innate immune responses against JUNV and TCRV in human cells. Despite similar levels of viral replication, infection with TCRV consistently induced a stronger type I interferon (IFN-I) response than JUNV infection did. Transcriptome profiling revealed upregulation of a largely overlapping set of interferon-stimulated genes in cells infected with TCRV and JUNV. Both viruses were relatively insensitive to IFN-I treatment of human cells and induced similar levels of apoptosis in the presence or absence of an IFN-I response. However, in comparison to JUNV, TCRV induced stronger activation of the innate sensor double-strand RNA-dependent protein kinase R (PKR), resulting in phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF2α. Confocal microscopy studies revealed similar subcellular colocalizations of the JUNV and TCRV viral replication-transcription complexes with PKR. However, deletion of PKR by CRISPR/Cas9 hardly affected JUNV but promoted TCRV multiplication, providing the first evidence for differential innate recognition and control of pathogenic and nonpathogenic NW arenaviruses by PKR.IMPORTANCE New World (NW) arenaviruses are a diverse family of emerging zoonotic viruses that merit significant attention as important public health problems. The close genetic relationship of nonpathogenic NW arenaviruses with their highly pathogenic cousins suggests that few mutations may be sufficient to enhance virulence. The identification of molecular determinants of virulence of NW arenaviruses is therefore of great importance. Here we undertook a side-by-side comparison of the innate immune responses against the highly pathogenic Junin virus (JUNV) and the related nonpathogenic Tacaribe virus (TCRV) in human cells. We consistently found that TCRV induces a stronger type I interferon (IFN-I) response than JUNV. Transcriptome profiling revealed an overlapping pattern of IFN-induced gene expression and similar low sensitivities to IFN-I treatment. However, the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-dependent protein kinase R (PKR) contributed to the control of TCRV, but not JUNV, providing the first evidence for differential innate recognition and control of JUNV and TCRV.
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Brisse ME, Ly H. Hemorrhagic Fever-Causing Arenaviruses: Lethal Pathogens and Potent Immune Suppressors. Front Immunol 2019; 10:372. [PMID: 30918506 PMCID: PMC6424867 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemorrhagic fevers (HF) resulting from pathogenic arenaviral infections have traditionally been neglected as tropical diseases primarily affecting African and South American regions. There are currently no FDA-approved vaccines for arenaviruses, and treatments have been limited to supportive therapy and use of non-specific nucleoside analogs, such as Ribavirin. Outbreaks of arenaviral infections have been limited to certain geographic areas that are endemic but known cases of exportation of arenaviruses from endemic regions and socioeconomic challenges for local control of rodent reservoirs raise serious concerns about the potential for larger outbreaks in the future. This review synthesizes current knowledge about arenaviral evolution, ecology, transmission patterns, life cycle, modulation of host immunity, disease pathogenesis, as well as discusses recent development of preventative and therapeutic pursuits against this group of deadly viral pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan E Brisse
- Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics Graduate Program, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States.,Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Hinh Ly
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
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Campbell CL, Phillips AT, Rico A, McGuire A, Aboellail TA, Quackenbush S, Olson KE, Schountz T. Involvement of Pro-Inflammatory Macrophages in Liver Pathology of Pirital Virus-Infected Syrian Hamsters. Viruses 2018; 10:v10050232. [PMID: 29724035 PMCID: PMC5977225 DOI: 10.3390/v10050232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
New World arenaviruses cause fatal hemorrhagic disease in South America. Pirital virus (PIRV), a mammarenavirus hosted by Alston’s cotton rat (Sigmodon alstoni), causes a disease in Syrian golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) (biosafety level-3, BSL-3) that has many pathologic similarities to the South American hemorrhagic fevers (BSL-4) and, thus, is considered among the best small-animal models for human arenavirus disease. Here, we extend in greater detail previously described clinical and pathological findings in Syrian hamsters and provide evidence for a pro-inflammatory macrophage response during PIRV infection. The liver was the principal target organ of the disease, and signs of Kupffer cell involvement were identified in mortally infected hamster histopathology data. Differential expression analysis of liver mRNA revealed signatures of the pro-inflammatory response, hematologic dysregulation, interferon pathway and other host response pathways, including 17 key transcripts that were also reported in two non-human primate (NHP) arenavirus liver-infection models, representing both Old and New World mammarenavirus infections. Although antigen presentation may differ among rodent and NHP species, key hemostatic and innate immune-response components showed expression parallels. Signatures of pro-inflammatory macrophage involvement in PIRV-infected livers included enrichment of Ifng, Nfkb2, Stat1, Irf1, Klf6, Il1b, Cxcl10, and Cxcl11 transcripts. Together, these data indicate that pro-inflammatory macrophage M1 responses likely contribute to the pathogenesis of acute PIRV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey L Campbell
- Arthropod-Borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Aaron T Phillips
- Arthropod-Borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Amber Rico
- Arthropod-Borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Amanda McGuire
- Arthropod-Borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Tawfik A Aboellail
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Sandra Quackenbush
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Ken E Olson
- Arthropod-Borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Tony Schountz
- Arthropod-Borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
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12
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Meyer B, Groseth A. Apoptosis during arenavirus infection: mechanisms and evasion strategies. Microbes Infect 2017; 20:65-80. [PMID: 29081359 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 10/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In recent years there has been a greatly increased interest in the interactions of arenaviruses with the apoptotic machinery, and particularly the extent to which these interactions may be an important contributor to pathogenesis. Here we summarize the current state of our knowledge on this subject and address the potential for interplay with other immunological mechanisms known to be regulated by these viruses. We also compare and contrast what is known for arenavirus-induced apoptosis with observations from other segmented hemorrhagic fever viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjoern Meyer
- Viral Populations and Pathogenesis Unit, Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du Dr. Roux, 75724 Paris cedex 15, France.
| | - Allison Groseth
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
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13
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Manning JT, Seregin AV, Yun NE, Koma T, Huang C, Barral J, de la Torre JC, Paessler S. Absence of an N-Linked Glycosylation Motif in the Glycoprotein of the Live-Attenuated Argentine Hemorrhagic Fever Vaccine, Candid #1, Results in Its Improper Processing, and Reduced Surface Expression. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:20. [PMID: 28220142 PMCID: PMC5292626 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Junin virus (JUNV), a highly pathogenic New World arenavirus, is the causative agent of Argentine hemorrhagic fever (AHF). The live-attenuated Candid #1 (Can) strain currently serves as a vaccine for at-risk populations. We have previously shown that the Can glycoprotein (GPC) gene is the primary gene responsible for attenuation in a guinea pig model of AHF. However, the mechanisms through which the GPC contributes to the attenuation of the Can strain remain unknown. A more complete understanding of the mechanisms underlying the attenuation and immunogenicity of the Can strain will potentially allow for the rational design of additional safe and novel vaccines. Here, we provide a detailed comparison of both RNA and protein expression profiles between both inter- and intra-segment chimeric JUNV recombinant clones expressing combinations of genes from the Can strain and the pathogenic Romero (Rom) strain. The recombinant viruses that express Can GPC, which were shown to be attenuated in guinea pigs, displayed different RNA levels and GPC processing patterns as determined by Northern and Western blot analyses, respectively. Analysis of recombinant viruses containing amino acid substitutions selected at different mouse brain passages during the generation of Can revealed that altered Can GPC processing was primarily due to the T168A substitution within G1, which eliminates an N-linked glycosylation motif. Incorporation of the T168A substitution in the Rom GPC resulted in a Can-like processing pattern of Rom GPC. In addition, JUNV GPCs containing T168A substitution were retained within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and displayed significantly lower cell surface expression than wild-type Rom GPC. Interestingly, the reversion A168T in Can GPC significantly increased GPC expression at the cell surface. Our results demonstrate that recombinant JUNV (rJUNV) expressing Can GPC display markedly different protein expression and elevated genomic RNA expression when compared to viruses expressing Rom GPC. Additionally, our findings indicate that the N-linked glycosylation motif at amino acid positions 166–168 is important for trafficking of JUNV GPC to the cell surface, and the elimination of this motif interferes with the GPC release from the ER.
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Affiliation(s)
- John T Manning
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Alexey V Seregin
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Nadezhda E Yun
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Takaaki Koma
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Cheng Huang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, TX, USA
| | - José Barral
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Juan C de la Torre
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Science, Scripps Research Institute La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, TX, USA
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14
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Koma T, Huang C, Aronson JF, Walker AG, Miller M, Smith JN, Patterson M, Paessler S. The Ectodomain of Glycoprotein from the Candid#1 Vaccine Strain of Junin Virus Rendered Machupo Virus Partially Attenuated in Mice Lacking IFN-αβ/γ Receptor. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004969. [PMID: 27580122 PMCID: PMC5006991 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Machupo virus (MACV), a New World arenavirus, is the etiological agent of Bolivian hemorrhagic fever (BHF). Junin virus (JUNV), a close relative, causes Argentine hemorrhagic fever (AHF). Previously, we reported that a recombinant, chimeric MACV (rMACV/Cd#1-GPC) expressing glycoprotein from the Candid#1 (Cd#1) vaccine strain of JUNV is completely attenuated in a murine model and protects animals from lethal challenge with MACV. A rMACV with a single F438I substitution in the transmembrane domain (TMD) of GPC, which is equivalent to the F427I attenuating mutation in Cd#1 GPC, was attenuated in a murine model but genetically unstable. In addition, the TMD mutation alone was not sufficient to fully attenuate JUNV, indicating that other domains of the GPC may also contribute to the attenuation. To investigate the requirement of different domains of Cd#1 GPC for successful attenuation of MACV, we rescued several rMACVs expressing the ectodomain of GPC from Cd#1 either alone (MCg1), along with the TMD F438I substitution (MCg2), or with the TMD of Cd#1 (MCg3). All rMACVs exhibited similar growth curves in cultured cells. In mice, the MCg1 displayed significant reduction in lethality as compared with rMACV. The MCg1 was detected in brains and spleens of MCg1-infected mice and the infection was associated with tissue inflammation. On the other hand, all animals survived MCg2 and MCg3 infection without detectable levels of virus in various organs while producing neutralizing antibody against Cd#1. Overall our data suggest the indispensable role of each GPC domain in the full attenuation and immunogenicity of rMACV/Cd#1 GPC. Machupo virus (MACV), a member of Arenaviridae family, causes Bolivian hemorrhagic fever (BHF) in humans. No approved vaccine or treatment are available to date despite the high case fatality rate of BHF. rMACV/Cd#1-GPC is fully attenuated and protects mice from lethal MACV challenge. Although one virulence determinant was found in the transmembrane domain of GPC (F438), other virulence determinants in GPC are very likely. Our new data indicated that the ectodomain of Cd#1 GPC is necessary, but not sufficient, for complete attenuation of the rMACV/Cd#1-GPC. This new finding may help generate highly attenuated MACVs for vaccine development and/or for drug screening purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takaaki Koma
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Cheng Huang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Judith F. Aronson
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Aida G. Walker
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Milagros Miller
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jeanon N. Smith
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Michael Patterson
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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15
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Wolff S, Groseth A, Meyer B, Jackson D, Strecker T, Kaufmann A, Becker S. The New World arenavirus Tacaribe virus induces caspase-dependent apoptosis in infected cells. J Gen Virol 2016; 97:855-866. [PMID: 26769540 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.000403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Arenaviridae is a diverse and growing family of viruses that already includes more than 25 distinct species. While some of these viruses have a significant impact on public health, others appear to be non-pathogenic. At present little is known about the host cell responses to infection with different arenaviruses, particularly those found in the New World; however, apoptosis is known to play an important role in controlling infection of many viruses. Here we show that infection with Tacaribe virus (TCRV), which is widely considered the prototype for non-pathogenic arenaviruses, leads to stronger induction of apoptosis than does infection with its human-pathogenic relative Junín virus. TCRV-induced apoptosis occurred in several cell types during late stages of infection and was shown to be caspase-dependent, involving the activation of caspases 3, 7, 8 and 9. Further, UV-inactivated TCRV did not induce apoptosis, indicating that the activation of this process is dependent on active viral replication/transcription. Interestingly, when apoptosis was inhibited, growth of TCRV was not enhanced, indicating that apoptosis does not have a direct negative effect on TCRV infection in vitro. Taken together, our data identify and characterize an important virus-host cell interaction of the prototypic, non-pathogenic arenavirus TCRV, which provides important insight into the growing field of arenavirus research aimed at better understanding the diversity in responses to different arenavirus infections and their functional consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Wolff
- Institut für Virologie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein Str. 2, 35043, Marburg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Gießen-Marburg-Langen, Hans-Meerwein Str. 2, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Allison Groseth
- Institut für Virologie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein Str. 2, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Bjoern Meyer
- University of St Andrews, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9ST, UK
| | - David Jackson
- University of St Andrews, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Thomas Strecker
- Institut für Virologie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein Str. 2, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Kaufmann
- Institut für Immunologie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein Str. 2, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Becker
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Gießen-Marburg-Langen, Hans-Meerwein Str. 2, 35043, Marburg, Germany.,Institut für Virologie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein Str. 2, 35043, Marburg, Germany
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16
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Machupo Virus Expressing GPC of the Candid#1 Vaccine Strain of Junin Virus Is Highly Attenuated and Immunogenic. J Virol 2015; 90:1290-7. [PMID: 26581982 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02615-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Machupo virus (MACV) is the causative agent of Bolivian hemorrhagic fever. Our previous study demonstrated that a MACV strain with a single amino acid substitution (F438I) in the transmembrane domain of glycoprotein is attenuated but genetically unstable in mice. MACV is closely related to Junin virus (JUNV), the causative agent of Argentine hemorrhagic fever. Others and our group have identified the glycoprotein to be the major viral factor determining JUNV attenuation. In this study, we tested the compatibility of the glycoprotein of the Candid#1 live-attenuated vaccine strain of JUNV in MACV replication and its ability to attenuate MACV in vivo. Recombinant MACV with the Candid#1 glycoprotein (rMACV/Cd#1-GPC) exhibited growth properties similar to those of Candid#1 and was genetically stable in vitro. In a mouse model of lethal infection, rMACV/Cd#1-GPC was fully attenuated, more immunogenic than Candid#1, and fully protective against MACV infection. Therefore, the MACV strain expressing the glycoprotein of Candid#1 is safe, genetically stable, and highly protective against MACV infection in a mouse model. IMPORTANCE Currently, there are no FDA-approved vaccines and/or treatments for Bolivian hemorrhagic fever, which is a fatal human disease caused by MACV. The development of antiviral strategies to combat viral hemorrhagic fevers, including Bolivian hemorrhagic fever, is one of the top priorities of the Implementation Plan of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that MACV expressing glycoprotein of Candid#1 is a safe, genetically stable, highly immunogenic, and protective vaccine candidate against Bolivian hemorrhagic fever.
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17
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Pythoud C, Rothenberger S, Martínez-Sobrido L, de la Torre JC, Kunz S. Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Differentially Affects the Virus-Induced Type I Interferon Response and Mitochondrial Apoptosis Mediated by RIG-I/MAVS. J Virol 2015; 89:6240-50. [PMID: 25833049 PMCID: PMC4474305 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00610-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Arenaviruses are important emerging human pathogens maintained by noncytolytic persistent infection in their rodent reservoir hosts. Despite high levels of viral replication, persistently infected carrier hosts show only mildly elevated levels of type I interferon (IFN-I). Accordingly, the arenavirus nucleoprotein (NP) has been identified as a potent IFN-I antagonist capable of blocking activation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) via the retinoic acid inducible gene (RIG)-I/mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS) pathway. Another important mechanism of host innate antiviral defense is represented by virus-induced mitochondrial apoptosis via RIG-I/MAVS and IRF3. In the present study, we investigated the ability of the prototypic Old World arenavirus lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) to interfere with RIG-I/MAVS-dependent apoptosis. We found that LCMV does not induce apoptosis at any time during infection. While LCMV efficiently blocked induction of IFN-I via RIG-I/MAVS in response to superinfection with cytopathic RNA viruses, virus-induced mitochondrial apoptosis remained fully active in LCMV-infected cells. Notably, in LCMV-infected cells, RIG-I was dispensable for virus-induced apoptosis via MAVS. Our study reveals that LCMV infection efficiently suppresses induction of IFN-I but does not interfere with the cell's ability to undergo virus-induced mitochondrial apoptosis as a strategy of innate antiviral defense. The RIG-I independence of mitochondrial apoptosis in LCMV-infected cells provides the first evidence that arenaviruses can reshape apoptotic signaling according to their needs. IMPORTANCE Arenaviruses are important emerging human pathogens that are maintained in their rodent hosts by persistent infection. Persistent virus is able to subvert the cellular interferon response, a powerful branch of the innate antiviral defense. Here, we investigated the ability of the prototypic arenavirus lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) to interfere with the induction of programmed cell death, or apoptosis, in response to superinfection with cytopathic RNA viruses. Upon viral challenge, persistent LCMV efficiently blocked induction of interferons, whereas virus-induced apoptosis remained fully active in LCMV-infected cells. Our studies reveal that the persistent virus is able to reshape innate apoptotic signaling in order to prevent interferon production while maintaining programmed cell death as a strategy for innate defense. The differential effect of persistent virus on the interferon response versus its effect on apoptosis appears as a subtle strategy to guarantee sufficiently high viral loads for efficient transmission while maintaining apoptosis as a mechanism of defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christelle Pythoud
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sylvia Rothenberger
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Luis Martínez-Sobrido
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Juan Carlos de la Torre
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Science, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Stefan Kunz
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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18
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Human Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Elicited Different Responses after Infection with Pathogenic and Nonpathogenic Junin Virus Strains. J Virol 2015; 89:7409-13. [PMID: 25926646 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01014-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The arenavirus Junin virus (JUNV) is the etiologic agent of Argentine hemorrhagic fever. We characterized the JUNV infection of human peripheral blood-derived plasmacytoid dendritic cells (hpDC), demonstrating that hpDC are susceptible to infection with the C#1 strain (attenuated) and even more susceptible to infection with the P (virulent) JUNV strain. However, hpDC elicited different responses in terms of viability, activation, maturation, and cytokine expression after infection with both JUNV strains.
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19
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Inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway by Ly294002 does not prevent establishment of persistent Junín virus infection in Vero cells. Arch Virol 2014; 160:469-75. [PMID: 25488290 PMCID: PMC7087115 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-014-2298-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In previous work, we demonstrated that the arenavirus Junín virus (JUNV) is able to activate Akt by means of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) survival pathway during virus entry. This work extends our study, emphasizing the relevance of this pathway in the establishment and maintenance of persistent infection in vitro. During the course of infection, JUNV-infected Vero cells showed a typical cytopathic effect that may be ascribed to apoptotic cell death. Treatment of infected cultures with Ly294002, an inhibitor of the PI3K/Akt pathway, produced an apoptotic response similar to that observed for uninfected cells treated with the drug. This result suggests that virus-induced activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway does not deliver a strong enough anti-apoptotic signal to explain the low proportion of apoptotic cells observed during infection. Also, inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway during the acute stage of infection did not prevent the establishment of persistence. Furthermore, treatment of persistently JUNV-infected cells with Ly294002 did not alter viral protein expression. These findings indicate that despite the positive modulation of the PI3/Akt pathway during Junín virus entry, this would not play a critical role in the establishment and maintenance of JUNV persistence in Vero cells.
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20
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Kolokoltsova OA, Yun NE, Paessler S. Reactive astrogliosis in response to hemorrhagic fever virus: microarray profile of Junin virus-infected human astrocytes. Virol J 2014; 11:126. [PMID: 25015256 PMCID: PMC4113780 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-11-126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arenavirus Junin is the causative agent of Argentine hemorrhagic fever. Limited information is available concerning the pathogenesis of this human disease, especially the pathogenesis of acute and late neurological symptoms. METHODS In our study we present for the first time cDNA microarray profile of human astrocytes infected with the virulent strain of Junin virus. Transcriptional profiling was confirmed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR and cytokine/chemokine/growth factor assay. RESULTS We demonstrated the impact of virus infection on immune/inflammatory response/interferon signaling and apoptosis. Pro-apoptotic response and amplification with time of pro-inflammatory cascade of human astrocytes suggested neurodegenerative dysfunctional reactive astrogliosis in response to Junin virus infection. CONCLUSION Our results suggest potential pathogenic role of astroglial cells in the development of neurological symptoms and late neurological syndrome during Argentine hemorrhagic fever.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, USA.
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