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Tardiota N, Jaberolansar N, Lackenby JA, Chappell KJ, O'Donnell JS. HTLV-1 reverse transcriptase homology model provides structural basis for sensitivity to existing nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Virol J 2024; 21:14. [PMID: 38200531 PMCID: PMC10782711 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02288-z] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infects millions of people globally and is endemic to various resource-limited regions. Infections persist for life and are associated with increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and severe diseases including adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy-tropical spastic paraparesis. No HTLV-1-specific anti-retrovirals have been developed and it is unclear whether existing anti-retrovirals developed for treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have efficacy against HTLV-1. To understand the structural basis for therapeutic binding, homology modelling and machine learning were used to develop a structural model of the HTLV-1 reverse transcriptase. With this, molecular docking experiments using a panel of FDA-approved inhibitors of viral reverse transcriptases to assess their capacity for binding, and in turn, inhibition. Importantly, nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor but not non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors were predicted to bind the HTLV-1 reverse transcriptase, with similar affinity to HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. By strengthening the rationale for clinical testing of therapies such as tenofovir alafenamide, zidovudine, lamivudine, and azvudine for treatment of HTLV-1, this study has demonstrated the power of in silico structural biology approaches in drug design and therapeutic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Tardiota
- The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Noushin Jaberolansar
- The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- The School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Julia A Lackenby
- The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- The School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Keith J Chappell
- The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- The School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Jake S O'Donnell
- The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
- The School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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2
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Marino-Merlo F, Grelli S, Mastino A, Lai M, Ferrari P, Nicolini A, Pistello M, Macchi B. Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 Oncogenesis between Active Expression and Latency: A Possible Source for the Development of Therapeutic Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14807. [PMID: 37834255 PMCID: PMC10572738 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the only known human oncogenic retrovirus. HTLV-1 can cause a type of cancer called adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL). The virus is transmitted through the body fluids of infected individuals, primarily breast milk, blood, and semen. At least 5-10 million people in the world are infected with HTLV-1. In addition to ATL, HTLV-1 infection can also cause HTLV-I-associated myelopathy (HAM/TSP). ATL is characterized by a low viral expression and poor prognosis. The oncogenic mechanism triggered by HTLV-1 is extremely complex and the molecular pathways are not fully understood. However, viral regulatory proteins Tax and HTLV-1 bZIP factor (HBZ) have been shown to play key roles in the transformation of HTLV-1-infected T cells. Moreover, several studies have shown that the final fate of HTLV-1-infected transformed Tcell clones is the result of a complex interplay of HTLV-1 oncogenic protein expression with cellular transcription factors that subvert the cell cycle and disrupt regulated cell death, thereby exerting their transforming effects. This review provides updated information on the mechanisms underlying the transforming action of HTLV-1 and highlights potential therapeutic targets to combat ATL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Marino-Merlo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy;
| | - Sandro Grelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Antonio Mastino
- The Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Michele Lai
- Retrovirus Center and Virology Section, Department of Translational Research, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (M.L.); (M.P.)
| | - Paola Ferrari
- Unit of Oncology, Department of Medical and Oncological Area, Azienda Ospedaliera—Universitaria Pisana, 56125 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Andrea Nicolini
- Department of Oncology, Transplantations and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Mauro Pistello
- Retrovirus Center and Virology Section, Department of Translational Research, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (M.L.); (M.P.)
| | - Beatrice Macchi
- Department of Chemical Science and Technology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy;
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3
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Nakamura-Hoshi M, Nomura T, Nishizawa M, Hau TTT, Yamamoto H, Okazaki M, Ishii H, Yonemitsu K, Suzaki Y, Ami Y, Matano T. HTLV-1 Proliferation after CD8 + Cell Depletion by Monoclonal Anti-CD8 Antibody Administration in Latently HTLV-1-Infected Cynomolgus Macaques. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0151823. [PMID: 37367230 PMCID: PMC10434050 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01518-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) induces chronic asymptomatic latent infection with a substantial proviral load but without significant viral replication in vivo. Cumulative studies have indicated involvement of CD8-positive (CD8+) cells, including virus-specific CD8+ T cells in the control of HTLV-1 replication. However, whether HTLV-1 expression from latently infected cells in vivo occurs in the absence of CD8+ cells remains unclear. Here, we examined the impact of CD8+ cell depletion by monoclonal anti-CD8 antibody administration on proviral load in HTLV-1-infected cynomolgus macaques. Five cynomolgus macaques were infected with HTLV-1 by inoculation with HTLV-1-producing cells. Administration of monoclonal anti-CD8 antibody in the chronic phase resulted in complete depletion of peripheral CD8+ T cells for approximately 2 months. All five macaques showed an increase in proviral load following CD8+ cell depletion, which peaked just before the reappearance of peripheral CD8+ T cells. Tax-specific CD8+ T-cell responses were detected in these recovered CD8+ T cells. Importantly, anti-HTLV-1 antibodies also increased after CD8+ cell depletion, indicating HTLV-1 antigen expression. These results provide evidence indicating that HTLV-1 can proliferate from the latent phase in the absence of CD8+ cells and suggest that CD8+ cells are responsible for the control of HTLV-1 replication. IMPORTANCE HTLV-1 can cause serious diseases such as adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) in humans after chronic asymptomatic latent infection with substantial proviral load. Proviruses are detectable in peripheral lymphocytes in HTLV-1 carriers, and the association of a higher proviral load with a higher risk of disease progression has been observed. However, neither substantial viral structural protein expression nor viral replication was detectable in vivo. Cumulative studies have indicated involvement of CD8+ cells, including virus-specific CD8+ T cells in the control of HTLV-1 replication. In the present study, we showed that CD8+ cell depletion by monoclonal anti-CD8 antibody administration results in HTLV-1 expression and an increase in proviral load in HTLV-1-infected cynomolgus macaques. Our results indicate that HTLV-1 can proliferate in the absence of CD8+ cells, suggesting that CD8+ cells are responsible for the control of HTLV-1 replication. This study provides insights into the mechanism of virus-host immune interaction in latent HTLV-1 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Takushi Nomura
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masako Nishizawa
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Trang Thi Thu Hau
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yamamoto
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Midori Okazaki
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ishii
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenzo Yonemitsu
- Management Department of Biosafety, Laboratory Animal, and Pathogen Bank, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuriko Suzaki
- Management Department of Biosafety, Laboratory Animal, and Pathogen Bank, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasushi Ami
- Management Department of Biosafety, Laboratory Animal, and Pathogen Bank, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Matano
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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4
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Maksimova V, Wilkie T, Smith S, Phelps C, Melvin C, Yu L, Niewiesk S, Green PL, Panfil AR. HTLV-1 Hbz protein, but not hbz mRNA secondary structure, is critical for viral persistence and disease development. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011459. [PMID: 37327244 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the etiologic cause of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) and encodes a viral oncoprotein (Hbz) that is consistently expressed in asymptomatic carriers and ATL patients, suggesting its importance in the development and maintenance of HTLV-1 leukemic cells. Our previous work found Hbz protein is dispensable for virus-mediated T-cell immortalization but enhances viral persistence. We and others have also shown that hbz mRNA promotes T-cell proliferation. In our current studies, we evaluated the role of hbz mRNA on HTLV-1-mediated immortalization in vitro as well as in vivo persistence and disease development. We generated mutant proviral clones to examine the individual contributions of hbz mRNA, hbz mRNA secondary structure (stem-loop), and Hbz protein. Wild-type (WT) and all mutant viruses produced virions and immortalized T-cells in vitro. Viral persistence and disease development were also evaluated in vivo by infection of a rabbit model and humanized immune system (HIS) mice, respectively. Proviral load and sense and antisense viral gene expression were significantly lower in rabbits infected with mutant viruses lacking Hbz protein compared to WT or virus with an altered hbz mRNA stem-loop (M3 mutant). HIS mice infected with Hbz protein-deficient viruses showed significantly increased survival times compared to animals infected with WT or M3 mutant virus. Altered hbz mRNA secondary structure, or loss of hbz mRNA or protein, has no significant effect on T-cell immortalization induced by HTLV-1 in vitro; however, the Hbz protein plays a critical role in establishing viral persistence and leukemogenesis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Maksimova
- Center for Retrovirus Research, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Tasha Wilkie
- Center for Retrovirus Research, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Susan Smith
- Center for Retrovirus Research, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Cameron Phelps
- Center for Retrovirus Research, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Corrine Melvin
- Center for Retrovirus Research, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Lianbo Yu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Stefan Niewiesk
- Center for Retrovirus Research, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Patrick L Green
- Center for Retrovirus Research, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
- Comprehensive Cancer Center and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Amanda R Panfil
- Center for Retrovirus Research, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
- Comprehensive Cancer Center and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
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5
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Bangham CRM. HTLV-1 persistence and the oncogenesis of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. Blood 2023; 141:2299-2306. [PMID: 36800643 PMCID: PMC10646791 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022019332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), also known as human T-lymphotropic virus type 1, causes the aggressive malignancy known as adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) in 5% of infected people and a chronic progressive inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, HTLV-1-associated myelopathy, in ∼0.3% to 4% of them, varying between regions where it is endemic. Reliable treatments are lacking for both conditions, although there have been promising recent advances in the prevention and treatment of ATL. Because ATL typically develops after several decades of infection, it is necessary to understand how the virus persists in the host despite a strong immune response, and how this persistence results in oncogenesis.
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6
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Pereira-Santos TA, da Rocha AS, Lopes-Ribeiro Á, Corrêa-Dias LC, Melo-Oliveira P, Reis EVDS, da Fonseca FG, Barbosa-Stancioli EF, Tsuji M, Coelho-dos-Reis JGA. Diversity of HLA-A2-Restricted and Immunodominant Epitope Repertoire of Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1) Tax Protein: Novel Insights among N-Terminal, Central and C-Terminal Regions. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030545. [PMID: 36979478 PMCID: PMC10046496 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study sought to search for the immunodominance related to the N-terminal, Central and C-terminal regions of HTLV-1 Tax using novel, cutting-edge peptide microarray analysis. In addition, in silico predictions were performed to verify the presence of nine amino acid peptides present along Tax restricted to the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2.02*01 haplotype, as well as to verify the ability to induce pro-inflammatory and regulatory cytokines, such as IFN-γ and IL-4, respectively. Our results indicated abundant dose-dependent reactivity for HLA-A*02:01 in all regions (N-terminal, Central and C-terminal), but with specific hotspots. Furthermore, the results of fold-change over the Tax11–19 reactivity obtained at lower concentrations of HLA-A*02:01 reveal that peptides from the three regions contain sequences that react 100 times more than Tax11–19. On the other hand, Tax11–19 has similar or superior HLA-A*02:01 reactivity at higher concentrations of this haplotype. The in silico analysis showed a higher frequency of IFN-γ-inducing peptides in the N-terminal portion, while the C-terminal portion showed a higher frequency of IL-4 inducers. Taken together, these results shed light on the search for new Tax immunodominant epitopes, in addition to the canonic Tax11–19, for the rational design of immunomodulatory strategies for HTLV-1 chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaiza Aline Pereira-Santos
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Anderson Santos da Rocha
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Ágata Lopes-Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Laura Cardoso Corrêa-Dias
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Melo-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Erik Vinicius de Sousa Reis
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Flávio Guimarães da Fonseca
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
- Centro de Tecnologia em Vacinas (CT-Vacinas), Parque Tecnológico de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte 31310-260, MG, Brazil
| | - Edel Figueiredo Barbosa-Stancioli
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Moriya Tsuji
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jordana Grazziela Alves Coelho-dos-Reis
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
- Correspondence: or
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7
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HIV-1 and HTLV-1 Transmission Modes: Mechanisms and Importance for Virus Spread. Viruses 2022; 14:v14010152. [PMID: 35062355 PMCID: PMC8779814 DOI: 10.3390/v14010152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
So far, only two retroviruses, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (type 1 and 2) and human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), have been recognized as pathogenic for humans. Both viruses mainly infect CD4+ T lymphocytes. HIV replication induces the apoptosis of CD4 lymphocytes, leading to the development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). After a long clinical latency period, HTLV-1 can transform lymphocytes, with subsequent uncontrolled proliferation and the manifestation of a disease called adult T-cell leukemia (ATLL). Certain infected patients develop neurological autoimmune disorder called HTLV-1-associated myelopathy, also known as tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Both viruses are transmitted between individuals via blood transfusion, tissue/organ transplantation, breastfeeding, and sexual intercourse. Within the host, these viruses can spread utilizing either cell-free or cell-to-cell modes of transmission. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms and importance of each mode of transmission for the biology of HIV-1 and HTLV-1.
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8
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Abstract
Viral infection is an indisputable causal factor for nearly 17% of all human cancers. However, the diversity and complexity of oncogenic mechanisms raises new questions as to the mechanistic role of viruses in cancer. Classical viral oncogenes have been identified for all tumor-associated viruses. These oncogenes can have multiple oncogenic activities that may or may not be utilized in a particular tumor cell. In addition, stochastic events, like viral mutation and integration, as well as heritable host susceptibilities and immune deficiencies are also implicated in tumorigenesis. A more contemporary view of tumor biology highlights the importance of evolutionary forces that select for phenotypes better adapted to a complex and changing environment. Given the challenges of prioritizing singular mechanistic causes, it may be necessary to integrate concepts from evolutionary theory and systems biology to better understand viral cancer-driving forces. Here, we propose that viral infection provides a biological “entropy” that increases genetic variation and phenotypic plasticity, accelerating the main driving forces of cancer cell evolution. Viruses can also influence the evolutionary selection criteria by altering the tumor microenvironment and immune signaling. Utilizing concepts from cancer cell evolution, population genetics, thermodynamics, and systems biology may provide new perspectives on viral oncogenesis and identify novel therapeutic strategies for treating viruses and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Italo Tempera
- Program in Gene Expression and Regulation, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Paul M Lieberman
- Program in Gene Expression and Regulation, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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9
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Forlani G, Shallak M, Accolla RS, Romanelli MG. HTLV-1 Infection and Pathogenesis: New Insights from Cellular and Animal Models. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158001. [PMID: 34360767 PMCID: PMC8347336 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of the human T-cell leukemia virus-1 (HTLV-1), cellular and animal models have provided invaluable contributions in the knowledge of viral infection, transmission and progression of HTLV-associated diseases. HTLV-1 is the causative agent of the aggressive adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and inflammatory diseases such as the HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Cell models contribute to defining the role of HTLV proteins, as well as the mechanisms of cell-to-cell transmission of the virus. Otherwise, selected and engineered animal models are currently applied to recapitulate in vivo the HTLV-1 associated pathogenesis and to verify the effectiveness of viral therapy and host immune response. Here we review the current cell models for studying virus–host interaction, cellular restriction factors and cell pathway deregulation mediated by HTLV products. We recapitulate the most effective animal models applied to investigate the pathogenesis of HTLV-1-associated diseases such as transgenic and humanized mice, rabbit and monkey models. Finally, we summarize the studies on STLV and BLV, two closely related HTLV-1 viruses in animals. The most recent anticancer and HAM/TSP therapies are also discussed in view of the most reliable experimental models that may accelerate the translation from the experimental findings to effective therapies in infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Forlani
- Laboratory of General Pathology and Immunology “Giovanna Tosi”, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy; (G.F.); (M.S.); (R.S.A.)
| | - Mariam Shallak
- Laboratory of General Pathology and Immunology “Giovanna Tosi”, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy; (G.F.); (M.S.); (R.S.A.)
| | - Roberto Sergio Accolla
- Laboratory of General Pathology and Immunology “Giovanna Tosi”, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy; (G.F.); (M.S.); (R.S.A.)
| | - Maria Grazia Romanelli
- Department of Biosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
- Correspondence:
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