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Fongsaran C, Jirakanwisal K, Peng BH, Fracassi A, Taglialatela G, Dineley KT, Paessler S, Cisneros IE. Arbovirus infection increases the risk for the development of neurodegenerative disease pathology in the murine model. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 38:100780. [PMID: 38706571 PMCID: PMC11067009 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is classified as a progressive disorder resulting from protein misfolding, also known as proteinopathies. Proteinopathies include synucleinopathies triggered by misfolded amyloid α-synuclein, tauopathies triggered by misfolded tau, and amyloidopathies triggered by misfolded amyloid of which Alzheimer's disease (β-amyloid) is most prevalent. Most neurodegenerative diseases (>90%) are not due to dominantly inherited genetic causes. Instead, it is thought that the risk for disease is a complicated interaction between inherited and environmental risk factors that, with age, drive pathology that ultimately results in neurodegeneration and disease onset. Since it is increasingly appreciated that encephalitic viral infections can have profoundly detrimental neurological consequences long after the acute infection has resolved, we tested the hypothesis that viral encephalitis exacerbates the pathological profile of protein-misfolding diseases. Using a robust, reproducible, and well-characterized mouse model for β-amyloidosis, Tg2576, we studied the contribution of alphavirus-induced encephalitis (TC-83 strain of VEEV to model alphavirus encephalitis viruses) on the progression of neurodegenerative pathology. We longitudinally evaluated neurological, neurobehavioral, and cognitive levels, followed by a post-mortem analysis of brain pathology focusing on neuroinflammation. We found more severe cognitive deficits and brain pathology in Tg2576 mice inoculated with TC-83 than in their mock controls. These data set the groundwork to investigate sporadic Alzheimer's disease and treatment interventions for this infectious disease risk factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanida Fongsaran
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Neuroinfectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Krit Jirakanwisal
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Neuroinfectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Bi-Hung Peng
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Anna Fracassi
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Giulio Taglialatela
- Neuroinfectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Kelly T. Dineley
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Irma E. Cisneros
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Neuroinfectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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2
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Rivera LF, Lezcano-Coba C, Galué J, Rodriguez X, Juarez Y, de Souza WM, Capitan-Barrios Z, Valderrama A, Abrego L, Cedeño H, Jackman C, Waggoner JJ, Aguilar PV, Guzman H, Weaver SC, Tesh RB, López-Vèrges S, Donnelly CA, Estofolete CF, Nogueira ML, Faria NR, Vasilakis N, Vittor AY, Smith DR, Carrera JP. Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of Madariaga and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus infections. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.02.02.24302220. [PMID: 38352566 PMCID: PMC10863014 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.02.24302220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Madariaga virus (MADV) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) are emerging arboviruses affecting rural and remote areas of Latin America. However, there are limited clinical and epidemiological reports available, and outbreaks are occurring at an increasing frequency. We addressed this gap by analyzing all the available clinical and epidemiological data of MADV and VEEV infections recorded since 1961 in Panama. A total of 168 of human alphavirus encephalitis cases were detected in Panama from 1961 to 2023. Here we describe the clinical signs and symptoms and epidemiological characteristics of these cases, and also explored signs and symptoms as potential predictors of encephalitic alphavirus infection when compared to those of other arbovirus infections occurring in the region. Our results highlight the challenges clinical diagnosis of alphavirus disease in endemic regions with overlapping circulation of multiple arboviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Felipe Rivera
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama City, Panama
- Carson Centre for Research in Environment and Emerging Infectious Diseases, La Peñita, Darién, Panama
| | - Carlos Lezcano-Coba
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama City, Panama
- Carson Centre for Research in Environment and Emerging Infectious Diseases, La Peñita, Darién, Panama
| | - Josefrancisco Galué
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama City, Panama
- Carson Centre for Research in Environment and Emerging Infectious Diseases, La Peñita, Darién, Panama
| | - Xacdiel Rodriguez
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama City, Panama
- Carson Centre for Research in Environment and Emerging Infectious Diseases, La Peñita, Darién, Panama
| | - Yelissa Juarez
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama City, Panama
- Carson Centre for Research in Environment and Emerging Infectious Diseases, La Peñita, Darién, Panama
| | | | - Zeuz Capitan-Barrios
- Carson Centre for Research in Environment and Emerging Infectious Diseases, La Peñita, Darién, Panama
- Universidad de Panamá, Ciudad de Panamá
| | - Anayansi Valderrama
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama City, Panama
- Carson Centre for Research in Environment and Emerging Infectious Diseases, La Peñita, Darién, Panama
| | - Leyda Abrego
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama City, Panama
- Carson Centre for Research in Environment and Emerging Infectious Diseases, La Peñita, Darién, Panama
- Universidad de Panamá, Ciudad de Panamá
| | | | | | | | | | - Hilda Guzman
- The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | - Robert B. Tesh
- The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Cassia F. Estofolete
- Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Mauricio L. Nogueira
- The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Nuno R. Faria
- Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Jean-Paul Carrera
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama City, Panama
- Carson Centre for Research in Environment and Emerging Infectious Diseases, La Peñita, Darién, Panama
- University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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3
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Carrera JP, Araúz D, Rojas A, Cardozo F, Stittleburg V, Morales Claro I, Galue J, Lezcano-Coba C, Romero Rebello Moreira F, -Rivera LF, Chen-Germán M, Moreno B, Capitan-Barrios Z, López-Vergès S, Pascale JM, Sabino EC, Valderrama A, Hanley KA, Donnelly CA, Vasilakis N, Faria NR, Waggoner JJ. Real-time RT-PCR for Venezuelan equine encephalitis complex, Madariaga, and Eastern equine encephalitis viruses: application in human and mosquito public health surveillance in Panama. J Clin Microbiol 2023; 61:e0015223. [PMID: 37982611 PMCID: PMC10729654 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00152-23] [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: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), Madariaga virus (MADV), and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus complex (VEEV) are New World alphaviruses transmitted by mosquitoes. They cause febrile and sometimes severe neurological diseases in human and equine hosts. Detecting them during the acute phase is hindered by non-specific symptoms and limited diagnostic tools. We designed and clinically assessed real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays (rRT-PCRs) for VEEV complex, MADV, and EEEV using whole-genome sequences. Validation involved 15 retrospective serum samples from 2015 to 2017 outbreaks, 150 mosquito pools from 2015, and 118 prospective samples from 2021 to 2022 surveillance in Panama. The rRT-PCRs detected VEEV complex RNA in 10 samples (66.7%) from outbreaks, with one having both VEEV complex and MADV RNAs. VEEV complex RNA was found in five suspected dengue cases from disease surveillance. The rRT-PCR assays identified VEEV complex RNA in three Culex (Melanoconion) vomerifer pools, leading to VEEV isolates in two. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the VEEV ID subtype in positive samples. Notably, 11.9% of dengue-like disease patients showed VEEV infections. Together, our rRT-PCR validation in human and mosquito samples suggests that this method can be incorporated into mosquito and human encephalitic alphavirus surveillance programs in endemic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Carrera
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Pandemic Sciences Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
- Viral Emerging Disease Dynamics Group, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Dimelza Araúz
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Alejandra Rojas
- Departamento de Producción, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
| | - Fátima Cardozo
- Departamento de Producción, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
| | - Victoria Stittleburg
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ingra Morales Claro
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis (MRC-GIDA), Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Josefrancisco Galue
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
- Viral Emerging Disease Dynamics Group, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Carlos Lezcano-Coba
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
- Viral Emerging Disease Dynamics Group, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Filipe Romero Rebello Moreira
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis (MRC-GIDA), Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luis Felipe -Rivera
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
- Viral Emerging Disease Dynamics Group, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Maria Chen-Germán
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Brechla Moreno
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Zeuz Capitan-Barrios
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
- Viral Emerging Disease Dynamics Group, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y Tecnología, Universidad de Panamá, Ciudad de Panamá, Panama
| | - Sandra López-Vergès
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Juan Miguel Pascale
- Clinical of Tropical Diseases and Research Unit, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Ester C. Sabino
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anayansi Valderrama
- Viral Emerging Disease Dynamics Group, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
- Department of Medical Entomology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Kathryn A. Hanley
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA
| | - Christl A. Donnelly
- Pandemic Sciences Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis (MRC-GIDA), Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nikos Vasilakis
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Population Health, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Center for Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Center for Tropical Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Nuno R. Faria
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis (MRC-GIDA), Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jesse J. Waggoner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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4
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Gil-Mora J, Acevedo-Gutiérrez LY, Betancourt-Ruiz PL, Martínez-Diaz HC, Fernández D, Bopp NE, Olaya-Másmela LA, Bolaños E, Benavides E, Villasante-Tezanos A, Hidalgo M, Aguilar PV. Arbovirus Antibody Seroprevalence in the Human Population from Cauca, Colombia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 107:1218-1225. [PMID: 36375460 PMCID: PMC9768249 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Several arboviruses have emerged or reemerged into the New World during the past several decades, causing outbreaks of significant proportion. In particular, the outbreaks of Dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus, and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) have been explosive and unpredictable, and have led to significant adverse health effects. These viruses are considered the leading cause of acute undifferentiated febrile illnesses in Colombia. However, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is endemic in Colombia, and arboviruses such as the Mayaro virus (MAYV) and the Oropouche virus (OROV) cause febrile illnesses in neighboring countries. Yet, evidence of human exposure to MAYV and OROV in Colombia is scarce. In this study, we conducted a serosurvey study in healthy individuals from the Cauca Department in Colombia. We assessed the seroprevalence of antibodies against multiple arboviruses, including DENV serotype 2, CHIKV, VEEV, MAYV, and OROV. Based on serological analyses, we found that the overall seroprevalence for DENV serotype 2 was 30%, 1% for MAYV, 2.6% for CHIKV, 4.4% for VEEV, and 2% for OROV. This study provides evidence about the circulation of MAYV and OROV in Colombia, and suggests that they-along with VEEV and CHIKV-might be responsible for cases of acute undifferentiated febrile illnesses that remain undiagnosed in the region. The study results also highlight the need to strengthen surveillance programs to identify outbreaks caused by these and other vector-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Diana Fernández
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Nathen E. Bopp
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Patricia V. Aguilar
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
- Center for Tropical Diseases, Galveston, Texas
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5
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Sloyer KE, Barve N, Kim D, Stenn T, Campbell LP, Burkett-Cadena ND. Predicting potential transmission risk of Everglades virus in Florida using mosquito blood meal identifications. FRONTIERS IN EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 2:1046679. [PMID: 38455283 PMCID: PMC10910907 DOI: 10.3389/fepid.2022.1046679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The overlap between arbovirus host, arthropod vectors, and pathogen distributions in environmentally suitable habitats represents a nidus where risk for pathogen transmission may occur. Everglades virus (EVEV), subtype II Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), is endemic to southern Florida where it is transmitted by the endemic vector Culex cedecei between muroid rodent hosts. We developed an ecological niche model (ENM) to predict areas in Florida suitable for EVEV transmission based upon georeferenced vector-host interactions from PCR-based blood meal analysis from blood-engorged female Cx. cedecei females. Thirteen environmental variables were used for model calibration, including bioclimatic variables derived from Daymet 1 km daily temperature and precipitation values, and land use and land cover data representing percent land cover derived within a 2.5 km buffer from 2019 National Land Cover Database (NLCD) program. Maximum temperature of the warmest month, minimum temperature of the coldest month, and precipitation of the driest month contributed 31.6%, 28.5% and 19.9% to ENM performance. The land cover types contributing the greatest to the model performance were percent landcover of emergent herbaceous and woody wetlands which contributed 5.2% and 4.3% to model performance, respectively. Results of the model output showed high suitability for Cx. cedecei feeding on rodents throughout the southwestern portion of the state and pockets of high suitability along the northern east coast of Florida, while areas with low suitability included the Miami-Dade metropolitan area and most of northern Florida and the Panhandle. Comparing predicted distributions of Cx. cedecei feeding upon rodent hosts in the present study to historical human cases of EVEV disease, as well as antibodies in wildlife show substantial overlap with areas predicted moderate to highly suitable for these vector/host associations. As such, the findings of this study likely predict the most accurate distribution of the nidus of EVEV to date, indicating that this method allows for better inference of potential transmission areas than models which only consider the vector or vertebrate host species individually. A similar approach using host blood meals of other arboviruses can be used to predict potential areas of virus transmission for other vector-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin E. Sloyer
- Department of Entomology & Nematology, Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL, United States
| | - Narayani Barve
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Dongmin Kim
- Department of Entomology & Nematology, Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL, United States
| | - Tanise Stenn
- Department of Entomology & Nematology, Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL, United States
| | - Lindsay P. Campbell
- Department of Entomology & Nematology, Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL, United States
| | - Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena
- Department of Entomology & Nematology, Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL, United States
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6
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Members of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis complex entry into host cells by clathrin-mediated endocytosis in a pH-dependent manner. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14556. [PMID: 36008558 PMCID: PMC9411563 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18846-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Pixuna virus (PIXV) and Río Negro virus (RNV) are mosquito-borne alphaviruses belonging to the Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE) complex, which includes pathogenic epizootic and enzootic subtypes responsible for life-threatening diseases in equines. Considering that the first steps in viral infection are crucial for the efficient production of new progeny, the aim of this study was to elucidate the early events of the replication cycle of these two viruses. To this end, we used chemical inhibitors and the expression of dominant-negative constructs to study the dependence of clathrin and endosomal pH on PIXV and RNV internalization mechanisms. We demonstrated that both viruses are internalized primarily via clathrin-mediated endocytosis, where the low pH in endosomes is crucial for viral replication. Contributing knowledge regarding the entry route of VEE complex members is important to understand the pathogenesis of these viruses and also to develop new antiviral strategies.
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7
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Kafai NM, Williamson LE, Binshtein E, Sukupolvi-Petty S, Gardner CL, Liu J, Mackin S, Kim AS, Kose N, Carnahan RH, Jung A, Droit L, Reed DS, Handley SA, Klimstra WB, Crowe JE, Diamond MS. Neutralizing antibodies protect mice against Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus aerosol challenge. J Exp Med 2022; 219:e20212532. [PMID: 35297953 PMCID: PMC9195047 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20212532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) remains a risk for epidemic emergence or use as an aerosolized bioweapon. To develop possible countermeasures, we isolated VEEV-specific neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from mice and a human immunized with attenuated VEEV strains. Functional assays and epitope mapping established that potently inhibitory anti-VEEV mAbs bind distinct antigenic sites in the A or B domains of the E2 glycoprotein and block multiple steps in the viral replication cycle including attachment, fusion, and egress. A 3.2-Å cryo-electron microscopy reconstruction of VEEV virus-like particles bound by a human Fab suggests that antibody engagement of the B domain may result in cross-linking of neighboring spikes to prevent conformational requirements for viral fusion. Prophylaxis or postexposure therapy with these mAbs protected mice against lethal aerosol challenge with VEEV. Our study defines functional and structural mechanisms of mAb protection and suggests that multiple antigenic determinants on VEEV can be targeted for vaccine or antibody-based therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha M. Kafai
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Lauren E. Williamson
- Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Elad Binshtein
- Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | | | - Christina L. Gardner
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- United States Army Research Institute for Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD
| | - Jaclyn Liu
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Samantha Mackin
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Arthur S. Kim
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Nurgun Kose
- Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Robert H. Carnahan
- Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Ana Jung
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Lindsay Droit
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Douglas S. Reed
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Scott A. Handley
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - William B. Klimstra
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - James E. Crowe
- Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Michael S. Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- The Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
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8
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Bernstein AS, Ando AW, Loch-Temzelides T, Vale MM, Li BV, Li H, Busch J, Chapman CA, Kinnaird M, Nowak K, Castro MC, Zambrana-Torrelio C, Ahumada JA, Xiao L, Roehrdanz P, Kaufman L, Hannah L, Daszak P, Pimm SL, Dobson AP. The costs and benefits of primary prevention of zoonotic pandemics. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabl4183. [PMID: 35119921 PMCID: PMC8816336 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abl4183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The lives lost and economic costs of viral zoonotic pandemics have steadily increased over the past century. Prominent policymakers have promoted plans that argue the best ways to address future pandemic catastrophes should entail, "detecting and containing emerging zoonotic threats." In other words, we should take actions only after humans get sick. We sharply disagree. Humans have extensive contact with wildlife known to harbor vast numbers of viruses, many of which have not yet spilled into humans. We compute the annualized damages from emerging viral zoonoses. We explore three practical actions to minimize the impact of future pandemics: better surveillance of pathogen spillover and development of global databases of virus genomics and serology, better management of wildlife trade, and substantial reduction of deforestation. We find that these primary pandemic prevention actions cost less than 1/20th the value of lives lost each year to emerging viral zoonoses and have substantial cobenefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron S. Bernstein
- Boston Children’s Hospital and the Center for Climate, Health and the Global Environment, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Corresponding author. (A.S.B.); (S.L.P.); (A.P.D.)
| | - Amy W. Ando
- Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61801, USA
- Resources for the Future, 1616 P Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
| | - Ted Loch-Temzelides
- Department of Economics and Baker Institute for Public Policy, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Mariana M. Vale
- Ecology Department, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Conservation, Goiania, Brazil
| | - Binbin V. Li
- Environment Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, Jiangsu Province 215317, China
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Hongying Li
- EcoHealth Alliance, 520 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018, USA
| | - Jonah Busch
- Moore Center for Science, Conservation International, Arlington, VA 22202, USA
| | - Colin A. Chapman
- Wilson Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
- Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20004, USA
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Margaret Kinnaird
- Practice Leader, Wildlife, WWF International, The Mvuli, Mvuli Road, Westlands, Kenya
| | - Katarzyna Nowak
- The Safina Center, 80 North Country Road, Setauket, NY 11733, USA
| | - Marcia C. Castro
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | | | - Jorge A. Ahumada
- Moore Center for Science, Conservation International, Arlington, VA 22202, USA
| | - Lingyun Xiao
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province 215123, China
| | - Patrick Roehrdanz
- Moore Center for Science, Conservation International, Arlington, VA 22202, USA
| | - Les Kaufman
- Department of Biology and Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Lee Hannah
- Moore Center for Science, Conservation International, Arlington, VA 22202, USA
| | - Peter Daszak
- EcoHealth Alliance, 520 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018, USA
| | - Stuart L. Pimm
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Corresponding author. (A.S.B.); (S.L.P.); (A.P.D.)
| | - Andrew P. Dobson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Santa Fe Institute, Hyde Park Road, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
- Corresponding author. (A.S.B.); (S.L.P.); (A.P.D.)
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9
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Haines CA, Campos RK, Azar SR, Warmbrod KL, Kautz TF, Forrester NL, Rossi SL. Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus V3526 Vaccine RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase Mutants Increase Vaccine Safety Through Restricted Tissue Tropism in a Murine Model. ZOONOSES (BURLINGTON, MASS.) 2022; 2:2. [PMID: 35262074 PMCID: PMC8900488 DOI: 10.15212/zoonoses-2021-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an arbovirus endemic to the Americas. There are no approved vaccines or antivirals. TC-83 and V3526 are the best-characterized vaccine candidates for VEEV. Both are live-attenuated vaccines and have been associated with safety concerns, albeit less so for V3526. A previous attempt to improve the TC-83 vaccine focused on further attenuating the vaccine by adding mutations that altered the error incorporation rate of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). METHODS The research presented here examines the impact of these RdRp mutations in V3526 by cloning the 3X and 4X strains, assessing vaccine efficacy against challenge in adult female CD-1 mice, examining neutralizing antibody titers, investigating vaccine tissue tropism, and testing the stability of the mutant strains. RESULTS Our results show that the V3526 RdRp mutants exhibited reduced tissue tropism in the spleen and kidney compared to wild-type V3526, while maintaining vaccine efficacy. Illumina sequencing showed that the RdRp mutations could revert to wild-type V3526. CONCLUSIONS The observed genotypic reversion is likely of limited concern because wild-type V3526 is still an effective vaccine capable of providing protection. Our results indicate that the V3526 RdRp mutants may be a safer vaccine design than the original V3526.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clint A. Haines
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Rafael K. Campos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Sasha R. Azar
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - K. Lane Warmbrod
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Tiffany F. Kautz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Naomi L. Forrester
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Shannan L. Rossi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
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10
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Fourie I, Williams J, Ismail A, Jansen van Vuren P, Stoltz A, Venter M. Detection and genome characterization of Middelburg virus strains isolated from CSF and whole blood samples of humans with neurological manifestations in South Africa. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010020. [PMID: 34979534 PMCID: PMC8722727 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Old world Alphavirus, Middelburg virus (MIDV), is not well known and although a few cases associated with animal illness have previously been described from Southern Africa, there has been no investigation into the association of the virus with human illness. The current study aimed to investigate possible association of MIDV infection with febrile or neurological manifestations in hospitalized or symptomatic patients fromGauteng, South Africa. METHODS This study is a descriptive retrospective and prospective laboratory based study. Archived cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples submitted to the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Tshwane Academic division for viral investigation from public sector hospitals in Gauteng as well as EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) whole blood samples from ad hoc cases of veterinary students, presenting with neurological and febrile illness, were selected and screened for the presence of alphaviruses using real-time reverse transcription(rtRT) PCR.Virus isolations from rtRT-PCR positive samples were conducted in Vero cell culture and used to obtain full genome sequences. Basic descriptive statistical analysis was conducted using EpiInfo. RESULTS MIDV was detected by rtRT-PCR in 3/187 retrospective CSF specimens obtained from the NHLS from hospitalised patients in the Tshwane region of Gauteng and 1/2 EDTA samples submitted in the same year (2017) from ad hoc query arbovirus cases from veterinary students from the Faculty of Veterinary Science University of Pretoria.Full genome sequences were obtained for virus isolates from two cases; one from an EDTA whole blood sample (ad hoc case) and another from a CSF sample (NHLS sample).Two of the four Middelburg virus positive cases,for which clinical information was available, had other comorbidities or infections at the time of infection. CONCLUSION Detection of MIDV in CSF of patients with neurological manifestations suggests that the virus should be investigated as a human pathogen with the potential of causing or contributing to neurological signs in children and adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Fourie
- Zoonotic Arbo-and Respiratory Virus (ZARV) program, Centre for Viral Zoonoses (CVZ), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - June Williams
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Arshad Ismail
- Sequencing Core Facility, National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), Division of National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Sandringham, South Africa
| | - Petrus Jansen van Vuren
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO-Health and Biosecurity, Geelong, Australia
| | - Anton Stoltz
- Infectious diseases, Steve Biko Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Marietjie Venter
- Zoonotic Arbo-and Respiratory Virus (ZARV) program, Centre for Viral Zoonoses (CVZ), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- * E-mail:
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11
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Belaunzarán-Zamudio PF, Rincón León HA, Caballero Sosa S, Ruiz E, Nájera Cancino JG, de La Rosa PR, Guerrero Almeida MDL, Powers JH, Beigel JH, Hunsberger S, Trujillo K, Ramos P, Arteaga-Cabello FJ, López-Roblero A, Valdés-Salgado R, Arroyo-Figueroa H, Becerril E, Ruiz-Palacios G. Different epidemiological profiles in patients with Zika and dengue infection in Tapachula, Chiapas in Mexico (2016-2018): an observational, prospective cohort study. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:881. [PMID: 34454432 PMCID: PMC8397877 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06520-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The introduction of Zika and chikungunya to dengue hyperendemic regions increased interest in better understanding characteristics of these infections. We conducted a cohort study in Mexico to evaluate the natural history of Zika infection. We describe here the frequency of Zika, chikungunya and dengue virus infections immediately after Zika introduction in Mexico, and baseline characteristics of participants for each type of infection. METHODS Prospective, observational cohort evaluating the natural history of Zika virus infection in the Mexico-Guatemala border area. Patients with fever, rash or both, meeting the modified criteria of PAHO for probable Zika cases were enrolled (June 2016-July 2018) and followed-up for 6 months. We collected data on sociodemographic, environmental exposure, clinical and laboratory characteristics. Diagnosis was established based on viral RNA identification in serum and urine samples using RT-PCR for Zika, chikungunya, and dengue. We describe the baseline sociodemographic and environmental exposure characteristics of participants according to diagnosis, and the frequency of these infections over a two-year period immediately after Zika introduction in Mexico. RESULTS We enrolled 427 participants. Most patients (n = 307, 65.7%) had an acute illness episode with no identified pathogen (UIE), 37 (8%) Zika, 82 (17.6%) dengue, and 1 (0.2%) chikungunya. In 2016 Zika predominated, declined in 2017 and disappeared in 2018; while dengue increased after 2017. Patients with dengue were more likely to be men, younger, and with lower education than those with Zika and UIE. They also reported closer contact with water sources, and with other people diagnosed with dengue. Participants with Zika reported sexual exposure more frequently than people with dengue and UIE. Zika was more likely to be identified in urine while dengue was more likely found in blood in the first seven days of symptoms; but PCR results for both were similar at day 7-14 after symptom onset. CONCLUSIONS During the first 2 years of Zika introduction to this dengue hyper-endemic region, frequency of Zika peaked and fell over a two-year period; while dengue progressively increased with a predominance in 2018. Different epidemiologic patterns between Zika, dengue and UIE were observed. Trial registration Clinical.Trials.gov (NCT02831699).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo F Belaunzarán-Zamudio
- Departamento de Infectología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico.
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | | | - Sandra Caballero Sosa
- Clínica Hospital Dr. Roberto Nettel Flores, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - Emilia Ruiz
- Hospital General de Tapachula, Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico
| | | | | | | | - John H Powers
- Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - John H Beigel
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sally Hunsberger
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Karina Trujillo
- Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad Ciudad Salud, Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - Pilar Ramos
- Departamento de Infectología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Fernando J Arteaga-Cabello
- Departamento de Infectología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Hugo Arroyo-Figueroa
- Mexican Emerging Infectious Diseases Clinical Research Network (La Red), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Eli Becerril
- Mexican Emerging Infectious Diseases Clinical Research Network (La Red), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Guillermo Ruiz-Palacios
- Departamento de Infectología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
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12
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Guerrero-Arguero I, Tellez-Freitas CM, Weber KS, Berges BK, Robison RA, Pickett BE. Alphaviruses: Host pathogenesis, immune response, and vaccine & treatment updates. J Gen Virol 2021; 102. [PMID: 34435944 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human pathogens belonging to the Alphavirus genus, in the Togaviridae family, are transmitted primarily by mosquitoes. The signs and symptoms associated with these viruses include fever and polyarthralgia, defined as joint pain and inflammation, as well as encephalitis. In the last decade, our understanding of the interactions between members of the alphavirus genus and the human host has increased due to the re-appearance of the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in Asia and Europe, as well as its emergence in the Americas. Alphaviruses affect host immunity through cytokines and the interferon response. Understanding alphavirus interactions with both the innate immune system as well as the various cells in the adaptive immune systems is critical to developing effective therapeutics. In this review, we summarize the latest research on alphavirus-host cell interactions, underlying infection mechanisms, and possible treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Guerrero-Arguero
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA.,Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - K Scott Weber
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Bradford K Berges
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Richard A Robison
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Brett E Pickett
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
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13
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Tirera S, de Thoisy B, Donato D, Bouchier C, Lacoste V, Franc A, Lavergne A. The Influence of Habitat on Viral Diversity in Neotropical Rodent Hosts. Viruses 2021; 13:v13091690. [PMID: 34578272 PMCID: PMC8472065 DOI: 10.3390/v13091690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Rodents are important reservoirs of numerous viruses, some of which have significant impacts on public health. Ecosystem disturbances and decreased host species richness have been associated with the emergence of zoonotic diseases. In this study, we aimed at (a) characterizing the viral diversity in seven neotropical rodent species living in four types of habitats and (b) exploring how the extent of environmental disturbance influences this diversity. Through a metagenomic approach, we identified 77,767 viral sequences from spleen, kidney, and serum samples. These viral sequences were attributed to 27 viral families known to infect vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, and amoeba. Viral diversities were greater in pristine habitats compared with disturbed ones, and lowest in peri-urban areas. High viral richness was observed in savannah areas. Differences in these diversities were explained by rare viruses that were generally more frequent in pristine forest and savannah habitats. Moreover, changes in the ecology and behavior of rodent hosts, in a given habitat, such as modifications to the diet in disturbed vs. pristine forests, are major determinants of viral composition. Lastly, the phylogenetic relationships of four vertebrate-related viral families (Polyomaviridae, Flaviviridae, Togaviridae, and Phenuiviridae) highlighted the wide diversity of these viral families, and in some cases, a potential risk of transmission to humans. All these findings provide significant insights into the diversity of rodent viruses in Amazonia, and emphasize that habitats and the host’s dietary ecology may drive viral diversity. Linking viral richness and abundance to the ecology of their hosts and their responses to habitat disturbance could be the starting point for a better understanding of viral emergence and for future management of ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourakhata Tirera
- Laboratoire des Interactions Virus-Hôtes, Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, BP 6010, 97306 Cayenne, France; (S.T.); (B.d.T.); (D.D.); (V.L.)
| | - Benoit de Thoisy
- Laboratoire des Interactions Virus-Hôtes, Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, BP 6010, 97306 Cayenne, France; (S.T.); (B.d.T.); (D.D.); (V.L.)
| | - Damien Donato
- Laboratoire des Interactions Virus-Hôtes, Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, BP 6010, 97306 Cayenne, France; (S.T.); (B.d.T.); (D.D.); (V.L.)
| | | | - Vincent Lacoste
- Laboratoire des Interactions Virus-Hôtes, Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, BP 6010, 97306 Cayenne, France; (S.T.); (B.d.T.); (D.D.); (V.L.)
- Département de Virologie, Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France
- Arbovirus & Emerging Viral Diseases Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Laos, Vientiane 3560, Laos
| | - Alain Franc
- UMR BIOGECO, INRAE, University Bordeaux, 33612 Cestas, France;
- Pleiade, EPC INRIA-INRAE-CNRS, University Bordeaux, 33405 Talence, France
| | - Anne Lavergne
- Laboratoire des Interactions Virus-Hôtes, Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, BP 6010, 97306 Cayenne, France; (S.T.); (B.d.T.); (D.D.); (V.L.)
- Correspondence:
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14
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Williamson LE, Reeder KM, Bailey K, Tran MH, Roy V, Fouch ME, Kose N, Trivette A, Nargi RS, Winkler ES, Kim AS, Gainza C, Rodriguez J, Armstrong E, Sutton RE, Reidy J, Carnahan RH, McDonald WH, Schoeder CT, Klimstra WB, Davidson E, Doranz BJ, Alter G, Meiler J, Schey KL, Julander JG, Diamond MS, Crowe JE. Therapeutic alphavirus cross-reactive E1 human antibodies inhibit viral egress. Cell 2021; 184:4430-4446.e22. [PMID: 34416147 PMCID: PMC8418820 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Alphaviruses cause severe arthritogenic or encephalitic disease. The E1 structural glycoprotein is highly conserved in these viruses and mediates viral fusion with host cells. However, the role of antibody responses to the E1 protein in immunity is poorly understood. We isolated E1-specific human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with diverse patterns of recognition for alphaviruses (ranging from Eastern equine encephalitis virus [EEEV]-specific to alphavirus cross-reactive) from survivors of natural EEEV infection. Antibody binding patterns and epitope mapping experiments identified differences in E1 reactivity based on exposure of epitopes on the glycoprotein through pH-dependent mechanisms or presentation on the cell surface prior to virus egress. Therapeutic efficacy in vivo of these mAbs corresponded with potency of virus egress inhibition in vitro and did not require Fc-mediated effector functions for treatment against subcutaneous EEEV challenge. These studies reveal the molecular basis for broad and protective antibody responses to alphavirus E1 proteins.
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MESH Headings
- Alphavirus/immunology
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/isolation & purification
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Antigens, Viral/immunology
- Cell Line
- Chikungunya virus/immunology
- Cross Reactions/immunology
- Encephalitis Virus, Eastern Equine/immunology
- Encephalomyelitis, Equine/immunology
- Encephalomyelitis, Equine/virology
- Epitope Mapping
- Female
- Horses
- Humans
- Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
- Joints/pathology
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Models, Biological
- Protein Binding
- RNA, Viral/metabolism
- Receptors, Fc/metabolism
- Temperature
- Viral Proteins/immunology
- Virion/metabolism
- Virus Internalization
- Virus Release/physiology
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Williamson
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kristen M Reeder
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kevin Bailey
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84335, USA
| | - Minh H Tran
- Chemical and Physical Biology Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Center of Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Vicky Roy
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Nurgun Kose
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Andrew Trivette
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Rachel S Nargi
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Emma S Winkler
- Department of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Arthur S Kim
- Department of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Christopher Gainza
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jessica Rodriguez
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Erica Armstrong
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Rachel E Sutton
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Joseph Reidy
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Robert H Carnahan
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - W Hayes McDonald
- Department of Biochemistry and Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Clara T Schoeder
- Center of Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - William B Klimstra
- The Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 165261, USA; Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 165261, USA
| | | | | | - Galit Alter
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jens Meiler
- Center of Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University Medical School, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kevin L Schey
- Department of Biochemistry and Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Justin G Julander
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84335, USA
| | - Michael S Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - James E Crowe
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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15
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Inhibitors of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Identified Based on Host Interaction Partners of Viral Non-Structural Protein 3. Viruses 2021; 13:v13081533. [PMID: 34452398 PMCID: PMC8402862 DOI: 10.3390/v13081533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a new world alphavirus and a category B select agent. Currently, no FDA-approved vaccines or therapeutics are available to treat VEEV exposure and resultant disease manifestations. The C-terminus of the VEEV non-structural protein 3 (nsP3) facilitates cell-specific and virus-specific host factor binding preferences among alphaviruses, thereby providing targets of interest when designing novel antiviral therapeutics. In this study, we utilized an overexpression construct encoding HA-tagged nsP3 to identify host proteins that interact with VEEV nsP3 by mass spectrometry. Bioinformatic analyses of the putative interactors identified 42 small molecules with the potential to inhibit the host interaction targets, and thus potentially inhibit VEEV. Three inhibitors, tomatidine, citalopram HBr, and Z-VEID-FMK, reduced replication of both the TC-83 strain and the Trinidad donkey (TrD) strain of VEEV by at least 10-fold in astrocytoma, astroglial, and microglial cells. Further, these inhibitors reduced replication of the related New World (NW) alphavirus Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) in multiple cell types, thus demonstrating broad-spectrum antiviral activity. Time-course assays revealed all three inhibitors reduced both infectious particle production and positive-sense RNA levels post-infection. Further evaluation of the putative host targets for the three inhibitors revealed an interaction of VEEV nsP3 with TFAP2A, but not eIF2S2. Mechanistic studies utilizing siRNA knockdowns demonstrated that eIF2S2, but not TFAP2A, supports both efficient TC-83 replication and genomic RNA synthesis, but not subgenomic RNA translation. Overall, this work reveals the composition of the VEEV nsP3 proteome and the potential to identify host-based, broad spectrum therapeutic approaches to treat new world alphavirus infections.
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16
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Wild I, Freeman S, Robles D, Matamoros D, Ortiz M, Rodriguez J, Burford J. Owners' Knowledge and Approaches to Colic in Working Equids in Honduras. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2087. [PMID: 34359215 PMCID: PMC8300094 DOI: 10.3390/ani11072087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In Honduras, many families are reliant on working equids in their daily life. The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge about, and approaches to colic used by owners of working equids in Choluteca, Honduras using a phenomenological approach. Semi-structured, verbal questionnaires were conducted with ninety-three owners from eleven different communities in the Choluteca region on equid horse owners' knowledge of colic and treatments. Additional context was gained through observations and verbal questionnaires with three veterinary practitioners and eight agricultural pharmacy (agrovet) store owners. Working equids were commonly used for firewood collection 31% (40/126), transportation 24% (30/126), and carrying crops 13% (17/126). Thirty-eight percent of owners (35/92) said they did not know what colic was, 27% (24/89) could not name any clinical signs, and 46% (42/92) could not name any causes. Most owners with previous experience of colic had treated it themselves 79% (53/67), typically using herbal remedies. Colic was a major concern for owners of working equids who had prior experience or knowledge of the condition. Knowledge and understanding of colic varied, and access to evidence-based treatments was very limited. The findings will be used to inform the development of educational resources on colic in working equids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Wild
- World Horse Welfare, Anne Colvin House, Snetterton, Norwich NR16 2LR, UK
| | - Sarah Freeman
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK; (S.F.); (J.B.)
| | - Daniela Robles
- Equinos de Honduras, Barrio Tamarindo, 500 Metros al Oeste de Antiguo Local del Colegio Adventista, Choluteca 51101, Honduras; (D.R.); (D.M.); (M.O.); (J.R.)
| | - Dennis Matamoros
- Equinos de Honduras, Barrio Tamarindo, 500 Metros al Oeste de Antiguo Local del Colegio Adventista, Choluteca 51101, Honduras; (D.R.); (D.M.); (M.O.); (J.R.)
| | - Maverick Ortiz
- Equinos de Honduras, Barrio Tamarindo, 500 Metros al Oeste de Antiguo Local del Colegio Adventista, Choluteca 51101, Honduras; (D.R.); (D.M.); (M.O.); (J.R.)
| | - Jonathan Rodriguez
- Equinos de Honduras, Barrio Tamarindo, 500 Metros al Oeste de Antiguo Local del Colegio Adventista, Choluteca 51101, Honduras; (D.R.); (D.M.); (M.O.); (J.R.)
| | - John Burford
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK; (S.F.); (J.B.)
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17
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Fischer C, Pontier D, Filippi-Codaccioni O, Pons JB, Postigo-Hidalgo I, Duhayer J, Brünink S, Drexler JF. Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Complex Alphavirus in Bats, French Guiana. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27. [PMID: 33756099 PMCID: PMC8007291 DOI: 10.3201/eid2704.202676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Although essential for control strategies, knowledge about transmission cycles is limited for Venezuelan equine encephalitis complex alphaviruses (VEEVs). After testing 1,398 bats from French Guiana for alphaviruses, we identified and isolated a new strain of the encephalitogenic VEEV species Tonate virus (TONV). Bats may contribute to TONV spread in Latin America.
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18
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Steyn J, Fourie I, Steyl J, Williams J, Stivaktas V, Botha E, van Niekerk S, Reininghaus B, Venter M. Zoonotic Alphaviruses in Fatal and Neurologic Infections in Wildlife and Nonequine Domestic Animals, South Africa. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:1182-1191. [PMID: 32441633 PMCID: PMC7258481 DOI: 10.3201/eid2606.191179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses from Africa, such as Middelburg virus (MIDV), and Sindbis virus (SINV), were detected in horses with neurologic disease in South Africa, but their host ranges remain unknown. We investigated the contribution of alphaviruses to neurologic infections and death in wildlife and domestic animals in this country. During 2010-2018, a total of 608 clinical samples from wildlife and nonequine domestic animals that had febrile, neurologic signs or unexplained deaths were tested for alphaviruses. We identified 32 (5.5%) of 608 alphavirus infections (9 SINV and 23 MIDV), mostly in neurotissue of wildlife, domestic animals, and birds. Phylogenetic analysis of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene confirmed either SINV or MIDV. This study implicates MIDV and SINV as potential causes of neurologic disease in wildlife and nonequine domestic species in Africa and suggests a wide host range and pathogenic potential.
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19
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The transcriptional landscape of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (TC-83) infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009306. [PMID: 33788849 PMCID: PMC8041203 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEEV) is a major biothreat agent that naturally causes outbreaks in humans and horses particularly in tropical areas of the western hemisphere, for which no antiviral therapy is currently available. The host response to VEEV and the cellular factors this alphavirus hijacks to support its effective replication or evade cellular immune responses are largely uncharacterized. We have previously demonstrated tremendous cell-to-cell heterogeneity in viral RNA (vRNA) and cellular transcript levels during flaviviral infection using a novel virus-inclusive single-cell RNA-Seq approach. Here, we used this unbiased, genome-wide approach to simultaneously profile the host transcriptome and vRNA in thousands of single cells during infection of human astrocytes with the live-attenuated vaccine strain of VEEV (TC-83). Host transcription was profoundly suppressed, yet “superproducer cells” with extremely high vRNA abundance emerged during the first viral life cycle and demonstrated an altered transcriptome relative to both uninfected cells and cells with high vRNA abundance harvested at later time points. Additionally, cells with increased structural-to-nonstructural transcript ratio exhibited upregulation of intracellular membrane trafficking genes at later time points. Loss- and gain-of-function experiments confirmed pro- and antiviral activities in both vaccine and virulent VEEV infections among the products of transcripts that positively or negatively correlated with vRNA abundance, respectively. Lastly, comparison with single cell transcriptomic data from other viruses highlighted common and unique pathways perturbed by infection across evolutionary scales. This study provides a high-resolution characterization of the VEEV (TC-83)-host interplay, identifies candidate targets for antivirals, and establishes a comparative single-cell approach to study the evolution of virus-host interactions. Little is known about the host response to Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEEV) and the cellular factors this alphavirus hijacks to support effective replication or evade cellular immune responses. Monitoring dynamics of host and viral RNA (vRNA) during viral infection at a single-cell level can provide insight into the virus-host interplay at a high resolution. Here, a single-cell RNA sequencing technology that detects host and viral RNA was used to investigate the interactions between TC-83, the vaccine strain of VEEV, and the human host during the course of infection of U-87 MG cells (human astrocytoma). Virus abundance and host transcriptome were heterogeneous across cells from the same culture. Subsets of differentially expressed genes, positively or negatively correlating with vRNA abundance, were identified and subsequently in vitro validated as candidate proviral and antiviral factors, respectively, in TC-83 and/or virulent VEEV infections. In the first replication cycle, “superproducer” cells exhibited rapid increase in vRNA abundance and unique gene expression patterns. At later time points, cells with increased structural-to-nonstructural transcript ratio demonstrated upregulation of intracellular membrane trafficking genes. Lastly, comparing the VEEV dataset with published datasets on other RNA viruses revealed unique and overlapping responses across viral clades. Overall, this study improves the understanding of VEEV-host interactions, reveals candidate targets for antiviral approaches, and establishes a comparative single-cell approach to study the evolution of virus-host interactions.
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20
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Carrera JP, Cucunubá ZM, Neira K, Lambert B, Pittí Y, Liscano J, Garzón JL, Beltran D, Collado-Mariscal L, Saenz L, Sosa N, Rodriguez-Guzman LD, González P, Lescano AG, Pereyra-Elías R, Valderrama A, Weaver SC, Vittor AY, Armién B, Pascale JM, Donnelly CA. Endemic and Epidemic Human Alphavirus Infections in Eastern Panama: An Analysis of Population-Based Cross-Sectional Surveys. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:2429-2437. [PMID: 33124532 PMCID: PMC7695115 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Madariaga virus (MADV) has recently been associated with severe human disease in Panama, where the closely related Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) also circulates. In June 2017, a fatal MADV infection was confirmed in a community of Darien Province. We conducted a cross-sectional outbreak investigation with human and mosquito collections in July 2017, where sera were tested for alphavirus antibodies and viral RNA. In addition, by applying a catalytic, force-of-infection (FOI) statistical model to two serosurveys from Darien Province in 2012 and 2017, we investigated whether endemic or epidemic alphavirus transmission occurred historically. In 2017, MADV and VEEV IgM seroprevalences were 1.6% and 4.4%, respectively; IgG antibody prevalences were MADV: 13.2%, VEEV: 16.8%, Una virus (UNAV): 16.0%, and Mayaro virus: 1.1%. Active viral circulation was not detected. Evidence of MADV and UNAV infection was found near households, raising questions about its vectors and enzootic transmission cycles. Insomnia was associated with MADV and VEEV infections, depression symptoms were associated with MADV, and dizziness with VEEV and UNAV. Force-of-infection analyses suggest endemic alphavirus transmission historically, with recent increased human exposure to MADV and VEEV in Aruza and Mercadeo, respectively. The lack of additional neurological cases suggests that severe MADV and VEEV infections occur only rarely. Our results indicate that over the past five decades, alphavirus infections have occurred at low levels in eastern Panama, but that MADV and VEEV infections have recently increased-potentially during the past decade. Endemic infections and outbreaks of MADV and VEEV appear to differ spatially in some locations of eastern Panama.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Carrera
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom;,Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama;,Address correspondence to Jean-Paul Carrera, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3SY, United kingdom or Ave. Justo Arosemana and St. 35, Panama City, 0816-02593, Panama, E-mails: or or Christl A. Donnelly, Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, 24-29 St Giles, Oxford, OX1 3LB, United Kingdom, E-mails: or
| | - Zulma M. Cucunubá
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis (MRC-GIDA), Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Neira
- Emerging Infectious Disease and Climate Change Unit, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Ben Lambert
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis (MRC-GIDA), Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yaneth Pittí
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Jesus Liscano
- School of Medicine, Columbus University, Panama City, Panama
| | - Jorge L. Garzón
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Davis Beltran
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Luisa Collado-Mariscal
- Department of Medical Entomology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Lisseth Saenz
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Néstor Sosa
- Clinical Research Unit, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | | | - Publio González
- Department of Research in Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Andrés G. Lescano
- Emerging Infectious Disease and Climate Change Unit, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Reneé Pereyra-Elías
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom;,School of Medicine, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima, Perú
| | - Anayansi Valderrama
- Department of Medical Entomology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Scott C. Weaver
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas;,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Amy Y. Vittor
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida;,Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Blas Armién
- Department of Research in Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama;,Universidad Interamericana de Panama, Panama City, Panama
| | - Juan-Miguel Pascale
- Clinical Research Unit, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Christl A. Donnelly
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis (MRC-GIDA), Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom;,Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom,Address correspondence to Jean-Paul Carrera, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3SY, United kingdom or Ave. Justo Arosemana and St. 35, Panama City, 0816-02593, Panama, E-mails: or or Christl A. Donnelly, Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, 24-29 St Giles, Oxford, OX1 3LB, United Kingdom, E-mails: or
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21
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Zhang H, Harmon M, Radoshitzky SR, Soloveva V, Kane CD, Duplantier AJ, Ogungbe IV. Vinyl Sulfone-Based Inhibitors of Nonstructural Protein 2 Block the Replication of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:2139-2145. [PMID: 33214821 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases like those caused by arboviruses such as Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) pose a serious threat to public health systems. Development of medical countermeasures against emerging infectious diseases are of utmost importance. In this work, an acrylate and vinyl sulfone-based chemical series was investigated as promising starting scaffolds against VEEV and as inhibitors of the cysteine protease domain of VEEV's nonstructural protein 2 (nsP2). Primary screen and dose response studies were performed to evaluate the potency and cytotoxicity of the compounds. The results provide structural insights into a new class of potent nonpeptidic covalent inhibitors of nsP2 cysteine protease represented by compound 11 (VEEV TrD, EC50 = 2.4 μM (HeLa), 1.6 μM (Vero E6)). These results may facilitate the evolution of the compounds into selective and broad-spectrum anti-alphaviral drug leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaisheng Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Atmospheric Sciences, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217-0095, United States
| | - Moeshia Harmon
- Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Atmospheric Sciences, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217-0095, United States
| | - Sheli R. Radoshitzky
- The Geneva Foundation, Countermeasure Development Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, Maryland 21702-5011, United States
| | - Veronica Soloveva
- Cherokee Nation Assurance, Countermeasure Development Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, Maryland 21702-5011, United States
| | - Christopher D. Kane
- Research Program Office, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, Maryland 21702-5011, United States
| | - Allen J. Duplantier
- Cherokee Nation Assurance, Countermeasure Development Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, Maryland 21702-5011, United States
| | - Ifedayo Victor Ogungbe
- Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Atmospheric Sciences, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217-0095, United States
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22
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Lee J, Parvathareddy J, Yang D, Bansal S, O'Connell K, Golden JE, Jonsson CB. Emergence and Magnitude of ML336 Resistance in Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Depend on the Microenvironment. J Virol 2020; 94:e00317-20. [PMID: 32878897 PMCID: PMC7592223 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00317-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a New World Alphavirus that can cause neurological disease and death in humans and equines following transmission from infected mosquitoes. Despite the continued epidemic threat of VEEV, and its potential use as a bioterrorism agent, there are no FDA-approved antivirals or vaccines for treatment or prevention. Previously, we reported the discovery of a small molecule, ML336, with potent antiviral activity against VEEV. To further explore the population-level resistance profiles of ML336, we developed a whole-genome next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach to examine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from virus passaged in dose escalation studies in a nonhuman primate kidney epithelial and a human astrocyte cell line, Vero 76 and SVGA, respectively. We passaged VEEV TC-83 in these two cell lines over seven concentrations of ML336, starting at 50 nM. NGS revealed several prominent mutations in the nonstructural protein (nsP) 3 and nsP4 genes that emerged consistently in these two distinct in vitro environments-notably, a mutation at Q210 in nsP4. Several of these mutations were stable following passaging in the absence of ML336 in Vero 76 cells. Network analyses showed that the trajectory of resistance differed between Vero and SVGA. Moreover, the penetration of SNPs was lower in SVGA. In conclusion, we show that the microenvironment influenced the SNP profile of VEEV TC-83. Understanding the dynamics of resistance in VEEV against newly developed antiviral compounds will guide the design of optimal drug candidates and dosing regimens for minimizing the emergence of resistant viruses.IMPORTANCE RNA viruses, including Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), have high mutation rates that allow for rapid adaptation to selective pressures in their environment. Antiviral compounds exert one such pressure on virus populations during infections. Next-generation sequencing allows for examination of viruses at the population level, which enables tracking of low levels of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the population over time. Therefore, the timing and extent of the emergence of resistance to antivirals can be tracked and assessed. We show here that in VEEV, the trajectory and penetration of antiviral resistance reflected the microenvironment in which the virus population replicates. In summary, we show the diversity of VEEV within a single population under antiviral pressure and two distinct cell types, and we show that population dynamics in these viruses can be examined to better understand how they evolve over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jyothi Parvathareddy
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Dong Yang
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Shruti Bansal
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kathryn O'Connell
- Laboratory Animal Care Unit, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jennifer E Golden
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Colleen B Jonsson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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23
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Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus nsP3 Phosphorylation Can Be Mediated by IKKβ Kinase Activity and Abrogation of Phosphorylation Inhibits Negative-Strand Synthesis. Viruses 2020; 12:v12091021. [PMID: 32933112 PMCID: PMC7551587 DOI: 10.3390/v12091021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), a mosquito transmitted alphavirus of the Togaviridae family, can cause a highly inflammatory and encephalitic disease upon infection. Although a category B select agent, no FDA-approved vaccines or therapeutics against VEEV currently exist. We previously demonstrated NF-κB activation and macromolecular reorganization of the IKK complex upon VEEV infection in vitro, with IKKβ inhibition reducing viral replication. Mass spectrometry and confocal microscopy revealed an interaction between IKKβ and VEEV non-structural protein 3 (nsP3). Here, using western blotting, a cell-free kinase activity assay, and mass spectrometry, we demonstrate that IKKβ kinase activity can directly phosphorylate VEEV nsP3 at sites 204/5, 142, and 134/5. Alanine substitution mutations at sites 204/5, 142, or 134/5 reduced VEEV replication by >30-100,000-fold corresponding to a severe decrease in negative-strand synthesis. Serial passaging rescued viral replication and negative-strand synthesis, and sequencing of revertant viruses revealed reversion to the wild-type TC-83 phosphorylation capable amino acid sequences at nsP3 sites 204/5, 142, and 135. Generation of phosphomimetic mutants using aspartic acid substitutions at site 204/5 resulted in rescue of both viral replication and negative-strand RNA production, whereas phosphomimetic mutant 134/5 rescued viral replication but failed to restore negative-strand RNA levels, and phosphomimetic mutant 142 did not rescue VEEV replication. Together, these data demonstrate that IKKβ can phosphorylate VEEV nsP3 at sites 204/5, 142, and 134/5, and suggest that phosphorylation is essential for negative-strand RNA synthesis at site 204/5, but may be important for infectious particle production at site 134/5.
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24
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Rossi SL, Russell-Lodrigue KE, Plante KS, Bergren NA, Gorchakov R, Roy CJ, Weaver SC. Rationally Attenuated Vaccines for Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Protect Against Epidemic Strains with a Single Dose. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E497. [PMID: 32887313 PMCID: PMC7563393 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a re-emerging virus of human, agriculture, and bioweapon threat importance. No FDA-approved treatment is available to combat Venezuelan equine encephalitis in humans, prompting the need to create a vaccine that is safe, efficacious, and cannot be replicated in the mosquito vector. Here we describe the use of a serotype ID VEEV (ZPC-738) vaccine with an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) to alter gene expression patterns. This ZPC/IRES vaccine was genetically engineered in two ways based on the position of the IRES insertion to create a vaccine that is safe and efficacious. After a single dose, both versions of the ZPC/IRES vaccine elicited neutralizing antibody responses in mice and non-human primates after a single dose, with more robust responses produced by version 2. Further, all mice and primates were protected from viremia following VEEV challenge. These vaccines were also safer in neonatal mice than the current investigational new drug vaccine, TC-83. These results show that IRES-based attenuation of alphavirus genomes consistently produce promising vaccine candidates, with VEEV/IRES version 2 showing promise for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannan L. Rossi
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology and Immunology, Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | | | - Kenneth S. Plante
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA;
| | - Nicholas A. Bergren
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA;
| | - Rodion Gorchakov
- Department of Health, Safety and Environment, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Chad J. Roy
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA 70433, USA; (K.E.R.-L.); (C.J.R.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Scott C. Weaver
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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25
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Carrera JP, Pittí Y, Molares-Martínez JC, Casal E, Pereyra-Elias R, Saenz L, Guerrero I, Galué J, Rodriguez-Alvarez F, Jackman C, Pascale JM, Armien B, Weaver SC, Donnelly CA, Vittor AY. Clinical and Serological Findings of Madariaga and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Viral Infections: A Follow-up Study 5 Years After an Outbreak in Panama. Open Forum Infect Dis 2020; 7:ofaa359. [PMID: 33005697 PMCID: PMC7518370 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human cases of Madariaga virus (MADV) infection were first detected during an outbreak in 2010 in eastern Panama, where Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) also circulates. Little is known about the long-term consequences of either alphavirus infection. METHODS A follow-up study of the 2010 outbreak was undertaken in 2015. An additional survey was carried out 2 weeks after a separate 2017 alphavirus outbreak in a neighboring population in eastern Panama. Serological studies and statistical analyses were undertaken in both populations. RESULTS Among the originally alphavirus-seronegative participants (n = 35 of 65), seroconversion was observed at a rate of 14.3% (95% CI, 4.8%-30.3%) for MADV and 8.6% (95% CI, 1.8%-23.1%) for VEEV over 5 years. Among the originally MADV-seropositive participants (n = 14 of 65), VEEV seroconversion occurred in 35.7% (95% CI, 12.8%-64.9%). In the VEEV-seropositive participants (n = 16 of 65), MADV seroconversion occurred in 6.3% (95% CI, 0.2%-30.2%). MADV seroreversion was observed in 14.3% (95% CI, 1.8%-42.8%) of those who were originally seropositive in 2010. VEEV seroconversion in the baseline MADV-seropositive participants was significantly higher than in alphavirus-negative participants. In the population sampled in 2017, MADV and VEEV seroprevalence was 13.2% and 16.8%, respectively. Memory loss, insomnia, irritability, and seizures were reported significantly more frequently in alphavirus-seropositive participants than in seronegative participants. CONCLUSIONS High rates of seroconversion to MADV and VEEV over 5 years suggest frequent circulation of both viruses in Panama. Enhanced susceptibility to VEEV infection may be conferred by MADV infection. We provide evidence of persistent neurologic symptoms up to 5 years following MADV and VEEV exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Carrera
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Yaneth Pittí
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Juan C Molares-Martínez
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Eric Casal
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Reneé Pereyra-Elias
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lisseth Saenz
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Isela Guerrero
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Josefrancisco Galué
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Fatima Rodriguez-Alvarez
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Carmela Jackman
- Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Panama, Panama
| | - Juan Miguel Pascale
- Clinical Research Unit, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Blas Armien
- Department of Research in Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, and World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Christl A Donnelly
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Amy Y Vittor
- Division of Infectious Disease and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Kam YW, Ahmed MY, Amrun SN, Lee B, Refaie T, Elgizouli K, Fong SW, Renia L, Ng LF. Systematic analysis of disease-specific immunological signatures in patients with febrile illness from Saudi Arabia. Clin Transl Immunology 2020; 9:e1163. [PMID: 32864128 PMCID: PMC7443187 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Little is known about the prevalence of febrile illness in the Arabian region as clinical, laboratory and immunological profiling remains largely uncharacterised. Methods A total of 2018 febrile patients from Jazan, Saudi Arabia, were recruited between 2014 and 2017. Patients were screened for dengue and chikungunya virus, Plasmodium, Brucella, Neisseria meningitidis, group A streptococcus and Leptospira. Clinical history and biochemical parameters from blood tests were collected. Patient sera of selected disease-confirmed infections were quantified for immune mediators by multiplex microbead-based immunoassays. Results Approximately 20% of febrile patients were tested positive for one of the pathogens, and they presented overlapping clinical and laboratory parameters. Nonetheless, eight disease-specific immune mediators were identified as potential biomarkers for dengue (MIP-1α, MCP-1), malaria (TNF-α), streptococcal and meningococcal (eotaxin, GRO-α, RANTES, SDF-1α and PIGF-1) infections, with high specificity and sensitivity profiles. Notably, based on the conditional inference model, six of these mediators (MIP-1α, TNF-α, GRO-α, RANTES, SDF-1α and PIGF-1) were revealed to be 68.4% accurate in diagnosing different febrile infections, including those of unknown diseases. Conclusions This study is the first extensive characterisation of the clinical analysis and immune biomarkers of several clinically important febrile infections in Saudi Arabia. Importantly, an immune signature with robust accuracy, specificity and sensitivity in differentiating several febrile infections was identified, providing useful insights into patient disease management in the Arabian Peninsula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiu-Wing Kam
- Singapore Immunology Network Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) Singapore
| | - Mohamed Yousif Ahmed
- Singapore Immunology Network Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) Singapore.,Department of Infectious Diseases Clinic and Medical Microbiology King Fahad Central Hospital Jazan Saudi Arabia
| | - Siti Naqiah Amrun
- Singapore Immunology Network Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) Singapore.,Infectious Diseases Horizontal Technology Centre (ID HTC) Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) Singapore
| | - Bernett Lee
- Singapore Immunology Network Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) Singapore
| | - Tarik Refaie
- Department of Infectious Diseases Clinic and Medical Microbiology King Fahad Central Hospital Jazan Saudi Arabia
| | - Kamla Elgizouli
- Department of Infectious Diseases Clinic and Medical Microbiology King Fahad Central Hospital Jazan Saudi Arabia
| | - Siew-Wai Fong
- Singapore Immunology Network Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) Singapore.,Infectious Diseases Horizontal Technology Centre (ID HTC) Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences National University of Singapore Singapore
| | - Laurent Renia
- Singapore Immunology Network Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) Singapore.,Infectious Diseases Horizontal Technology Centre (ID HTC) Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) Singapore
| | - Lisa Fp Ng
- Singapore Immunology Network Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) Singapore.,Infectious Diseases Horizontal Technology Centre (ID HTC) Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) Singapore.,National Institute of Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections University of Liverpool Liverpool UK.,Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences University of Liverpool Liverpool UK.,Department of Biochemistry Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine National University of Singapore Singapore
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Azar SR, Campos RK, Bergren NA, Camargos VN, Rossi SL. Epidemic Alphaviruses: Ecology, Emergence and Outbreaks. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8081167. [PMID: 32752150 PMCID: PMC7464724 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8081167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past century, the emergence/reemergence of arthropod-borne zoonotic agents has been a growing public health concern. In particular, agents from the genus Alphavirus pose a significant risk to both animal and human health. Human alphaviral disease presents with either arthritogenic or encephalitic manifestations and is associated with significant morbidity and/or mortality. Unfortunately, there are presently no vaccines or antiviral measures approved for human use. The present review examines the ecology, epidemiology, disease, past outbreaks, and potential to cause contemporary outbreaks for several alphavirus pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha R. Azar
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, USA;
| | - Rafael K. Campos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, USA;
| | | | - Vidyleison N. Camargos
- Host-Microorganism Interaction Lab, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil;
| | - Shannan L. Rossi
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, USA;
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0610, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +409-772-9033
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28
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Guzmán-Terán C, Calderón-Rangel A, Rodriguez-Morales A, Mattar S. Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus: the problem is not over for tropical America. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2020; 19:19. [PMID: 32429942 PMCID: PMC7236962 DOI: 10.1186/s12941-020-00360-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The equine encephalitis viruses, Venezuelan (VEEV), East (EEEV) and West (WEEV), belong to the genus alphavirus, family Togaviridae and still represent a threat for human and animal public health in the Americas. In both, these infections are characterized by high viremia, rash, fever, encephalitis and death. VEEV encephalitis is similar, clinically, to other arboviral diseases, such as dengue, Zika or chikungunya. Most of the alphaviruses are transmitted between vertebrates and mosquitoes. They are able to replicate in a wide number of hosts, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibian and arthropods. The VEEV has enzootic and epizootic transmission cycles. At the enzootic one, enzootic strains (subtype I, serotypes D-F and serotypes II-VI) are continuously circulating between mosquitoes and wild rodents in tropical forests and mangroves of the Americas. The main reseroivrs are wild rodent species of the subfamily Sigmodontinae. However, bats can be also accidental reservoirs of VEEV. In this article, we reviewed the main features, epidemiology, clinical aspects and the current perspectives of the VEEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Guzmán-Terán
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico (IIBT), Programa Regencia en Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Alfonso Calderón-Rangel
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico (IIBT), Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Alfonso Rodriguez-Morales
- Public Health and Infection Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Faculty of Medicine, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
| | - Salim Mattar
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico (IIBT), Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia.
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Mutricy R, Djossou F, Matheus S, Lorenzi-Martinez E, De Laval F, Demar M, Nacher M, Rousset D, Epelboin L. Discriminating Tonate Virus from Dengue Virus Infection: A Matched Case-Control Study in French Guiana, 2003-2016. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 102:195-201. [PMID: 31769401 PMCID: PMC6947781 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Tonate virus (TONV) is an arbovirus discovered in 1973 in French Guiana (FG) belonging to the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus complex, Alphavirus genus. Only few publications and cases have been reported in FG. The objectives of the present study were to describe the clinical picture of TONV and to compare its presentation with that of dengue virus (DENV). A retrospective study was performed in Cayenne hospital from 2003 to 2016 including all patients exclusively positive for TONV IgM and not for other alphaviruses. They were classified as high probability: typical clinical picture of arbovirus infection (i.e., fever, chills, headaches, muscle, and joint pains) and IgM seroconversion; medium probability: typical clinical picture + single positive IgM on a unique serum sample without control; and low probability: atypical clinical picture of infection and single positive IgM. Only patients with high and medium probability were included in the analysis and compared with a gender- and age-matched control group of DENV diagnosed by NS1 antigen (two controls per case). During the study period, 45 cases of TONV were included and compared with 90 cases of DENV. Twenty-eight (62.2%) were men; the median age was 34 years (IQ [22–49]). In the bivariate analysis, variables significantly associated with TONV versus DENV were the presence of cough (33.3% versus 10.3%) and anemia (32.5% versus 11.1%) and the absence of nausea (4.4% versus 32.2%), rash (2.2% versus 27.4%), fatigue (17.8% versus 41.0%), anorexia (6.7% versus 30.1%), muscle pain (42.2% versus 61.4%), headache (53.3% versus 70.8%), leukopenia (9.8% versus 44.4), and lymphopenia (42.5% versus 89.9%). There were no cases with severe neurological involvement, and there were no deaths. Tonate virus may be evoked as a cause of fever in patients living or returning from the Amazonian area. Positive TONV IgM does not prove the diagnosis and should not preclude from searching for alternative infectious diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rémi Mutricy
- Unité des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier Andrée Rosemon, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Félix Djossou
- Equipe EA 3593, Ecosystèmes Amazoniens et Pathologie Tropicale, Université de la Guyane, Cayenne, French Guiana.,Unité des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier Andrée Rosemon, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Séverine Matheus
- Centre National de Référence des Arbovirus, Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | | | | | - Magalie Demar
- Laboratoire Hospitalo-Universitaire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Andrée Rosemon, Cayenne, French Guiana.,Equipe EA 3593, Ecosystèmes Amazoniens et Pathologie Tropicale, Université de la Guyane, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Mathieu Nacher
- Centre D'Investigation Clinique (CIC INSERM 1424), Centre Hospitalier Andrée Rosemon, Cayenne, French Guiana.,Equipe EA 3593, Ecosystèmes Amazoniens et Pathologie Tropicale, Université de la Guyane, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Dominique Rousset
- Centre National de Référence des Arbovirus, Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Loïc Epelboin
- Equipe EA 3593, Ecosystèmes Amazoniens et Pathologie Tropicale, Université de la Guyane, Cayenne, French Guiana.,Unité des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier Andrée Rosemon, Cayenne, French Guiana
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Pérez JG, Carrera JP, Serrano E, Pittí Y, Maguiña JL, Mentaberre G, Lescano AG, Valderrama A, Mayor P. Serologic Evidence of Zoonotic Alphaviruses in Humans from an Indigenous Community in the Peruvian Amazon. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 101:1212-1218. [PMID: 31571566 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses (Togaviridae, Alphavirus) are arthropod-borne single-stranded RNA pathogens that cause febrile and neurologic disease in much of Latin America. However, many features of Alphavirus epidemiology remain unknown. In 2011, we undertook a cross-sectional study in Nueva Esperanza, an indigenous community in the Peruvian Amazon. Here, we present the first serologic evidence of Mayaro (MAYV), Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) complex alphavirus, Una (UNAV), and Madariaga (MADV) viruses reported in humans (24%, 16%, 13%, and 1.5%, respectively) from an Amazonian indigenous community in Peru. Hunting activity and cohabiting with hunters were the main risk factors for Mayaro seroconversion, but only hunting was associated with UNAV seropositivity. Our results suggest that alphavirus infection in this region is common, but we highlight the high UNAV seroprevalence found and corroborate the low MADV prevalence reported in this region. Furthermore, MAYV-neutralizing antibodies were also detected in stored samples from wild animals (18%) hunted by Nueva Esperanza inhabitants and another mestizo community located close to Iquitos. Further serological surveys of VEE complex alphaviruses, UNAV, and MADV in wild animals and assessing the ability of the MAYV seropositive species to transmit the virus will be relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emmanuel Serrano
- Universitá di Torino, Torino, Italy.,Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yaneth Pittí
- Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | | | - Gregorio Mentaberre
- Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain.,Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Pedro Mayor
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Johnson DM, Sokoloski KJ, Jokinen JD, Pfeffer TL, Chu YK, Adcock RS, Chung D, Tretyakova I, Pushko P, Lukashevich IS. Advanced Safety and Genetic Stability in Mice of a Novel DNA-Launched Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Vaccine with Rearranged Structural Genes. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8010114. [PMID: 32121666 PMCID: PMC7157698 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The safety and genetic stability of V4020, a novel Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEEV) vaccine based on the investigational VEEV TC-83 strain, was evaluated in mice. V4020 was generated from infectious DNA, contains a stabilizing mutation in the E2-120 glycoprotein, and includes rearrangement of structural genes. After intracranial inoculation (IC), replication of V4020 was more attenuated than TC-83, as documented by low clinical scores, inflammation, viral load in brain, and earlier viral clearance. During the first 9 days post-inoculation (DPI), genes involved in inflammation, cytokine signaling, adaptive immune responses, and apoptosis were upregulated in both groups. However, the magnitude of upregulation was greater in TC-83 than V4020 mice, and this pattern persisted till 13 DPI, while V4020 gene expression profiles declined to mock-infected levels. In addition, genetic markers of macrophages, DCs, and microglia were strongly upregulated in TC-83 mice. During five serial passages in the brain, less severe clinical manifestations and a lower viral load were observed in V4020 mice and all animals survived. In contrast, 13.3% of mice met euthanasia criteria during the passages in TC-83 group. At 2 DPI, RNA-Seq analysis of brain tissues revealed that V4020 mice had lower rates of mutations throughout five passages. A higher synonymous mutation ratio was observed in the nsP4 (RdRP) gene of TC-83 compared to V4020 mice. At 2 DPI, both viruses induced different expression profiles of host genes involved in neuro-regeneration. Taken together, these results provide evidence for the improved safety and genetic stability of the experimental V4020 VEEV vaccine in a murine model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan M. Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (K.J.S.); (D.C.)
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
- Correspondence: (D.M.J.); (I.S.L.)
| | - Kevin J. Sokoloski
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (K.J.S.); (D.C.)
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
| | - Jenny D. Jokinen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA;
| | - Tia L. Pfeffer
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA;
| | - Yong-Kyu Chu
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
| | - Robert S. Adcock
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
| | - Donghoon Chung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (K.J.S.); (D.C.)
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
| | | | - Peter Pushko
- Medigen, Inc., Frederick, MD 21701, USA; (I.T.); (P.P.)
| | - Igor S. Lukashevich
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA;
- Correspondence: (D.M.J.); (I.S.L.)
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Guzmán C, Calderón A, Oviedo T, Mattar S, Castañeda J, Rodriguez V, Moraes Figueiredo LT. Molecular and cellular evidence of natural Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus infection in frugivorous bats in Colombia. Vet World 2020; 13:495-501. [PMID: 32367955 PMCID: PMC7183472 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.495-501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an alphavirus that causes encephalitis with a high impact on public health in Latin America. However, only in Guatemala, Trinidad and Tobago, and Mexico have found antibodies in VEEV in bats, using immunohistochemistry, the sensitivity and specificity are improved; thus, it is better for demonstrating natural infection in bats as potential hosts. This study aimed to determine the presence of VEEV in tissues of frugivorous bats. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective descriptive cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic sampling was carried out in 12 localities of Córdoba and Sucre area of the Colombian Caribbean. Two hundred and eighty-six bats were captured using fog nets, and the specimens according to taxonomic keys were classified. According to the Ethics Committee of the University of Córdoba, the bats were treated with analgesics and anesthetics. Blood samples were taken and then euthanized to obtain tissues and organs which were preserved in liquid N2 at -196°C. A portion of each organ was fixed in 10% buffered formalin for the detection of antigens by immunohistochemistry. Several pathological anatomy analyses were performed to determine the histological characteristics of tissue lesions of frugivorous bats naturally infected with the VEEV. RESULTS Of the 286 bats captured, 23 species were identified. In samples of the brain, spleen, and lung of two frugivorous bats (2/286=0.70%) Artibeus planirostris and Sturnira lilium, the presence of VEEV was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION A fragment of the nsP4 non-structural protein gene corresponding to the alphavirus was amplified. Two samples were positive (2/286=0.70%) in frugivorous bats; A. planirostris (code GenBank: MG820274) and S. lilium (code GenBank: MG820275). The present study showed the first molecular evidence and cellular evidence (histopathology and immunohistochemistry) of natural VEEV infection in frugivorous bats in Colombia; these bats could be a host of this zoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Guzmán
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Biological Research of the Tropics, University of Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Alfonso Calderón
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal, Institute for Biological Research in the Tropics, University of Córdoba, Colombia
| | | | - Salim Mattar
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal, Institute of Biological Research of the Tropics, University of Córdoba, Colombia
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Antibodies for Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Protect Embryoid Bodies from Chikungunya Virus. Viruses 2020; 12:v12030262. [PMID: 32120905 PMCID: PMC7150962 DOI: 10.3390/v12030262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an alphavirus that causes febrile illness punctuated by severe polyarthralgia. After the emergence of CHIKV in the Western Hemisphere, multiple reports of congenital infections were published that documented neurological complications, cardiac defects, respiratory distress, and miscarriage. The Western Hemisphere is endemic to several alphaviruses, and whether antigenic cross-reactivity can impact the course of infection has not been explored. Recent advances in biomedical engineering have produced cell co-culture models that replicate the cellular interface at the maternal fetal axis. We employed a trans-well assay to determine if cross-reactive antibodies affected the movement and replication of CHIKV across placental cells and into an embryoid body. The data showed that antibodies to Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus significantly reduced CHIKV viral load in embryoid bodies. The data highlighted the fact that viral pathogenesis can be cell-specific and that exploiting antigenic cross-reactivity could be an avenue for reducing the impact of congenital CHIKV infections.
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Skidmore AM, Adcock RS, Jonsson CB, Golden JE, Chung DH. Benzamidine ML336 inhibits plus and minus strand RNA synthesis of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus without affecting host RNA production. Antiviral Res 2020; 174:104674. [PMID: 31816348 PMCID: PMC6935354 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.104674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an alphavirus that is endemic to the Americas. VEEV outbreaks occur periodically and cause encephalitis in both humans and equids. There are currently no therapeutics or vaccines for treatment of VEEV in humans. Our group has previously reported on the development of a benzamidine VEEV inhibitor, ML336, which shows potent antiviral activity in both in vitro and in vivo models of infection. In cell culture experiments, ML336 inhibits viral RNA synthesis when added 2-4 h post-infection, and mutations conferring resistance occur within the viral nonstructural proteins (nsP2 and nsP4). We hypothesized that ML336 targets an activity of the viral replicase complex and inhibits viral RNA synthesis. To test this hypothesis, we employed various biochemical and cellular assays. Using structural analogues of ML336, we demonstrate that the cellular antiviral activity of these compounds correlates with their inhibition of viral RNA synthesis. For instance, the IC50 of ML336 for VEEV RNA synthesis inhibition was determined as 1.1 nM, indicating potent anti-RNA synthesis activity in the low nanomolar range. While ML336 efficiently inhibited VEEV RNA synthesis, a much weaker effect was observed against the Old World alphavirus Chikungunya virus (IC50 > 4 μM), agreeing with previous data from a cell based assay. Using a tritium incorporation assay, we demonstrated that there was no significant inhibition of cellular transcription. With a combination of fluorography, strand-specific qRT-PCR, and tritium incorporation, we demonstrated that ML336 inhibits the synthesis of the positive sense genomic, negative sense template, and subgenomic RNAs of VEEV. Based on these results, we propose that the mechanism of action for this class of antiviral compounds is inhibition of viral RNA synthesis through interaction with the viral replicase complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Skidmore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, 505 South Hancock St, Room 642 C, Louisville, KY, USA.
| | - Robert S Adcock
- Center of Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, 505 South Hancock St, Room 617, Louisville, KY, USA.
| | - Colleen B Jonsson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 858 Madison Ave, Room 810 B, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - Jennifer E Golden
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Dr, Room 7123, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Dong-Hoon Chung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, 505 South Hancock St, Room 642 C, Louisville, KY, USA; Center of Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, 505 South Hancock St, Room 617, Louisville, KY, USA.
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First Complete Coding Sequence of a Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Strain Isolated from an Equine Encephalitis Case in Costa Rica. Microbiol Resour Announc 2019; 8:8/36/e00672-19. [PMID: 31488528 PMCID: PMC6728638 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00672-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The first complete coding sequence of the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus IE, isolated from a Costa Rican mare with severe encephalitis, was confirmed by histological and viral whole-genome analyses. The isolated virus grouped in the Pacific cluster. The first complete coding sequence of the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus IE, isolated from a Costa Rican mare with severe encephalitis, was confirmed by histological and viral whole-genome analyses. The isolated virus grouped in the Pacific cluster.
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Rusnak JM, Glass PJ, Weaver SC, Sabourin CL, Glenn AM, Klimstra W, Badorrek CS, Nasar F, Ward LA. Approach to Strain Selection and the Propagation of Viral Stocks for Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Vaccine Efficacy Testing under the Animal Rule. Viruses 2019; 11:v11090807. [PMID: 31480472 PMCID: PMC6784384 DOI: 10.3390/v11090807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Licensure of a vaccine to protect against aerosolized Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) requires use of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Animal Rule to assess vaccine efficacy as human studies are not feasible or ethical. An approach to selecting VEEV challenge strains for use under the Animal Rule was developed, taking into account Department of Defense (DOD) vaccine requirements, FDA Animal Rule guidelines, strain availability, and lessons learned from the generation of filovirus challenge agents within the Filovirus Animal Nonclinical Group (FANG). Initial down-selection to VEEV IAB and IC epizootic varieties was based on the DOD objective for vaccine protection in a bioterrorism event. The subsequent down-selection of VEEV IAB and IC isolates was based on isolate availability, origin, virulence, culture and animal passage history, known disease progression in animal models, relevancy to human disease, and ability to generate sufficient challenge material. Methods for the propagation of viral stocks (use of uncloned (wild-type), plaque-cloned, versus cDNA-cloned virus) to minimize variability in the potency of the resulting challenge materials were also reviewed. The presented processes for VEEV strain selection and the propagation of viral stocks may serve as a template for animal model development product testing under the Animal Rule to other viral vaccine programs. This manuscript is based on the culmination of work presented at the “Alphavirus Workshop” organized and hosted by the Joint Vaccine Acquisition Program (JVAP) on 15 December 2014 at Fort Detrick, Maryland, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice M Rusnak
- Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND), Joint Project Manager-Medical Countermeasure Systems (JMP-MCS), Joint Vaccine Acquisition Program (JVAP), 1564 Freedman Drive, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA.
| | - Pamela J Glass
- Department of Virology, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Carol L Sabourin
- Battelle Biomedical Research Center, 1425 Plain City-Georgesville Road, West Jefferson, OH 43162, USA
| | - Andrew M Glenn
- Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND), Joint Project Manager-Medical Countermeasure Systems (JMP-MCS), Joint Vaccine Acquisition Program (JVAP), 1564 Freedman Drive, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | - William Klimstra
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Christopher S Badorrek
- Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND), Joint Project Manager-Medical Countermeasure Systems (JMP-MCS), Joint Vaccine Acquisition Program (JVAP), 1564 Freedman Drive, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Farooq Nasar
- Department of Virology, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Lucy A Ward
- Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND), Joint Project Manager-Medical Countermeasure Systems (JMP-MCS), Joint Vaccine Acquisition Program (JVAP), 1564 Freedman Drive, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
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Juarez D, Guevara C, Wiley M, Torre A, Palacios G, Halsey ES, Ampuero S, Leguia M. Isolation of Complete Equine Encephalitis Virus Genome from Human Swab Specimen, Peru. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 24:1578-1580. [PMID: 30016240 PMCID: PMC6056129 DOI: 10.3201/eid2408.171274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
While studying respiratory infections in Peru, we identified Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) in a nasopharyngeal swab, indicating that this alphavirus can be present in human respiratory secretions. Because VEEV may be infectious when aerosolized, our finding is relevant for the management of VEEV-infected patients and for VEEV transmission studies.
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Jonsson CB, Cao X, Lee J, Gabbard JD, Chu YK, Fitzpatrick EA, Julander J, Chung DH, Stabenow J, Golden JE. Efficacy of a ML336 derivative against Venezuelan and eastern equine encephalitis viruses. Antiviral Res 2019; 167:25-34. [PMID: 30970271 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there are no licensed human vaccines or antivirals for treatment of or prevention from infection with encephalitic alphaviruses. Because epidemics are sporadic and unpredictable, and endemic disease is common but rarely diagnosed, it is difficult to identify all populations requiring vaccination; thus, an effective post-exposure treatment method is needed to interrupt ongoing outbreaks. To address this public health need, we have continued development of ML336 to deliver a molecule with prophylactic and therapeutic potential that could be relevant for use in natural epidemics or deliberate release scenario for Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV). We report findings from in vitro assessments of four analogs of ML336, and in vivo screening of three of these new derivatives, BDGR-4, BDGR-69 and BDGR-70. The optimal dosing for maximal protection was observed at 12.5 mg/kg/day, twice daily for 8 days. BDGR-4 was tested further for prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy in mice challenged with VEEV Trinidad Donkey (TrD). Mice challenged with VEEV TrD showed 100% and 90% protection from lethal disease when treated at 24 and 48 h post-infection, respectively. We also measured 90% protection for BDGR-4 in mice challenged with Eastern equine encephalitis virus. In additional assessments of BDGR-4 in mice alone, we observed no appreciable toxicity as evaluated by clinical chemistry indicators up to a dose of 25 mg/kg/day over 4 days. In these same mice, we observed no induction of interferon. Lastly, the resistance of VEEV to BDGR-4 was evaluated by next-generation sequencing which revealed specific mutations in nsP4, the viral polymerase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen B Jonsson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 858 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA.
| | - Xufeng Cao
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53705-2222, USA
| | - Jasper Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 858 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA
| | - Jon D Gabbard
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Yong-Kyu Chu
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Fitzpatrick
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 858 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA
| | - Justin Julander
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences Department, 5600 Old Main Hill, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322-5600, USA
| | - Dong-Hoon Chung
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Jennifer Stabenow
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 901 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA
| | - Jennifer E Golden
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53705-2222, USA.
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Warmbrod KL, Patterson EI, Kautz TF, Stanton A, Rockx-Brouwer D, Kalveram BK, Khanipov K, Thangamani S, Fofanov Y, Forrester NL. Viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase mutants display an altered mutation spectrum resulting in attenuation in both mosquito and vertebrate hosts. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1007610. [PMID: 30947291 PMCID: PMC6467425 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of bottlenecks in the transmission cycle of many RNA viruses leads to a severe reduction of number of virus particles and this occurs multiple times throughout the viral transmission cycle. Viral replication is then necessary for regeneration of a diverse mutant swarm. It is now understood that any perturbation of the mutation frequency either by increasing or decreasing the accumulation of mutations in an RNA virus results in attenuation of the virus. To determine if altering the rate at which a virus accumulates mutations decreases the probability of a successful virus infection due to issues traversing host bottlenecks, a series of mutations in the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), strain 68U201, were tested for mutation rate changes. All RdRp mutants were attenuated in both the mosquito and vertebrate hosts, while showing no attenuation during in vitro infections. The rescued viruses containing these mutations showed some evidence of change in fidelity, but the phenotype was not sustained following passaging. However, these mutants did exhibit changes in the frequency of specific types of mutations. Using a model of mutation production, these changes were shown to decrease the number of stop codons generated during virus replication. This suggests that the observed mutant attenuation in vivo may be due to an increase in the number of unfit genomes, which may be normally selected against by the accumulation of stop codons. Lastly, the ability of these attenuated viruses to transition through a bottleneck in vivo was measured using marked virus clones. The attenuated viruses showed an overall reduction in the number of marked clones for both the mosquito and vertebrate hosts, as well as a reduced ability to overcome the known bottlenecks in the mosquito. This study demonstrates that any perturbation of the optimal mutation frequency whether through changes in fidelity or by alterations in the mutation frequency of specific nucleotides, has significant deleterious effects on the virus, especially in the presence of host bottlenecks.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Lane Warmbrod
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Edward I. Patterson
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Tiffany F. Kautz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Adam Stanton
- School of Computing and Mathematics, University of Keele, Keele, United Kingdom
| | - Dedeke Rockx-Brouwer
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Birte K. Kalveram
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kamil Khanipov
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Saravanan Thangamani
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Yuriy Fofanov
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Naomi L. Forrester
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
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Guzmán C, Calderón A, Martinez C, Oviedo M, Mattar S. Eco-epidemiology of the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus in bats of Córdoba and Sucre, Colombia. Acta Trop 2019; 191:178-184. [PMID: 30578748 PMCID: PMC7172953 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Alphavirus infection associated encephalitis is an emerging infectious disease with a high impact on public health in Latin America. OBJECTIVE To study the eco-epidemiology of alphaviruses in bats of departments of Córdoba and Sucre, Colombia. METHODOLOGY A prospective descriptive cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic sampling, in 12 localities of Córdoba and Sucre was carried out. Using mist nets capture of the specimens was carried out. The size of the sample was 286 bats, each specimen captured was taxonomically classified. The bats were immobilized with anesthetic and analgesic treatment according to the ethics committee of the University of Córdoba, morphometric measurements and blood samples were taken, later they were necropsied in the field to obtain a collection of tissues which were preserved in liquid N2 -190 °C. The averages of the climatic conditions of the sampling sites were extracted from the WorldClim database (http://www.worldclim.org/). The open source software QGIS (Quantum GIS Development Team.2015) was used to map and visualize bioclimatic regions of Córdoba. We used descriptive and retrospective information about the equine population and reports of foci of equine encephalitis. RESULTS In Córdoba and Sucre, 286 bats were captured and 23 species were classified, Artibeus and Phyllostomus discolor were the most frequent captured genus. The geographic ranges of the captured species were variable, some had a wide distribution and others were restricted to some areas. Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus RNA was detected in Artibeus planirostris and Sturnira lilium (2/286 = 0.70%) from Cordoba - Colombia. The univariate descriptive analysis showed no significant association for any of the analyzed variables climatic. CONCLUSIONS Frugivorous bats from the Caribbean area of Colombia may be involved in the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus enzootic cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Guzmán
- Universidad de Córdoba, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Montería, Colombia; Doctorado en Medicina Tropical SUE-Caribe, Universidad de Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Alfonso Calderón
- Universidad de Córdoba, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Montería, Colombia; Doctorado en Medicina Tropical SUE-Caribe, Universidad de Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Catty Martinez
- Universidad de Córdoba, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Montería, Colombia
| | - Misael Oviedo
- Universidad de Córdoba, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Montería, Colombia
| | - Salim Mattar
- Universidad de Córdoba, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Montería, Colombia.
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Makrynitsa GI, Ntonti D, Marousis KD, Birkou M, Matsoukas MT, Asami S, Bentrop D, Papageorgiou N, Canard B, Coutard B, Spyroulias GA. Conformational plasticity of the VEEV macro domain is important for binding of ADP-ribose. J Struct Biol 2019; 206:119-127. [PMID: 30825649 PMCID: PMC7111667 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2019.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
ADPr’s binding triggers conformational changes to the whole VEEV macro domain. High flexibility of the loops β5-α3 and α3-β6 assist the ADPr’s binding. Loops around ADPr site undergo a transition pathway between apo and complex state.
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a new world alphavirus which can be involved in several central nervous system disorders such as encephalitis and meningitis. The VEEV genome codes for 4 non-structural proteins (nsP), of which nsP3 contains a Macro domain. Macro domains (MD) can be found as stand-alone proteins or embedded within larger proteins in viruses, bacteria and eukaryotes. Their most common feature is the binding of ADP-ribose (ADPr), while several macro domains act as ribosylation writers, erasers or readers. Alphavirus MD erase ribosylation but their precise contribution in viral replication is still under investigation. NMR-driven titration experiments of ADPr in solution with the VEEV macro domain (in apo- and complex state) show that it adopts a suitable conformation for ADPr binding. Specific experiments indicate that the flexibility of the loops β5-α3 and α3-β6 is critical for formation of the complex and assists a wrapping mechanism for ADPr binding. Furthermore, along with this sequence of events, the VEEV MD undergoes a conformational exchange process between the apo state and a low-populated “dark” conformational state.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dioni Ntonti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, GR-26504, Greece
| | | | - Maria Birkou
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, GR-26504, Greece
| | | | - Sam Asami
- Munich Center for Integrated Protein Science (CIPS-M) at Department Chemie, Technische Universität München (TUM), Lichtenbergstr. 4, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Detlef Bentrop
- Institute of Physiology II, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Bruno Canard
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, AFMB UMR 7257, Marseille, France
| | - Bruno Coutard
- UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207-IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
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Sharma A, Knollmann-Ritschel B. Current Understanding of the Molecular Basis of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Pathogenesis and Vaccine Development. Viruses 2019; 11:v11020164. [PMID: 30781656 PMCID: PMC6410161 DOI: 10.3390/v11020164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Dedication This review is dedicated in the memory of Dr Radha K. Maheshwari, a great mentor and colleague, whose passion for research and student training has left a lasting effect on this manuscript and many other works. Abstract Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an alphavirus in the family Togaviridae. VEEV is highly infectious in aerosol form and a known bio-warfare agent that can cause severe encephalitis in humans. Periodic outbreaks of VEEV occur predominantly in Central and South America. Increased interest in VEEV has resulted in a more thorough understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease. Inflammation plays a paradoxical role of antiviral response as well as development of lethal encephalitis through an interplay between the host and viral factors that dictate virus replication. VEEV has efficient replication machinery that adapts to overcome deleterious mutations in the viral genome or improve interactions with host factors. In the last few decades there has been ongoing development of various VEEV vaccine candidates addressing the shortcomings of the current investigational new drugs or approved vaccines. We review the current understanding of the molecular basis of VEEV pathogenesis and discuss various types of vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuj Sharma
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
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Keck F, Khan D, Roberts B, Agrawal N, Bhalla N, Narayanan A. Mitochondrial-Directed Antioxidant Reduces Microglial-Induced Inflammation in Murine In Vitro Model of TC-83 Infection. Viruses 2018; 10:v10110606. [PMID: 30400156 PMCID: PMC6266753 DOI: 10.3390/v10110606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an arbovirus that is associated with robust inflammation that contributes to neurodegenerative phenotypes. In addition to triggering central nervous system (CNS) inflammation, VEEV will also induce mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting in increased cellular apoptosis. In this study, we utilize the TC-83 strain of VEEV to determine the role of mitochondrial oxidative stress in mediating inflammation elicited by murine brain microglial cells. Using an in vitro model, we show that murine microglia are susceptible to TC-83 infection, and that these cells undergo mitochondrial stress as the result of infection. We also indicate that bystander microglia contribute more significantly to the overall inflammatory load than directly infected microglia. Use of a mitochondrial targeted antioxidant, mitoquinone mesylate, greatly reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokines released by both direct infected and bystander microglia. Our data suggest that release of interleukin-1β, a key instigator of neuroinflammation during VEEV infection, may be the direct result of accumulating mitochondrial stress. This data improves our understanding inflammation elicited by murine microglia and will aid in the development of more accurate in vitro and in vivo murine model of VEEV-induced neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forrest Keck
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA.
| | - Daud Khan
- Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA.
| | - Brian Roberts
- Leidos Health Sciences, 5202 Presidents Court, Suite 110, Frederick, MD 21704, USA.
| | - Nitin Agrawal
- Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA.
| | - Nishank Bhalla
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA.
| | - Aarthi Narayanan
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA.
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Rusnak JM, Dupuy LC, Niemuth NA, Glenn AM, Ward LA. Comparison of Aerosol- and Percutaneous-acquired Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis in Humans and Nonhuman Primates for Suitability in Predicting Clinical Efficacy under the Animal Rule. Comp Med 2018; 68:380-395. [PMID: 30282570 PMCID: PMC6200028 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-18-000027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Licensure of medical countermeasure vaccines to protect against aerosolized Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) requires the use of the Animal Rule to assess vaccine efficacy, because human studies are not feasible or ethical. We therefore performed a retrospective study of VEE cases that occurred in at-risk laboratory workers and support personnel during the United States Biowarfare Program (1943-1969) to better define percutaneous- and aerosol-acquired VEE in humans and to compare these results with those described for the NHP model (in which high-dose aerosol VEEV challenge led to more severe encephalitis than parenteral challenge). Record review and analysis of 17 aerosol- and 23 percutaneous-acquired human cases of VEE included incubation period, symptoms, physical examination findings, and markers of infection. Human VEE disease by both exposure routes presented as acute febrile illness, typically with fever, chills, headache, back pain, malaise, myalgia, anorexia, and nausea. Aerosol exposure more commonly led to upper respiratory tract-associated findings of sore throat (59% compared with 26%), pharyngeal erythema (76% compared with 52%), neck pain (29% compared with 4%), and cervical lymphadenopathy (29% compared with 4%). Other disease manifestations, including encephalitis, were similar between the 2 exposure groups. The increase in upper respiratory tract findings in aerosol-acquired VEE in humans has not previously been reported but is supported by the mouse model, which showed nasal mucosal necrosis, necrotizing rhinitis, and an increase in upper respiratory tract viral burden associated with aerosol VEEV challenge. Fever, viremia, and lymphopenia were common markers of VEE disease in both humans and NHP, regardless of the exposure route. Taken collectively, our findings provide support for use of the nonlethal NHP model for advanced development of medical countermeasures against aerosol- or percutaneous-acquired VEE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice M Rusnak
- Joint Vaccine Acquisition Program, Medical Countermeasure Systems, and Battelle, Fort Detrick, Maryland, USA.
| | - Lesley C Dupuy
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Andrew M Glenn
- Joint Vaccine Acquisition Program, Medical Countermeasure Systems, Fort Detrick, Maryland, USA
| | - Lucy A Ward
- Joint Vaccine Acquisition Program, Medical Countermeasure Systems, Fort Detrick, Maryland, USA
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Weaver SC. Prediction and prevention of urban arbovirus epidemics: A challenge for the global virology community. Antiviral Res 2018; 156:80-84. [PMID: 29906475 PMCID: PMC6082388 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The recent emergence and rapid spread of Zika virus in tropical regions of the Western Hemisphere took arbovirologists and public health officials by surprise, and the earlier transfers of West Nile and chikungunya viruses from the Old to the New World were also unexpected. These pandemics underscore the increasing threat of zoonotic arboviruses, especially those that are capable of entering into human-amplified, urban transmission cycles transmitted by Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti and sometimes other Aedes (Stegomyia) spp. mosquitoes. This review serves as an introduction to a World Health Organization-sponsored conference to be held on June 18-19, 2018 in Geneva, titled "From obscurity to urban epidemics: what are the next urban arboviruses?" It is intended to set the stage and fuel discussions of future urban arbovirus threats, how we can predict these risks from known and unknown viruses, and what factors may change these risks over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott C Weaver
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA.
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Carrera JP, Bagamian KH, Travassos da Rosa AP, Wang E, Beltran D, Gundaker ND, Armien B, Arroyo G, Sosa N, Pascale JM, Valderrama A, Tesh RB, Vittor AY, Weaver SC. Human and Equine Infection with Alphaviruses and Flaviviruses in Panamá during 2010: A Cross-Sectional Study of Household Contacts during an Encephalitis Outbreak. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 98:1798-1804. [PMID: 29737271 PMCID: PMC6086197 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Members of the genera Alphavirus (family Togaviridae) and Flavivirus (family Flaviridae) are important zoonotic human and equine etiologic agents of neurologic diseases in the New World. In 2010, an outbreak of Madariaga virus (MADV; formerly eastern equine encephalitis virus) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) infections was reported in eastern Panamá. We further characterized the epidemiology of the outbreak by studying household contacts of confirmed human cases and of equine cases with neurological disease signs. Serum samples were screened using a hemagglutination inhibition test, and human results were confirmed using plaque reduction neutralization tests. A generalized linear model was used to evaluate the human MADV and VEEV seroprevalence ratios by age (in tercile) and gender. Overall, antibody prevalence for human MADV infection was 19.4%, VEEV 33.3%, and Mayaro virus 1.4%. In comparison with individuals aged 2-20 years, people from older age groups (21-41 and > 41 years) were five times more likely to have antibodies against VEEV, whereas the MADV prevalence ratio was independent of age. The overall seroprevalence of MADV in equids was 26.3%, VEEV 29.4%, West Nile virus (WNV) 2.6%, and St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) was 63.0%. Taken together, our results suggest that multiple arboviruses are circulating in human and equine populations in Panamá. Our findings of a lack of increase in the seroprevalence ratio with age support the hypothesis of recent MADV exposure to people living in the affected region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Carrera
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panamá City, Panamá
| | - Karoun H. Bagamian
- Department of Environmental and Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- Bagamian Scientific Consulting, LLC, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Amelia P. Travassos da Rosa
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology and Pathology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Eryu Wang
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology and Pathology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Davis Beltran
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panamá City, Panamá
| | - Nathan D. Gundaker
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panamá City, Panamá
| | - Blas Armien
- Department of Research in Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panamá City, Panamá
| | - Gianfranco Arroyo
- Facultad de Salud Pública y Administración, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Néstor Sosa
- Clinical Research Unit, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panamá City, Panamá
| | - Juan Miguel Pascale
- Clinical Research Unit, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panamá City, Panamá
| | - Anayansi Valderrama
- Department of Medical Entomology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panamá City, Panamá
| | - Robert B. Tesh
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology and Pathology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Amy Y. Vittor
- Division of Infectious Disease and Global Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Scott C. Weaver
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology and Pathology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
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Kautz TF, Guerbois M, Khanipov K, Patterson EI, Langsjoen RM, Yun R, Warmbrod KL, Fofanov Y, Weaver SC, Forrester NL. Low-fidelity Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus polymerase mutants to improve live-attenuated vaccine safety and efficacy. Virus Evol 2018; 4:vey004. [PMID: 29593882 PMCID: PMC5841381 DOI: 10.1093/ve/vey004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During RNA virus replication, there is the potential to incorporate mutations that affect virulence or pathogenesis. For live-attenuated vaccines, this has implications for stability, as replication may result in mutations that either restore the wild-type phenotype via reversion or compensate for the attenuating mutations by increasing virulence (pseudoreversion). Recent studies have demonstrated that altering the mutation rate of an RNA virus is an effective attenuation tool. To validate the safety of low-fidelity mutations to increase vaccine attenuation, several mutations in the RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase (RdRp) were tested in the live-attenuated Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus vaccine strain, TC-83. Next generation sequencing after passage in the presence of mutagens revealed a mutant containing three mutations in the RdRp, TC-83 3x, to have decreased replication fidelity, while a second mutant, TC-83 4x displayed no change in fidelity, but shared many phenotypic characteristics with TC-83 3x. Both mutants exhibited increased, albeit inconsistent attenuation in an infant mouse model, as well as increased immunogenicity and complete protection against lethal challenge of an adult murine model compared with the parent TC-83. During serial passaging in a highly permissive model, the mutants increased in virulence but remained less virulent than the parent TC-83. These results suggest that the incorporation of low-fidelity mutations into the RdRp of live-attenuated vaccines for RNA viruses can confer increased immunogenicity whilst showing some evidence of increased attenuation. However, while in theory such constructs may result in more effective vaccines, the instability of the vaccine phenotype decreases the likelihood of this being an effective vaccine strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany F Kautz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Mathilde Guerbois
- Department of Pathology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Kamil Khanipov
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Edward I Patterson
- Department of Pathology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Rose M Langsjoen
- Institute for Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Ruimei Yun
- Department of Pathology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Kelsey L Warmbrod
- Department of Pathology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Yuriy Fofanov
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Department of Pathology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Naomi L Forrester
- Department of Pathology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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48
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Smith JL, Pugh CL, Cisney ED, Keasey SL, Guevara C, Ampuero JS, Comach G, Gomez D, Ochoa-Diaz M, Hontz RD, Ulrich RG. Human Antibody Responses to Emerging Mayaro Virus and Cocirculating Alphavirus Infections Examined by Using Structural Proteins from Nine New and Old World Lineages. mSphere 2018; 3:e00003-18. [PMID: 29577083 PMCID: PMC5863033 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00003-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mayaro virus (MAYV), Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) are vector-borne alphaviruses that cocirculate in South America. Human infections by these viruses are frequently underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, especially in areas with high dengue virus endemicity. Disease may progress to debilitating arthralgia (MAYV, CHIKV), encephalitis (VEEV), and death. Few standardized serological assays exist for specific human alphavirus infection detection, and antigen cross-reactivity can be problematic. Therefore, serological platforms that aid in the specific detection of multiple alphavirus infections will greatly expand disease surveillance for these emerging infections. In this study, serum samples from South American patients with PCR- and/or isolation-confirmed infections caused by MAYV, VEEV, and CHIKV were examined by using a protein microarray assembled with recombinant capsid, envelope protein 1 (E1), and E2 from nine New and Old World alphaviruses. Notably, specific antibody recognition of E1 was observed only with MAYV infections, whereas E2 was specifically targeted by antibodies from all of the alphavirus infections investigated, with evidence of cross-reactivity to E2 of o'nyong-nyong virus only in CHIKV-infected patient serum samples. Our findings suggest that alphavirus structural protein microarrays can distinguish infections caused by MAYV, VEEV, and CHIKV and that this multiplexed serological platform could be useful for high-throughput disease surveillance. IMPORTANCE Mayaro, chikungunya, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis viruses are closely related alphaviruses that are spread by mosquitos, causing diseases that produce similar influenza-like symptoms or more severe illnesses. Moreover, alphavirus infection symptoms can be similar to those of dengue or Zika disease, leading to underreporting of cases and potential misdiagnoses. New methods that can be used to detect antibody responses to multiple alphaviruses within the same assay would greatly aid disease surveillance efforts. However, possible antibody cross-reactivity between viruses can reduce the quality of laboratory results. Our results demonstrate that antibody responses to multiple alphaviruses can be specifically quantified within the same assay by using selected recombinant protein antigens and further show that Mayaro virus infections result in unique responses to viral envelope proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Smith
- Molecular and Translational Sciences Division, Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Christine L. Pugh
- Molecular and Translational Sciences Division, Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Emily D. Cisney
- Molecular and Translational Sciences Division, Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Sarah L. Keasey
- Molecular and Translational Sciences Division, Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Guillermo Comach
- Laboratorio Regional de Diagnostico e Investigación del Dengue y Otras Enfermedades Virales (LARDIDEV), Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de la Universidad de Carabobo (BIOMED.UC), Maracay, Aragua, Venezuela
| | - Doris Gomez
- Universidad de Cartagena, Doctorado en Medicina Tropical, Grupo UNIMOL, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Margarita Ochoa-Diaz
- Universidad de Cartagena, Doctorado en Medicina Tropical, Grupo UNIMOL, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Robert D. Hontz
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6 (NAMRU-6), Lima, Peru
| | - Robert G. Ulrich
- Molecular and Translational Sciences Division, Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, Maryland, USA
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49
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How Do Virus-Mosquito Interactions Lead to Viral Emergence? Trends Parasitol 2018; 34:310-321. [PMID: 29305089 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Arboviruses such as West Nile, Zika, chikungunya, dengue, and yellow fever viruses have become highly significant global pathogens through unexpected, explosive outbreaks. While the rapid progression and frequency of recent arbovirus outbreaks is associated with long-term changes in human behavior (globalization, urbanization, climate change), there are direct mosquito-virus interactions which drive shifts in host range and alter virus transmission. This review summarizes how virus-mosquito interactions are critical for these viruses to become global pathogens at molecular, physiological, evolutionary, and epidemiological scales. Integrated proactive approaches are required in order to effectively manage the emergence of mosquito-borne arboviruses, which appears likely to continue into the indefinite future.
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50
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Torres R, Samudio R, Carrera JP, Young J, Márquez R, Hurtado L, Weaver S, Chaves LF, Tesh R, Cáceres L. Enzootic mosquito vector species at equine encephalitis transmission foci in the República de Panamá. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185491. [PMID: 28937995 PMCID: PMC5609755 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of mosquito vector species present at arboviral enzootic transmission foci is important to understand transmission eco-epidemiology and to propose and implement prevention and control strategies that reduce vector-borne equine encephalitis transmission. The goal of this study was to identify mosquito species potentially involved in the transmission of enzootic equine encephalitis, in relation to their abundance and diversity at three endemic regions in the República de Panamá. We sampled adult mosquitoes during the dry and rainy season of Panamá. We employed CDC light traps with octanol, EV traps with CO2 and Trinidad 17 traps baited with live hamsters. Traps were deployed in the peridomicile and extradomicile of houses from 18:00 to 6:00 h. We estimated the abundance and diversity of sampled species. We collected a total of 4868 mosquitoes, belonging to 45 species and 11 genera, over 216 sampling nights. Culex (Melanoconion) pedroi, a major Venezuelan equine encephalitis vector was relatively rare (< 2.0% of all sampled mosquitoes). We also found Cx. (Mel) adamesi, Cx. (Mel) crybda, Cx. (Mel) ocossa, Cx. (Mel) spissipes, Cx. (Mel) taeniopus, Cx. (Mel) vomerifer, Aedes scapularis, Ae. angustivittatus, Coquillettidia venezuelensis, Cx. nigripalpus, Cx. declarator, Mansonia titillans, M. pseudotitillans and Psorophora ferox all species known to be vectorially competent for the transmission of arboviruses. Abundance and diversity of mosquitoes in the sampled locations was high, when compared with similar surveys in temperate areas. Information from previous reports about vectorial competence / capacity of the sampled mosquito species suggest that sampled locations have all the elements to support enzootic outbreaks of Venezuelan and Eastern equine encephalitides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolando Torres
- Instituto Commemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, República de Panamá, Departmento de Entomología Medica
| | - Rafael Samudio
- Mastozoological Society of Panamá, Ciudad de Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Jean-Paul Carrera
- Instituto Commemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá República de Panamá, Departmento de Genomica y Proteomica
| | - Josue Young
- Instituto Commemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, República de Panamá, Departmento de Entomología Medica
| | - Ricardo Márquez
- Instituto Commemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, República de Panamá, Departmento de Entomología Medica
| | - Lisbeth Hurtado
- Instituto Commemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, República de Panamá, Departmento de Análisis Epidemiológico y Bioestadísticas
| | - Scott Weaver
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity and Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
| | - Luis Fernando Chaves
- Programa de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (PIET), Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (CIET), Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro de Montes de Oca, Costa Rica
| | - Robert Tesh
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity and Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
| | - Lorenzo Cáceres
- Instituto Commemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, República de Panamá, Departmento de Entomología Medica
- * E-mail:
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