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Metibemu DS, Adeyinka OS, Falode J, Crown O, Ogungbe IV. Inhibitors of the Structural and Nonstructural Proteins of Alphaviruses. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:2507-2524. [PMID: 38992989 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
The Alphavirus genus includes viruses that cause encephalitis due to neuroinvasion and viruses that cause arthritis due to acute and chronic inflammation. There is no approved therapeutic for alphavirus infections, but significant efforts are ongoing, more so in recent years, to develop vaccines and therapeutics for alphavirus infections. This review article highlights some of the major advances made so far to identify small molecules that can selectively target the structural and the nonstructural proteins in alphaviruses with the expectation that persistent investigation of an increasingly expanding chemical space through a variety of structure-based design and high-throughput screening strategies will yield candidate drugs for clinical studies. While most of the works discussed are still in the early discovery to lead optimization stages, promising avenues remain for drug development against this family of viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damilohun Samuel Metibemu
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Science and Engineering Programs, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, Alabama 35899, United States
| | - Olawale Samuel Adeyinka
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Science and Engineering Programs, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, Alabama 35899, United States
| | - John Falode
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Science and Engineering Programs, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, Alabama 35899, United States
| | - Olamide Crown
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Science and Engineering Programs, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, Alabama 35899, United States
| | - Ifedayo Victor Ogungbe
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Science and Engineering Programs, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, Alabama 35899, United States
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2
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Cabada MM, Aguilar PV, Rodas JD, Hidalgo M, Mozo K, Gonzalez-Diaz ES, Jimenez-Coello M, Diaz FJ, Dacso MM, Ortega-Pacheco A, Arboleda M, Walker DH, Weaver SC, Melby PC. Establishment of a multisite umbrella cohort study protocol to describe the epidemiology and aetiologies of acute undifferentiated febrile illness in Latin America. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e083560. [PMID: 39038857 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-083560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acute undifferentiated febrile illnesses (AUFIs) impose a large burden in the tropics. Understanding of AUFI's epidemiology is limited. Insufficient diagnostic capacity hinders the detection of outbreaks. The lack of interconnection in healthcare systems hinders timely response. We describe a protocol to study the epidemiology and aetiologies of AUFI and pathogen discovery in strategic areas of Latin America (LA). METHODS AND ANALYSIS Global Infectious Diseases Network investigators comprising institutions in Colombia, Dominican Republic, México, Perú and the USA, developed a common cohort study protocol. The primary objective is to determine the aetiologies of AUFI at healthcare facilities in high-risk areas. Data collection and laboratory testing for viral, bacterial and parasitic agents are performed in rural and urban healthcare facilities and partner laboratories. Centralised laboratory and data management cores deploy diagnostic tests and data management tools. Subjects >6 years with fever for <8 days without localised infection are included in the cohort. They are evaluated during the acute and convalescent phases of illness. Study personnel collect clinical and epidemiological information. Blood, urine, nasal or pharyngeal swabs and saliva are collected in the acute phase and blood in convalescent phase. Specimens are banked at -80°C. Malaria, dengue and COVID-19 are tested onsite in the acute phase. The acute-phase serum is PCR tested for dengue, chikungunya, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, Mayaro, Oropouche, Zika, and yellow fever viruses. Paired convalescent and acute serum antibody titters are tested for arbovirus, Leptospira spp, and Rickettsia spp. Serum is used for viral cultures and next-generation sequencing for pathogen discovery. Analysis includes variable distributions, risk factors and regression models. Laboratory results are shared with health authorities and network members. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The protocol was approved by local ethics committees and health authorities. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals. All study results are shared with local and regional health authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Mauricio Cabada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston Department of Internal Medicine, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Cusco Branch - Alexander von Humboldt Tropical Medicine Institute, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Patricia Veronica Aguilar
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Center for Tropical Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Marylin Hidalgo
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Karen Mozo
- Cusco Branch - Alexander von Humboldt Tropical Medicine Institute, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Eugenia Smirna Gonzalez-Diaz
- Laboratorio de Investigacion de Enfermedades Emergentes y Biología Molecular, Universidad Central del Este, San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic
| | - Matilde Jimenez-Coello
- Departamento de Salud Animal y Medicina Preventiva, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Merida, Mexico
| | | | - Mathew M Dacso
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Antonio Ortega-Pacheco
- Departamento de Salud Animal y Medicina Preventiva, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Merida, Mexico
| | - Margarita Arboleda
- Instituto Colombiano de Medicina Tropical Antonio Roldan Betancur, Apartado, Antioquia, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - David H Walker
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Center for Tropical Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Peter C Melby
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston Department of Internal Medicine, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Center for Tropical Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
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3
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Delfing B, Laracuente XE, Jeffries W, Luo X, Olson A, Foreman KW, Petruncio G, Lee KH, Paige M, Kehn-Hall K, Lockhart C, Klimov DK. Competitive Binding of Viral Nuclear Localization Signal Peptide and Inhibitor Ligands to Importin-α Nuclear Transport Protein. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:5262-5272. [PMID: 38869471 PMCID: PMC11234363 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a highly virulent pathogen whose nuclear localization signal (NLS) sequence from capsid protein binds to the host importin-α transport protein and blocks nuclear import. We studied the molecular mechanisms by which two small ligands, termed I1 and I2, interfere with the binding of VEEV's NLS peptide to importin-α protein. To this end, we performed all-atom replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations probing the competitive binding of the VEEV coreNLS peptide and I1 or I2 ligand to the importin-α major NLS binding site. As a reference, we used our previous simulations, which examined noncompetitive binding of the coreNLS peptide or the inhibitors to importin-α. We found that both inhibitors completely abrogate the native binding of the coreNLS peptide, forcing it to adopt a manifold of nonnative loosely bound poses within the importin-α major NLS binding site. Both inhibitors primarily destabilize the native coreNLS binding by masking its amino acids rather than competing with it for binding to importin-α. Because I2, in contrast to I1, binds off-site localizing on the edge of the major NLS binding site, it inhibits fewer coreNLS native binding interactions than I1. Structural analysis is supported by computations of the free energies of the coreNLS peptide binding to importin-α with or without competition from the inhibitors. Specifically, both inhibitors reduce the free energy gain from coreNLS binding, with I1 causing significantly larger loss than I2. To test our simulations, we performed AlphaScreen experiments measuring IC50 values for both inhibitors. Consistent with in silico results, the IC50 value for I1 was found to be lower than that for I2. We hypothesize that the inhibitory action of I1 and I2 ligands might be specific to the NLS from VEEV's capsid protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan
M. Delfing
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia 20110, United States
| | - Xavier E. Laracuente
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia 20110, United States
| | - William Jeffries
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia 20110, United States
| | - Xingyu Luo
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia 20110, United States
| | - Audrey Olson
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia 20110, United States
| | - Kenneth W. Foreman
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason
University, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, United States
| | - Greg Petruncio
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason
University, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, United States
- Center
for Molecular Engineering, George Mason
University, Manassas, Virginia 20110, United States
| | - Kyung Hyeon Lee
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason
University, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, United States
- Center
for Molecular Engineering, George Mason
University, Manassas, Virginia 20110, United States
| | - Mikell Paige
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason
University, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, United States
- Center
for Molecular Engineering, George Mason
University, Manassas, Virginia 20110, United States
| | - Kylene Kehn-Hall
- Department
of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College
of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic
Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Center
for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-Borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Christopher Lockhart
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia 20110, United States
| | - Dmitri K. Klimov
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia 20110, United States
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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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Hcini N, Lambert V, Carod JF, Mathieu M, Carles G, Picone O, Sibiude J, Pomar L, Nacher M. Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in pregnant women in an amazonian region: a large retrospective study from French Guiana. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 43:1081-1090. [PMID: 38573394 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-024-04813-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Over the past decade, the Amazon basin has faced numerous infectious epidemics. Our comprehension of the actual extent of these infections during pregnancy remains limited. This study aimed to clarify the clinical and epidemiological features of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases during pregnancy in western French Guiana and along the Maroni River over the previous nine years. METHODS This retrospective cohort study enrolled pregnant women living in west French Guiana territory and giving birth in the only local referral center after 22 weeks of gestation between 2013 and 2021. Data on symptomatic or asymptomatic biologically confirmed emerging or re-emerging diseases during pregnancy was collected. RESULTS Six epidemic waves were experienced during the study period, including 498 confirmed Zika virus infections (2016), 363 SARS-CoV-2 infections (2020-2021), 87 chikungunya virus infections (2014), 76 syphilis infections (2013-2021), and 60 dengue virus infections (2013-2021) at different gestational ages. Furthermore, 1.1% (n = 287) and 1.4% (n = 350) of pregnant women in west French Guiana were living with HIV and HTLV, respectively. During the study period, at least 5.5% (n = 1,371) faced an emerging or re-emerging infection during pregnancy. CONCLUSION These results highlight the diversity, abundance, and dynamism of emerging and re-emerging infectious agents faced by pregnant women in the Amazon basin. Considering the maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes associated with these infections, increased efforts are required to enhance diagnosis, reporting, and treatment of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najeh Hcini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West French Guiana Hospital Center, Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, French Guiana.
- DFR Santé Université Guyane, CIC Inserm 1424, Cayenne, France.
| | - Véronique Lambert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West French Guiana Hospital Center, Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, French Guiana
| | - Jean-François Carod
- Department of Biology, West French Guiana Hospital Center, Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, French Guiana
| | - Meredith Mathieu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West French Guiana Hospital Center, Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, French Guiana
| | - Gabriel Carles
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West French Guiana Hospital Center, Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, French Guiana
| | - Olivier Picone
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Louis Mourier, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université de Paris, Inserm IAME-U1137, Colombes Cedex, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Colombes Cedex, Paris, France
- Inserm IAME-U1137, Paris, France
- Groupe de Recherche sur les Infections pendant la Grossesse (GRIG), Vélizy, France
- FHU Prema, Paris, France
| | - Jeanne Sibiude
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Louis Mourier, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université de Paris, Inserm IAME-U1137, Colombes Cedex, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Colombes Cedex, Paris, France
- Inserm IAME-U1137, Paris, France
- Groupe de Recherche sur les Infections pendant la Grossesse (GRIG), Vélizy, France
- FHU Prema, Paris, France
| | - Leo Pomar
- School of Health Sciences (HESAV), HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ultrasound and Fetal medicine, Department Woman-mother-child, Lausanne University Hospital and Lausanne University, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Nurmukanova V, Matsvay A, Gordukova M, Shipulin G. Square the Circle: Diversity of Viral Pathogens Causing Neuro-Infectious Diseases. Viruses 2024; 16:787. [PMID: 38793668 PMCID: PMC11126052 DOI: 10.3390/v16050787] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroinfections rank among the top ten leading causes of child mortality globally, even in high-income countries. The crucial determinants for successful treatment lie in the timing and swiftness of diagnosis. Although viruses constitute the majority of infectious neuropathologies, diagnosing and treating viral neuroinfections remains challenging. Despite technological advancements, the etiology of the disease remains undetermined in over half of cases. The identification of the pathogen becomes more difficult when the infection is caused by atypical pathogens or multiple pathogens simultaneously. Furthermore, the modern surge in global passenger traffic has led to an increase in cases of infections caused by pathogens not endemic to local areas. This review aims to systematize and summarize information on neuroinvasive viral pathogens, encompassing their geographic distribution and transmission routes. Emphasis is placed on rare pathogens and cases involving atypical pathogens, aiming to offer a comprehensive and structured catalog of viral agents with neurovirulence potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varvara Nurmukanova
- Federal State Budgetary Institution “Centre for Strategic Planning and Management of Biomedical Health Risks” of the Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119121 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alina Matsvay
- Federal State Budgetary Institution “Centre for Strategic Planning and Management of Biomedical Health Risks” of the Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119121 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria Gordukova
- G. Speransky Children’s Hospital No. 9, 123317 Moscow, Russia
| | - German Shipulin
- Federal State Budgetary Institution “Centre for Strategic Planning and Management of Biomedical Health Risks” of the Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119121 Moscow, Russia
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Fongsaran C, Dineley KT, Paessler S, Cisneros IE. VEEV TC-83 Triggers Dysregulation of the Tryptophan-Kynurenine Pathway in the Central Nervous System That Correlates with Cognitive Impairment in Tg2576 Mice. Pathogens 2024; 13:397. [PMID: 38787249 PMCID: PMC11124172 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13050397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are chronic conditions affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of amyloid beta in the limbic and cortical brain regions. AD is presumed to result from genetic abnormalities or environmental factors, including viral infections, which may have deleterious, long-term effects. In this study, we demonstrate that the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) commonly induces neurodegeneration and long-term neurological or cognitive sequelae. Notably, the effects of VEEV infection can persistently influence gene expression in the mouse brain, suggesting a potential link between the observed neurodegenerative outcomes and long-term alterations in gene expression. Additionally, we show that alphavirus encephalitis exacerbates the neuropathological profile of AD through crosstalk between inflammatory and kynurenine pathways, generating a range of metabolites with potent effects. Using a mouse model for β-amyloidosis, Tg2576 mice, we found that cognitive deficits and brain pathology were more severe in Tg2576 mice infected with VEEV TC-83 compared to mock-infected controls. Thus, during immune activation, the kynurenine pathway plays a more active role in the VEEV TC-83-infected cells, leading to increases in the abundance of transcripts related to the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism. This pathway generates several metabolites with potent effects on neurotransmitter systems as well as on inflammation, as observed in VEEV TC-83-infected animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanida Fongsaran
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (C.F.); (S.P.)
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Neuroinfectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA;
| | - Kelly T. Dineley
- Neuroinfectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA;
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (C.F.); (S.P.)
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Neuroinfectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA;
| | - Irma E. Cisneros
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (C.F.); (S.P.)
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Neuroinfectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA;
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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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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Burke CW, Gardner CL, Goodson AI, Piper AE, Erwin-Cohen RA, White CE, Glass PJ. Defining the Cynomolgus Macaque ( Macaca fascicularis) Animal Model for Aerosolized Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis: Importance of Challenge Dose and Viral Subtype. Viruses 2023; 15:2351. [PMID: 38140592 PMCID: PMC10748030 DOI: 10.3390/v15122351] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) outbreaks occur sporadically. Additionally, VEEV has a history of development as a biothreat agent. Yet, no FDA-approved vaccine or therapeutic exists for VEEV disease. The sporadic outbreaks present a challenge for testing medical countermeasures (MCMs) in humans; therefore, well-defined animal models are needed for FDA Animal Rule licensure. The cynomolgus macaque (CM) model has been studied extensively at high challenge doses of the VEEV Trinidad donkey strain (>1.0 × 108 plaque-forming units [PFU]), doses that are too high to be a representative human dose. Based on viremia of two subtypes of VEEV, IC, and IAB, we found the CM infectious dose fifty (ID50) to be low, 12 PFU, and 6.7 PFU, respectively. Additionally, we characterized the pattern of three clinical parameters (viremia, temperature, and lymphopenia) across a range of doses to identify a challenge dose producing consistent signs of infection. Based on these studies, we propose a shift to using a lower challenge dose of 1.0 × 103 PFU in the aerosol CM model of VEEV disease. At this dose, NHPs had the highest viremia, demonstrated a fever response, and had a measurable reduction in complete lymphocyte counts-biomarkers that can demonstrate MCM efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal W. Burke
- Virology Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21702, USA (A.I.G.)
| | - Christina L. Gardner
- Virology Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21702, USA (A.I.G.)
| | - Aimee I. Goodson
- Virology Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21702, USA (A.I.G.)
| | - Ashley E. Piper
- Virology Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21702, USA (A.I.G.)
| | - Rebecca A. Erwin-Cohen
- Virology Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21702, USA (A.I.G.)
| | - Charles E. White
- Statistics Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Pamela J. Glass
- Virology Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21702, USA (A.I.G.)
- Risk Management Office, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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10
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Powers AM, Williamson LE, Carnahan RH, Crowe JE, Hyde JL, Jonsson CB, Nasar F, Weaver SC. Developing a Prototype Pathogen Plan and Research Priorities for the Alphaviruses. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:S414-S426. [PMID: 37849399 PMCID: PMC11007399 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac326] [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] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The Togaviridae family, genus, Alphavirus, includes several mosquito-borne human pathogens with the potential to spread to near pandemic proportions. Most of these are zoonotic, with spillover infections of humans and domestic animals, but a few such as chikungunya virus (CHIKV) have the ability to use humans as amplification hosts for transmission in urban settings and explosive outbreaks. Most alphaviruses cause nonspecific acute febrile illness, with pathogenesis sometimes leading to either encephalitis or arthralgic manifestations with severe and chronic morbidity and occasional mortality. The development of countermeasures, especially against CHIKV and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus that are major threats, has included vaccines and antibody-based therapeutics that are likely to also be successful for rapid responses with other members of the family. However, further work with these prototypes and other alphavirus pathogens should target better understanding of human tropism and pathogenesis, more comprehensive identification of cellular receptors and entry, and better understanding of structural mechanisms of neutralization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M Powers
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Lauren E Williamson
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Robert H Carnahan
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - James E Crowe
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jennifer L Hyde
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Colleen B Jonsson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Farooq Nasar
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Branch and Viral Disease Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
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11
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Delfing BM, Laracuente XE, Olson A, Foreman KW, Paige M, Kehn-Hall K, Lockhart C, Klimov DK. Binding of viral nuclear localization signal peptides to importin-α nuclear transport protein. Biophys J 2023; 122:3476-3488. [PMID: 37542371 PMCID: PMC10502480 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Using all-atom replica-exchange molecular dynamics simulations, we mapped the mechanisms of binding of the nuclear localization signal (NLS) sequence from Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) capsid protein to importin-α (impα) transport protein. Our objective was to identify the VEEV NLS sequence fragment that confers native, experimentally resolved binding to impα as well as to study associated binding energetics and conformational ensembles. The two selected VEEV NLS peptide fragments, KKPK and KKPKKE, show strikingly different binding mechanisms. The minNLS peptide KKPK binds non-natively and nonspecifically by adopting five diverse conformational clusters with low similarity to the x-ray structure 3VE6 of NLS-impα complex. Despite the prevalence of non-native interactions, the minNLS peptide still largely binds to the impα major NLS binding site. In contrast, the coreNLS peptide KKPKKE binds specifically and natively, adopting a largely homogeneous binding ensemble with a dominant, highly native-like conformational cluster. The coreNLS peptide retains most of native binding interactions, including π-cation contacts and a tryptophan cage. While KKPK binding is governed by a complex multistate free energy landscape featuring transitions between multiple binding poses, the coreNLS peptide free energy map is simple, exhibiting a single dominant native-like bound basin. We argue that the origin of the coreNLS peptide binding specificity is several electrostatic interactions formed by the two C-terminal amino acids, Lys10 and Glu11, with impα. The coreNLS sequence is then sufficient for native binding, but none of the amino acids flanking minNLS, including Lys10 and Glu11, are strictly necessary for the native pose. Our analyses indicate that the VEEV coreNLS sequence is virtually unique among human and viral proteins interacting with impα making it a potential target for VEEV-specific inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan M Delfing
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia
| | | | - Audrey Olson
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia
| | - Kenneth W Foreman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia
| | - Mikell Paige
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia
| | - Kylene Kehn-Hall
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia; Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | | | - Dmitri K Klimov
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia.
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12
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Carrera JP, Galué J, de Souza WM, Torres-Cosme R, Lezcano-Coba C, Cumbrera A, Vasilakis N, Tesh RB, Guzman H, Weaver SC, Vittor AY, Samudio R, Miguel Pascale J, Valderrama A, Cáceres Carrera L, Donnelly CA, Faria NR. Madariaga and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus seroprevalence in rodent enzootic hosts in Eastern and Western Panama. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.28.555226. [PMID: 37693579 PMCID: PMC10491141 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.28.555226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
While rodents are primary reservoirs of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), their role in Madariaga virus (MADV) transmission remains uncertain, particularly given their overlapping geographic distribution. This study explores the interplay of alphavirus prevalence, rodent diversity, and land use within Darien and Western Panama provinces. A total of three locations were selected for rodent sampling in Darien province: Los Pavitos, El Real de Santa Maria and Santa Librada. Two sites were selected in Western Panama province: El Cacao and Cirí Grande. We used plaque reduction neutralization tests to assess MADV and VEEV seroprevalences in 599 rodents of 16 species across five study sites. MADV seroprevalence was observed at higher rates in Los Pavitos (Darien province), 9.0%, 95% CI: 3.6-17.6, while VEEV seroprevalence was elevated in El Cacao (Western Panama province), 27.3%, 95% CI: 16.1-40.9, and El Real de Santa María (Darien province), 20.4%, 95% CI: 12.6-29.7. Species like Oryzomys coesi, 23.1%, 95% CI: 5.0-53.8, and Transandinomys bolivaris, 20.0%, 95% CI: 0.5-71.6 displayed higher MADV seroprevalences than other species, whereas Transandinomys bolivaris, 80.0%, 95% CI: 28.3-99.4, and Proechimys semispinosus, 27.3%, 95% CI: 17.0-39.6, exhibited higher VEEV seroprevalences. Our findings provide support to the notion that rodents are vertebrate reservoirs of MADV and reveal spatial variations in alphavirus seropositivity among rodent species, with different provinces exhibiting distinct rates for MADV and VEEV. Moreover, specific rodent species are linked to unique seroprevalence patterns for these viruses, suggesting that rodent diversity and environmental conditions might play a significant role in shaping alphavirus distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Carrera
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Pandemic Sciences Institute, 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
- Carson Centre for Research in Environment and Emerging Infectious Diseases, La Peñita, Darien, Panama
| | - Josefrancisco Galué
- 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
- Carson Centre for Research in Environment and Emerging Infectious Diseases, La Peñita, Darien, Panama
| | - William M. de Souza
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Rolando Torres-Cosme
- Department of Medical Entomology, 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
- Carson Centre for Research in Environment and Emerging Infectious Diseases, La Peñita, Darien, Panama
| | - Alberto Cumbrera
- Department of Medical Entomology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Nikos Vasilakis
- Institute for Human infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Texas, USA
- Geographic System Information Unit, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston Texas, USA
- Center for Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Robert B. Tesh
- Geographic System Information Unit, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston Texas, USA
- Center for Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Hilda Guzman
- Geographic System Information Unit, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Scott C. Weaver
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Institute for Human infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Texas, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston Texas, USA
- Center for Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Amy Y. Vittor
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease and Global Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Juan Miguel Pascale
- Clinical Research Unit, Gorgas Memorial Institute of health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Anayansi Valderrama
- Carson Centre for Research in Environment and Emerging Infectious Diseases, La Peñita, Darien, Panama
- Department of Medical Entomology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Lorenzo Cáceres Carrera
- Department of Medical Entomology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Christl A. Donnelly
- Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford United Kingdom
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, J-IDEA, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Nuno R. Faria
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, J-IDEA, Imperial College London, London, UK
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13
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Kafai NM, Janova H, Cain MD, Alippe Y, Muraro S, Sariol A, Elam-Noll M, Klein RS, Diamond MS. Entry receptor LDLRAD3 is required for Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus peripheral infection and neurotropism leading to pathogenesis in mice. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112946. [PMID: 37556325 PMCID: PMC10529316 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an encephalitic alphavirus responsible for epidemics of neurological disease across the Americas. Low-density lipoprotein receptor class A domain-containing 3 (LDLRAD3) is a recently reported entry receptor for VEEV. Here, using wild-type and Ldlrad3-deficient mice, we define a critical role for LDLRAD3 in controlling steps in VEEV infection, pathogenesis, and neurotropism. Our analysis shows that LDLRAD3 is required for efficient VEEV infection and pathogenesis prior to and after central nervous system invasion. Ldlrad3-deficient mice survive intranasal and intracranial VEEV inoculation and show reduced infection of neurons in different brain regions. As LDLRAD3 is a determinant of pathogenesis and an entry receptor required for VEEV infection of neurons of the brain, receptor-targeted therapies may hold promise as countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha M Kafai
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Hana Janova
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Matthew D Cain
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Yael Alippe
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Stefanie Muraro
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Alan Sariol
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Michelle Elam-Noll
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Robyn S Klein
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Michael S Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; The Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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14
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Han L, Song S, Feng H, Ma J, Wei W, Si F. A roadmap for developing Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) vaccines: Lessons from the past, strategies for the future. Int J Biol Macromol 2023:125514. [PMID: 37353130 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), which can lead to severe central nervous system infections in both humans and animals. At present, the medical community does not possess a viable means of addressing VEE, rendering the prevention of the virus a matter of paramount importance. Regarding the prevention and control of VEEV, the implementation of a vaccination program has been recognized as the most efficient strategy. Nevertheless, there are currently no licensed vaccines or drugs available for human use against VEEV. This imperative has led to a surge of interest in vaccine research, with VEEV being a prime focus for researchers in the field. In this paper, we initially present a comprehensive overview of the current taxonomic classification of VEEV and the cellular infection mechanism of the virus. Subsequently, we provide a detailed introduction of the prominent VEEV vaccine types presently available, including inactivated vaccines, live attenuated vaccines, genetic, and virus-like particle vaccines. Moreover, we emphasize the challenges that current VEEV vaccine development faces and suggest urgent measures that must be taken to overcome these obstacles. Notably, based on our latest research, we propose the feasibility of incorporation codon usage bias strategies to create the novel VEEV vaccine. Finally, we prose several areas that future VEEV vaccine development should focus on. Our objective is to encourage collaboration between the medical and veterinary communities, expedite the translation of existing vaccines from laboratory to clinical applications, while also preparing for future outbreaks of new VEEV variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Han
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai 201106, China; Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Clinical Medical College of Henan University, Kai Feng 475000, China
| | - Shuai Song
- Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
| | - Huilin Feng
- Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Infection and Biological Safety, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Henan University, Kai Feng 475000, China
| | - Jing Ma
- Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Clinical Medical College of Henan University, Kai Feng 475000, China
| | - Wenqiang Wei
- Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Infection and Biological Safety, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Henan University, Kai Feng 475000, China.
| | - Fusheng Si
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai 201106, China.
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15
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Wang H, Liu S, Lv Y, Wei W. Codon usage bias of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus and its host adaption. Virus Res 2023; 328:199081. [PMID: 36854361 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an emerging zoonotic virus in the alphavirus genus. It can be transmitted to humans due to spillover from equid-mosquito cycles. The symptoms caused by VEEV include fever, headache, myalgia, nausea, and vomiting. It can also cause encephalitis in severe cases. The evolutionary features of VEEV are largely unknown. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the codon usage pattern of VEEV by computing a variety of indicators, such as effective number of codons (ENc), codon adaptation index (CAI), relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU), on 130 VEEV coding sequences retrieved from GenBank. The results showed that the codon usage bias of VEEV is relatively low. ENc-GC3s plot, neutrality plot, and CAI-ENc correlation analyses supported that translational selection plays an important role in shaping the codon usage pattern of VEEV whereas the mutation pressure has a minor influence. Analysis of RSCU values showed that most of the preferred codons in VEEV are C/G-ended. Analysis of dinucleotide composition found that all CG- and UA-containing codons are not preferentially used. Phylogenetic analysis showed that VEEV isolates can be clustered into three genera and evolutionary force affects the codon usage pattern. Furthermore, a correspondence analysis (COA) showed that aromaticity and hydrophobicity as well as geographical distribution also have certain effects on the codon usage variation of VEEV, suggesting the possible involvement of translational selection. Overall, the codon usage of VEEV is comparatively slight and translational selection might be the main factor that shapes the codon usage pattern of VEEV. This study will promote our understanding about the evolution of VEEV and its host adaption, and might provide some clues for preventing the cross-species transmission of VEEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongju Wang
- Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Infection and Biological Safety, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Shijie Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yao Lv
- School of Clinical Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Wenqiang Wei
- Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Infection and Biological Safety, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.
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16
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Del ng BM, Olson A, Laracuente XE, Foreman KW, Paige M, Kehn-Hall K, Lockhart C, Klimov DK. Binding of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Inhibitors to Importin-α Receptors Explored with All-Atom Replica Exchange Molecular Dynamics. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:3175-3186. [PMID: 37001021 PMCID: PMC10358320 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c00429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Although Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a life-threatening pathogen with a capacity for epidemic outbreaks, there are no FDA-approved VEEV antivirals for humans. VEEV cytotoxicity is partially attributed to the formation of a tetrameric complex between the VEEV capsid protein, the nuclear import proteins importin-α and importin-β, and the nuclear export protein CRM1, which together block trafficking through the nuclear pore complex. Experimental studies have identified small molecules from the CL6662 scaffold as potential inhibitors of the viral nuclear localization signal (NLS) sequence binding to importin-α. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism of CL6662 inhibition. To address this issue, we employed all-atom replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations to probe, in atomistic detail, the binding mechanism of CL6662 ligands to importin-α. Three ligands, including G281-1485 and two congeners with varying hydrophobicities, were considered. We investigated the distribution of ligand binding poses, their locations, and ligand specificities measured by the strength of binding interactions. We found that G281-1485 binds nonspecifically without forming well-defined binding poses throughout the NLS binding site. Binding of the less hydrophobic congener becomes strongly on-target with respect to the NLS binding site but remains nonspecific. However, a more hydrophobic congener is a strongly specific binder and the only ligand out of three to form a well-defined binding pose, while partially overlapping with the NLS binding site. On the basis of free energy estimates, we argue that all three ligands weakly compete with the viral NLS sequence for binding to importin-α in an apparent compromise to preserve host NLS binding. We further show that all-atom replica exchange binding simulations are a viable tool for studying ligands binding nonspecifically without forming well-defined binding poses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan M. Del ng
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Audrey Olson
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | | | - Kenneth W. Foreman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Mikell Paige
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Kylene Kehn-Hall
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | | | - Dmitri K. Klimov
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
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17
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Cao X, Yang D, Parvathareddy J, Chu YK, Kim EJ, Fitz-Henley JN, Li X, Lukka PB, Parmar KR, Temrikar ZH, Dhole P, Adcock RS, Gabbard J, Bansal S, Lee J, Zalduondo L, Hayes E, Stabenow J, Meibohm B, Fitzpatrick EA, Bailey K, Campos RK, Julander JG, Rossi SL, Chung D, Jonsson CB, Golden JE. Efficacy of a brain-penetrant antiviral in lethal Venezuelan and eastern equine encephalitis mouse models. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabl9344. [PMID: 37043558 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abl9344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Venezuelan and eastern equine encephalitis viruses (VEEV and EEEV, respectively) are mosquito-borne, neuroinvasive human pathogens for which no FDA-approved therapeutic exists. Besides the biothreat posed by these viruses when aerosolized, arthropod transmission presents serious health risks to humans, as demonstrated by the 2019 outbreak of EEE disease in the United States that resulted in 38 confirmed cases, 19 deaths, and neurological effects in survivors. Here, we describe the discovery of a 2-pyrrolidinoquinazolinone scaffold, efficiently synthesized in two to five steps, whose structural optimization resulted in profound antiviral activity. The lead quinazolinone, BDGR-49, potently reduced cellular VEEV and EEEV titers by >7 log at 1 μM and exhibited suitable intravenous and oral pharmacokinetic profiles in BALB/c mice to achieve excellent brain exposure. Outstanding in vivo efficacy was observed in several lethal, subcutaneous infection mouse models using an 8-day dosing regimen. Prophylactically administered BDGR-49 at 25 mg kg-1 per day fully protected against a 10× LD50 VEEV Trinidad donkey (TrD) challenge in BALB/c mice. Similarly, we observed 70% protection when 10× LD50 EEEV FL93-939-infected C57BL/6 mice were treated prophylactically with BDGR-49 at 50 mg kg-1 per day. Last, we observed 100% therapeutic efficacy when mice, challenged with 10× LD50 VEEV TrD, were dosed at 48 hours after infection with BDGR-49 at 25 mg kg-1 per day. Mouse brain viral titers at 96 hours after infection were reduced to values near the limit of detection. Collectively, these results underscore the substantial development potential of a well-tolerated, brain-penetrant lead compound that shows promise in preventing and treating encephalitic alphavirus disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xufeng Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Dong Yang
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Jyothi Parvathareddy
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Yong-Kyu Chu
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Department of Microbiology Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Eun Jung Kim
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Department of Microbiology Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Jhewelle N Fitz-Henley
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Pradeep B Lukka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Keyur R Parmar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Zaid H Temrikar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Priya Dhole
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Department of Microbiology Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Robert Scott Adcock
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Department of Microbiology Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Jon Gabbard
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Department of Microbiology Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Shruti Bansal
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Jasper Lee
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology, Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Lillian Zalduondo
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Ernestine Hayes
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Jennifer Stabenow
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Bernd Meibohm
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Fitzpatrick
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology, Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Kevin Bailey
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Rafael K Campos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Justin G Julander
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Shannan L Rossi
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Donghoon Chung
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Department of Microbiology Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Colleen B Jonsson
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology, Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Jennifer E Golden
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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18
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Panny L, Akrhymuk I, Bracci N, Woodson C, Flor R, Elliott I, Zhou W, Narayanan A, Campbell C, Kehn-Hall K. Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus E1 protein interacts with PDIA6 and PDI inhibition reduces alphavirus production. Antiviral Res 2023; 212:105560. [PMID: 36822370 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an alphavirus transmitted by mosquitos that can cause a febrile illness and induce severe neurological complications in humans and equine populations. Currently there are no FDA approved vaccines or antiviral treatments to combat VEEV. Proteomic techniques were utilized to create an interactome of the E1 fusion glycoprotein of VEEV. VEEV E1 interacted with a number of cellular chaperone proteins including protein disulfide isomerase family A member 6 (PDIA6). PDI inhibition through LOC14 and/or nitazoxanide treatment effectively decreased production of VEEV and other alphaviruses in vitro, including eastern equine encephalitis virus, Sindbis virus, and chikungunya virus. Decreased oxidoreductive capabilities of PDIs through LOC14 or nitazoxanide treatment impacted both early and late events in viral replication, including the production of non-infectious virions and decreased VEEV E1 disulfide bond formation. Results from this study identified PDIs as critical regulators of alphavirus replication and potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Panny
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA; Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Ivan Akrhymuk
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Nicole Bracci
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Caitlin Woodson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Rafaela Flor
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA; Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Isaac Elliott
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Weidong Zhou
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, 20110, USA
| | - Aarthi Narayanan
- Department of Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA
| | | | - Kylene Kehn-Hall
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA; Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA.
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19
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Ogorek TJ, Golden JE. Advances in the Development of Small Molecule Antivirals against Equine Encephalitic Viruses. Viruses 2023; 15:413. [PMID: 36851628 PMCID: PMC9958955 DOI: 10.3390/v15020413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan, western, and eastern equine encephalitic alphaviruses (VEEV, WEEV, and EEEV, respectively) are arboviruses that are highly pathogenic to equines and cause significant harm to infected humans. Currently, human alphavirus infection and the resulting diseases caused by them are unmitigated due to the absence of approved vaccines or therapeutics for general use. These circumstances, combined with the unpredictability of outbreaks-as exemplified by a 2019 EEE surge in the United States that claimed 19 patient lives-emphasize the risks posed by these viruses, especially for aerosolized VEEV and EEEV which are potential biothreats. Herein, small molecule inhibitors of VEEV, WEEV, and EEEV are reviewed that have been identified or advanced in the last five years since a comprehensive review was last performed. We organize structures according to host- versus virus-targeted mechanisms, highlight cellular and animal data that are milestones in the development pipeline, and provide a perspective on key considerations for the progression of compounds at early and later stages of advancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J. Ogorek
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jennifer E. Golden
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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20
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Reyna RA, Weaver SC. Sequelae and Animal Modeling of Encephalitic Alphavirus Infections. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020382. [PMID: 36851596 PMCID: PMC9959775 DOI: 10.3390/v15020382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Eastern (EEEV), Venezuelan (VEEV), and western equine encephalitis viruses (WEEV) are members of the genus Alphavirus, family Togaviridae. Typically spread by mosquitoes, EEEV, VEEV, and WEEV induce febrile illness that may develop into more severe encephalitic disease, resulting in myriad severe neurologic sequelae for which there are no vaccines or therapeutics. Here, we summarize the clinical neurologic findings and sequelae induced by these three encephalitic viruses and describe the various animal models available to study them. We emphasize the crucial need for the development of advanced animal modeling combined with the use of telemetry, behavioral testing, and neuroimaging to facilitate a detailed mechanistic understanding of these encephalitic signs and sequelae. Through the use of these systems, much-needed therapeutics and vaccines can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A. Reyna
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Scott C. Weaver
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Correspondence:
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21
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Skidmore AM, Bradfute SB. The life cycle of the alphaviruses: From an antiviral perspective. Antiviral Res 2023; 209:105476. [PMID: 36436722 PMCID: PMC9840710 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105476] [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: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The alphaviruses are a widely distributed group of positive-sense, single stranded, RNA viruses. These viruses are largely arthropod-borne and can be found on all populated continents. These viruses cause significant human disease, and recently have begun to spread into new populations, such as the expansion of Chikungunya virus into southern Europe and the Caribbean, where it has established itself as endemic. The study of alphaviruses is an active and expanding field, due to their impacts on human health, their effects on agriculture, and the threat that some pose as potential agents of biological warfare and terrorism. In this systematic review we will summarize both historic knowledge in the field as well as recently published data that has potential to shift current theories in how alphaviruses are able to function. This review is comprehensive, covering all parts of the alphaviral life cycle as well as a brief overview of their pathology and the current state of research in regards to vaccines and therapeutics for alphaviral disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Skidmore
- Center for Global Health, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, 915 Camino de Salud, IDTC Room 3245, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
| | - Steven B Bradfute
- Center for Global Health, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, 915 Camino de Salud, IDTC Room 3330A, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
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22
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Woodson CM, Kehn-Hall K. Examining the role of EGR1 during viral infections. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1020220. [PMID: 36338037 PMCID: PMC9634628 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1020220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Early growth response 1 (EGR1) is a multifunctional mammalian transcription factor capable of both enhancing and/or inhibiting gene expression. EGR1 can be activated by a wide array of stimuli such as exposure to growth factors, cytokines, apoptosis, and various cellular stress states including viral infections by both DNA and RNA viruses. Following induction, EGR1 functions as a convergence point for numerous specialized signaling cascades and couples short-term extracellular signals to influence transcriptional regulation of genes required to initiate the appropriate biological response. The role of EGR1 has been extensively studied in both physiological and pathological conditions of the adult nervous system where it is readily expressed in various regions of the brain and is critical for neuronal plasticity and the formation of memories. In addition to its involvement in neuropsychiatric disorders, EGR1 has also been widely examined in the field of cancer where it plays paradoxical roles as a tumor suppressor gene or oncogene. EGR1 is also associated with multiple viral infections such as Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), human polyomavirus JC virus (JCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). In this review, we examine EGR1 and its role(s) during viral infections. First, we provide an overview of EGR1 in terms of its structure, other family members, and a brief overview of its roles in non-viral disease states. We also review upstream regulators of EGR1 and downstream factors impacted by EGR1. Then, we extensively examine EGR1 and its roles, both direct and indirect, in regulating replication of DNA and RNA viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin M. Woodson
- Department of Biomedical Science and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Kylene Kehn-Hall
- Department of Biomedical Science and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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23
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Martin NM, Griffin DE. Effect of IL-10 Deficiency on TGFβ Expression during Fatal Alphavirus Encephalomyelitis in C57Bl/6 Mice. Viruses 2022; 14:1791. [PMID: 36016413 PMCID: PMC9416572 DOI: 10.3390/v14081791] [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: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sindbis virus (SINV) causes viral encephalitis in mice with strain-dependent virulence. Fatal encephalomyelitis in C57Bl/6 mice infected with a neuroadapted strain of SINV (NSV) is an immunopathogenic process that involves Th17 cells modulated by the regulatory cytokine IL-10. To further characterize the pathogenic immune response to NSV, we analyzed the regulation of transforming growth factor (TGF)-b in both wild-type (WT) and IL-10-deficient mice. NSV infection upregulated the expression of TGFb1 and TGFb3 in the central nervous system (CNS). In the absence of IL-10, levels of brain Tgfb1 mRNA and brain and spinal cord mature active TGFβ1 and TGFβ3 proteins were higher than in WT mice. Compared to WT mice, IL-10-deficient mice had more TGFβ1-expressing type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) and CD4+ T cells infiltrating the CNS, but similar numbers in the cervical lymph nodes. Expression of glycoprotein A repetitions predominant protein (GARP) that binds pro-TGFb on the surface of regulatory T cells was decreased on CNS cells from IL-10-deficient mice. Higher CNS TGFb was accompanied by more expression of TGFbRII receptor, activation of SMAD transcription factors, increased PCKα mRNA, and more RORγt-positive and IL-17A-expressing cells. These results suggest a compensatory role for TGFβ in the absence of IL-10 that fosters Th17-related immunopathology and more rapid death after NSV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diane E. Griffin
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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24
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Toribio RE. Arboviral Equine Encephalitides. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2022; 38:299-321. [PMID: 35953146 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of viruses transmitted by biological vectors or through direct contact, air, or ingestion cause neurologic disease in equids. Of interest are viruses of the Togaviridae, Flaviviridae, Rhabdoviridae, Herpesviridae, Bornaviridae, and Bunyaviridae families. Many are classified as arboviruses because they use arthropod vectors, whereas others are transmitted directly via ingestion, inhalation, or integument damage. The goal of this article is to provide an overview on pathophysiologic and clinical aspects of arboviruses of equine importance, including alphaviruses (Togaviridae) and flaviviruses (Flaviviridae).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramiro E Toribio
- College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, 601 Vernon Tharp Street, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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25
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Coates EE, Edupuganti S, Chen GL, Happe M, Strom L, Widge A, Florez MB, Cox JH, Gordon I, Plummer S, Ola A, Yamshchikov G, Andrews C, Curate-Ingram S, Morgan P, Nagar S, Collins MH, Bray A, Nguyen T, Stein J, Case CL, Kaltovich F, Wycuff D, Liang CJ, Carlton K, Vazquez S, Mascola JR, Ledgerwood JE, Butler E, Winter J, Xu J, Sherman A, Kelley C, Fredrick R, Rouphael N, Phadke V, Whitney C, Alvarez A, Dennis R, Fineman R, Lankford-Turner P, Yi S, Lai L, Burch G, Gupta S, Berkowitz N, Carter C, Beck A, Larkin B, Taylor S, Alger M, Bahorich J, Lynch Chamberlain A, Chang YC, Chaudhuri R, Cooper J, Demirji J, Yang F, Fernald A, Gollapudi D, Holland-Linn J, Kueltzo L, Lee J, Liu J, Liu X, Mowery R, O'Connell S, Rosales-Zavala E, Sands J, Wang X, Weng S, Witter S. Safety and immunogenicity of a trivalent virus-like particle vaccine against western, eastern, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis viruses: a phase 1, open-label, dose-escalation, randomised clinical trial. THE LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 22:1210-1220. [PMID: 35568049 PMCID: PMC9329218 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(22)00052-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Western (WEEV), eastern (EEEV), and Venezuelan (VEEV) equine encephalitis viruses are mosquito-borne pathogens classified as potential biological warfare agents for which there are currently no approved human vaccines or therapies. We aimed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of an investigational trivalent virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine, western, eastern, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis (WEVEE) VLP, composed of WEEV, EEEV, and VEEV VLPs. METHODS The WEVEE VLP vaccine was evaluated in a phase 1, randomised, open-label, dose-escalation trial at the Hope Clinic of the Emory Vaccine Center at Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA. Eligible participants were healthy adults aged 18-50 years with no previous vaccination history with an investigational alphavirus vaccine. Participants were assigned to a dose group of 6 μg, 30 μg, or 60 μg vaccine product and were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive the WEVEE VLP vaccine with or without aluminium hydroxide suspension (alum) adjuvant by intramuscular injection at study day 0 and at week 8. The primary outcomes were the safety and tolerability of the vaccine (assessed in all participants who received at least one administration of study product) and the secondary outcome was immune response measured as neutralising titres by plaque reduction neutralisation test (PRNT) 4 weeks after the second vaccination. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03879603. FINDINGS Between April 2, 2019, and June 13, 2019, 30 trial participants were enrolled (mean age 32 years, range 21-48; 16 [53%] female participants and 14 [47%] male participants). Six groups of five participants each received 6 μg, 30 μg, or 60 μg vaccine doses with or without adjuvant, and all 30 participants completed study follow-up. Vaccinations were safe and well tolerated. The most frequently reported symptoms were mild injection-site pain and tenderness (22 [73%] of 30) and malaise (15 [50%] of 30). Dose-dependent differences in the frequency of pain and tenderness were found between the 6 μg, 30 μg, and 60 μg groups (p=0·0217). No significant differences were observed between dosing groups for any other reactogenicity symptom. Two adverse events (mild elevated blood pressure and moderate asymptomatic neutropenia) were assessed as possibly related to the study product in one trial participant (60 μg dose with alum); both resolved without clinical sequelae. 4 weeks after second vaccine administration, neutralising antibodies were induced in all study groups with the highest response seen against all three vaccine antigens in the 30 μg plus alum group (PRNT80 geometric mean titre for EEEV 60·8, 95% CI 29·9-124·0; for VEEV 111·5, 49·8-249·8; and for WEEV 187·9, 90·0-392·2). Finally, 4 weeks after second vaccine administration, for all doses, the majority of trial participants developed an immune response to all three vaccine components (24 [83%] of 29 for EEEV; 26 [90%] of 29 for VEEV; 27 [93%] of 29 for WEEV; and 22 [76%] of 29 for EEEV, VEEV, and WEEV combined). INTERPRETATION The favourable safety profile and neutralising antibody responses, along with pressing public health need, support further evaluation of the WEVEE VLP vaccine in advanced-phase clinical trials. FUNDING The Vaccine Research Center of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health funded the clinical trial. The US Department of Defense contributed funding for manufacturing of the study product.
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26
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Phylogenetic and Mutation Analysis of the Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Sequence Isolated in Costa Rica from a Mare with Encephalitis. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9060258. [PMID: 35737310 PMCID: PMC9229380 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9060258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an arboviral pathogen in tropical America that causes lethal encephalitis in horses and humans. VEEV is classified into six subtypes (I to VI). Subtype I viruses are divided into epizootic (IAB and IC) and endemic strains (ID and IE) that can produce outbreaks or sporadic diseases, respectively. The objective of this study was to reconstruct the phylogeny and the molecular clock of sequences of VEEV subtype I complex and identify mutations within sequences belonging to epizootic or enzootic subtypes focusing on a sequence isolated from a mare in Costa Rica. Bayesian phylogeny of the VEEV subtype I complex tree with 110 VEEV complete genomes was analyzed. Evidence of positive selection was evaluated with Datamonkey server algorithms. The putative effects of mutations on the 3D protein structure in the Costa Rica sequence were evaluated. The phylogenetic analysis showed that Subtype IE-VEEV diverged earlier than other subtypes, Costa Rican VEEV-IE ancestors came from Nicaragua in 1963 and Guatemala in 1907. Among the observed non-synonymous mutations, only 17 amino acids changed lateral chain groups. Fourteen mutations located in the NSP3, E1, and E2 genes are unique in this sequence, highlighting the importance of E1-E2 genes in VEEV evolution.
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27
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Evaluating sampling strategies for enzootic Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus vectors in Florida and Panama. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010329. [PMID: 35417476 PMCID: PMC9007344 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Determining effective sampling methods for mosquitoes are among the first objectives in elucidating transmission cycles of vector-borne zoonotic disease, as the effectiveness of sampling methods can differ based on species, location, and physiological state. The Spissipes section of the subgenus Melanoconion of Culex represents an understudied group of mosquitoes which transmit Venezuelan equine encephalitis viruses (VEEV) in the Western Hemisphere. The objective of this study was to determine effective collection methods that target both blood-engorged and non-engorged females of the Spissipes section of Culex subgenus Melanoconion to test the hypothesis that favorable trapping methods differ between species and by physiological status within a species. Mosquitoes were collected using two commercially available traps, (CDC-light trap and BG-Sentinel trap), two novel passive traps (a novel mosquito drift fence and pop-up resting shelters), and two novel aspirators, (a small-diameter aspirator and a large-diameter aspirator) in Darién, Panama, and Florida, USA. The total number of female mosquitoes collected for each species was compared using rarefaction curves and diversity metrics. We also compared the utility of each trap for collecting total females and blood-engorged females of four Spissipes section mosquito species in Florida and Darién. In Darién, it was found that both blood-engorged and unfed females of Cx. pedroi were most effectively collected using the mosquito drift fence at 57.6% and 61.7% respectively. In contrast, the most unfed Cx. spissipes were collected using the mosquito drift fence (40.7%) while blood-engorged females were collected effectively by pop-up resting shelters (42.3%). In Florida, the best sampling technique for the collection of blood-engorged Cx. panocossa was the large diameter aspirator at 41.9%, while the best trap for collecting Cx. cedecei was the pop-up resting shelter at 45.9%. For unfed female Spissipes section mosquitoes in Florida, the CDC light trap with CO2 collected 84.5% and 98.3% of Cx. cedecei and Cx. panocossa respectively in Florida. Rarefaction analysis, and both the Shannon and Simpsons diversity indices all demonstrated that the mosquito drift fence was capable of collecting the greatest diversity of mosquito species regardless of location. The finding that the proportions of unfed and blood-engorged mosquitoes collected by traps differed both among and between species has implications for how studies of VEEV vectors will be carried out in future investigations. In Florida a combination of pop-up resting shelters and use of a large-diameter aspirator would be optimal for the collection of both VEEV vectors for host-use studies. Results demonstrate that traps can be constructed from common materials to collect mosquitoes for VEEV vector studies and could be assessed for their utilization in vectors of other systems as well. Unfortunately, no single method was effective for capturing all species and physiological states, highlighting a particular need for assessing trap utility for target species of a study. Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus is a potentially deadly human pathogen that is transmitted by an understudied group of tropical mosquitoes (Spissipes section of the Culex subgenus Melanoconion). These mosquitoes reside in swamps and jungles, and are challenging to identify, so studying their biology and importance in transmitting VEEV has been neglected. To further our understanding of VEEV, we compared six novel and commercially available traps to determine which traps are best for capturing these species in Panama and Florida. We found that several different types of traps are effective for collecting blood-engorged females of different species of VEEV vectors, and that traps utilized for collecting unfed specimens are not necessarily the same traps one should use for collecting blood-engorged females of the same species. Results of this study will enable researchers to better capture these important disease vectors, particularly those that are blood-engorged, which will allow researchers to determine host associations necessary for understanding VEEV transmission. This information can be used to make decisions on controlling vector species.
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Ahmadi R, Emami S. Recent applications of vinyl sulfone motif in drug design and discovery. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 234:114255. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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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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Otero LM, Medina-Martinez G, Sepúlveda M, Acevedo V, Toro M, Barrera R. Cemeteries as sources of Aedes aegypti and other mosquito species in southeastern Puerto Rico. Trop Med Int Health 2022; 27:300-309. [PMID: 35118778 PMCID: PMC8954491 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13723] [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] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the presence and abundance of mosquito species in containers found in different types of cemeteries in Puerto Rico to assess their importance and make control recommendations. Methods We conducted surveys of containers with water in 16 cemeteries in southeastern Puerto Rico to detect the presence of larvae and pupae of Aedes aegypti and other mosquitoes; to identify the most common and productive containers and to study their variation in relation to the type of cemetery. Results The most common containers with water were flowerpots, followed in abundance by a variety of discarded containers and open tombs. We found a positive relationship between density of containers with water and rainfall. There was a rich community of mosquito species developing in containers of the inspected cemeteries: nine mosquito species belonging to four genera with Ae. aegypti and Ae. mediovittatus being the most frequent and abundant. We sampled 13 cement‐type cemeteries, 2 mixed and only 1 lawn cemetery, consequently, we could not draw any conclusion regarding container productivity and cemetery type. Conclusions Surveyed cemeteries were important sources of Ae. aegypti and other mosquitoes in flowerpots, discarded containers and open tombs. We recommend conducting further studies to establish how frequently inspections should occur; and mosquito control by emptying aquatic habitats and larviciding to reduce mosquito productivity and protect workers and visitors from mosquito bites and possible transmission of arboviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa M Otero
- Entomology and Ecology Team, Dengue Branch, DVBD, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Gisela Medina-Martinez
- Racial & Ethnic Disparities Team, Adult Immunization Program, Immunization Services Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Manuel Sepúlveda
- Entomology and Ecology Team, Dengue Branch, DVBD, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Verónica Acevedo
- Entomology and Ecology Team, Dengue Branch, DVBD, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Mayra Toro
- Department of Health of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Roberto Barrera
- Entomology and Ecology Team, Dengue Branch, DVBD, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Juan, Puerto Rico
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Lambert V, Enfissi A, Lefebvre M, Pomar L, Kedous S, Guimiot F, Carles G, Lavergne A, Rousset D, Hcini N. Tonate Virus and Fetal Abnormalities, French Guiana, 2019. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:445-448. [PMID: 35076005 PMCID: PMC8798706 DOI: 10.3201/eid2802.210884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
We report a case of vertical transmission of Tonate virus in a pregnant woman from French
Guiana. The fetus showed severe necrotic and hemorrhagic lesions of the brain and spinal
cord. Clinicians should be made aware of possible adverse fetal outcomes in pregnant women
infected with Tonate virus.
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Moreira Marrero L, Botto Nuñez G, Frabasile S, Delfraro A. Alphavirus Identification in Neotropical Bats. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020269. [PMID: 35215862 PMCID: PMC8877408 DOI: 10.3390/v14020269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses (Togaviridae) are arthropod-borne viruses responsible for several emerging diseases, maintained in nature through transmission between hematophagous arthropod vectors and susceptible vertebrate hosts. Although bats harbor many species of viruses, their role as reservoir hosts in emergent zoonoses has been verified only in a few cases. With bats being the second most diverse order of mammals, their implication in arbovirus infections needs to be elucidated. Reports on arbovirus infections in bats are scarce, especially in South American indigenous species. In this work, we report the genomic detection and identification of two different alphaviruses in oral swabs from bats captured in Northern Uruguay. Phylogenetic analysis identified Río Negro virus (RNV) in two different species: Tadarida brasiliensis (n = 6) and Myotis spp. (n = 1) and eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) in Myotis spp. (n = 2). Previous studies of our group identified RNV and EEEV in mosquitoes and horse serology, suggesting that they may be circulating in enzootic cycles in our country. Our findings reveal that bats can be infected by these arboviruses and that chiropterans could participate in the viral natural cycle as virus amplifiers or dead-end hosts. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the role of these mammals in the biological cycle of these alphaviruses in Uruguay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Moreira Marrero
- Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay;
- Programa para la Conservación de los Murciélagos de Uruguay, Museo Nacional de Historia Natural, Montevideo 11000, Uruguay;
| | - Germán Botto Nuñez
- Programa para la Conservación de los Murciélagos de Uruguay, Museo Nacional de Historia Natural, Montevideo 11000, Uruguay;
- Departamento de Métodos Cuantitativos, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Genética, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Sandra Frabasile
- Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay;
- Correspondence: (S.F.); (A.D.); Tel.: +598-25258617 (ext. 7175) (S.F. & A.D.)
| | - Adriana Delfraro
- Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay;
- Correspondence: (S.F.); (A.D.); Tel.: +598-25258617 (ext. 7175) (S.F. & A.D.)
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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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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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Ortiz DI, Piche-Ovares M, Romero-Vega LM, Wagman J, Troyo A. The Impact of Deforestation, Urbanization, and Changing Land Use Patterns on the Ecology of Mosquito and Tick-Borne Diseases in Central America. INSECTS 2021; 13:20. [PMID: 35055864 PMCID: PMC8781098 DOI: 10.3390/insects13010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Central America is a unique geographical region that connects North and South America, enclosed by the Caribbean Sea to the East, and the Pacific Ocean to the West. This region, encompassing Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Nicaragua, is highly vulnerable to the emergence or resurgence of mosquito-borne and tick-borne diseases due to a combination of key ecological and socioeconomic determinants acting together, often in a synergistic fashion. Of particular interest are the effects of land use changes, such as deforestation-driven urbanization and forest degradation, on the incidence and prevalence of these diseases, which are not well understood. In recent years, parts of Central America have experienced social and economic improvements; however, the region still faces major challenges in developing effective strategies and significant investments in public health infrastructure to prevent and control these diseases. In this article, we review the current knowledge and potential impacts of deforestation, urbanization, and other land use changes on mosquito-borne and tick-borne disease transmission in Central America and how these anthropogenic drivers could affect the risk for disease emergence and resurgence in the region. These issues are addressed in the context of other interconnected environmental and social challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana I. Ortiz
- Biology Program, Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA 16172, USA
| | - Marta Piche-Ovares
- Laboratorio de Virología, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (CIET), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica;
- Departamento de Virología, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 40104, Costa Rica
| | - Luis M. Romero-Vega
- Departamento de Patología, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 40104, Costa Rica;
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Vectores (LIVe), Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (CIET), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica;
| | - Joseph Wagman
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Program, Center for Malaria Control and Elimination, PATH, Washington, DC 20001, USA;
| | - Adriana Troyo
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Vectores (LIVe), Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (CIET), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica;
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica
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Identification and evaluation of 4-anilinoquin(az)olines as potent inhibitors of both dengue virus (DENV) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV). Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 52:128407. [PMID: 34624490 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.128407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for novel strategies for the treatment of emerging arthropod-borne viral infections, including those caused by dengue virus (DENV) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV). We prepared and screened focused libraries of 4-anilinoquinolines and 4-anilinoquinazolines for antiviral activity and identified three potent compounds. N-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-6-(trifluoromethyl)quinolin-4-amine (10) inhibited DENV infection with an EC50 = 0.25 µM, N-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-6-(trifluoromethyl)quinolin-4-amine (27) inhibited VEEV with an EC50 = 0.50 µM, while N-(3-ethynyl-4-fluorophenyl)-6,7-dimethoxyquinazolin-4-amine (54) inhibited VEEV with an EC50 = 0.60 µM. These series of compounds demonstrated nearly no toxicity with CC50 values greater than 10 µM in all cases. These promising results provide a future prospective to develop a clinical compound against these emerging viral threats.
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Calvert AE, Bennett SL, Hunt AR, Fong RH, Doranz BJ, Roehrig JT, Blair CD. Exposing cryptic epitopes on the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus E1 glycoprotein prior to treatment with alphavirus cross-reactive monoclonal antibody allows blockage of replication early in infection. Virology 2021; 565:13-21. [PMID: 34626907 PMCID: PMC8765347 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) can cause fatal encephalitis in humans and equids. Some MAbs to the E1 glycoprotein are known to be cross-reactive, weakly neutralizing in vitro but can protect from disease in animal models. We investigated the mechanism of neutralization of VEEV infection by the broadly cross-reactive E1-specific MAb 1A4B-6. 1A4B-6 protected 3-week-old Swiss Webster mice prophylactically from lethal VEEV challenge. Likewise, 1A4B-6 inhibited virus growth in vitro at a pre-attachment step after virions were incubated at 37 °C and inhibited virus-mediated cell fusion. Amino acid residue N100 in the fusion loop of E1 protein was identified as critical for binding. The potential to elicit broadly cross-reactive MAbs with limited virus neutralizing activity in vitro but that can inhibit virus entry and protect animals from infection merits further exploration for vaccine and therapeutic developmental research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda E Calvert
- Arboviral Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA.
| | - Susan L Bennett
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Ann R Hunt
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | | | | | - John T Roehrig
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Carol D Blair
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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Vittor AY, Laporta GZ, Sallum MAM, Walker RT. The COVID-19 crisis and Amazonia's indigenous people: Implications for conservation and global health. WORLD DEVELOPMENT 2021; 145:105533. [PMID: 36570383 PMCID: PMC9758534 DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2021.105533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Ecosystem health and zoonotic diseases are closely interwoven. Even as we grapple with the SARS-Coronavirus-2 pandemic, which may have its origins in wildlife, weakening environmental policies in the Brazilian Amazon are elevating the risk of additional zoonotic spillover events. We examine the links between deforestation and disease emergence in the Amazon, as illustrated by outbreaks of yellow fever virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, and Oropouche virus. It has been well established that in Brazil, indigenous territories exhibit lower rates of forest conversion and degradation than in areas designated for sustainable use. In this way, Amazonia's indigenous tribes promote public health while sustaining ecosystem services. However, indigenous land rights are under attack due to current policies enabling illegal land grabbing, mining and logging. Further adding to the existential struggle of indigenous tribes, malaria and SARS-Coronavirus-2 are wreaking havoc on these vulnerable populations. There is a critical need for protection of indigenous people's rights and health, as well as a sustained effort to support the study of mechanisms underlying anthropogenic land use change and zoonotic disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Y Vittor
- Division of Infectious Disease and Global Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Gabriel Zorello Laporta
- Setor de Pós-graduação, Pesquisa e Inovação, Centro Universitário Saúde ABC (FMABC), Fundação do ABC, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Anice Mureb Sallum
- Departamento de Epidemiologia, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Robert T Walker
- Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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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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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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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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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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43
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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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44
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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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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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46
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Elkhalifa D, Al-Hashimi I, Al Moustafa AE, Khalil A. A comprehensive review on the antiviral activities of chalcones. J Drug Target 2020; 29:403-419. [PMID: 33232192 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2020.1853759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Some viral outbreaks have plagued the world since antiquity, including the most recent COVID-19 pandemic. The continuous spread and emergence of new viral diseases have urged the discovery of novel treatment options that can overcome the limitations of currently marketed antiviral drugs. Chalcones are natural open chain flavonoids that are found in various plants and can be synthesised in labs. Several studies have shown that these small organic molecules exert a number of pharmacological activities, including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticancer. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of the antiviral activities of chalcones and their derivatives on a set of human viral infections and their potential for targeting the most recent COVID-19 disease. Accordingly, we herein review chalcones activities on the following human viruses: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, human immunodeficiency, influenza, human rhinovirus, herpes simplex, dengue, human cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B and C, Rift Valley fever and Venezuelan equine encephalitis. We hope that this review will pave the way for the design and development of potentially potent and broad-spectrum chalcone based antiviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Elkhalifa
- College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Pharmacy, Aspetar Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Ala-Eddin Al Moustafa
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Biomedical Research Centre, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Oncology Department, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ashraf Khalil
- College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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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: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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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LDLRAD3 is a receptor for Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. Nature 2020; 588:308-314. [PMID: 33208938 PMCID: PMC7769003 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2915-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a neurotropic alphavirus transmitted by mosquitoes that causes encephalitis and death in humans1. VEEV is a biodefence concern because of its potential for aerosol spread and the current lack of sufficient countermeasures. The host factors that are required for VEEV entry and infection remain poorly characterized. Here, using a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9-based screen, we identify low-density lipoprotein receptor class A domain-containing 3 (LDLRAD3)-a highly conserved yet poorly characterized member of the scavenger receptor superfamily-as a receptor for VEEV. Gene editing of mouse Ldlrad3 or human LDLRAD3 results in markedly reduced viral infection of neuronal cells, which is restored upon complementation with LDLRAD3. LDLRAD3 binds directly to VEEV particles and enhances virus attachment and internalization into host cells. Genetic studies indicate that domain 1 of LDLRAD3 (LDLRAD3(D1)) is necessary and sufficient to support infection by VEEV, and both anti-LDLRAD3 antibodies and an LDLRAD3(D1)-Fc fusion protein block VEEV infection in cell culture. The pathogenesis of VEEV infection is abrogated in mice with deletions in Ldlrad3, and administration of LDLRAD3(D1)-Fc abolishes disease caused by several subtypes of VEEV, including highly virulent strains. The development of a decoy-receptor fusion protein suggests a strategy for the prevention of severe VEEV infection and associated disease in humans.
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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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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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