1
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Wang S, Zhu Z, Li J. Pharmacokinetic Analyses of a Lipid Nanoparticle-Encapsulated mRNA-Encoded Antibody against Rift Valley Fever Virus. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:1342-1352. [PMID: 38295278 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c01016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) could cause an emergency illness characterized by fever, muscle pain, and even death in humans or ruminants. However, there are no approved antiviral drugs that prevent or treat RVFV infection. While therapeutic antibodies have shown promising potential for prevention or treatment in several studies, many studies are ongoing, especially in the field of infectious diseases. Among these studies, the mRNA-LNP platform shows great potential for application, following the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, we have obtained a neutralizing antibody against RVFV, which was named A38 protein and verified to have a high binding and neutralization ability. In this study, we aimed to identify an effectively optimized sequence and expressed the prioritized mRNA-encoded antibody in vitro. Notably, we effectively expressed mRNA-encoded protein and used the mRNA-LNP platform to generate A38-mRNA-LNP. Pharmacokinetic experiments were conducted in vivo and set up in two groups of mRNA-A38 group and A38 protein group, which were derived from mRNA-LNP and plasmid DNA-expressed proteins, respectively. A38-mRNA-LNPs were administrated by intramuscular injection, A38 proteins were administrated by intravenous administration, and their unique ability to maintain long-lasting protein concentrations by mRNA-encoded protein was demonstrated with the mRNA-encoded protein providing a longer circulating half-life compared to injection of the free A38 protein. These preclinical data on the mRNA-encoded antibody highlighted its potential to prevent infectious diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Wang
- Institute of Bioengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311215, China
| | - Ziling Zhu
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jianmin Li
- ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311215, China
- Laboratory of Vaccine and Antibody Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
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2
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Alkan C, O’Brien T, Kenyon V, Ikegami T. Computer-Selected Antiviral Compounds: Assessing In Vitro Efficacies against Rift Valley Fever Virus. Viruses 2024; 16:88. [PMID: 38257788 PMCID: PMC10818293 DOI: 10.3390/v16010088] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever is a zoonotic viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, impacting both humans and livestock. Currently, there are no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for humans. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of chemical compounds targeting the Gc fusion mechanism. These compounds were identified through virtual screening of millions of commercially available small molecules using a structure-based artificial intelligence bioactivity predictor. In our experiments, a pretreatment with small molecule compounds revealed that 3 out of 94 selected compounds effectively inhibited the replication of the Rift Valley fever virus MP-12 strain in Vero cells. As anticipated, these compounds did not impede viral RNA replication when administered three hours after infection. However, significant inhibition of viral RNA replication occurred upon viral entry when cells were pretreated with these small molecules. Furthermore, these compounds exhibited significant inhibition against Arumowot virus, another phlebovirus, while showing no antiviral effects on tick-borne bandaviruses. Our study validates AI-based virtual high throughput screening as a rational approach for identifying effective antiviral candidates for Rift Valley fever virus and other bunyaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cigdem Alkan
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA;
| | - Terrence O’Brien
- Discovery Chemistry, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA;
| | | | - Tetsuro Ikegami
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA;
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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3
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Exotic viral hepatitis: A review on epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment. J Hepatol 2022; 77:1431-1443. [PMID: 35817222 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Certain "exotic" viruses are known to cause clinical diseases with potential liver involvement. These include viruses, beyond regular hepatotropic viruses (hepatitis A, -B(D), -C, -E, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus), that can be found in (sub)tropical areas and can cause "exotic viral hepatitis". Transmission routes typically involve arthropods (Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever, dengue, Rift Valley fever, yellow fever). However, some of these viruses are transmitted by the aerosolised excreta of rodents (Hantavirus, Lassa fever), or via direct contact or contact with bodily fluids (Ebola). Although some exotic viruses are associated with high fatality rates, such as Ebola for example, the clinical presentation of most exotic viruses can range from mild flu-like symptoms, in most cases, right through to being potentially fatal. A smaller percentage of people develop severe disease with haemorrhagic fever, possibly with (fulminant) hepatitis. Liver involvement is often caused by direct tropism for hepatocytes and Kupffer cells, resulting in virus-mediated and/or immune-mediated necrosis. In all exotic hepatitis viruses, PCR is the most sensitive diagnostic method. The determination of IgM/IgG antibodies is a reasonable alternative, but cross-reactivity can be a problem in the case of flaviviruses. Licenced vaccines are available for yellow fever and Ebola, and they are currently under development for dengue. Therapy for exotic viral hepatitis is predominantly supportive. To ensure that preventive measures can be introduced to control possible outbreaks, the timely detection of these viruses is very important.
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Kandeel M, Al-Mubarak AIA. Camel viral diseases: Current diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive strategies. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:915475. [PMID: 36032287 PMCID: PMC9403476 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.915475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Many pathogenic viruses infect camels, generally regarded as especially hardy livestock because of their ability to thrive in harsh and arid conditions. Transmission of these viruses has been facilitated by the commercialization of camel milk and meat and their byproducts, and vaccines are needed to prevent viruses from spreading. There is a paucity of information on the effectiveness of viral immunizations in camels, even though numerous studies have looked into the topic. More research is needed to create effective vaccines and treatments for camels. Because Camels are carriers of coronavirus, capable of producing a powerful immune response to recurrent coronavirus infections. As a result, camels may be a suitable model for viral vaccine trials since vaccines are simple to create and can prevent viral infection transfer from animals to humans. In this review, we present available data on the diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative strategies for the following viral diseases in camels, most of which result in significant economic loss: camelpox, Rift Valley fever, peste des petits ruminants, bovine viral diarrhea, bluetongue, rotavirus, Middle East respiratory syndrome, and COVID-19. Although suitable vaccines have been developed for controlling viral infections and perhaps interrupting the transmission of the virus from the affected animals to blood-feeding vectors, there is a paucity of information on the effectiveness of viral immunizations in camels and more research is needed. Recent therapeutic trials that include specific antivirals or supportive care have helped manage viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Kandeel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
- *Correspondence: Mahmoud Kandeel
| | - Abdullah I. A. Al-Mubarak
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, Saudi Arabia
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5
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Fatima I, Ahmad S, Alamri MA, Mirza MU, Tahir Ul Qamar M, Rehman A, Shahid F, Alatawi EA, Alkhayl FFA, Al-Megrin WA, Almatroudi A. Discovery of Rift Valley fever virus natural pan-inhibitors by targeting its multiple key proteins through computational approaches. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9260. [PMID: 35662263 PMCID: PMC9163866 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13267-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a zoonotic arbovirus and pathogenic to both humans and animals. Currently, no proven effective RVFV drugs or licensed vaccine are available for human or animal use. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop effective treatment options to control this viral infection. RVFV glycoprotein N (GN), glycoprotein C (GC), and nucleocapsid (N) proteins are attractive antiviral drug targets due to their critical roles in RVFV replication. In present study, an integrated docking-based virtual screening of more than 6000 phytochemicals with known antiviral activities against these conserved RVFV proteins was conducted. The top five hit compounds, calyxin C, calyxin D, calyxin J, gericudranins A, and blepharocalyxin C displayed optimal binding against all three target proteins. Moreover, multiple parameters from the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and MM/GBSA analysis confirmed the stability of protein-ligand complexes and revealed that these compounds may act as potential pan-inhibitors of RVFV replication. Our computational analyses may contribute toward the development of promising effective drugs against RVFV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israr Fatima
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Sajjad Ahmad
- Department of Health and Biological Sciences, Abasyn University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Mubarak A Alamri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Usman Mirza
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, Canada
| | | | - Abdur Rehman
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Farah Shahid
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Eid A Alatawi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faris F Aba Alkhayl
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, 51452, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Dentistry and Pharmacy, Buraydah Colleges, Buraydah, 51418, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wafa Abdullah Al-Megrin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Almatroudi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, 51452, Saudi Arabia.
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6
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Johnson KN, Kalveram B, Smith JK, Zhang L, Juelich T, Atkins C, Ikegami T, Freiberg AN. Tilorone-Dihydrochloride Protects against Rift Valley Fever Virus Infection and Disease in the Mouse Model. Microorganisms 2021; 10:microorganisms10010092. [PMID: 35056541 PMCID: PMC8781158 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10010092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic disease endemic to Africa and the Middle East that can affect humans and ruminant livestock. Currently, there are no approved vaccines or therapeutics for the treatment of severe RVF disease in humans. Tilorone-dihydrochloride (Tilorone) is a broad-spectrum antiviral candidate that has previously shown efficacy against a wide range of DNA and RNA viruses, and which is clinically utilized for the treatment of respiratory infections in Russia and other Eastern European countries. Here, we evaluated the antiviral activity of Tilorone against Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). In vitro, Tilorone inhibited both vaccine (MP-12) and virulent (ZH501) strains of RVFV at low micromolar concentrations. In the mouse model, treatment with Tilorone significantly improved survival outcomes in BALB/c mice challenged with a lethal dose of RVFV ZH501. Treatment with 30 mg/kg/day resulted in 80% survival when administered immediately after infection. In post-exposure prophylaxis, Tilorone resulted in 30% survival at one day after infection when administered at 45 mg/kg/day. These findings demonstrate that Tilorone has potent antiviral efficacy against RVFV infection in vitro and in vivo and supports further development of Tilorone as a potential antiviral therapeutic for treatment of RVFV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendra N. Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA;
| | - Birte Kalveram
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (B.K.); (J.K.S.); (L.Z.); (T.J.); (C.A.); (T.I.)
| | - Jennifer K. Smith
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (B.K.); (J.K.S.); (L.Z.); (T.J.); (C.A.); (T.I.)
| | - Lihong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (B.K.); (J.K.S.); (L.Z.); (T.J.); (C.A.); (T.I.)
| | - Terry Juelich
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (B.K.); (J.K.S.); (L.Z.); (T.J.); (C.A.); (T.I.)
| | - Colm Atkins
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (B.K.); (J.K.S.); (L.Z.); (T.J.); (C.A.); (T.I.)
| | - Tetsuro Ikegami
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (B.K.); (J.K.S.); (L.Z.); (T.J.); (C.A.); (T.I.)
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Alexander N. Freiberg
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (B.K.); (J.K.S.); (L.Z.); (T.J.); (C.A.); (T.I.)
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Correspondence:
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7
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Clemmons EA, Alfson KJ, Dutton JW. Transboundary Animal Diseases, an Overview of 17 Diseases with Potential for Global Spread and Serious Consequences. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2039. [PMID: 34359167 PMCID: PMC8300273 DOI: 10.3390/ani11072039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals provide food and other critical resources to most of the global population. As such, diseases of animals can cause dire consequences, especially disease with high rates of morbidity or mortality. Transboundary animal diseases (TADs) are highly contagious or transmissible, epidemic diseases, with the potential to spread rapidly across the globe and the potential to cause substantial socioeconomic and public health consequences. Transboundary animal diseases can threaten the global food supply, reduce the availability of non-food animal products, or cause the loss of human productivity or life. Further, TADs result in socioeconomic consequences from costs of control or preventative measures, and from trade restrictions. A greater understanding of the transmission, spread, and pathogenesis of these diseases is required. Further work is also needed to improve the efficacy and cost of both diagnostics and vaccines. This review aims to give a broad overview of 17 TADs, providing researchers and veterinarians with a current, succinct resource of salient details regarding these significant diseases. For each disease, we provide a synopsis of the disease and its status, species and geographic areas affected, a summary of in vitro or in vivo research models, and when available, information regarding prevention or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Clemmons
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, 8715 W. Military Drive, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA;
| | - Kendra J. Alfson
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, 8715 W. Military Drive, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA
| | - John W. Dutton
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, 8715 W. Military Drive, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA;
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8
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More GK, Makola RT, Prinsloo G. In Vitro Evaluation of Anti-Rift Valley Fever Virus, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of South African Medicinal Plant Extracts. Viruses 2021; 13:221. [PMID: 33572659 PMCID: PMC7912315 DOI: 10.3390/v13020221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rift valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne virus endemic to sub-Saharan African countries, and the first sporadic outbreaks outside Africa were reported in the Asia-Pacific region. There are no approved therapeutic agents available for RVFV; however, finding an effective antiviral agent against RVFV is important. This study aimed to evaluate the antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of medicinal plant extracts. Twenty medicinal plants were screened for their anti-RVFV activity using the cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction method. The cytotoxicity assessment of the extracts was done before antiviral screening using the MTT assay. Antioxidant and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species' (ROS/RNS) inhibitory activity by the extracts was investigated using non-cell-based and cell-based assays. Out of twenty plant extracts tested, eight showed significant potency against RVFV indicated by a decrease in tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) < 105. The cytotoxicity of extracts showed inhibitory concentrations values (IC50) > 200 µg/mL for most of the extracts. The antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory results revealed that extracts scavenged free radicals exhibiting an IC50 range of 4.12-20.41 µg/mL and suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory mediators by 60-80% in Vero cells. This study demonstrated the ability of the extracts to lower RVFV viral load and their potency to reduce free radicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garland K. More
- College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Private Bag X6, Florida, Johannesburg 1710, South Africa;
| | - Raymond T. Makola
- Department of Biochemistry Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular and Life Science, University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus) Sovenga, Polokwane 0727, South Africa;
- National institute of Communicable Diseases, Special Viral Pathogen/Arbovirus Unit, 1 Modderfontein Rd, Sandringham, Johannesburg 2192, South Africa
| | - Gerhard Prinsloo
- College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Private Bag X6, Florida, Johannesburg 1710, South Africa;
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9
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Villa TG, Abril AG, Sánchez S, de Miguel T, Sánchez-Pérez A. Animal and human RNA viruses: genetic variability and ability to overcome vaccines. Arch Microbiol 2020; 203:443-464. [PMID: 32989475 PMCID: PMC7521576 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-020-02040-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
RNA viruses, in general, exhibit high mutation rates; this is mainly due to the low fidelity displayed by the RNA-dependent polymerases required for their replication that lack the proofreading machinery to correct misincorporated nucleotides and produce high mutation rates. This lack of replication fidelity, together with the fact that RNA viruses can undergo spontaneous mutations, results in genetic variants displaying different viral morphogenesis, as well as variation on their surface glycoproteins that affect viral antigenicity. This diverse viral population, routinely containing a variety of mutants, is known as a viral ‘quasispecies’. The mutability of their virions allows for fast evolution of RNA viruses that develop antiviral resistance and overcome vaccines much more rapidly than DNA viruses. This also translates into the fact that pathogenic RNA viruses, that cause many diseases and deaths in humans, represent the major viral group involved in zoonotic disease transmission, and are responsible for worldwide pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- T G Villa
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, 5706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Ana G Abril
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, 5706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - S Sánchez
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, 5706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - T de Miguel
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, 5706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - A Sánchez-Pérez
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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10
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Gutjahr B, Keller M, Rissmann M, von Arnim F, Jäckel S, Reiche S, Ulrich R, Groschup MH, Eiden M. Two monoclonal antibodies against glycoprotein Gn protect mice from Rift Valley Fever challenge by cooperative effects. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008143. [PMID: 32160203 PMCID: PMC7089562 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a zoonotic arbovirus that causes severe disease in humans and ruminants. The infection is characterized by abortions in pregnant animals, high mortality in neonates as well as febrile illness in humans that develop in 1% of cases encephalitis or hemorrhagic fever. There is presently no specific antiviral treatment for RVFV infection available. In this study, two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), raised against glycoprotein Gn, were applied in a therapeutic study. Treatment of RVFV infected mice with neutralizing mAb Gn3 alone at two different time points (30 minutes before or 30 minutes after virus challenge) showed only moderate efficacy of about 58.3% survival in both applications. However, a combination therapy together with non-neutralizing mAb Gn32 demonstrated complete protection (100% survival) when applied 30 minutes after the lethal challenge dose. The increase of mAb efficacy is probably based on cooperative neutralization effects. These data suggest that a combination therapy with mAbs Gn3 and Gn32 could be an effective treatment option against RVFV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Gutjahr
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Markus Keller
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Melanie Rissmann
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Felicitas von Arnim
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Susanne Jäckel
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
- Saxon State Laboratory of Health and Veterinary Affairs, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sven Reiche
- Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Reiner Ulrich
- Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin H. Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin Eiden
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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11
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Characterization of Two Neutralizing Antibodies against Rift Valley Fever Virus Gn Protein. Viruses 2020; 12:v12030259. [PMID: 32120864 PMCID: PMC7150882 DOI: 10.3390/v12030259] [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: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is an arthropod-borne virus that can not only cause severe disease in domestic animals but also in humans. However, the licensed vaccines or available therapeutics for humans do not exist. Here, we report two Gn-specific neutralizing antibodies (NAbs), isolated from a rhesus monkey immunized with recombinant human adenoviruses type 4 expressing Rift Valley fever virus Gn and Gc protein (rHAdV4-GnGcopt). The two NAbs were both able to protect host cells from RVFV infection. The interactions between NAbs and Gn were then characterized to demonstrate that these two NAbs might preclude RVFV glycoprotein rearrangement, hindering the exposure of fusion loops in Gc to endosomal membranes after the virus invades the host cell. The target region for the two NAbs is located in the Gn domain III, implying that Gn is a desired target for developing vaccines and neutralizing antibodies against RVFV.
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12
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Javelle E, Lesueur A, Pommier de Santi V, de Laval F, Lefebvre T, Holweck G, Durand GA, Leparc-Goffart I, Texier G, Simon F. The challenging management of Rift Valley Fever in humans: literature review of the clinical disease and algorithm proposal. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2020; 19:4. [PMID: 31969141 PMCID: PMC6977312 DOI: 10.1186/s12941-020-0346-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is an emerging zoonotic arbovirus with a complex cycle of transmission that makes difficult the prediction of its expansion. Recent outbreaks outside Africa have led to rediscover the human disease but it remains poorly known. The wide spectrum of acute and delayed manifestations with potential unfavorable outcome much complicate the management of suspected cases and prediction of morbidity and mortality during an outbreak. We reviewed literature data on bio-clinical characteristics and treatments of RVF human illness. We identified gaps in the field and provided a practical algorithm to assist clinicians in the cases assessment, determination of setting of care and prolonged follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Javelle
- Laveran Military Teaching Hospital, CS500413384, Marseille Cedex 13, France. .,IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France.
| | - Alexandre Lesueur
- Laveran Military Teaching Hospital, CS500413384, Marseille Cedex 13, France
| | - Vincent Pommier de Santi
- IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France.,French Armed Forces Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health (CESPA), Marseille, France
| | - Franck de Laval
- French Armed Forces Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health (CESPA), Marseille, France.,INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Thibault Lefebvre
- French Military Health Service, RSMA Medical Unit, Paris, Mayotte, France
| | - Guillaume Holweck
- Laveran Military Teaching Hospital, CS500413384, Marseille Cedex 13, France
| | - Guillaume André Durand
- French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute (IRBA)-CNR des arbovirus-IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,IRD 190, Inserm 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection, AP-HM, UVE, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Isabelle Leparc-Goffart
- French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute (IRBA)-CNR des arbovirus-IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,IRD 190, Inserm 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection, AP-HM, UVE, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Gaëtan Texier
- IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France.,French Armed Forces Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health (CESPA), Marseille, France
| | - Fabrice Simon
- Laveran Military Teaching Hospital, CS500413384, Marseille Cedex 13, France.,IRD 190, Inserm 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection, AP-HM, UVE, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
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13
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Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne viral zoonosis that was first discovered in Kenya in 1930 and is now endemic throughout multiple African countries and the Arabian Peninsula. RVF virus primarily infects domestic livestock (sheep, goats, cattle) causing high rates of neonatal mortality and abortion, with human infection resulting in a wide variety of clinical outcomes, ranging from self-limiting febrile illness to life-threatening haemorrhagic diatheses, and miscarriage in pregnant women. Since its discovery, RVF has caused many outbreaks in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula with major impacts on human and animal health. However, options for the control of RVF outbreaks are limited by the lack of licensed human vaccines or therapeutics. For this reason, RVF is prioritized by the World Health Organization for urgent research and development of countermeasures for the prevention and control of future outbreaks. In this review, we highlight the current understanding of RVF, including its epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and status of vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Wright
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK
| | - Jeroen Kortekaas
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas A. Bowden
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Division of Structural Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK
| | - George M. Warimwe
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK
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14
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Wendt L, Bostedt L, Hoenen T, Groseth A. High-throughput screening for negative-stranded hemorrhagic fever viruses using reverse genetics. Antiviral Res 2019; 170:104569. [PMID: 31356830 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.104569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) cause thousands of fatalities every year, but the treatment options for their management remain very limited. In particular, the development of therapeutic interventions is restricted by the lack of commercial viability of drugs targeting individual VHF agents. This makes approaches like drug repurposing and/or the identification of broad range therapies (i.e. those directed at host responses or common proviral factors) highly attractive. However, the identification of candidates for such antiviral repurposing or of host factors/pathways important for the virus life cycle is reliant on high-throughput screening (HTS). Recently, such screening work has been increasingly facilitated by the availability of reverse genetics-based approaches, including tools such as full-length clone (FLC) systems to generate reporter-expressing viruses or various life cycle modelling (LCM) systems, many of which have been developed and/or greatly improved during the last years. In particular, since LCM systems are capable of modelling specific steps in the life cycle, they are a valuable tool for both targeted screening (i.e. for inhibitors of a specific pathway) and mechanism of action studies. This review seeks to summarize the currently available reverse genetics systems for negative-sense VHF causing viruses (i.e. arenaviruses, bunyaviruses and filoviruses), and to highlight the recent advancements made in applying these systems for HTS to identify either antivirals or new virus-host interactions that might hold promise for the development of future treatments for the infections caused by these deadly but neglected virus groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Wendt
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Linus Bostedt
- Junior Research Group - Arenavirus Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Thomas Hoenen
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Allison Groseth
- Junior Research Group - Arenavirus Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
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15
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Modeling the Tertiary Structure of the Rift Valley Fever Virus L Protein. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24091768. [PMID: 31067727 PMCID: PMC6539450 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24091768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A tertiary structure governs, to a great extent, the biological activity of a protein in the living cell and is consequently a central focus of numerous studies aiming to shed light on cellular processes central to human health. Here, we aim to elucidate the structure of the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) L protein using a combination of in silico techniques. Due to its large size and multiple domains, elucidation of the tertiary structure of the L protein has so far challenged both dry and wet laboratories. In this work, we leverage complementary perspectives and tools from the computational-molecular-biology and bioinformatics domains for constructing, refining, and evaluating several atomistic structural models of the L protein that are physically realistic. All computed models have very flexible termini of about 200 amino acids each, and a high proportion of helical regions. Properties such as potential energy, radius of gyration, hydrodynamics radius, flexibility coefficient, and solvent-accessible surface are reported. Structural characterization of the L protein enables our laboratories to better understand viral replication and transcription via further studies of L protein-mediated protein-protein interactions. While results presented a focus on the RVFV L protein, the following workflow is a more general modeling protocol for discovering the tertiary structure of multidomain proteins consisting of thousands of amino acids.
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16
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Lang Y, Li Y, Jasperson D, Henningson J, Lee J, Ma J, Li Y, Duff M, Liu H, Bai D, McVey S, Richt JA, Ikegami T, Wilson WC, Ma W. Identification and evaluation of antivirals for Rift Valley fever virus. Vet Microbiol 2019; 230:110-116. [PMID: 30827375 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2019.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is the causative agent of Rift Valley fever (RVF) that affects both livestock and humans. There are neither fully licensed RVF vaccines available for human or animal use, nor effective antiviral drugs approved for human use in the U.S. To identify antiviral compounds effective for RVF, we developed and employed a cell-based high-throughput assay using a recombinant RVFV MP-12 strain, which expresses Renilla luciferase in place of the NSs protein, to screen 727 small compounds purchased from the National Institutes of Health. Twenty-three compounds were initially identified using the screening assay. Two compounds, 6-azauridine and mitoxantrone, also inhibited the replication of the parental MP-12 strain encoding the NSs gene, with limited cytotoxic effects. The respective 50% inhibitory concentrations were 29.07 μM and 79.85 μM when tested with the parental MP-12 strain at a multiplicity of infection of 2. The compounds were further evaluated using the STAT-1 KO mouse model. At one hour post intranasal inoculation of MP-12 strain, mice were intranasally treated with each indicated compound twice daily. Mice treated with either placebo or 6-azauridine displayed severe weight loss and reached the threshold for euthanasia with obvious neurologic symptoms. Onset of disease was, however, delayed in mice treated with either ribavirin or mitoxantrone. The results indicated that mitoxantrone can reduce the severity of diseases in RVFV-infected mice. Our studies build the foundation for the initial screening and efficacy studies of RVF antivirals in a BSL-2 environment, avoiding the higher risks of BSL-3 exposure with wild-type virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuekun Lang
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Yonghai Li
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Dane Jasperson
- USDA, ARS, Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit (ABADRU), Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Jamie Henningson
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Jinhwa Lee
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Jingjiao Ma
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Yuhao Li
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Michael Duff
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Haixia Liu
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Dingping Bai
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Scott McVey
- USDA, ARS, Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit (ABADRU), Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Juergen A Richt
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Tetsuro Ikegami
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - William C Wilson
- USDA, ARS, Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit (ABADRU), Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Wenjun Ma
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA.
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17
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Pinkham C, Ahmed A, Bracci N, Narayanan A, Kehn-Hall K. Host-based processes as therapeutic targets for Rift Valley fever virus. Antiviral Res 2018; 160:64-78. [PMID: 30316916 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is an enveloped, segmented, negative sense RNA virus that replicates within the host's cytoplasm. To facilitate its replication, RVFV must utilize host cell processes and as such, these processes may serve as potential therapeutic targets. This review summarizes key host cell processes impacted by RVFV infection. Specifically the influence of RVFV on host transcriptional regulation, post-transcriptional regulation, protein half-life and availability, host signal transduction, trafficking and secretory pathways, cytoskeletal modulation, and mitochondrial processes and oxidative stress are discussed. Therapeutics targeted towards host processes that are essential for RVFV to thrive as well as their efficacy and importance to viral pathogenesis are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Pinkham
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Aslaa Ahmed
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Nicole Bracci
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Aarthi Narayanan
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Kylene Kehn-Hall
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA.
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18
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Rift Valley fever in animals and humans: Current perspectives. Antiviral Res 2018; 156:29-37. [PMID: 29857007 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an ecologically complex emerging arboviral disease that causes significant illness in both livestock and people. This review article is designed to assist the reader in understanding the varied aspects of RVF disease in animals and humans. The historical facets of RVF disease, including the evolution of human outbreaks, are presented and discussed. The different clinical presentations of human RVF disease and the underlying causes are then addressed. We explore the exposure and transmission potential of RVF in animals and people. In the concluding section, we discuss the historical role of RVF as a biological weapon. We conclude with an outline of the important unanswered questions for ongoing research into this important zoonotic disease.
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