1
|
Kirk NM, Liang Y, Ly H. Pathogenesis and virulence of coronavirus disease: Comparative pathology of animal models for COVID-19. Virulence 2024; 15:2316438. [PMID: 38362881 PMCID: PMC10878030 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2024.2316438] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Animal models that can replicate clinical and pathologic features of severe human coronavirus infections have been instrumental in the development of novel vaccines and therapeutics. The goal of this review is to summarize our current understanding of the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the pathologic features that can be observed in several currently available animal models. Knowledge gained from studying these animal models of SARS-CoV-2 infection can help inform appropriate model selection for disease modelling as well as for vaccine and therapeutic developments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie M. Kirk
- Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN, USA
| | - Yuying Liang
- Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN, USA
| | - Hinh Ly
- Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Collins CP, Longo DL, Murphy WJ. The immunobiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccine responses: potential influences of cross-reactive memory responses and aging on efficacy and off-target effects. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1345499. [PMID: 38469293 PMCID: PMC10925677 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1345499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune responses to both SARS-CoV-2 infection and its associated vaccines have been highly variable within the general population. The increasing evidence of long-lasting symptoms after resolution of infection, called post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or "Long COVID," suggests that immune-mediated mechanisms are at play. Closely related endemic common human coronaviruses (hCoV) can induce pre-existing and potentially cross-reactive immunity, which can then affect primary SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as vaccination responses. The influence of pre-existing immunity from these hCoVs, as well as responses generated from original CoV2 strains or vaccines on the development of new high-affinity responses to CoV2 antigenic viral variants, needs to be better understood given the need for continuous vaccine adaptation and application in the population. Due in part to thymic involution, normal aging is associated with reduced naïve T cell compartments and impaired primary antigen responsiveness, resulting in a reliance on the pre-existing cross-reactive memory cell pool which may be of lower affinity, restricted in diversity, or of shorter duration. These effects can also be mediated by the presence of down-regulatory anti-idiotype responses which also increase in aging. Given the tremendous heterogeneity of clinical data, utilization of preclinical models offers the greatest ability to assess immune responses under a controlled setting. These models should now involve prior antigen/viral exposure combined with incorporation of modifying factors such as age on immune responses and effects. This will also allow for mechanistic dissection and understanding of the different immune pathways involved in both SARS-CoV-2 pathogen and potential vaccine responses over time and how pre-existing memory responses, including potential anti-idiotype responses, can affect efficacy as well as potential off-target effects in different tissues as well as modeling PASC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Craig P. Collins
- Graduate Program in Immunology, University of California (UC) Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Dan L. Longo
- Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - William J. Murphy
- Departments of Dermatology and Internal Medicine (Hematology/Oncology), University of California (UC) Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pilchová V, Gerhauser I, Armando F, Wirz K, Schreiner T, de Buhr N, Gabriel G, Wernike K, Hoffmann D, Beer M, Baumgärtner W, von Köckritz-Blickwede M, Schulz C. Characterization of young and aged ferrets as animal models for SARS-CoV-2 infection with focus on neutrophil extracellular traps. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1283595. [PMID: 38169647 PMCID: PMC10758425 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1283595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are net-like structures released by activated neutrophils upon infection [e.g., severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)] as part of the innate immune response that have protective effects by pathogen entrapment and immobilization or result in detrimental consequences for the host due to the massive release of NETs and their impaired degradation by nucleases like DNase-1. Higher amounts of NETs are associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity and are a risk factor for severe disease outcome. The objective of our study was to investigate NET formation in young versus aged ferrets to evaluate their value as translational model for SARS-CoV-2-infection and to correlate different NET markers and virological parameters. In each of the two groups (young and aged), nine female ferrets were intratracheally infected with 1 mL of 106 TCID50/mL SARS-CoV-2 (BavPat1/2020) and euthanized at 4, 7, or 21 days post-infection. Three animals per group served as negative controls. Significantly more infectious virus and viral RNA was found in the upper respiratory tract of aged ferrets. Interestingly, cell-free DNA and DNase-1 activity was generally higher in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) but significantly lower in serum of aged compared to young ferrets. In accordance with these data, immunofluorescence microscopy revealed significantly more NETs in lungs of aged compared to young infected ferrets. The association of SARS-CoV-2-antigen in the respiratory mucosa and NET markers in the nasal conchae, but the absence of virus antigen in the lungs, confirms the nasal epithelium as the major location for virus replication as described for young ferrets. Furthermore, a strong positive correlation was found between virus shedding and cell-free DNA or the level of DNAse-1 activity in aged ferrets. Despite the increased NET formation in infected lungs of aged ferrets, the animals did not show a strong NET phenotype and correlation among tested NET markers. Therefore, ferrets are of limited use to study SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis associated with NET formation. Nevertheless, the mild to moderate clinical signs, virus shedding pattern, and the lung pathology of aged ferrets confirm those animals as a relevant model to study age-dependent COVID-19 pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Pilchová
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ingo Gerhauser
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience Hannover (ZSN), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Federico Armando
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Katrin Wirz
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tom Schreiner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience Hannover (ZSN), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nicole de Buhr
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gülşah Gabriel
- Department for Viral Zoonoses-One Health, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute for Virology, University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kerstin Wernike
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich Loeffler Institute, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Donata Hoffmann
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich Loeffler Institute, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Martin Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich Loeffler Institute, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience Hannover (ZSN), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maren von Köckritz-Blickwede
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Claudia Schulz
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Usai C, Mateu L, Brander C, Vergara-Alert J, Segalés J. Animal models to study the neurological manifestations of the post-COVID-19 condition. Lab Anim (NY) 2023; 52:202-210. [PMID: 37620562 PMCID: PMC10462483 DOI: 10.1038/s41684-023-01231-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
More than 40% of individuals infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have experienced persistent or relapsing multi-systemic symptoms months after the onset of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) has debilitating effects on the daily life of patients and encompasses a broad spectrum of neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms including olfactory and gustative impairment, difficulty with concentration and short-term memory, sleep disorders and depression. Animal models have been instrumental to understand acute COVID-19 and validate prophylactic and therapeutic interventions. Similarly, studies post-viral clearance in hamsters, mice and nonhuman primates inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 have been useful to unveil some of the aspects of PCC. Transcriptomic alterations in the central nervous system, persistent activation of immune cells and impaired hippocampal neurogenesis seem to have a critical role in the neurological manifestations observed in animal models infected with SARS-CoV-2. Interestingly, the proinflammatory transcriptomic profile observed in the central nervous system of SARS-CoV-2-inoculated mice partially overlaps with the pathological changes that affect microglia in humans during Alzheimer's disease and aging, suggesting shared mechanisms between these conditions. None of the currently available animal models fully replicates PCC in humans; therefore, multiple models, together with the fine-tuning of experimental conditions, will probably be needed to understand the mechanisms of PCC neurological symptoms. Moreover, given that the intrinsic characteristics of the new variants of concern and the immunological status of individuals might influence PCC manifestations, more studies are needed to explore the role of these factors and their combinations in PCC, adding further complexity to the design of experimental models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Usai
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
- IRTA Programa de Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la UAB, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Lourdes Mateu
- Infectious Disease Service, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute and Hospital, Badalona, Spain
| | - Christian Brander
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Júlia Vergara-Alert
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
- IRTA Programa de Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la UAB, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Joaquim Segalés
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain.
- Department de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Campus de la UAB, Bellaterra, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhao Y, Wang CL, Gao ZY, Qiao HX, Wang WJ, Liu XY, Chuai X. Ferrets: A powerful model of SARS-CoV-2. Zool Res 2023; 44:323-330. [PMID: 36799224 PMCID: PMC10083223 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2022.351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in recent years not only caused a global pandemic but resulted in enormous social, economic, and health burdens worldwide. Despite considerable efforts to combat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), various SARS-CoV-2 variants have emerged, and their underlying mechanisms of pathogenicity remain largely unknown. Furthermore, effective therapeutic drugs are still under development. Thus, an ideal animal model is crucial for studying the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and for the preclinical evaluation of vaccines and antivirals against SARS-CoV-2 and variant infections. Currently, several animal models, including mice, hamsters, ferrets, and non-human primates (NHPs), have been established to study COVID-19. Among them, ferrets are naturally susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and are considered suitable for COVID-19 study. Here, we summarize recent developments and application of SARS-CoV-2 ferret models in studies on pathogenesis, therapeutic agents, and vaccines, and provide a perspective on the role of these models in preventing COVID-19 spread.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China
- Institute of Medicine and Healthy of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China
| | - Chang-Le Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China
| | - Zhi-Yun Gao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China
- Institute of Medicine and Healthy of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China
| | - Hong-Xiu Qiao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China
- Institute of Medicine and Healthy of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China
| | - Wei-Jie Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China
- Institute of Medicine and Healthy of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China
| | - Xin-Yan Liu
- Department of Oncology, Hebei Provincial Thoracic Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050010, China
| | - Xia Chuai
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China
- Institute of Medicine and Healthy of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kaczorek-Łukowska E, Wernike K, Beer M, Blank A, Małaczewska J, Blank M, Jałonicka A, Siwicki AK. No indication for SARS-CoV-2 transmission to pet ferrets, in five cities in Poland, 2021 - antibody testing among ferrets living with owners infected with SARS-CoV-2 or free of infection. Acta Vet Scand 2023; 65:9. [PMID: 36855124 PMCID: PMC9974054 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-023-00672-3] [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: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first identified in China by the end of 2019 and was responsible for a pandemic in the human population that resulted in millions of deaths worldwide. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the role of animals as spill-over or reservoir hosts was discussed. In addition to cats and dogs, ferrets are becoming increasingly popular as companion animals. Under experimental conditions, ferrets are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and it appears that they can also be infected through contact with a SARS-CoV-2 positive owner. However, there is still little information available regarding these natural infections. Here, we serologically tested samples collected from pet ferrets (n = 45) from Poland between June and September 2021. Of the ferrets that were included in the study, 29% (13/45) had contact with owners with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections. Nevertheless, SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies could not be detected in any of the animals, independent of the infection status of the owner. The obtained results suggest that ferrets cannot be readily infected with SARS-CoV-2 under natural conditions, even after prolonged contact with infected humans. However, due to the rapid mutation rate of this virus, it is important to include ferrets in future monitoring studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Kaczorek-Łukowska
- Department of Microbiology and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 13, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Kerstin Wernike
- grid.417834.dInstitute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin Beer
- grid.417834.dInstitute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Alicja Blank
- grid.412607.60000 0001 2149 6795Department of Microbiology and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 13, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Joanna Małaczewska
- grid.412607.60000 0001 2149 6795Department of Microbiology and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 13, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Mirosława Blank
- Association of Friends of Ferrets, Mickiewicza 18a/4, 01-517 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Jałonicka
- PULSVET Specialist Veterinary Clinic, Alternatywy 7/U8, 02-775 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Krzysztof Siwicki
- grid.412607.60000 0001 2149 6795Department of Microbiology and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 13, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Carpenter KC, Yang J, Xu JJ. Animal Models for the Study of Neurologic Manifestations Of COVID-19. Comp Med 2023; 73:91-103. [PMID: 36744556 PMCID: PMC9948905 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-22-000073] [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: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of the worldwide coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, has infected an estimated 525 million people with over 6 million deaths. Although COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory disease, an escalating number of neurologic symptoms have been reported in humans. Some neurologic symptoms, such as loss of smell or taste, are mild. However, other symptoms, such as meningoencephalitis or stroke, are potentially fatal. Along with surveys and postmortem evaluations on humans, scientists worked with several animal species to try to elucidate the causes of neurologic symptoms. Neurologic sequelae remain challenging to study due to the complexity of the nervous system and difficulties in identification and quantification of neurologic signs. We reviewed animal models used in the study of neurologic COVID-19, specifically research in mice, hamsters, ferrets, and nonhuman primates. We summarized findings on the presence and pathologic effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the nervous system. Given the need to increase understanding of COVID-19 and its effects on the nervous system, scientists must strive to obtain new information from animals to reduce mortality and morbidity with neurologic complications in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey C Carpenter
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan;,
| | - Jibing Yang
- Center for Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jiajie J Xu
- Division of Animal Resources, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gabrielson K, Myers S, Yi J, Gabrielson E, Jimenez IA. Comparison of Cardiovascular Pathology In Animal Models of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Recommendations Regarding Standardization of Research Methods. Comp Med 2023; 73:58-71. [PMID: 36731878 PMCID: PMC9948900 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-22-000095] [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: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged as the viral pathogen that led to the global COVID-19 pandemic that began in late 2019. Because SARS-CoV-2 primarily causes a respiratory disease, much research conducted to date has focused on the respiratory system. However, SARS-CoV-2 infection also affects other organ systems, including the cardiovascular system. In this critical analysis of published data, we evaluate the evidence of cardiovascular pathology in human patients and animals. Overall, we find that the presence or absence of cardiovascular pathology is reported infrequently in both human autopsy studies and animal models of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, in those studies that have reported cardiovascular pathology, we identified issues in their design and execution that reduce confidence in the conclusions regarding SARS-CoV-2 infection as a cause of significant cardiovascular pathology. Throughout this overview, we expand on these limitations and provide recommendations to ensure a high level of scientific rigor and reproducibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Gabrielson
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Stephanie Myers
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, Texas; and
| | - Jena Yi
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Edward Gabrielson
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Isabel A Jimenez
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Vilas Boas de Melo C, Peters F, van Dijken H, Lenz S, van de Ven K, Wijsman L, Gomersbach A, Schouten T, van Kasteren PB, van den Brand J, de Jonge J. Influenza Infection in Ferrets with SARS-CoV-2 Infection History. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0138622. [PMID: 36301107 PMCID: PMC9784775 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01386-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to contain the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic drastically reduced human-to-human interactions, decreasing the circulation of other respiratory viruses, as well. Consequently, influenza virus circulation, which is normally responsible for 3 to 5 million hospitalizations per year globally, was significantly reduced. With the downscaling of the NPI countermeasures, there is a concern for increased influenza disease, particularly in individuals suffering from postacute effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection. To investigate this, we performed a sequential influenza H1N1 infection 4 weeks after an initial SARS-CoV-2 infection in ferrets. Upon H1N1 infection, ferrets that were previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 showed an increased tendency to develop clinical signs, compared to the control H1N1-infected animals. A histopathological analysis indicated only a slight increase for type II pneumocyte hyperplasia and bronchitis. Thus, the effects of the sequential infection appeared minor. However, ferrets were infected with B.1.351-SARS-CoV-2, the beta variant of concern, which replicated poorly in our model. The histopathology of the respiratory organs was mostly resolved 4 weeks after the SARS-CoV-2 infection, with only reminiscent histopathological features in the upper respiratory tract. Nevertheless, SARS-CoV-2 specific cellular and humoral responses were observed, confirming an established infection. On account of a modest trend toward the enhancement of the influenza disease, even upon a mild SARS-CoV-2 infection, our findings suggest that a stronger SARS-CoV-2 infection and its consequent, long-term effects could have a greater impact on the outcome of disease after a sequential influenza infection. Hence, the influenza vaccination of individuals suffering from postacute SARS-CoV-2 infection effects may be considered an avertible measure for such a scenario. IMPORTANCE During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of face masks, social distancing, and isolation were effective not only in decreasing the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 but also in reducing other respiratory viruses, such as influenza. With fewer restrictions currently in place, influenza is slowly returning. In the meantime, people who are still suffering from long-COVID could be more vulnerable to an influenza virus infection and could develop a more severe influenza disease. This study provides directions to the effect of a previous SARS-CoV-2 exposure on influenza disease severity in a ferret model. This model is highly valuable to test sequential infections under controlled settings for translation to humans. We could not induce clear long-term COVID-19 effects, as the SARS-CoV-2 infections in the ferrets were mild. However, we still observed a slight increase in influenza disease severity compared to ferrets that had not encountered SARS-CoV-2 before. Therefore, it may be advisable to include long-COVID patients as a risk group for influenza vaccination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Florence Peters
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Harry van Dijken
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Stefanie Lenz
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Koen van de Ven
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Lisa Wijsman
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Angéla Gomersbach
- Animal Research Centre, Poonawalla Science Park, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Tanja Schouten
- Animal Research Centre, Poonawalla Science Park, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Puck B. van Kasteren
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jørgen de Jonge
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
van de Ven K, Lanfermeijer J, van Dijken H, Muramatsu H, Vilas Boas de Melo C, Lenz S, Peters F, Beattie MB, Lin PJC, Ferreira JA, van den Brand J, van Baarle D, Pardi N, de Jonge J. A universal influenza mRNA vaccine candidate boosts T cell responses and reduces zoonotic influenza virus disease in ferrets. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eadc9937. [PMID: 36516261 PMCID: PMC9750153 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adc9937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Universal influenza vaccines should protect against continuously evolving and newly emerging influenza viruses. T cells may be an essential target of such vaccines, as they can clear infected cells through recognition of conserved influenza virus epitopes. We evaluated a novel T cell-inducing nucleoside-modified messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine that encodes the conserved nucleoprotein, matrix protein 1, and polymerase basic protein 1 of an H1N1 influenza virus. To mimic the human situation, we applied the mRNA vaccine as a prime-boost regimen in naïve ferrets (mimicking young children) and as a booster in influenza-experienced ferrets (mimicking adults). The vaccine induced and boosted broadly reactive T cells in the circulation, bone marrow, and respiratory tract. Booster vaccination enhanced protection against heterosubtypic infection with a potential pandemic H7N9 influenza virus in influenza-experienced ferrets. Our findings show that mRNA vaccines encoding internal influenza virus proteins represent a promising strategy to induce broadly protective T cell immunity against influenza viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koen van de Ven
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Josien Lanfermeijer
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Harry van Dijken
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Hiromi Muramatsu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Caroline Vilas Boas de Melo
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Stefanie Lenz
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Florence Peters
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | | | | | - José A. Ferreira
- Department of Statistics, Informatics and Modelling, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Judith van den Brand
- Division of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Debbie van Baarle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Virology and Immunology Research Group, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jørgen de Jonge
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Clerbaux LA, Mayasich SA, Muñoz A, Soares H, Petrillo M, Albertini MC, Lanthier N, Grenga L, Amorim MJ. Gut as an Alternative Entry Route for SARS-CoV-2: Current Evidence and Uncertainties of Productive Enteric Infection in COVID-19. J Clin Med 2022; 11:5691. [PMID: 36233559 PMCID: PMC9573230 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11195691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The gut has been proposed as a potential alternative entry route for SARS-CoV-2. This was mainly based on the high levels of SARS-CoV-2 receptor expressed in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the observations of GI disorders (such as diarrhea) in some COVID-19 patients and the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in feces. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. It has been proposed that SARS-CoV-2 can productively infect enterocytes, damaging the intestinal barrier and contributing to inflammatory response, which might lead to GI manifestations, including diarrhea. Here, we report a methodological approach to assess the evidence supporting the sequence of events driving SARS-CoV-2 enteric infection up to gut adverse outcomes. Exploring evidence permits to highlight knowledge gaps and current inconsistencies in the literature and to guide further research. Based on the current insights on SARS-CoV-2 intestinal infection and transmission, we then discuss the potential implication on clinical practice, including on long COVID. A better understanding of the GI implication in COVID-19 is still needed to improve disease management and could help identify innovative therapies or preventive actions targeting the GI tract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sally A. Mayasich
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Aquatic Sciences Center at US EPA, Duluth, MN 55804, USA
| | - Amalia Muñoz
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 2440 Geel, Belgium
| | - Helena Soares
- Laboratory of Human Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, iNOVA4Health, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas—Nova Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1099-085 Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | - Nicolas Lanthier
- Laboratory of Hepatogastroenterology, Service d’Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lucia Grenga
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA), Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), Université Paris-Saclay, 91190 Paris, France
| | - Maria-Joao Amorim
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, 2780-156 Lisbon, Portugal
- Católica Biomedical Research Centre, Católica Medical School, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
The continued spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in humans necessitates evaluation of variants for enhanced virulence and transmission. We used the ferret model to perform a comparative analysis of four SARS-CoV-2 strains, including an early pandemic isolate from the United States (WA1), and representatives of the Alpha, Beta, and Delta lineages. While Beta virus was not capable of pronounced replication in ferrets, WA1, Alpha, and Delta viruses productively replicated in the ferret upper respiratory tract, despite causing only mild disease with no overt histopathological changes. Strain-specific transmissibility was observed; WA1 and Delta viruses transmitted in a direct contact setting, whereas Delta virus was also capable of limited airborne transmission. Viral RNA was shed in exhaled air particles from all inoculated animals but was highest for Delta virus. Prior infection with SARS-CoV-2 offered varied protection against reinfection with either homologous or heterologous variants. Notable genomic variants in the spike protein were most frequently detected following WA1 and Delta virus infection.
Collapse
|
13
|
Clerbaux LA, Albertini MC, Amigó N, Beronius A, Bezemer GFG, Coecke S, Daskalopoulos EP, del Giudice G, Greco D, Grenga L, Mantovani A, Muñoz A, Omeragic E, Parissis N, Petrillo M, Saarimäki LA, Soares H, Sullivan K, Landesmann B. Factors Modulating COVID-19: A Mechanistic Understanding Based on the Adverse Outcome Pathway Framework. J Clin Med 2022; 11:4464. [PMID: 35956081 PMCID: PMC9369763 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Addressing factors modulating COVID-19 is crucial since abundant clinical evidence shows that outcomes are markedly heterogeneous between patients. This requires identifying the factors and understanding how they mechanistically influence COVID-19. Here, we describe how eleven selected factors (age, sex, genetic factors, lipid disorders, heart failure, gut dysbiosis, diet, vitamin D deficiency, air pollution and exposure to chemicals) influence COVID-19 by applying the Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP), which is well-established in regulatory toxicology. This framework aims to model the sequence of events leading to an adverse health outcome. Several linear AOPs depicting pathways from the binding of the virus to ACE2 up to clinical outcomes observed in COVID-19 have been developed and integrated into a network offering a unique overview of the mechanisms underlying the disease. As SARS-CoV-2 infectibility and ACE2 activity are the major starting points and inflammatory response is central in the development of COVID-19, we evaluated how those eleven intrinsic and extrinsic factors modulate those processes impacting clinical outcomes. Applying this AOP-aligned approach enables the identification of current knowledge gaps orientating for further research and allows to propose biomarkers to identify of high-risk patients. This approach also facilitates expertise synergy from different disciplines to address public health issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laure-Alix Clerbaux
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (S.C.); (E.P.D.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (B.L.)
| | | | - Núria Amigó
- Biosfer Teslab SL., 43204 Reus, Spain;
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), 23204 Reus, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Beronius
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Gillina F. G. Bezemer
- Impact Station, 1223 JR Hilversum, The Netherlands;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Coecke
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (S.C.); (E.P.D.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Evangelos P. Daskalopoulos
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (S.C.); (E.P.D.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Giusy del Giudice
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33100 Tampere, Finland; (G.d.G.); (D.G.); (L.A.S.)
| | - Dario Greco
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33100 Tampere, Finland; (G.d.G.); (D.G.); (L.A.S.)
| | - Lucia Grenga
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, SPI, F-30200 Bagnols-sur-Ceze, France;
| | - Alberto Mantovani
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Amalia Muñoz
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 2440 Geel, Belgium;
| | - Elma Omeragic
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Nikolaos Parissis
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (S.C.); (E.P.D.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Mauro Petrillo
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (S.C.); (E.P.D.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Laura A. Saarimäki
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33100 Tampere, Finland; (G.d.G.); (D.G.); (L.A.S.)
| | - Helena Soares
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas Medical School, University of Lisbon, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Kristie Sullivan
- Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Washington, DC 20016, USA;
| | - Brigitte Landesmann
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (S.C.); (E.P.D.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (B.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Varying Viral Replication and Disease Profiles of H2N2 Influenza in Ferrets Is Associated with Virus Isolate and Inoculation Route. J Virol 2022; 96:e0073222. [PMID: 35862678 PMCID: PMC9327684 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00732-22] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In 1957 the world was subjected to a pandemic caused by an influenza A virus of the subtype H2N2. Although the virus disappeared in 1968, H2 viruses continue to circulate in avian reservoirs.
Collapse
|
15
|
Goto N, Suzuki H, Tanaka T, Asano T, Kaneko MK, Kato Y. Development of a Monoclonal Antibody PMab-292 Against Ferret Podoplanin. Monoclon Antib Immunodiagn Immunother 2022; 41:101-109. [PMID: 35471053 DOI: 10.1089/mab.2021.0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) have been used as small animal models to investigate severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses (SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2) infections. Pathological analyses of these tissue samples, including those of the lung, are, therefore, essential to understand the pathogenesis of SARS-CoVs and evaluate the action of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against this disease. However, mAbs that recognize ferret-derived proteins and distinguish between specific cell types, such as lung epithelial cells, are limited. Podoplanin (PDPN) has been identified as an essential marker in lung type I alveolar epithelial cells, kidney podocytes, and lymphatic endothelial cells. In this study, an anti-ferret PDPN (ferPDPN) mAb PMab-292 (mouse IgG1, kappa) was established using the Cell-Based Immunization and Screening (CBIS) method. PMab-292 recognized ferPDPN-overexpressed Chinese hamster ovary-K1 (CHO/ferPDPN) cells by flow cytometry and Western blotting. The kinetic analysis using flow cytometry showed that the KD of PMab-292 for CHO/ferPDPN was 3.4 × 10-8 M. Furthermore, PMab-292 detected lung type I alveolar epithelial cells, lymphatic endothelial cells, and glomerular/Bowman's capsule in the kidney using immunohistochemistry. Hence, these results propose the usefulness of PMab-292 in analyzing ferret-derived tissues for SARS-CoV-2 research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nohara Goto
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Tanaka
- Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Teizo Asano
- Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Mika K Kaneko
- Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yukinari Kato
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Bi Z, Hong W, Yang J, Lu S, Peng X. Animal models for SARS-CoV-2 infection and pathology. MedComm (Beijing) 2021; 2:548-568. [PMID: 34909757 PMCID: PMC8662225 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the etiology of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Current variants including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Lambda increase the capacity of infection and transmission of SARS-CoV-2, which might disable the in-used therapies and vaccines. The COVID-19 has now put an enormous strain on health care system all over the world. Therefore, the development of animal models that can capture characteristics and immune responses observed in COVID-19 patients is urgently needed. Appropriate models could accelerate the testing of therapeutic drugs and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. In this review, we aim to summarize the current animal models for SARS-CoV-2 infection, including mice, hamsters, nonhuman primates, and ferrets, and discuss the details of transmission, pathology, and immunology induced by SARS-CoV-2 in these animal models. We hope this could throw light to the increased usefulness in fundamental studies of COVID-19 and the preclinical analysis of vaccines and therapeutic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenfei Bi
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug TargetState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyNational Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Weiqi Hong
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug TargetState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyNational Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Jingyun Yang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug TargetState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyNational Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Shuaiyao Lu
- National Kunming High‐level Biosafety Primate Research CenterInstitute of Medical BiologyChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeYunnanChina
| | - Xiaozhong Peng
- National Kunming High‐level Biosafety Primate Research CenterInstitute of Medical BiologyChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeYunnanChina
| |
Collapse
|