Lab-Attenuated Rabies Virus Causes Abortive Infection and Induces Cytokine Expression in Astrocytes by Activating Mitochondrial Antiviral-Signaling Protein Signaling Pathway

Abortive Infection of Animal Cells: What Goes Wrong

Even if a virus successfully binds to a cell, defects in any of the downstream steps of the viral life cycle can preclude the production of infectious virus particles. Such abortive infections are likely common in nature and can provide fundamental insights into the cell and host tropism of viral pathogens. Research over the past 60 years has revealed an incredible diversity of abortive infections by DNA and RNA viruses in various animal cell types. Here we discuss the general causes of abortive infections and provide specific examples from the literature to illustrate the range of abortive infections that have been reported. We also discuss how abortive infections can have critical roles in shaping host immune responses and in the development of virus-induced cancers. Finally, we describe how abortive infections can be applied to basic and clinical research, underscoring the importance of understanding these fascinating aspects of virus biology.

Abortive and productive infection of CNS cell types following in vivo delivery of VSV

Viral infection is frequently assayed by ongoing expression of viral genes. These assays fail to identify cells that have been exposed to the virus but limit or inhibit viral replication. To address this limitation, we used a dual-labeling vesicular stomatitis virus (DL-VSV), which has a deletion of the viral glycoprotein gene, to allow evaluation of primary infection outcomes. This virus encodes Cre, which can stably mark any cell with even a minimal level of viral gene expression. Additionally, the virus encodes GFP, which distinguishes cells with higher levels of viral gene expression, typically due to genome replication. Stereotactic injections of DL-VSV into the murine brain showed that different cell types had very different responses to the virus. Almost all neurons hosted high levels of viral gene expression, while glial cells varied in their responses. Astrocytes (Sox9+) were predominantly productively infected, while oligodendrocytes (Sox10+) were largely abortively infected. Microglial cells (Iba1+) were primarily uninfected. Furthermore, we monitored the early innate immune response to viral infection and identified unique patterns of interferon (IFN) induction. Shortly after infection, microglia were the main producers of IFNb, whereas later, oligodendrocytes were the main producers. IFNb+ cells were primarily abortively infected regardless of cell type. Last, we investigated whether IFN signaling had any impact on the outcome of primary infection and did not observe significant changes, suggesting that intrinsic factors are likely responsible for determining the outcome of primary infection.

RTP4 restricts lyssavirus rabies infection by binding to viral genomic RNA

Rabies, caused by lyssavirus rabies (Rabies lyssavirus, RABV), is a fatal disease among humans and almost all warm-blooded animals. In this study, we found that RABV infection induces the up-regulation of receptor transporter protein 4 (RTP4) in mouse brains and different cells of nervous tissue. Over-expression of RTP4 reduces the viral titer of RABV in different neuronal cells. Furthermore, a recombinant RABV expressing RTP4, named rRABV-RTP4, was constructed and displayed a lower viral titer in different neuronal cells due to the expression of RTP4. Moreover, the survival rates of mice infected with rRABV-RTP4 were significantly higher than those of mice infected with parent virus rRABV or control virus rRABV-RTP4(-). In terms of mechanism, RTP4 could bind viral genomic RNA (vRNA) of RABV, and suppress the whole viral genome amplification. In addition, we found that the zinc finger domain (ZFD) of RTP4 exerts the antiviral function by truncation analysis, and an important amino acids site (C95) in the RTP4 3CxxC motif which is essential for its antiviral function was identified by mutation analysis. This study contributes to our understanding of how RTP4 or other RTP proteins play a role in defense against the invasion of RABV or other viruses.

Autophagy and Apoptosis in Rabies Virus Replication

Rabies virus (RABV) is a single-stranded negative-sense RNA virus belonging to the Rhabdoviridae family and Lyssavirus genus, which is highly neurotropic and can infect almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Autophagy and apoptosis are two evolutionarily conserved and genetically regulated processes that maintain cellular and organismal homeostasis, respectively. Autophagy recycles unnecessary or dysfunctional intracellular organelles and molecules in a cell, whereas apoptosis eliminates damaged or unwanted cells in an organism. Studies have shown that RABV can induce both autophagy and apoptosis in target cells. To advance our understanding of pathogenesis of rabies, this paper reviews the molecular mechanisms of autophagy and apoptosis induced by RABV and the effects of the two cellular events on RABV replication.

Neuroimmunology of rabies: New insights into an ancient disease

Rabies is an ancient neuroinvasive viral (genus Lyssavirus, family Rhabdoviridae) disease affecting approximately 59,000 people worldwide. The central nervous system (CNS) is targeted, and rabies has a case fatality rate of almost 100% in humans and animals. Rabies is entirely preventable through proper vaccination, and thus, the highest incidence is typically observed in developing countries, mainly in Africa and Asia. However, there are still cases in European countries and the United States. Recently, demographic, increasing income levels, and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have caused a massive raising in the animal population, enhancing the need for preventive measures (e.g., vaccination, surveillance, and animal control programs), postexposure prophylaxis, and a better understanding of rabies pathophysiology to identify therapeutic targets, since there is no effective treatment after the onset of clinical manifestations. Here, we review the neuroimmune biology and mechanisms of rabies. Its pathogenesis involves a complex and poorly understood modulation of immune and brain functions associated with metabolic, synaptic, and neuronal impairments, resulting in fatal outcomes without significant histopathological lesions in the CNS. In this context, the neuroimmunological and neurochemical aspects of excitatory/inhibitory signaling (e.g., GABA/glutamate crosstalk) are likely related to the clinical manifestations of rabies infection. Uncovering new links between immunopathological mechanisms and neurochemical imbalance will be essential to identify novel potential therapeutic targets to reduce rabies morbidity and mortality.

TRIM25 Suppresses Rabies Virus Fixed HEP-Flury Strain Production by Activating RIG-1-Mediated Type I Interferons

Rabies remains a great threat to public health worldwide. So far, the mechanism of rabies virus (RABV) infection is not fully understood, and there is no effective treatment for rabies. Identifying more host restriction factors of RABV will spur the development of novel therapeutic interventions against rabies. Accumulating studies suggest that tripartite motif-containing (TRIM) proteins have great effects on virus replication. TRIMs control the antiviral responses through either direct interaction with viral proteins or indirect regulation of innate immune signaling molecules in the host. The role of TRIM25 in rabies virus (RABV) infection is poorly understood. Using next-generation sequencing, we found that TRIM25 is upregulated during HEP-Flury infection. Knockdown of TRIM25 enhances HEP-Flury production, while overexpression of TRIM25 suppresses HEP-Flury replication. Knockdown of interferon α and interferon β weakens the anti-RABV response induced by TRIM25 overexpression, and potentiates RABV production. Furthermore, we found that TRIM25 regulates type-I interferon response by targeting retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) during HEP-Flury infection. Knockdown of RIG-I weakens the anti-HEP-Flury response induced by TRIM25 overexpression, indicating that TRIM25 regulates RABV production via the RIG-I-IFN axis. In addition, we observed that TRIM25 does not directly interact with HEP-Flury structural proteins, suggesting that TRIM25 regulates HEP-Flury production indirectly. Taken together, our work identifies TRIM25 as a new host factor involved in HEP-Flury infection, which may be a potential target for the development of antiviral drugs against RABV.

TRIM21 Promotes Rabies Virus Production by Degrading IRF7 through Ubiquitination

Rabies, a highly fatal zoonotic disease, is a significant global public health threat. Currently, the pathogenic mechanism of rabies has not been fully elucidated, and no effective treatment for rabies is available. Increasing evidence shows that the tripartite-motif protein (TRIM) family of proteins participates in the host's regulation of viral replication. Studies have demonstrated the upregulated expression of tripartite-motif protein 21 (TRIM21) in the brain tissue of mice infected with the rabies virus. Related studies have shown that TRIM21 knockdown inhibits RABV replication, while overexpression of TRIM21 exerted the opposite effect. Knockdown of interferon-alpha and interferon-beta modulates the inhibition of RABV replication caused by TRIM21 knockdown and promotes the replication of the virus. Furthermore, our previous study revealed that TRIM21 regulates the secretion of type I interferon during RABV infection by targeting interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7). IRF7 knockdown reduced the inhibition of RABV replication caused by the knockdown of TRIM21 and promoted viral replication. TRIM21 regulates RABV replication via the IRF7-IFN axis. Our study identified TRIM21 as a novel host factor required by RABV for replication. Thus, TRIM21 is a potential target for rabies treatment or management.

Transcriptomic Analysis of mRNA Expression Profiles in the Microglia of Mouse Brains Infected with Rabies Viruses of Varying Virulence

Rabies is a lethal encephalitis caused by the rabies virus (RABV) with a fatality rate near 100% after the onset of clinical symptoms in humans and animals. Microglia are resident immune cells in the central nervous system. Few studies have been conducted on the functional role of microglia in RABV infection. Here, we performed a transcriptomic analysis of mRNA expression profiles in the microglia of mouse brains intracerebrally infected with RABV. We successfully isolated single microglial cells from the mouse brains. The survival rate of dissociated microglial cells was 81.91%-96.7%, and the purity was 88.3%. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 22,079 differentially expressed mRNAs identified in the microglia of mouse brains infected with RABV strains (rRC-HL, GX074, and CVS-24) of varying virulence at 4 and 7 days post-infection (dpi) compared to the control group. The numbers of DEGs versus the control at 4 and 7 dpi in mice infected with rRC-HL, GX074, and CVS-24 were 3622 and 4590, 265 and 4901, and 4079 and 6337. The GO enrichment analysis showed that response to stress, response to external stimulus, regulation of response to stimulus, and immune system process were abundant during RABV infection. The KEGG analysis indicated that the Tlr, Tnf, RIG-I, NOD, NF-κB, MAPK, and Jak-STAT signaling pathways were involved in RABV infection at both 4 and 7 dpi. However, some phagocytosis and cell signal transduction processes, such as endocytosis, p53, phospholipase D, and oxidative phosphorylation signaling pathways, were only expressed at 7 dpi. The involvement of the Tnf and Tlr signaling pathways prompted us to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of these pathways. The PPI revealed 8 DEGs, including Mmp9, Jun, Pik3r1, and Mapk12. Notably, Il-1b interacted with Tnf and Il-6 with combined scores of 0.973 and 0.981, respectively. RABV causes significant changes in mRNA expression profiles in the microglia in mice. 22,079 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified in the microglia of mice infected with RABV strains of varying virulence at 4 and 7 dpi. The DEGs were evaluated using GO, KEGG, and PPI network analysis. Many immune pathways were up-regulated in RABV-infected groups. The findings will help elucidate the microglial molecular mechanisms of cellular metabolism dysregulated by RABV and may provide important information for investigating RABV pathogenesis and therapeutic methods.

Immune Functions of Astrocytes in Viral Neuroinfections

Neuroinfections of the central nervous system (CNS) can be triggered by various pathogens. Viruses are the most widespread and have the potential to induce long-term neurologic symptoms with potentially lethal outcomes. In addition to directly affecting their host cells and inducing immediate changes in a plethora of cellular processes, viral infections of the CNS also trigger an intense immune response. Regulation of the innate immune response in the CNS depends not only on microglia, which are fundamental immune cells of the CNS, but also on astrocytes. These cells align blood vessels and ventricle cavities, and consequently, they are one of the first cell types to become infected after the virus breaches the CNS. Moreover, astrocytes are increasingly recognized as a potential viral reservoir in the CNS; therefore, the immune response initiated by the presence of intracellular virus particles may have a profound effect on cellular and tissue physiology and morphology. These changes should be addressed in terms of persisting infections because they may contribute to recurring neurologic sequelae. To date, infections of astrocytes with different viruses originating from genetically distinct families, including Flaviviridae, Coronaviridae, Retroviridae, Togaviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Picomaviridae, Rhabdoviridae, and Herpesviridae, have been confirmed. Astrocytes express a plethora of receptors that detect viral particles and trigger signaling cascades, leading to an innate immune response. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on virus receptors that initiate the release of inflammatory cytokines from astrocytes and depict the involvement of astrocytes in immune functions of the CNS.

Substitution of S179P in the Lyssavirus Phosphoprotein Impairs Its Interferon Antagonistic Function

Interferon (IFN) and the IFN-induced cellular antiviral response constitute the first line of defense against viral invasion. Evading host innate immunity, especially IFN signaling, is the key step required for lyssaviruses to establish infection.

Lab-Attenuated Rabies Virus Facilitates Opening of the Blood-Brain Barrier by Inducing Matrix Metallopeptidase 8

Infection with laboratory-attenuated rabies virus (RABV), but not wild-type (wt) RABV, can enhance the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is considered a key determinant for RABV pathogenicity. A previous study showed that the enhancement of BBB permeability is directly due not to RABV infection but to virus-induced inflammatory molecules. In this study, the effect of the matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) family on the permeability of the BBB during RABV infection was evaluated. We found that the expression level of MMP8 was upregulated in mice infected with lab-attenuated RABV but not with wt RABV. Lab-attenuated RABV rather than wt RABV activates inflammatory signaling pathways mediated by the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Activated NF-κB (p65) and AP-1 (c-Fos) bind to the MMP8 promoter, resulting in upregulation of its transcription. Analysis of mouse brains infected with the recombinant RABV expressing MMP8 indicated that MMP8 enhanced BBB permeability, leading to infiltration of inflammatory cells into the central nervous system (CNS). In brain-derived endothelial cells, treatment with MMP8 recombinant protein caused the degradation of tight junction (TJ) proteins, and the application of an MMP8 inhibitor inhibited the degradation of TJ proteins after RABV infection. Furthermore, an in vivo experiment using an MMP8 inhibitor during RABV infection demonstrated that BBB opening was diminished. In summary, our data suggest that the infection of lab-attenuated RABV enhances the BBB opening by upregulating MMP8. IMPORTANCE The ability to change BBB permeability was associated with the pathogenicity of RABV. BBB permeability was enhanced by infection with lab-attenuated RABV instead of wt RABV, allowing immune cells to infiltrate into the CNS. We found that MMP8 plays an important role in enhancing BBB permeability by degradation of TJ proteins during RABV infection. Using an MMP8 selective inhibitor restores the reduction of TJ proteins. We reveal that MMP8 is upregulated via the MAPK and NF-κB inflammatory pathways, activated by lab-attenuated RABV infection but not wt RABV. Our findings suggest that MMP8 has a critical role in modulating the opening of the BBB during RABV infection, which provides fresh insight into developing effective therapeutics for rabies and infection with other neurotropic viruses.

Functional Diversity of the Excretory/Secretory Proteins of Nematode Parasites

INTRODUCTION

Parasites release a wide array of protein as excretory and secretory products (ESPs). Irrespective of their mode of propagation, ESPs are found to be secreted or excreted by both naturally occurring and laboratory-cultivated parasites. Mass spectrometry-based approaches have been extensively used to identify and characterize the ESP constituents. ESPs are involved in various cellular activities such as immune modulation, proteolysis, inhibition of proteases and protection of cells against oxidants. Specifically, their role in host immune evasion by down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and up-regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines attracts scientific attention. A thorough investigation of functional diversity of ESPs may be helpful in planning control strategies against many parasites.

METHODS

This review focuses on diversity of ES proteins, various approaches to identify them and discusses about the biochemical and functional aspects of such proteins.

RESULTS

The diverse array of proteins secreted or excreted (a, GST-1, acetylcholinesterase, GAPDH) by the parasites are also described emphasizing their role in cellular physiology.

CONCLUSION

Finally, it concludes by citing some of these proteins as potential therapeutic agents against helminth challenge.

Glu333 in rabies virus glycoprotein is involved in virus attenuation through astrocyte infection and interferon responses

The amino acid residue at position 333 of the rabies virus (RABV) glycoprotein (G333) is a major determinant of RABV pathogenicity. Virulent RABV strains possess Arg₃₃₃, whereas the attenuated strain HEP-Flury (HEP) possesses Glu₃₃₃. To investigate the potential attenuation mechanism dependent on a single amino acid at G333, comparative analysis was performed between HEP and HEP³³³R mutant with Arg₃₃₃. We examined their respective tropism for astrocytes and the subsequent immune responses in astrocytes. Virus replication and subsequent interferon (IFN) responses in astrocytes infected with HEP were increased compared with HEP³³³R both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, involvement of IFN in the avirulency of HEP was demonstrated in IFN-receptor knockout mice. These results indicate that Glu₃₃₃ contributes to RABV attenuation by determining the ability of the virus to infect astrocytes and stimulate subsequent IFN responses.

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Glu₃₃₃ in G protein is responsible for astrocyte infection with RABV HEP strain

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Arg₃₃₃ mutation in G protein decreases astrocyte tropism of RABV HEP

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RABV HEP evokes higher IFN responses in astrocytes than HEP with Arg₃₃₃ mutation

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Glu₃₃₃-dependent astrocyte infection is involved in the attenuation of RABV HEP

lncRNA EDAL restricts rabies lyssavirus replication in a cell-specific and infection route-dependent manner

Rabies, caused by rabies lyssavirus (RABV), is a fatal disease among humans and almost all warm-blooded animals. Our previous study showed that the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) EZH2 degradation-associated lncRNA (EDAL) effectively inhibits RABV infection both in vitro and in vivo by degrading EZH2 and promoting the transcription of an antiviral gene, Pcp4l1. Herein, we found that recombinant RABV expressing EDAL (rRABV-EDAL) restricts RABV replication in primary granule neurons but not in primary cortical neurons or astrocytes. Further study revealed that EDAL induced EZH2 protein degradation and thereby decreased trimethylation of lysine 27 on the histone 3 (H3K27me3) level in granule neuron cells but not in cortical neurons or astrocytes. Furthermore, rRABV-EDAL infection induces more Pcp4l1 mRNA transcription in granule neurons, while there are almost no obvious changes in cortical neurons or astrocytes. Consistently, compared with the parent virus RABV, reduced pathogenicity of rRABV-EDAL was observed in mice post-intranasal infection but not intramuscular infection. These results suggest that the lncRNA EDAL restricts RABV replication in a cell-specific and infection route-dependent manner.

A spatial and cellular distribution of rabies virus infection in the mouse brain revealed by fMOST and single-cell RNA sequencing

BACKGROUND

Neurotropic virus infection can cause serious damage to the central nervous system (CNS) in both humans and animals. The complexity of the CNS poses unique challenges to investigate the infection of these viruses in the brain using traditional techniques.

METHODS

In this study, we explore the use of fluorescence micro-optical sectioning tomography (fMOST) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to map the spatial and cellular distribution of a representative neurotropic virus, rabies virus (RABV), in the whole brain. Mice were inoculated with a lethal dose of a recombinant RABV encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under different infection routes, and a three-dimensional (3D) view of RABV distribution in the whole mouse brain was obtained using fMOST. Meanwhile, we pinpointed the cellular distribution of RABV by utilizing scRNA-seq.

RESULTS

Our fMOST data provided the 3D view of a neurotropic virus in the whole mouse brain, which indicated that the spatial distribution of RABV in the brain was influenced by the infection route. Interestingly, we provided evidence that RABV could infect multiple nuclei related to fear independent of different infection routes. More surprisingly, our scRNA-seq data revealed that besides neurons RABV could infect macrophages and the infiltrating macrophages played at least three different antiviral roles during RABV infection.

CONCLUSION

This study draws a comprehensively spatial and cellular map of typical neurotropic virus infection in the mouse brain, providing a novel and insightful strategy to investigate the pathogenesis of RABV and other neurotropic viruses.

G protein-coupled receptor 17 restricts rabies virus replication via BAK-mediated apoptosis

Rabies, caused by rabies virus (RABV), is an ancient zoonotic disease that significantly affects human and animal health throughout the world. RABV causes acute encephalitis in mammals with a high fatality rate in developing countries. G protein-coupled receptor 17 (GPR17) is a vital gene in the central nervous system (CNS) that plays important roles in demyelinating diseases and ischemia brain. However, it is still unclear whether GPR17 participates in the regulation of RABV infection. Here, we found that upregulation or activation of GPR17 can reduce the virus titer; conversely, the inactivation or silence of GPR17 led to increased RABV replication in N2a cells. The recombinant RABV expressing GPR17 (rRABV-GPR17) showed reduced replication capacity compared to the parent virus rRABV. Moreover, overexpression of GPR17 can attenuate RABV pathogenicity in mice. Further study demonstrated that GPR17 suppressed RABV replication via BAK-mediated apoptosis. Our findings uncover an unappreciated role of GPR17 in suppressing RABV infection, where GPR17 mediates cell apoptosis to limit RABV replication and may be an attractive candidate for new therapeutic interventions in the treatment of rabies.

Chandipura virus induces cell death in cancer cell lines of human origin and promotes tumor regression in vivo

Chandipura virus (CHPV) is an emerging human pathogen of great clinical significance. In this study, we have investigated the susceptibility pattern of both normal and cancer cell lines of human origin to wild-type (wt) CHPV in order to explore the possibility of developing CHPV as an oncolytic vector (OV). Marked cytopathic effect along with enhanced virus output was observed in cancer cell lines (HeLa, A549, U-138, PC-3, and HepG2) in comparison to normal human adult dermal fibroblast (HADF) cells. At an MOI of 0.1, cancer cell lines were differentially susceptible to CHPV, with cells like HeLa and U-138 having pronounced cell death, while the PC-3 were comparatively resistant. All cell lines used in the study except U-138 restricted CHPV infection to varying degrees with IFN-β pre-treatment and supplementation of interferon (IFN) could neither activate the IFN signaling pathway in U-138 cells. Finally, U-138 tumor xenografts established in non-obese diabetic severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID) mice showed significant delay in tumor growth in the CHPV-challenged animals. Thus, targeted cytopathic effect in cancer cells at a very low dose with restricted replication in normal cells offers a rationale to exploit CHPV as an oncolytic vector in the future.

Comprehensive analysis of protein acetylation and glucose metabolism inmouse brains infected with rabies virus

Rabies, caused by rabies virus (RABV), is a widespread zoonosis that is nearly 100% fatal. Alteration of the metabolic environment affects viral replication and the immune response during viral infection. In this study, glucose uptake was increased in mouse brains at the late stage of infection with different RABV strains (lab-attenuated CVS strain and wild-type DRV strain). To illustrate the mechanism underlying glucose metabolism alteration, comprehensive analysis of lysine acetylation and target analysis of energy metabolites in mouse brains infected with CVS and DRV strains were performed. A total of 156 acetylated sites and 115 acetylated proteins were identified as significantly different during RABV infection. Compared to CVS- and mock-infected mice, the lysine acetylation levels of glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes were decreased, and enzyme activity was upregulated in DRV-infected mouse brains. Metabolomic analysis revealed that high levels of oxaloacetate (OAA) in RABV-infected mouse brains. Specifically, the OAA level in CVS-infected mouse brains was higher than that in DRV-infected mouse brains, which contributed to the enhancement of the metabolic rate at the substrate level. Finally, we confirmed that OAA could reduce excessive neuroinflammation in CVS-infected mouse brains by inhibiting JNK and P38 phosphorylation. Taken together, this study provides fresh insight into the different strategies the host adapts to regulate glucose metabolism for energy requirements after different RABV strain infection and suggest that OAA treatment could be a potential strategy to prevent neural damage during RABV infection. IMPORTANCE Both viral replication and the host immune response are highly energy-dependent. It is important to understand how the rabies virus affects energy metabolism in the brain. Glucose is the direct energy source for cell metabolism. Previous studies have revealed that there is some association between acetylation and metabolic processes. In this study, comprehensive protein acetylation and glucose metabolism analysis were conducted to compare glucose metabolism in mouse brains infected with different RABV strains. Our study demonstrates that the regulation of enzyme activity by acetylation and OAA accumulation at the substrate level are two strategies for the host to respond to the energy requirements after RABV infection. Our study also indicates the potential role OAA could play in neuronal protection by suppressing excessive neuroinflammation.

The Causes and Long-Term Consequences of Viral Encephalitis

Reports regarding brain inflammation, known as encephalitis, have shown an increasing frequency during the past years. Encephalitis is a relevant concern to public health due to its high morbidity and mortality. Infectious or autoimmune diseases are the most common cause of encephalitis. The clinical symptoms of this pathology can vary depending on the brain zone affected, with mild ones such as fever, headache, confusion, and stiff neck, or severe ones, such as seizures, weakness, hallucinations, and coma, among others. Encephalitis can affect individuals of all ages, but it is frequently observed in pediatric and elderly populations, and the most common causes are viral infections. Several viral agents have been described to induce encephalitis, such as arboviruses, rhabdoviruses, enteroviruses, herpesviruses, retroviruses, orthomyxoviruses, orthopneumovirus, and coronaviruses, among others. Once a neurotropic virus reaches the brain parenchyma, the resident cells such as neurons, astrocytes, and microglia, can be infected, promoting the secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules and the subsequent immune cell infiltration that leads to brain damage. After resolving the viral infection, the local immune response can remain active, contributing to long-term neuropsychiatric disorders, neurocognitive impairment, and degenerative diseases. In this article, we will discuss how viruses can reach the brain, the impact of viral encephalitis on brain function, and we will focus especially on the neurocognitive sequelae reported even after viral clearance.

Innate Immune Signaling and Role of Glial Cells in Herpes Simplex Virus- and Rabies Virus-Induced Encephalitis

The environment of the central nervous system (CNS) represents a double-edged sword in the context of viral infections. On the one hand, the infectious route for viral pathogens is restricted via neuroprotective barriers; on the other hand, viruses benefit from the immunologically quiescent neural environment after CNS entry. Both the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and the rabies virus (RABV) bypass the neuroprotective blood-brain barrier (BBB) and successfully enter the CNS parenchyma via nerve endings. Despite the differences in the molecular nature of both viruses, each virus uses retrograde transport along peripheral nerves to reach the human CNS. Once inside the CNS parenchyma, HSV infection results in severe acute inflammation, necrosis, and hemorrhaging, while RABV preserves the intact neuronal network by inhibiting apoptosis and limiting inflammation. During RABV neuroinvasion, surveilling glial cells fail to generate a sufficient type I interferon (IFN) response, enabling RABV to replicate undetected, ultimately leading to its fatal outcome. To date, we do not fully understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the activation or suppression of the host inflammatory responses of surveilling glial cells, which present important pathways shaping viral pathogenesis and clinical outcome in viral encephalitis. Here, we compare the innate immune responses of glial cells in RABV- and HSV-infected CNS, highlighting different viral strategies of neuroprotection or Neuroinflamm. in the context of viral encephalitis.

Functionalized Nanoparticles in Prevention and Targeted Therapy of Viral Diseases With Neurotropism Properties, Special Insight on COVID-19

Neurotropic viruses have neural-invasive and neurovirulent properties to damage the central nervous system (CNS), leading to humans' fatal symptoms. Neurotropic viruses comprise a lot of viruses, such as Zika virus (ZIKV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), rabies virus (RABV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Effective therapy is needed to prevent infection by these viruses in vivo and in vitro. However, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) usually prevents macromolecules from entering the CNS, which challenges the usage of the traditional probes, antiviral drugs, or neutralizing antibodies in the CNS. Functionalized nanoparticles (NPs) have been increasingly reported in the targeted therapy of neurotropic viruses due to their sensitivity and targeting characteristics. Therefore, the present review outlines efficient functionalized NPs to further understand the recent trends, challenges, and prospects of these materials.

Establishment of Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neurons-A Promising In Vitro Model for a Molecular Study of Rabies Virus and Host Interaction

Rabies is a deadly viral disease caused by the rabies virus (RABV), transmitted through a bite of an infected host, resulting in irreversible neurological symptoms and a 100% fatality rate in humans. Despite many aspects describing rabies neuropathogenesis, numerous hypotheses remain unanswered and concealed. Observations obtained from infected primary neurons or mouse brain samples are more relevant to human clinical rabies than permissive cell lines; however, limitations regarding the ethical issue and sample accessibility become a hurdle for discovering new insights into virus-host interplays. To better understand RABV pathogenesis in humans, we generated human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neurons to offer the opportunity for an inimitable study of RABV infection at a molecular level in a pathologically relevant cell type. This study describes the characteristics and detailed proteomic changes of hiPSC-derived neurons in response to RABV infection using LC-MS/MS quantitative analysis. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) reveals temporal changes of proteins related to metabolic process, immune response, neurotransmitter transport/synaptic vesicle cycle, cytoskeleton organization, and cell stress response, demonstrating fundamental underlying mechanisms of neuropathogenesis in a time-course dependence. Lastly, we highlighted plausible functions of heat shock cognate protein 70 (HSC70 or HSPA8) that might play a pivotal role in regulating RABV replication and pathogenesis. Our findings acquired from this hiPSC-derived neuron platform help to define novel cellular mechanisms during RABV infection, which could be applicable to further studies to widen views of RABV-host interaction.

Preexposure and Postexposure Prophylaxis of Rabies With Adeno-Associated Virus Expressing Virus-Neutralizing Antibody in Rodent Models

Rabies, a fatal disease in humans and other mammals, is caused by the rabies virus (RABV), and it poses a public health threat in many parts of the world. Once symptoms of rabies appear, the mortality is near 100%. There is currently no effective treatment for rabies. In our study, two human-derived RABV-neutralizing antibodies (RVNA), CR57 and CR4098, were cloned into adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, and recombinant AAVs expressing RVNA were evaluated for postexposure prophylaxis after intrathecal injection into RABV-infected rats. At 4days post-infection with a lethal dose of RABV, 60% of the rats that received an intrathecal injection of AAV-CR57 survived, while 100% of the rats inoculated with AAV-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) succumbed to rabies. Overall, these results demonstrate that AAV-encoding RVNA can be utilized as a potential human rabies postexposure prophylaxis.

Differential pathogenesis of intracerebral and intramuscular inoculation of street rabies virus and CVS-11 strains in a mouse model

OBJECTIVES

The mechanisms of rabies evasion and immunological interactions with the host defense have not been completely elucidated. Here, we evaluated the dynamic changes in the number of astrocytes, microglial and neuronal cells in the brain following intramuscular (IM) and intracerebral (IC) inoculations of street rabies virus (SRV).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The SRV isolated from a jackal and CVS-11 were used to establish infection in NMRI-female mice. The number of astrocytes (by expression of GFAP), microglial (by Iba1), and neuronal cells (by MAP-2) in the brain following IM and IC inoculations of SRV were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and H & E staining 7 to 30 days post-infection.

RESULTS

Increased numbers of astrocytes and microglial cells in dead mice infected by SRV via both IC and IM routes were recorded. The number of neuronal cells in surviving mice was decreased only in IC-infected mice, while in the dead group, this number was decreased by both routes.The risk of death in SRV-infected mice was approximately 3 times higher than in the CVS-11 group. In IC-inoculated mice, viral dilution was the only influential factor in mortality, while the type of strain demonstrated a significant impact on the mortality rate in IM inoculations.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that microglial cells and their inflammatory cytokines may not contribute to the neuroprotection and recovery in surviving mice following intracerebral inoculation of SRV. An unexpected decrease in MAP2 expression via intramuscular inoculation indicates the imbalance in the integrity and stability of neuronal cytoskeleton which aggravates rabies infection.

Enhancement of immune responses by co-stimulation of TLR3 - TLR7 agonists as a potential therapeutics against rabies in mouse model

Rabies is always fatal, when post-exposure prophylaxis is administered after the onset of clinical symptoms. To date, there is no effective treatment of rabies once clinical symptoms has initiated. Therefore, we aimed to provide evidences which indicate the promising effects of combination treatment with TLR agonists following rabies infection. Four groups of rabies infected-mice (10-mice/group) were treated with PolyI:C 50 μg (a TLR3 agonist), Imiquimod50 μg (a TLR7 agonist), (Poly + Imi)25 μg and (Poly + Imi)50 μg respectively. The immune responses in each experimental groups were investigated in the brain through evaluation of GFAP, MAP2, CD4, HSP70, TLR3, TLR7 and apoptotic cell expression as well as determination of IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-4, levels. The treatment with combination of agonists (Poly + Imi)50 μg/mouse resulted a 75% decrease of mortality rate and better extended survival time following street rabies virus infection. Higher number of CD4⁺T cells, TLR3 and TLR7 expression in the brain parenchyma observed in the groups receiving both combined agonist therapies at the levels of 25 μg and 50 μg. In spite of decreased number of neuronal cell, significant higher number of astrocytes was shown in the group given (Poly + Imi)25 μg. The obtained results also pointed to the dramatic decrease of HSP70 expression in all groups of infected mice whereas higher number of apoptotic cells and Caspase 8 expression were recorded in (Poly + Imi)25 μg treated group. Furthermore, the cytokine profile consisting the increased levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-4 revealed that both humoral and cellular responses were highly modulated in combination therapy of 50 μg of Imiquimod and Poly I:C. Reduced viral load as quantified by real-time PCR of rabies N gene expression in the brain also correlated with the better survival of agonist-treated groups of mice. Based on obtained results, we have presented evidences of beneficial utilization of combined agonist therapy composed of TLR3/TLR7 ligands. This treatment regimen extended survival of infected mice and decreased significantly their mortality rate. We believe that the results of synergy-inducing protection of both TLR3/TLR7 agonists lead to the enhancement of innate immune responses cells residing in the CNS which warrant the studies to further understanding of crosstalk mechanisms in cellular immunity against rabies in the future.

Astrocytes in rare neurological conditions: Morphological and functional considerations

Astrocytes are a population of central nervous system (CNS) cells with distinctive morphological and functional characteristics that differ within specific areas of the brain and are widely distributed throughout the CNS. There are mainly two types of astrocytes, protoplasmic and fibrous, which differ in morphologic appearance and location. Astrocytes are important cells of the CNS that not only provide structural support, but also modulate synaptic activity, regulate neuroinflammatory responses, maintain the blood-brain barrier, and supply energy to neurons. As a result, astrocytic disruption can lead to widespread detrimental effects and can contribute to the pathophysiology of several neurological conditions. The characteristics of astrocytes in more common neuropathologies such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease have significantly been described and continue to be widely studied. However, there still exist numerous rare neurological conditions in which astrocytic involvement is unknown and needs to be explored. Accordingly, this review will summarize functional and morphological changes of astrocytes in various rare neurological conditions based on current knowledge thus far and highlight remaining neuropathologies where astrocytic involvement has yet to be investigated.

Early diagnosis of rabies virus infection by RPA-CRISPR techniques in a rat model

Rabies, which is caused by rabies virus (RABV), poses an ever-present threat to public health in most countries of the world. Once clinical signs appear, the mortality of rabies approaches 100%. To date, no effective method for early rabies diagnosis has been developed. In this study, an RPA-CRISPR nucleic-acid-based assay was developed for early rabies diagnosis by detecting viral RNA shedding in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of rats. This method can detect a single copy of RABV genomic RNA in 1 μL of liquid. RABV genomic RNA released from viral particles in the CSF could be detected via RPA-CRISPR as early as 3 days postinfection in a rat model. This study provides an RPA-CRISPR technique for early detection of RABV with potential application in the clinical diagnosis of human rabies.

Update on lyssaviruses and rabies: will past progress play as prologue in the near term towards future elimination?

Rabies is an ancient, much-feared, and neglected infectious disease. Caused by pathogens in the family Rhabdoviridae, genus Lyssavirus, and distributed globally, this viral zoonosis results in tens of thousands of human fatalities and millions of exposures annually. All mammals are believed susceptible, but only certain taxa act as reservoirs. Dependence upon direct routing to, replication within, and passage from the central nervous system serves as a basic viral strategy for perpetuation. By a combination of stealth and subversion, lyssaviruses are quintessential neurotropic agents and cause an acute, progressive encephalitis. No treatment exists, so prevention is the key. Although not a disease considered for eradication, something of a modern rebirth has been occurring within the field as of late with regard to detection, prevention, and management as well as applied research. For example, within the past decade, new lyssaviruses have been characterized; sensitive and specific diagnostics have been optimized; pure, potent, safe, and efficacious human biologics have improved human prophylaxis; regional efforts have controlled canine rabies by mass immunization; wildlife rabies has been controlled by oral rabies vaccination over large geographic areas in Europe and North America; and debate has resumed over the controversial topic of therapy. Based upon such progress to date, there are certain expectations for the next 10 years. These include pathogen discovery, to uncover additional lyssaviruses in the Old World; laboratory-based surveillance enhancement by simplified, rapid testing; anti-viral drug appearance, based upon an improved appreciation of viral pathobiology and host response; and improvements to canine rabies elimination regionally throughout Africa, Asia, and the Americas by application of the best technical, organizational, economic, and socio-political practices. Significantly, anticipated Gavi support will enable improved access of human rabies vaccines in lesser developed countries at a national level, with integrated bite management, dose-sparing regimens, and a 1 week vaccination schedule.

Interferon-Inducible GTPase 1 Impedes the Dimerization of Rabies Virus Phosphoprotein and Restricts Viral Replication

Rabies, caused by rabies virus (RABV), is an ancient zoonosis and still a major public health problem for humans, especially in developing countries. RABV can be recognized by specific innate recognition receptors, resulting in the production of hundreds of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), which can inhibit viral replication at different stages. Interferon-inducible GTPase 1 (IIGP1) is a mouse-specific ISG and belongs to the immunity-related GTPases (IRGs) family. IIGP is reported to constrain intracellular parasite infection by disrupting the parasitophorous vacuole membrane. However, the role of IIGP1 in restricting viral replication has not been reported. In this present study, we found that IIGP1 was upregulated in cells and mouse brains upon RABV infection. Overexpression of IIGP1 limited RABV replication in cell lines and reduced viral pathogenicity in a mouse model. Consistently, deficiency of IIGP1 enhanced RABV replication in different parts of mouse brains. Furthermore, we found that IIGP1 could interact with RABV phosphoprotein (P protein). Mutation and immunoprecipitation analyses revealed that the Y128 site of P protein is critical for its interaction with IIGP1. Further study demonstrated that this interaction impeded the dimerization of P protein and thus suppressed RABV replication. Collectively, our findings for the first reveal a novel role of IIGP1 in restricting a typical neurotropic virus, RABV, which will provide fresh insight into the function of this mouse-specific ISG.IMPORTANCE Interferon and its downstream products, ISGs, are essential in defending against pathogen invasion. One of the ISGs, IIGP1, has been found to constrain intracellular parasite infection by disrupting their vacuole membranes. However, the role of IIGP1 in limiting viral infection is unclear. In this study, we show that infection with a typical neurotropic virus, RABV, can induce upregulation of IIGP1, which, in turn, suppresses RABV by interacting with its phosphoprotein (P protein) and thus blocking the dimerization of P protein. Our study provides the first evidence that IIGP1 functions in limiting viral infection and provides a basis for comprehensive understanding of this important ISG.

Pomegranate-Inspired Silica Nanotags Enable Sensitive Dual-Modal Detection of Rabies Virus Nucleoprotein

The outbreak of rabies virus (RABV) in Asia and Africa has attracted widespread concern due to its 100% mortality rate, and RABV detection is crucial to its diagnosis and treatment. Herein, we report a sensitive and reliable strategy for the dual-modal RABV detection using pomegranate-shaped dendritic silica nanospheres fabricated with densely incorporated quantum dots (QDs) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeled antibody. The immunoassay involves the specific interaction between virus and nanospheres-conjugated antibody coupled with robust fluorescence signal originating from QDs and naked-eye discernible colorimetric signal on the oxTMB. The ultrahigh loading capacity of QDs enables the detection limit down to 8 pg/mL via fluorescence modality, a 348-fold improvement as compared with conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, the detection range was from 1.20 × 10² to 2.34 × 10⁴ pg/mL by plotting the absorbance at 652 nm with RABV concentrations with a detection limit of 91 pg/mL, which is nearly 2 order of magnitude lower than that of the conventional ELISA. Validated with 12 brain tissue samples, our immunoassay results are completely consistent with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results. Compared with the PCR assay, our approach requires no complex sample pretreatments or expensive instruments. This is the first report on RABV diagnosis using nanomaterials for colorimetry-based prescreening and fluorescence-based quantitative detection, which may pave the way for virus-related disease diagnosis and clinical analysis.

SNAP25 regulates the release of the Rabies virus in nerve cells via SNARE complex-mediated membrane fusion

Recent studies have reported that host proteins regulate Rabies virus (RABV) infection via distinct mechanisms. The abnormal neural function caused by RABV infection is related to the abnormal synaptic signal transmission in which the RABV glycoprotein (G) is involved. In the present study, two recombinant Rabies viruses (rRABVs), namely rSAD-SAD-Flag-G and rSAD-CVS-Flag-G, were established and rescued based on rSAD and verified by indirect fluorescence assay (IFA), and western blotting (WB). To investigate how the G protein interacts with synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP25), primary neuronal cells (PNC) of embryonic mice were cultured and infected with rRABVs. Immunoprecipitation (IP) and LC-MS/MS analysis of glycoprotein-binding proteins, which were flag tagged, were carried out to determine the interaction of G protein and soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor proteins (SNARE) complex in PNC. G protein and the SNARE member SNAP25 were co-expressed in HEK293 cells or primary neuronal cells to investigate their colocalization. Knockdown of SNAP25 with small interfering RNA (siRNA) was conducted on mNA cells, and rRABV replication was observed by IFA, qRT-PCR, and virus titration. The results indicated that rRABVs were successfully rescued and grew well in PNC. Flag-tag IP and confocal microscopy demonstrated that SNAP25 works together with G protein and colocalizes with G on the cytomembrane of HEK293 cells. The downregulation of SNAP25, using RNA interference, resulted in a significant decrease in the number of viral mRNAs, viral proteins, and virus particles. Furthermore, the regression of SNAP25 did not affect the initial infection of the virus but reduced the infectivity of progeny virions.

Interferon-λ Attenuates Rabies Virus Infection by Inducing Interferon-Stimulated Genes and Alleviating Neurological Inflammation

Rabies, caused by rabies virus (RABV), is a fatal neurological disease that still causes more than 59,000 human deaths each year. Type III interferon IFN-λs are cytokines with type I IFN-like antiviral activities. Although IFN-λ can restrict the infection for some viruses, especially intestinal viruses, the inhibitory effect against RABV infection remains undefined. In this study, the function of type III IFN against RABV infection was investigated. Initially, we found that IFN-λ2 and IFN-λ3 could inhibit RABV replication in cells. To characterize the role of IFN-λ in RABV infection in a mouse model, recombinant RABVs expressing murine IFN-λ2 or IFN-λ3, termed as rB2c-IFNλ2 or rB2c-IFNλ3, respectively, were constructed and rescued. It was found that expression of IFN-λ could reduce the pathogenicity of RABV and limit viral spread in the brains by different infection routes. Furthermore, expression of IFN-λ could induce the activation of the JAK-STAT pathway, resulting in the production of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). It was also found that rRABVs expressing IFN-λ could reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines in primary astrocytes and microgila cells, restrict the opening of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and prevent excessive infiltration of inflammatory cells into the brain, which could be responsible for the neuronal damage caused by RABV. Consistently, IFN-λ was found to maintain the integrity of tight junction (TJ) protein ZO-1 of BBB to alleviate neuroinflammation in a transwell model. Our study underscores the role of IFN-λ in inhibiting RABV infection, which potentiates IFN-λ as a possible therapeutic agent for the treatment of RABV infection.

Astrocyte Infection during Rabies Encephalitis Depends on the Virus Strain and Infection Route as Demonstrated by Novel Quantitative 3D Analysis of Cell Tropism

Although conventional immunohistochemistry for neurotropic rabies virus (RABV) usually shows high preference for neurons, non-neuronal cells are also potential targets, and abortive astrocyte infection is considered a main trigger of innate immunity in the CNS. While in vitro studies indicated differences between field and less virulent lab-adapted RABVs, a systematic, quantitative comparison of astrocyte tropism in vivo is lacking. Here, solvent-based tissue clearing was used to measure RABV cell tropism in infected brains. Immunofluorescence analysis of 1 mm-thick tissue slices enabled 3D-segmentation and quantification of astrocyte and neuron infection frequencies. Comparison of three highly virulent field virus clones from fox, dog, and raccoon with three lab-adapted strains revealed remarkable differences in the ability to infect astrocytes in vivo. While all viruses and infection routes led to neuron infection frequencies between 7–19%, striking differences appeared for astrocytes. Whereas astrocyte infection by field viruses was detected independent of the inoculation route (8–27%), only one lab-adapted strain infected astrocytes route-dependently [0% after intramuscular (i.m.) and 13% after intracerebral (i.c.) inoculation]. Two lab-adapted vaccine viruses lacked astrocyte infection altogether (0%, i.c. and i.m.). This suggests a model in which the ability to establish productive astrocyte infection in vivo functionally distinguishes field and attenuated lab RABV strains.

Isolation and Selection of Duck Primary Cells as Pathogenic and Innate Immunologic Cell Models for Duck Plague Virus

Duck plague virus (DPV) is a representative pathogen transmitted among aquatic animals that causes gross lesions and immune inhibition in geese and ducks. The mechanism of organ tropism and innate immune evasion of DPV has not been completely deciphered due to a lack of cell models to study the innate immune manipulation and pathogenicity of aquatic viruses. In the present study, we isolated five types of duck primary cells [duck embryo fibroblasts (DEFs), neurons, astrocytes, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and monocytes/macrophages] to identify appropriate cell models for DPV, using tropism infection and innate immunologic assays. Cells responded differently to stimulation with DNA viruses or RNA virus analogs. DPV infection exhibited broad tropism, as the recombinant virulent strain (CHv-GFP) infected DEFs, neurons, astrocytes, and monocytes/macrophages, but not the PBMCs, as the expression of EGFP was negligible. The basal levels of innate immunity molecules were highest in monocytes/macrophages and lower in DEFs and astrocytes. Conversely, the titer and genomic copy number of the attenuated virus strain was higher in DEFs and astrocytes than in neurons and monocytes/macrophages. The titer and genomic copy number of the attenuated virus strain were higher compared with the virulent strain in DEFs, neurons, and astrocytes. The innate immune response was not significantly induced by either DPV strain in DEFs, neurons, or astrocytes. The virulent strain persistently infected monocytes/macrophages, but the attenuated strain did so abortively, and this was accompanied by the phenomenon of innate immune inhibition and activation by the virulent and attenuated strains, respectively. Blockage of IFNAR signaling promoted replication of the attenuated strain. Pre-activation of IFNAR signaling inhibited infection by the virulent strain. The selection assay results indicated that induction of innate immunity plays an essential role in controlling DPV infection, and monocytes/macrophages are an important cell model for further investigations. Our study provided practical methods for isolating and culturing duck primary cells, and our results will facilitate further investigations of organ tropism, innate immune responses, latent infection, and the effectiveness of antiviral drugs for treating DPV and potentially other aerial bird pathogens.

Impact of nano-morphology, lattice defects and conductivity on the performance of graphene based electrochemical biosensors

Diverse properties of graphenic materials have been extensively explored to determine properties that make good electrochemical nanomaterial-based biosensors. These are reviewed by critically examining the influence of graphene nano-morphology, lattice defects and conductivity. Stability, reproducibility and fabrication are discussed together with sensitivity and selectivity. We provide an outlook on future directions for building efficient electrochemical biosensors.

Cholesterol 25-hydroxylase suppresses rabies virus infection by inhibiting viral entry

Cholesterol-25-hydroxylase (CH25H) is a reticulum-associated membrane protein that catalyzes the oxidation of cholesterol to 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC). Recent studies have revealed that CH25H is an interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) that suppresses infection by several viruses. In the present study, we found that overexpression of both human and murine CH25H inhibited rabies virus (RABV) infection in HEK-293T (293T) cells. In contrast, silencing of CH25H enhanced RABV replication in 293T cells, and a catalytic mutant of CH25H lost its ability to inhibit RABV infection. Treatment with the oxysterol 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC), the product of CH25H, dramatically decreased RABV replication in 293T, BSR and N2a cells by inhibiting viral membrane penetration. These data provide insights into the antiviral function of CH25H against RABV infection, which can potentially be used as a therapeutic agent for rabies.

Differential In Vitro Infection of Neural Cells by Astroviruses

Encephalitis remains a diagnostic conundrum in humans as over 50% of cases are managed without the identification of an etiology. Astroviruses have been detected from the central nervous system of mammals in association with disease, suggesting that this family of RNA viruses could be responsible for cases of some neurological diseases that are currently without an ascribed etiology. However, there are significant barriers to understanding astrovirus infection as the capacity of these viruses to replicate in nervous system cells in vitro has not been determined. We describe primary and immortalized cultured cells of the nervous system that support infection by astroviruses. These results further corroborate the role of astroviruses in causing neurological diseases and will serve as an essential model to interrogate the neuropathogenesis of astrovirus infection.

Recent advances in unbiased pathogen discovery have implicated astroviruses as pathogens of the central nervous system (CNS) of mammals, including humans. However, the capacity of astroviruses to be cultured in CNS-derived cells in vitro has not been reported to date. Both astrovirus VA1/HMO-C (VA1; mamastrovirus 9) and classic human astrovirus 4 (HAstV4; mamastrovirus 1) have been previously detected from cases of human encephalitis. We tested the ability of primary human neurons, primary human astrocytes, and other immortalized human nervous system cell lines (SK-N-SH, U87 MG, and SW-1088) to support infection and replication of these two astrovirus genotypes. Primary astrocytes and SK-N-SH cells supported the full viral life cycle of VA1 with a >100-fold increase in viral RNA levels during a multistep growth curve, detection of viral capsid, and a >100-fold increase in viral titer. Primary astrocytes were permissive with respect to HAstV4 infection and replication but did not yield infectious virus, suggesting abortive infection. Similarly, abortive infection of VA1 was observed in SW-1088 and U87 MG cells. Elevated expression of the chemokine CXCL10 was detected in VA1-infected primary astrocytes and SK-N-SH cells, suggesting that VA1 infection can induce a proinflammatory host response. These findings establish an in vitro cell culture model that is essential for investigation of the basic biology of astroviruses and their neuropathogenic potential.

Advances in rabies prophylaxis and treatment with emphasis on immunoresponse mechanisms

Rabies is a vaccine-preventable fatal disease in man and most mammals. Although rabies is recorded in 150 territories and is responsible for at least 60,000 human deaths every year worldwide, it is a neglected tropical problem. Most of the rabies free countries are considered to be fragile free as the disease may re-emerge easily through wild mammals. For the performance of effective rabies eradication programs, a complex set of strategies and activities is required. At the time, a joint project of WHO-OIE-FAO which was announced in 2015, plans to control animal-human-ecosystems rabies interface. For effective rabies control, prophylactic policies must be applied. These include various educational outreaches for farmers and people living in endemic areas, enforced legislation for responsible dog ownership, control programs for the free-ranging stray dog and cat populations, field large-scale vaccination campaigns, and the development of new vaccine delivery strategies for both humans and animals. The present work presents the advances in the development of new safe, effective and economic vaccines for domestic dogs, and oral vaccines for the control of the disease in wild animals. It presents also some therapeutic protocols used for the treatment of patients.