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Selvavinayagam ST, Sankar S, Yong YK, Anshad AR, Chandramathi S, Somasundaram A, Palani S, Kumarasamy P, Azhaguvel R, Kumar AB, Subramaniam S, Malathi M, Vijayalakshmi V, Rajeshkumar M, Kumaresan A, Pandey RP, Muruganandam N, Gopalan N, Kannan M, Murugesan A, Balakrishnan P, Byrareddy SN, Dash AP, Larsson M, Velu V, Shankar EM, Raju S. Serosurveillance of dengue infection and correlation with mosquito pools for dengue virus positivity during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tamil Nadu, India - A state-wide cross-sectional cluster randomized community-based study. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.06.07.24308595. [PMID: 38883728 PMCID: PMC11178022 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.07.24308595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Background Dengue is a vector-borne viral disease impacting millions across the globe. Nevertheless, akin to many other diseases, reports indicated a decline in dengue incidence and seroprevalence during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-22). This presumably could be attributed to reduced treatment-seeking rates, under-reporting, misdiagnosis, disrupted health services and reduced exposure to vectors due to lockdowns. Scientific evidence on dengue virus (DENV) disease during the COVID-19 pandemic is limited globally. Methods A cross-sectional, randomized cluster sampling community-based survey was carried out to assess anti-dengue IgM and IgG and SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence across all 38 districts of Tamil Nadu, India. The prevalence of DENV in the Aedes mosquito pools during 2021 was analyzed and compared with previous and following years of vector surveillance for DENV by real-time PCR. Findings Results implicate that both DENV-IgM and IgG seroprevalence and mosquito viral positivity were reduced across all the districts. A total of 13464 mosquito pools and 5577 human serum samples from 186 clusters were collected. Of these, 3·76% of mosquito pools were positive for DENV. In the human sera, 4·12% were positive for DENV IgM and 6·4% were positive for DENV IgG. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody titres correlated with dengue seropositivity with a significant association whereas vaccination status significantly correlated with dengue IgM levels. Interpretation Continuous monitoring of DENV seroprevalence, especially with the evolving variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and surge in COVID-19 cases will shed light on the transmission and therapeutic attributes of dengue infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivaprakasam T. Selvavinayagam
- State Public Health Laboratory, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, DMS Campus, Teynampet 600 018, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sathish Sankar
- Centre for Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Yean K. Yong
- Laboratory Centre, Xiamen University Malaysia, 43900 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Abdul R. Anshad
- Infection and Inflammation, Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur 610 005, India
| | - Samudi Chandramathi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Sampath Palani
- State Public Health Laboratory, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, DMS Campus, Teynampet 600 018, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Parthipan Kumarasamy
- State Public Health Laboratory, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, DMS Campus, Teynampet 600 018, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Roshini Azhaguvel
- State Public Health Laboratory, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, DMS Campus, Teynampet 600 018, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ajith B. Kumar
- State Public Health Laboratory, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, DMS Campus, Teynampet 600 018, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Manickam Malathi
- Institute of Vector Control and Zoonoses, Hosur, 635126, Tamil Nadu
| | | | - Manivannan Rajeshkumar
- State Public Health Laboratory, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, DMS Campus, Teynampet 600 018, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Anandhazhvar Kumaresan
- State Public Health Laboratory, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, DMS Campus, Teynampet 600 018, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ramendra P. Pandey
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun, 248007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Nagarajan Muruganandam
- Regional Medical Research Centre, Indian Council of Medical Research, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
| | - Natarajan Gopalan
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur 610 005, India
| | - Meganathan Kannan
- Blood and Vascular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur 610 005, India
| | - Amudhan Murugesan
- Department of Microbiology, Government Theni Medical College and Hospital, Theni, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Pachamuthu Balakrishnan
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Siddappa N. Byrareddy
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68131, USA
| | - Aditya P. Dash
- Asian Institute of Public Health University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Marie Larsson
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 58 185 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Vijayakumar Velu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory Vaccine Center, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Esaki M. Shankar
- Infection and Inflammation, Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur 610 005, India
| | - Sivadoss Raju
- State Public Health Laboratory, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, DMS Campus, Teynampet 600 018, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Balducci M, Locatelli E, Barbieri MG, Ferrighi E, Scardina S, Barrile G, Sganga F, Mattioli I, Remelli F, Maggi S, Volpato S, Trevisan C. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and risk of infectious diseases in hospitalized older patients. Eur Geriatr Med 2024; 15:509-517. [PMID: 38182805 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-023-00902-x] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Vaccinations, for example flu vaccine, may be a cause of cross-reactive immunostimulation that prevents a larger spectrum of infections. However, whether SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations may also determine this effect is unclear. This study aims, first, to assess the incidence of infections at hospital admission and during the hospitalization in older inpatients vaccinated and unvaccinated against SARS-CoV-2; second, to compare length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. METHODS This retrospective study included 754 older inpatients admitted to the Geriatrics and Orthogeriatrics Units of the University Hospital of Ferrara (Italy) between March 2021 and November 2021. Sociodemographic and health-related data, and the diagnosis of infections at hospital admission and during hospitalization were collected from medical records. RESULTS The sample's mean age was 87.2 years, 59.2% were females, and 75.5% were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. Vaccinated individuals had 36% lower odds of intra-hospital infections (OR = 0.64, 95%CI 0.44-0.94) and 39% lower in-hospital death (HR = 0.61, 95%CI 0.39-0.95), also after adjusting for potential confounders, while no significant results emerged about infections at hospital admission. Considering the hospitalization's endpoints, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was associated with a lower probability of being transferred to long-term care or other hospital departments than returning home (OR = 0.63, 95%CI 0.40-0.99). CONCLUSIONS In older inpatients, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination seems to be associated with a lower likelihood of intra-hospital infectious diseases not caused by SARS-CoV-2 and all-cause in-hospital mortality. The vaccination coverage in the older population could limit not only the onset and severity of COVID-19 but also the occurrence of other infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Balducci
- Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124, Ferrara, Italy
- Geriatrics and Orthogeriatrics Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Edoardo Locatelli
- Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124, Ferrara, Italy
- Geriatrics and Orthogeriatrics Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Giorgia Barbieri
- Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124, Ferrara, Italy
- Geriatrics and Orthogeriatrics Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elena Ferrighi
- Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124, Ferrara, Italy
- Geriatrics and Orthogeriatrics Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Serena Scardina
- Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124, Ferrara, Italy
- Geriatrics and Orthogeriatrics Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Barrile
- Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124, Ferrara, Italy
- Geriatrics and Orthogeriatrics Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federica Sganga
- Geriatrics and Orthogeriatrics Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Irene Mattioli
- Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124, Ferrara, Italy
- Geriatrics and Orthogeriatrics Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Remelli
- Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Stefania Maggi
- Institute of Neuroscience - Aging Branch, National Research Council, Padua, Italy
| | - Stefano Volpato
- Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124, Ferrara, Italy
- Geriatrics and Orthogeriatrics Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Caterina Trevisan
- Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124, Ferrara, Italy
- Geriatrics and Orthogeriatrics Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Lerner A, Benzvi C, Vojdani A. HLA-DQ2/8 and COVID-19 in Celiac Disease: Boon or Bane. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2977. [PMID: 38138121 PMCID: PMC10745744 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122977] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues to pose a global threat. While its virulence has subsided, it has persisted due to the continual emergence of new mutations. Although many high-risk conditions related to COVID-19 have been identified, the understanding of protective factors remains limited. Intriguingly, epidemiological evidence suggests a low incidence of COVID-19-infected CD patients. The present study explores whether their genetic background, namely, the associated HLA-DQs, offers protection against severe COVID-19 outcomes. We hypothesize that the HLA-DQ2/8 alleles may shield CD patients from SARS-CoV-2 and its subsequent effects, possibly due to memory CD4 T cells primed by previous exposure to human-associated common cold coronaviruses (CCC) and higher affinity to those allele's groove. In this context, we examined potential cross-reactivity between SARS-CoV-2 epitopes and human-associated CCC and assessed the binding affinity (BA) of these epitopes to HLA-DQ2/8. Using computational methods, we analyzed sequence similarity between SARS-CoV-2 and four distinct CCC. Of 924 unique immunodominant 15-mer epitopes with at least 67% identity, 37 exhibited significant BA to HLA-DQ2/8, suggesting a protective effect. We present various mechanisms that might explain the protective role of HLA-DQ2/8 in COVID-19-afflicted CD patients. If substantiated, these insights could enhance our understanding of the gene-environment enigma and viral-host relationship, guiding potential therapeutic innovations against the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Lerner
- The Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5262160, Israel;
- Research Department, Ariel University, Ariel 4077625, Israel
| | - Carina Benzvi
- The Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5262160, Israel;
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Peng Y, Zhang L, Mok CKP, Ching JYL, Zhao S, Wong MKL, Zhu J, Chen C, Wang S, Yan S, Qin B, Liu Y, Zhang X, Cheung CP, Cheong PK, Ip KL, Fung ACH, Wong KKY, Hui DSC, Chan FKL, Ng SC, Tun HM. Baseline gut microbiota and metabolome predict durable immunogenicity to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:373. [PMID: 37743379 PMCID: PMC10518331 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01629-8] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of gut microbiota in modulating the durability of COVID-19 vaccine immunity is yet to be characterised. In this cohort study, we collected blood and stool samples of 121 BNT162b2 and 40 CoronaVac vaccinees at baseline, 1 month, and 6 months post vaccination (p.v.). Neutralisation antibody, plasma cytokine and chemokines were measured and associated with the gut microbiota and metabolome composition. A significantly higher level of neutralising antibody (at 6 months p.v.) was found in BNT162b2 vaccinees who had higher relative abundances of Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Roseburia faecis as well as higher concentrations of nicotinic acid (Vitamin B) and γ-Aminobutyric acid (P < 0.05) at baseline. CoronaVac vaccinees with high neutralising antibodies at 6 months p.v. had an increased relative abundance of Phocaeicola dorei, a lower relative abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and a higher concentration of L-tryptophan (P < 0.05) at baseline. A higher antibody level at 6 months p.v. was also associated with a higher relative abundance of Dorea formicigenerans at 1 month p.v. among CoronaVac vaccinees (Rho = 0.62, p = 0.001, FDR = 0.123). Of the species altered following vaccination, 79.4% and 42.0% in the CoronaVac and BNT162b2 groups, respectively, recovered at 6 months. Specific to CoronaVac vaccinees, both bacteriome and virome diversity depleted following vaccination and did not recover to baseline at 6 months p.v. (FDR < 0.1). In conclusion, this study identified potential microbiota-based adjuvants that may extend the durability of immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Peng
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Hong Kong, China
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Hong Kong, China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chris K P Mok
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jessica Y L Ching
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Hong Kong, China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shilin Zhao
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Hong Kong, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Matthew K L Wong
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Hong Kong, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Hong Kong, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chunke Chen
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shilan Wang
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Hong Kong, China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shuai Yan
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Hong Kong, China
| | - Biyan Qin
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Hong Kong, China
| | - Yingzhi Liu
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Hong Kong, China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chun Pun Cheung
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Hong Kong, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pui Kuan Cheong
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Hong Kong, China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ka Long Ip
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Hong Kong, China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Adrian C H Fung
- Department of Surgery, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kenneth K Y Wong
- Department of Surgery, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - David S C Hui
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Francis K L Chan
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Gut Microbiota Research, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Siew C Ng
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Hong Kong, China.
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Hein M Tun
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Hong Kong, China.
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Bodas-Pinedo A, Lafuente EM, Pelaez-Prestel HF, Ras-Carmona A, Subiza JL, Reche PA. Combining different bacteria in vaccine formulations enhances the chance for antiviral cross-reactive immunity: a detailed in silico analysis for influenza A virus. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1235053. [PMID: 37675108 PMCID: PMC10477994 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1235053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria are well known to provide heterologous immunity against viral infections through various mechanisms including the induction of innate trained immunity and adaptive cross-reactive immunity. Cross-reactive immunity from bacteria to viruses is responsible for long-term protection and yet its role has been downplayed due the difficulty of determining antigen-specific responses. Here, we carried out a systematic evaluation of the potential cross-reactive immunity from selected bacteria known to induce heterologous immunity against various viruses causing recurrent respiratory infections. The bacteria selected in this work were Bacillus Calmette Guerin and those included in the poly-bacterial preparation MV130: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebisella pneumoniae, Branhamella catarrhalis and Haemophilus influenzae. The virus included influenza A and B viruses, human rhinovirus A, B and C, respiratory syncytial virus A and B and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Through BLAST searches, we first identified the shared peptidome space (identity ≥ 80%, in at least 8 residues) between bacteria and viruses, and subsequently predicted T and B cell epitopes within shared peptides. Interestingly, the potential epitope spaces shared between bacteria in MV130 and viruses are non-overlapping. Hence, combining diverse bacteria can enhance cross-reactive immunity. We next analyzed in detail the cross-reactive T and B cell epitopes between MV130 and influenza A virus. We found that MV130 contains numerous cross-reactive T cell epitopes with high population protection coverage and potentially neutralizing B cell epitopes recognizing hemagglutinin and matrix protein 2. These results contribute to explain the immune enhancing properties of MV130 observed in the clinic against respiratory viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Bodas-Pinedo
- Children’s Digestive Unit, Institute for Children and Adolescents, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther M. Lafuente
- Department of Immunology & O2, Faculty of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria, Pza. Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Hector F. Pelaez-Prestel
- Department of Immunology & O2, Faculty of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria, Pza. Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alvaro Ras-Carmona
- Department of Immunology & O2, Faculty of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria, Pza. Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Pedro A. Reche
- Department of Immunology & O2, Faculty of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria, Pza. Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
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Kell DB, Pretorius E. Are fibrinaloid microclots a cause of autoimmunity in Long Covid and other post-infection diseases? Biochem J 2023; 480:1217-1240. [PMID: 37584410 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20230241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
It is now well established that the blood-clotting protein fibrinogen can polymerise into an anomalous form of fibrin that is amyloid in character; the resultant clots and microclots entrap many other molecules, stain with fluorogenic amyloid stains, are rather resistant to fibrinolysis, can block up microcapillaries, are implicated in a variety of diseases including Long COVID, and have been referred to as fibrinaloids. A necessary corollary of this anomalous polymerisation is the generation of novel epitopes in proteins that would normally be seen as 'self', and otherwise immunologically silent. The precise conformation of the resulting fibrinaloid clots (that, as with prions and classical amyloid proteins, can adopt multiple, stable conformations) must depend on the existing small molecules and metal ions that the fibrinogen may (and is some cases is known to) have bound before polymerisation. Any such novel epitopes, however, are likely to lead to the generation of autoantibodies. A convergent phenomenology, including distinct conformations and seeding of the anomalous form for initiation and propagation, is emerging to link knowledge in prions, prionoids, amyloids and now fibrinaloids. We here summarise the evidence for the above reasoning, which has substantial implications for our understanding of the genesis of autoimmunity (and the possible prevention thereof) based on the primary process of fibrinaloid formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas B Kell
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, U.K
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 200, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1 Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
| | - Etheresia Pretorius
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, U.K
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1 Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
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7
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Lerner A, Benzvi C, Vojdani A. SARS-CoV-2 Gut-Targeted Epitopes: Sequence Similarity and Cross-Reactivity Join Together for Molecular Mimicry. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1937. [PMID: 37509576 PMCID: PMC10376948 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071937] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract can be heavily infected by SARS-CoV-2. Being an auto-immunogenic virus, SARS-CoV-2 represents an environmental factor that might play a role in gut-associated autoimmune diseases. However, molecular mimicry between the virus and the intestinal epitopes is under-investigated. The present study aims to elucidate sequence similarity between viral antigens and human enteric sequences, based on known cross-reactivity. SARS-CoV-2 epitopes that cross-react with human gut antigens were explored, and sequence alignment was performed against self-antigens implicated in enteric autoimmune conditions. Experimental SARS-CoV-2 epitopes were aggregated from the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB), while enteric antigens were obtained from the UniProt Knowledgebase. A Pairwise Local Alignment tool, EMBOSS Matcher, was employed for the similarity search. Sequence similarity and targeted cross-reactivity were depicted between 10 pairs of immunoreactive epitopes. Similar pairs were found in four viral proteins and seven enteric antigens related to ulcerative colitis, primary biliary cholangitis, celiac disease, and autoimmune hepatitis. Antibodies made against the viral proteins that were cross-reactive with human gut antigens are involved in several essential cellular functions. The relationship and contribution of those intestinal cross-reactive epitopes to SARS-CoV-2 or its potential contribution to gut auto-immuno-genesis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Lerner
- Chaim Sheba Medical Center, The Zabludowicz Research Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel
- Research Department, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Carina Benzvi
- Chaim Sheba Medical Center, The Zabludowicz Research Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel
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Czaja AJ. Incorporating the Molecular Mimicry of Environmental Antigens into the Causality of Autoimmune Hepatitis. Dig Dis Sci 2023:10.1007/s10620-023-07967-5. [PMID: 37160542 PMCID: PMC10169207 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-023-07967-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Molecular mimicry between foreign and self-antigens has been implicated as a cause of autoimmune hepatitis in experimental models and cross-reacting antibodies in patients. This review describes the experimental and clinical evidence for molecular mimicry as a cause of autoimmune hepatitis, indicates the limitations and uncertainties of this premise, and encourages investigations that assess diverse environmental antigens as sources of disease-relevant molecular mimics. Pertinent articles were identified in PubMed using multiple search phrases. Several pathogens have linear or conformational epitopes that mimic the self-antigens of autoimmune hepatitis. The occurrence of an acute immune-mediated hepatitis after vaccination for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-associated coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has suggested that vaccine-induced peptides may mimic disease-relevant tissue antigens. The intestinal microbiome is an under-evaluated source of gut-derived antigens that could also engage in molecular mimicry. Chaperone molecules may enhance the pathogenicity of molecular mimics, and they warrant investigation. Molecular mimics of immune dominant epitopes within cytochrome P450 IID6, the autoantigen most closely associated with autoimmune hepatitis, should be sought in diverse environmental antigens and assessed for pathogenicity. Avoidance strategies, dietary adjustments, vaccine improvement, and targeted manipulation of the intestinal microbiota may emerge as therapeutic possibilities. In conclusion, molecular mimicry may be a missing causality of autoimmune hepatitis. Molecular mimics of key immune dominant epitopes of disease-specific antigens must be sought in diverse environmental antigens. The ubiquity of molecular mimicry compels rigorous assessments of peptide mimics for immunogenicity and pathogenicity in experimental models. Molecular mimicry may complement epigenetic modifications as causative mechanisms of autoimmune hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Czaja
- Professor Emeritus of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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López-Monteon A, Balderas-Caballero AE, Domínguez-Guillén JA, Romero-Ramírez H, Baltierra-Uribe SL, Ramos-Ligonio A. Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine induces the production of cross-reactive antibodies against Trypanosoma cruzi proteins: A preliminary study. Trop Med Int Health 2023; 28:384-390. [PMID: 36879355 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13869] [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: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the presence of cross-reactivity by anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibodies induced by the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against Trypanosoma cruzi proteins in a screening test. METHODS Forty-three serum samples were obtained from personnel at the Hospital General Naval de Alta Especialidad in Mexico City who received one or two doses of the vaccine and were tested for T. cruzi infection using four tests: two 'in house' enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), a commercial ELISA diagnostic kit and an immunoblot test. RESULTS IgG antibodies against the T. cruzi proteins were present in the serum of unvaccinated subjects and subjects who had received one or two doses of the vaccine. The positivity of the samples against T. cruzi was ruled out by means of a Western Blot assay, where all samples were negative for T. cruzi. CONCLUSION The data suggest that people convalescing from coronavirus disease 2019 and those who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine exhibit cross-reactive antibodies against T. cruzi antigens in ELISA assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aracely López-Monteon
- LADISER Inmunología y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Orizaba, Mexico.,Asociacion Chagas con Ciencia y Conocimiento A.C. Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | | - Angel Ramos-Ligonio
- LADISER Inmunología y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Orizaba, Mexico.,Asociacion Chagas con Ciencia y Conocimiento A.C. Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico
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Vojdani A, Vojdani E, Saidara E, Maes M. Persistent SARS-CoV-2 Infection, EBV, HHV-6 and Other Factors May Contribute to Inflammation and Autoimmunity in Long COVID. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020400. [PMID: 36851614 PMCID: PMC9967513 DOI: 10.3390/v15020400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel syndrome called long-haul COVID or long COVID is increasingly recognized in a significant percentage of individuals within a few months after infection with SARS-CoV-2. This disorder is characterized by a wide range of persisting, returning or even new but related symptoms that involve different tissues and organs, including respiratory, cardiac, vascular, gastrointestinal, musculo-skeletal, neurological, endocrine and systemic. Some overlapping symptomatologies exist between long COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Very much like with long ME/CFS, infections with herpes family viruses, immune dysregulation, and the persistence of inflammation have been reported as the most common pattern for the development of long COVID. This review describes several factors and determinants of long COVID that have been proposed, elaborating mainly on viral persistence, reactivation of latent viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus and human herpesvirus 6 which are also associated with the pathology of ME/CFS, viral superantigen activation of the immune system, disturbance in the gut microbiome, and multiple tissue damage and autoimmunity. Based on these factors, we propose diagnostic strategies such as the measurement of IgG and IgM antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, EBV, HHV-6, viral superantigens, gut microbiota, and biomarkers of autoimmunity to better understand and manage this multi-factorial disorder that continues to affect millions of people in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristo Vojdani
- Immunosciences Lab, Inc., Los Angeles, CA 90035, USA
- Cyrex Laboratories, LLC, Phoenix, AZ 85034, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-310-657-1077
| | | | - Evan Saidara
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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