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Stevens A, Cruz-Cosme R, Armstrong N, Tang Q, Zhou ZH. Structure-guided mutagenesis targeting interactions between pp150 tegument protein and small capsid protein identify five lethal and two live-attenuated HCMV mutants. Virology 2024; 596:110115. [PMID: 38805802 PMCID: PMC11260070 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2024.110115] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replication relies on a nucleocapsid coat of the 150 kDa, subfamily-specific tegument phosphoprotein (pp150) to regulate cytoplasmic virion maturation. While recent structural studies revealed pp150-capsid interactions, the role of specific amino-acids involved in these interactions have not been established experimentally. In this study, pp150 and the small capsid protein (SCP), one of pp150's binding partners found atop the major capsid protein (MCP), were subjected to mutational and structural analyses. Mutations to clusters of polar or hydrophobic residues along the pp150-SCP interface abolished viral replication, with no replication detected in mutant virus-infected cells. Notably, a single amino acid mutation (pp150 K255E) at the pp150-MCP interface significantly attenuated viral replication, unlike in pp150-deletion mutants where capsids degraded outside host nuclei. These functionally significant mutations targeting pp150-capsid interactions, particularly the pp150 K255E replication-attenuated mutant, can be explored to overcome the historical challenges of developing effective antivirals and vaccines against HCMV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Stevens
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ruth Cruz-Cosme
- Department of Microbiology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Najealicka Armstrong
- Department of Microbiology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Qiyi Tang
- Department of Microbiology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Z Hong Zhou
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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2
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Sabbaghian M, Gheitasi H, Fadaee M, Javadi Henafard H, Tavakoli A, Shekarchi AA, Poortahmasebi V. Human cytomegalovirus microRNAs: strategies for immune evasion and viral latency. Arch Virol 2024; 169:157. [PMID: 38969819 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-024-06080-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Viruses use various strategies and mechanisms to deal with cells and proteins of the immune system that form a barrier against infection. One of these mechanisms is the encoding and production of viral microRNAs (miRNAs), whose function is to regulate the gene expression of the host cell and the virus, thus creating a suitable environment for survival and spreading viral infection. miRNAs are short, single-stranded, non-coding RNA molecules that can regulate the expression of host and viral proteins, and due to their non-immunogenic nature, they are not eliminated by the cells of the immune system. More than half of the viral miRNAs are encoded and produced by Orthoherpesviridae family members. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) produces miRNAs that mediate various processes in infected cells to contribute to HCMV pathogenicity, including immune escape, viral latency, and cell apoptosis. Here, we discuss which cellular and viral proteins or cellular pathways and processes these mysterious molecules target to evade immunity and support viral latency in infected cells. We also discuss current evidence that their function of bypassing the host's innate and adaptive immune system is essential for the survival and multiplication of the virus and the spread of HCMV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Sabbaghian
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Gheitasi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Manouchehr Fadaee
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Ahmad Tavakoli
- Research Center of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Shekarchi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahdat Poortahmasebi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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3
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Kotton CN, Torre-Cisneros J, Yakoub-Agha I. Slaying the "Troll of Transplantation"-new frontiers in cytomegalovirus management: A report from the CMV International Symposium 2023. Transpl Infect Dis 2024; 26:e14183. [PMID: 37942955 DOI: 10.1111/tid.14183] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
The 2023 International CMV Symposium took place in Barcelona in May 2023. During the 2-day meeting, delegates and faculty discussed the ongoing challenge of managing the risk of cytomegalovirus infection (the Troll of Transplantation) after solid organ or hematopoietic cell transplantation. Opportunities to improve outcomes of transplant recipients by applying advances in antiviral prophylaxis or pre-emptive therapy, immunotherapy, and monitoring of cell-mediated immunity to routine clinical practice were debated and relevant educational clinical cases presented. This review summarizes the presentations, cases, and discussions from the meeting and describes how further advances are needed before the Troll of Transplantation is slain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille N Kotton
- Transplant and Immunocompromised Host Infectious Diseases, Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julian Torre-Cisneros
- Maimónides Institute for Biomedical Research of Cordoba (IMIBIC)/Reina Sofía University Hospital/University of Cordoba (UCO), Cordoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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4
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Bakhshi A, Eslami N, Norouzi N, Letafatkar N, Amini-Salehi E, Hassanipour S. The association between various viral infections and multiple sclerosis: An umbrella review on systematic review and meta-analysis. Rev Med Virol 2024; 34:e2494. [PMID: 38010852 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2494] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the immune-mediated demyelinating disorders. Multiple components, including the environment and genetics, are possible factors in the pathogenesis of MS. Also, it can be said that infections are a key component of the host's response to MS development. Finally, we evaluated the relationship between different pathogens and MS disease in this umbrella research. We systematically collected and analysed multiple meta-analyses focused on one particular topic. We utilised the Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases starting with inception until 30 May 2023. The methodological quality of the analysed meta-analysis has been determined based on Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews 2 and Grade, and graph construction and statistical analysis were conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis. The Confidence Interval of effect size was 95% in meta-analyses, and p < 0.05 indicated a statistically meaningful relationship. The included studies evaluated the association between MS and 12 viruses containing SARS-CoV-2, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Hepatitis B virus, varicella-zoster virus (VZV), human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), HHV-7, HHV-8, HSV-1, HSV-2, Cytomegalovirus, Human Papillomavirus, and influenza. SARS-CoV-2, with a 3.74 odds ratio, has a significantly more potent negative effect on MS among viral infections. After that, EBV, HHV-6, HSV-2, and VZV, respectively, with 3.33, 2.81, 1.76, and 1.72 odds ratios, had a significantly negative relationship with MS (p < 0.05). Although the theoretical evidence mostly indicates that EBV has the greatest effect on MS, recent epidemiological studies have challenged this conclusion and put forward possibilities that SARS-CoV-2 is the culprit. Hence, it was necessary to investigate the effects of SARS-CoV-2 and EBV on MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Bakhshi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Narges Eslami
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Naeim Norouzi
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Negin Letafatkar
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Ehsan Amini-Salehi
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Soheil Hassanipour
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
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5
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Zhang S, Nan F, Jiang S, Zhou X, Niu D, Li J, Wang H, Zhang X, Zhang X, Wang B. CRM197-conjugated peptides vaccine of HCMV pp65 and gH induce maturation of DC and effective viral-specific T cell responses. Virulence 2023; 14:2169488. [PMID: 36723437 PMCID: PMC9897769 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2169488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is prevalent worldwide, and there is currently no licenced HCMV vaccine to control it. Therefore, developing an effective HCMV vaccine is a significant priority. Because of their excellent immunogenicity, the crucial components of HCMV, phosphoprotein 65 (pp65) and glycoproteins H (gH) are potential target proteins for HCMV vaccine design. In this study, we predicted and screened the dominant antigenic epitopes of B and T cells from pp65 and gH conjugated with the carrier protein cross-reacting material 197 (CRM197) to form three peptide-CRM197 vaccines (pp65-CRM197, gH-CRM197, and pp65-CRM197+gH-CRM197). Furthermore, the immunogenicity of the peptide-CRM197 vaccines and their effects on dendritic cells (DCs) were explored. The results showed that three peptide-CRM197 vaccines could induce maturation of DCs through the p38 MAPK signalling pathway and promote the release of proinflammatory factors, such as TNF-α and interleukin (IL) -6. Meanwhile, the peptide-CRM197 vaccines could effectively activate T cell and humoral immunity, which were far better than the inactivated HCMV vaccine. In conclusion, we constructed three peptide-CRM197 vaccines, which could induce multiple immune effects, providing a novel approach for HCMV vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyun Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Special Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China,CONTACT Bin Wang Department of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Special Medicine, School of Basic Medicine Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fulong Nan
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Special Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China,CONTACT Bin Wang Department of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Special Medicine, School of Basic Medicine Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shasha Jiang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Special Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaoqiong Zhou
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Special Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Delei Niu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Special Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Special Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Special Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xueming Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Special Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xianjuan Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Special Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Special Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China,CONTACT Bin Wang Department of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Special Medicine, School of Basic Medicine Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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6
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Bottino P, Pastrone L, Curtoni A, Bondi A, Sidoti F, Zanotto E, Cavallo R, Solidoro P, Costa C. Antiviral Approach to Cytomegalovirus Infection: An Overview of Conventional and Novel Strategies. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2372. [PMID: 37894030 PMCID: PMC10608897 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102372] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a herpesvirus capable of establishing a lifelong persistence in the host through a chronic state of infection and remains an essential global concern due to its distinct life cycle, mutations, and latency. It represents a life-threatening pathogen for immunocompromised patients, such as solid organ transplanted patients, HIV-positive individuals, and hematopoietic stem cell recipients. Multiple antiviral approaches are currently available and administered in order to prevent or manage viral infections in the early stages. However, limitations due to side effects and the onset of antidrug resistance are a hurdle to their efficacy, especially for long-term therapies. Novel antiviral molecules, together with innovative approaches (e.g., genetic editing and RNA interference) are currently in study, with promising results performed in vitro and in vivo. Since HCMV is a virus able to establish latent infection, with a consequential risk of reactivation, infection management could benefit from preventive treatment for critical patients, such as immunocompromised individuals and seronegative pregnant women. This review will provide an overview of conventional antiviral clinical approaches and their mechanisms of action. Additionally, an overview of proposed and developing new molecules is provided, including nucleic-acid-based therapies and immune-mediated approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Bottino
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, A.O.U. “Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino”, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (F.S.); (E.Z.); (R.C.)
| | - Lisa Pastrone
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, A.O.U. “Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino”, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (F.S.); (E.Z.); (R.C.)
| | - Antonio Curtoni
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, A.O.U. “Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino”, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (F.S.); (E.Z.); (R.C.)
| | - Alessandro Bondi
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, A.O.U. “Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino”, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (F.S.); (E.Z.); (R.C.)
| | - Francesca Sidoti
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, A.O.U. “Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino”, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (F.S.); (E.Z.); (R.C.)
| | - Elisa Zanotto
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, A.O.U. “Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino”, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (F.S.); (E.Z.); (R.C.)
| | - Rossana Cavallo
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, A.O.U. “Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino”, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (F.S.); (E.Z.); (R.C.)
| | - Paolo Solidoro
- Pneumology Unit, A.O.U. “Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino”, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Cristina Costa
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, A.O.U. “Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino”, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.); (F.S.); (E.Z.); (R.C.)
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7
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Syrigos GV, Feige M, Dirlam A, Businger R, Gruska I, Wiebusch L, Hamprecht K, Schindler M. Abemaciclib restricts HCMV replication by suppressing pUL97-mediated phosphorylation of SAMHD1. Antiviral Res 2023; 217:105689. [PMID: 37516154 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105689] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a herpesvirus that causes life-threatening infections in newborns or immunosuppressed patients. For viral replication, HCMV establishes a network of cellular interactions, among others cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK). Furthermore, HCMV encodes pUL97, a viral kinase, which is a CDK-homologue. HCMV uses pUL97 in order to phosphorylate and thereby antagonize SAMHD1, an antiviral host cell factor. Since HCMV has several mechanisms to evade restriction by SAMHD1, we first analyzed the kinetics of SAMHD1-inactivation and found that phosphorylation of SAMHD1 by pUL97 occurs directly after infection of macrophages. We hence hypothesized that inhibition of this process qualifies as efficient antiviral target and FDA approved CDK-inhibitors (CDKIs) might be potent antivirals that prevent the inactivation of SAMHD1. Indeed, Abemaciclib, a 2nd generation CDKI exhibited superior IC50s against HCMV in infected macrophages and the antiviral activity largely relied on its ability to block pUL97-mediated SAMHD1-phosphorylation. Altogether, our study highlights the therapeutic potential of clinically-approved CDKIs as antivirals against HCMV, sheds light on their mode of action and establishes SAMHD1 as a valid and highly potent therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Vavouras Syrigos
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Maximilian Feige
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Alicia Dirlam
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ramona Businger
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Iris Gruska
- Laboratory of Molecular Pediatrics, Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lüder Wiebusch
- Laboratory of Molecular Pediatrics, Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus Hamprecht
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael Schindler
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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8
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Zeng J, Cao D, Yang S, Jaijyan DK, Liu X, Wu S, Cruz-Cosme R, Tang Q, Zhu H. Insights into the Transcriptome of Human Cytomegalovirus: A Comprehensive Review. Viruses 2023; 15:1703. [PMID: 37632045 PMCID: PMC10458407 DOI: 10.3390/v15081703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widespread pathogen that poses significant risks to immunocompromised individuals. Its genome spans over 230 kbp and potentially encodes over 200 open-reading frames. The HCMV transcriptome consists of various types of RNAs, including messenger RNAs (mRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs), with emerging insights into their biological functions. HCMV mRNAs are involved in crucial viral processes, such as viral replication, transcription, and translation regulation, as well as immune modulation and other effects on host cells. Additionally, four lncRNAs (RNA1.2, RNA2.7, RNA4.9, and RNA5.0) have been identified in HCMV, which play important roles in lytic replication like bypassing acute antiviral responses, promoting cell movement and viral spread, and maintaining HCMV latency. CircRNAs have gained attention for their important and diverse biological functions, including association with different diseases, acting as microRNA sponges, regulating parental gene expression, and serving as translation templates. Remarkably, HCMV encodes miRNAs which play critical roles in silencing human genes and other functions. This review gives an overview of human cytomegalovirus and current research on the HCMV transcriptome during lytic and latent infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Zeng
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 225 Warren Street, Newark, NJ 070101, USA
| | - Di Cao
- Department of Pain Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518052, China
| | - Shaomin Yang
- Department of Pain Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518052, China
| | - Dabbu Kumar Jaijyan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 225 Warren Street, Newark, NJ 070101, USA
| | - Xiaolian Liu
- Institute of Pathogenic Organisms, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Songbin Wu
- Department of Pain Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518052, China
| | - Ruth Cruz-Cosme
- Department of Microbiology, Howard University College of Medicine, 520 W Street NW, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Qiyi Tang
- Department of Microbiology, Howard University College of Medicine, 520 W Street NW, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 225 Warren Street, Newark, NJ 070101, USA
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9
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Raouf M, Sabry AA, Ragab MA, Achy SE, Amer A. Detection of Human cytomegalovirus UL55 Gene and IE/E Protein Expression in Colorectal Cancer Patients in Egypt. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:723. [PMID: 37537552 PMCID: PMC10398988 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11200-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A possible relation between Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and colorectal cancer (CRC) has been widely explored with an unclear role yet speculated. AIM The study aimed at detecting HCMV UL55 gene, immediate early and early (IE/E) proteins in colorectal tumor tissues and adjacent non neoplastic tissues (ANNT). Also, it aimed to correlate HCMV presence with CRC clinicopathological features. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A prospective study of 50 HCMV seropositive patients with resectable CRC were enrolled in the study. Demographic, clinical, and radiological findings were recorded. Pathological assessment was done. Paired CRC tumorous and ANNT were examined for HCMV UL55 by PCR and for IE/ E proteins by immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS 70% of CRC patients enrolled were females and 36% were elderly (> 60y). Adenocarcinoma was the prevalent histopathological type (92%) with Grade 2, higher stages, and nodal involvement accounting for (64%, 64% and 56%) respectively. HCMV detection was significantly higher in tumoral tissue versus ANNT by PCR and IHC (P < 0.001, P < 0.008) respectively. Moderate agreement was found between the two techniques (κ = 0.572, P < 0.001). Univariate analysis identified HCMV presence to be significantly higher in elderly patients, in tumors with higher stage and with nodal involvement (P = 0.041, P = 0.008, P = 0.018 respectively). In multivariate analysis, the latter two retained significance (P = 0.010, P = 0.008). CONCLUSION CRC tumor tissues are more infected by HCMV than ANNT. A significant association of HCMV presence with a higher CRC tumor stage and nodal involvement in an age-dependent manner was detected. HCMV oncomodulatory and a disease progression role is suspected.
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Affiliation(s)
- May Raouf
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, 0 Khartoum Square, Azarita Medical Campus, Alexandria, 21131 Egypt
| | - Ahmed A. Sabry
- General Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mahinour A. Ragab
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, 0 Khartoum Square, Azarita Medical Campus, Alexandria, 21131 Egypt
| | - Samar El Achy
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Amira Amer
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, 0 Khartoum Square, Azarita Medical Campus, Alexandria, 21131 Egypt
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10
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Kutle I, Dittrich A, Wirth D. Mouse Models for Human Herpesviruses. Pathogens 2023; 12:953. [PMID: 37513800 PMCID: PMC10384569 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
More than one hundred herpesviruses have been isolated from different species so far, with nine infecting humans. Infections with herpesviruses are characterized by life-long latency and represent a significant challenge for human health. To investigate the consequences of infections and identify novel treatment options, in vivo models are of particular relevance. The mouse has emerged as an economical small animal model to investigate herpesvirus infections. However, except for herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1, HSV-2), human herpesviruses cannot infect mice. Three natural herpesviruses have been identified in mice: mouse-derived cytomegalovirus (MCMV), mouse herpesvirus 68 (MHV-68), and mouse roseolovirus (MRV). These orthologues are broadly used to investigate herpesvirus infections within the natural host. In the last few decades, immunocompromised mouse models have been developed, allowing the functional engraftment of various human cells and tissues. These xenograft mice represent valuable model systems to investigate human-restricted viruses, making them particularly relevant for herpesvirus research. In this review, we describe the various mouse models used to study human herpesviruses, thereby highlighting their potential and limitations. Emphasis is laid on xenograft mouse models, covering the development and refinement of immune-compromised mice and their application in herpesvirus research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Kutle
- Research Group Model Systems for Infection, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Anne Dittrich
- Research Group Model Systems for Infection, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- InSCREENeX GmbH, Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Dagmar Wirth
- Research Group Model Systems for Infection, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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11
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Zhang Z, Xia S, Wang Z, Yin N, Chen J, Shao L. The SUMOylation of Human Cytomegalovirus Capsid Assembly Protein Precursor (UL80.5) Affects Its Interaction with Major Capsid Protein (UL86) and Viral Replication. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040931. [PMID: 37112911 PMCID: PMC10145422 DOI: 10.3390/v15040931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human Cytomegalovirus Capsid Assembly Protein Precursor (pAP, UL80.5) plays a key role in capsid assembly by forming an internal protein scaffold with Major Capsid Protein (MCP, UL86) and other capsid subunits. In this study, we revealed UL80.5 as a novel SUMOylated viral protein. We confirmed that UL80.5 interacted with the SUMO E2 ligase UBC9 (58-93aa) and could be covalently modified by SUMO1/SUMO2/SUMO3 proteins. 371Lysine located within a ψKxE consensus motif on UL80.5 carboxy-terminal was the major SUMOylation site. Interestingly, the SUMOylation of UL80.5 restrained its interaction with UL86 but had no effects on translocating UL86 into the nucleus. Furthermore, we showed that the removal of the 371lysine SUMOylation site of UL80.5 inhibited viral replication. In conclusion, our data demonstrates that SUMOylation plays an important role in regulating UL80.5 functions and viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhigang Zhang
- Basic Medical College, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Sisi Xia
- Department of Biological Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Zhigang Wang
- Basic Medical College, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Nina Yin
- Basic Medical College, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Luyao Shao
- Basic Medical College, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, China
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12
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Berg C, Rosenkilde MM. Therapeutic targeting of HCMV-encoded chemokine receptor US28: Progress and challenges. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1135280. [PMID: 36860859 PMCID: PMC9968965 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1135280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The pervasive human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) causes significant morbidity in immunocompromised individuals. Treatment using the current standard-of-care (SOC) is limited by severe toxic adverse effects and anti-viral resistance development. Furthermore, they only affect HCMV in its lytic phase, meaning viral disease is not preventable as latent infection cannot be treated and the viral reservoirs persist. The viral chemokine receptor (vCKR) US28 encoded by HCMV has received much attention in recent years. This broad-spectrum receptor has proven to be a desirable target for development of novel therapeutics through exploitation of its ability to internalize and its role in maintaining latency. Importantly, it is expressed on the surface of infected cells during both lytic and latent infection. US28-targeting small molecules, single-domain antibodies, and fusion toxin proteins have been developed for different treatment strategies, e.g. forcing reactivation of latent virus or using internalization of US28 as a toxin shuttle to kill infected cells. These strategies show promise for providing ways to eliminate latent viral reservoirs and prevent HCMV disease in vulnerable patients. Here, we discuss the progress and challenges of targeting US28 to treat HCMV infection and its associated diseases.
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13
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Neutralization Epitopes in Trimer and Pentamer Complexes Recognized by Potent Cytomegalovirus-Neutralizing Human Monoclonal Antibodies. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0139322. [PMID: 36342276 PMCID: PMC9784774 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01393-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infects 36% to almost 100% of adults and causes severe complications only in immunocompromised individuals. HCMV viral surface trimeric (gH/gL/gO) and pentameric (gH/gL/UL128/UL130/UL131A) complexes play important roles in HCMV infection and tropism. Here, we isolated and identified a total of four neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) derived from HCMV-seropositive blood donors. Based on their reactivity to HCMV trimer and pentamer, these MAbs can be divided into two groups. MAbs PC0012, PC0014, and PC0035 in group 1 bind both trimer and pentamer and neutralize CMV by interfering with the postattachment steps of CMV entering into cells. These three antibodies recognize antigenic epitopes clustered in a similar area, which are overlapped by the epitope recognized by the known neutralizing antibody MSL-109. MAb PC0034 in group 2 binds only to pentamer and neutralizes CMV by blocking the binding of pentamer to cells. Epitope mapping using pentamer mutants showed that amino acid T94 of the subunit UL128 and K27 of UL131A on the pentamer are key epitope-associated residues recognized by PC0034. This study provides new evidence and insight information on the importance of the development of the CMV pentamer as a CMV vaccine. In addition, these newly identified potent CMV MAbs can be attractive candidates for development as antibody therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of HCMV infection. IMPORTANCE The majority of the global population is infected with HCMV, but severe complications occur only in immunocompromised individuals. In addition, CMV infection is a major cause of birth defects in newborns. Currently, there are still no approved prophylactic vaccines or therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) for clinical use against HCMV infection. This study identified and characterized a panel of four neutralizing MAbs targeting the HCMV pentamer complex with specific aims to identify a key protein(s) and antigenic epitopes in the HCMV pentamer complex. The study also explored the mechanism by which these newly identified antibodies neutralize HCMV in order to design better HCMV vaccines focusing on the pentamer and to provide attractive candidates for the development of effective cocktail therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of HCMV infection.
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14
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Zhang W, Guo J, Chen Q. Role of PARP-1 in Human Cytomegalovirus Infection and Functional Partners Encoded by This Virus. Viruses 2022; 14:2049. [PMID: 36146855 PMCID: PMC9501325 DOI: 10.3390/v14092049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous pathogen that threats the majority of the world's population. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) and protein poly (ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation) regulates manifold cellular functions. The role of PARP-1 and protein PARylation in HCMV infection is still unknown. In the present study, we found that the pharmacological and genetic inhibition of PARP-1 attenuated HCMV replication, and PARG inhibition favors HCMV replication. PARP-1 and its enzymatic activity were required for efficient HCMV replication. HCMV infection triggered the activation of PARP-1 and induced the translocation of PARP-1 from nucleus to cytoplasm. PARG was upregulated in HCMV-infected cells and this upregulation was independent of viral DNA replication. Moreover, we found that HCMV UL76, a true late protein of HCMV, inhibited the overactivation of PARP-1 through direct binding to the BRCT domain of PARP-1. In addition, UL76 also physically interacted with poly (ADP-ribose) (PAR) polymers through the RG/RGG motifs of UL76 which mediates its recruitment to DNA damage sites. Finally, PARP-1 inhibition or depletion potentiated HCMV-triggered induction of type I interferons. Our results uncovered the critical role of PARP-1 and PARP-1-mediated protein PARylation in HCMV replication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Qiang Chen
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
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15
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Watanabe M, Jergovic M, Davidson L, LaFleur BJ, Castaneda Y, Martinez C, Smithey MJ, Stowe RP, Haddad EK, Nikolich‐Žugich J. Inflammatory and immune markers in HIV-infected older adults on long-term antiretroviral therapy: Persistent elevation of sCD14 and of proinflammatory effector memory T cells. Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13681. [PMID: 35975357 PMCID: PMC9470897 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV-positive patients whose viral loads are successfully controlled by active antiretroviral therapy (ART) show no clinical signs of AIDS. However, their lifespan is shorter compared with individuals with no HIV infection and they prematurely exhibit a multitude of chronic diseases typically associated with advanced age. It was hypothesized that immune system aging may correlate with, and provide useful biomarkers for, this premature loss of healthspan in HIV-positive subjects. Here, we tested whether the immune correlates of aging, including cell numbers and phenotypes, inflammatory status, and control of human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) in HIV-positive subjects on long-term successful ART (HIV+) may reveal increased "immunological age" compared with HIV-negative, age-matched cohort (HIV-) in participants between 50 and 69 years of age. Specifically, we expected that younger HIV+ subjects may immunologically resemble older individuals without HIV. We found no evidence to support this hypothesis. While T cells from HIV+ participants displayed differential expression in several differentiation and/or inhibitory/exhaustion markers in different T cell subpopulations, aging by a decade did not pronounce these changes. Similarly, while the HIV+ participants exhibited higher T cell responses and elevated inflammatory marker levels in plasma, indicative of chronic inflammation, this trait was not age-sensitive. We did find differences in immune control of hCMV, and, more importantly, a sustained elevation of sCD14 and of proinflammatory CD4 and CD8 T cell responses across age groups, pointing towards uncontrolled inflammation as a factor in reduced healthspan in successfully treated older HIV+ patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makiko Watanabe
- Department of ImmunobiologyUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine‐TucsonTucsonArizonaUSA,Arizona Center on AgingUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine‐TucsonTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Mladen Jergovic
- Department of ImmunobiologyUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine‐TucsonTucsonArizonaUSA,Arizona Center on AgingUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine‐TucsonTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Lisa Davidson
- Department of ImmunobiologyUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine‐TucsonTucsonArizonaUSA,Arizona Center on AgingUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine‐TucsonTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Bonnie J. LaFleur
- BIO5 InstituteUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA,R. Ken Coit College of PharmacyUniveristy of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Yvonne Castaneda
- Department of ImmunobiologyUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine‐TucsonTucsonArizonaUSA,Arizona Center on AgingUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine‐TucsonTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Carmine Martinez
- Department of ImmunobiologyUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine‐TucsonTucsonArizonaUSA,Arizona Center on AgingUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine‐TucsonTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Megan J. Smithey
- Department of ImmunobiologyUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine‐TucsonTucsonArizonaUSA,Arizona Center on AgingUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine‐TucsonTucsonArizonaUSA
| | | | - Elias K. Haddad
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Department of MedicineDrexel UniversityPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Janko Nikolich‐Žugich
- Department of ImmunobiologyUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine‐TucsonTucsonArizonaUSA,Arizona Center on AgingUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine‐TucsonTucsonArizonaUSA,BIO5 InstituteUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
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16
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Effect of Cytomegalovirus on the Immune System: Implications for Aging and Mental Health. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2022; 61:181-214. [PMID: 35871707 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a major modulator of the immune system leading to long-term changes in T-lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells among others. Perhaps because of this immunomodulatory capacity, HCMV infection has been linked with a host of deleterious effects including accelerated immune aging (premature mortality, increased expression of immunosenescence-linked markers, telomere shortening, speeding-up of epigenetic "clocks"), decreased vaccine immunogenicity, and greater vulnerability to infectious diseases (e.g., tuberculosis) or infectious disease-associated pathology (e.g., HIV). Perhaps not surprisingly given the long co-evolution between HCMV and humans, the virus has also been associated with beneficial effects, such as increased vaccine responsiveness, heterologous protection against infections, and protection against relapse in the context of leukemia. Here, we provide an overview of this literature. Ultimately, we focus on one other deleterious effect of HCMV, namely the emerging literature suggesting that HCMV plays a pathophysiological role in psychiatric illness, particularly depression and schizophrenia. We discuss this literature through the lens of psychological stress and inflammation, two well-established risk factors for psychiatric illness that are also known to predispose to reactivation of HCMV.
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17
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Zheng H, Savitz J. Effect of Cytomegalovirus Infection on the Central Nervous System: Implications for Psychiatric Disorders. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2022; 61:215-241. [PMID: 35505056 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common herpesvirus that establishes lifelong latent infections and interacts extensively with the host immune system, potentially contributing to immune activation and inflammation. Given its proclivity for infecting the brain and its reactivation by inflammatory stimuli, CMV is well known for causing central nervous system complications in the immune-naïve (e.g., in utero) and in the immunocompromised (e.g., in neonates, individuals receiving transplants or cancer chemotherapy, or people living with HIV). However, its potentially pathogenic role in diseases that are characterized by more subtle immune dysregulation and inflammation such as psychiatric disorders is still a matter of debate. In this chapter, we briefly summarize the pathogenic role of CMV in immune-naïve and immunocompromised populations and then review the evidence (i.e., epidemiological studies, serological studies, postmortem studies, and recent neuroimaging studies) for a link between CMV infection and psychiatric disorders with a focus on mood disorders and schizophrenia. Finally, we discuss the potential mechanisms through which CMV may cause CNS dysfunction in the context of mental disorders and conclude with a summary of the current state of play as well as potential future research directions in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Zheng
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA.
| | - Jonathan Savitz
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA.,Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA
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18
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Deciphering the Potential Coding of Human Cytomegalovirus: New Predicted Transmembrane Proteome. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052768. [PMID: 35269907 PMCID: PMC8911422 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
CMV is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals that will benefit from the availability of a vaccine. Despite the efforts made during the last decade, no CMV vaccine is available. An ideal CMV vaccine should elicit a broad immune response against multiple viral antigens including proteins involved in virus-cell interaction and entry. However, the therapeutic use of neutralizing antibodies targeting glycoproteins involved in viral entry achieved only partial protection against infection. In this scenario, a better understanding of the CMV proteome potentially involved in viral entry may provide novel candidates to include in new potential vaccine design. In this study, we aimed to explore the CMV genome to identify proteins with putative transmembrane domains to identify new potential viral envelope proteins. We have performed in silico analysis using the genome sequences of nine different CMV strains to predict the transmembrane domains of the encoded proteins. We have identified 77 proteins with transmembrane domains, 39 of which were present in all the strains and were highly conserved. Among the core proteins, 17 of them such as UL10, UL139 or US33A have no ascribed function and may be good candidates for further mechanistic studies.
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19
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Optimization of a Lambda-RED Recombination Method for Rapid Gene Deletion in Human Cytomegalovirus. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910558. [PMID: 34638896 PMCID: PMC8508972 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) continues to be a major cause of morbidity in transplant patients and newborns. However, the functions of many of the more than 282 genes encoded in the HCMV genome remain unknown. The development of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) technology contributes to the genetic manipulation of several organisms including HCMV. The maintenance of the HCMV BAC in E. coli cells permits the rapid generation of recombinant viral genomes that can be used to produce viral progeny in cell cultures for the study of gene function. We optimized the Lambda-Red Recombination system to construct HCMV gene deletion mutants rapidly in the complete set of tested genes. This method constitutes a useful tool that allows for the quick generation of a high number of gene deletion mutants, allowing for the analysis of the whole genome to improve our understanding of HCMV gene function. This may also facilitate the development of novel vaccines and therapeutics.
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20
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El Baba R, Herbein G. Immune Landscape of CMV Infection in Cancer Patients: From "Canonical" Diseases Toward Virus-Elicited Oncomodulation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:730765. [PMID: 34566995 PMCID: PMC8456041 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.730765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an immensely pervasive herpesvirus, persistently infecting high percentages of the world population. Despite the apparent robust host immune responses, HCMV is capable of replicating, evading host defenses, and establishing latency throughout life by developing multiple immune-modulatory strategies. HCMV has coexisted with humans mounting various mechanisms to evade immune cells and effectively win the HCMV-immune system battle mainly through maintaining its viral genome, impairing HLA Class I and II molecule expression, evading from natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity, interfering with cellular signaling, inhibiting apoptosis, escaping complement attack, and stimulating immunosuppressive cytokines (immune tolerance). HCMV expresses several gene products that modulate the host immune response and promote modifications in non-coding RNA and regulatory proteins. These changes are linked to several complications, such as immunosenescence and malignant phenotypes leading to immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and oncomodulation. Hence, tumor survival is promoted by affecting cellular proliferation and survival, invasion, immune evasion, immunosuppression, and giving rise to angiogenic factors. Viewing HCMV-induced evasion mechanisms will play a principal role in developing novel adapted therapeutic approaches against HCMV, especially since immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer therapeutic strategies. Since tumors acquire immune evasion strategies, anti-tumor immunity could be prominently triggered by multimodal strategies to induce, on one side, immunogenic tumor apoptosis and to actively oppose the immune suppressive microenvironment, on the other side.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranim El Baba
- Department Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB EA4266, University of Franche-Comté UBFC, Besançon, France
| | - Georges Herbein
- Department Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB EA4266, University of Franche-Comté UBFC, Besançon, France
- Department of Virology, Centre hospitalier régional universitaire de Besançon (CHRU) Besançon, Besancon, France
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21
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Haidar Ahmad S, Al Moussawi F, El Baba R, Nehme Z, Pasquereau S, Kumar A, Molimard C, Monnien F, Algros MP, Karaky R, Stamminger T, Diab Assaf M, Herbein G. Identification of UL69 Gene and Protein in Cytomegalovirus-Transformed Human Mammary Epithelial Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 11:627866. [PMID: 33937031 PMCID: PMC8085531 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.627866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence addressing the involvement of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in malignancies had directed attention to the oncomodulation paradigm. HCMV-DB infected human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs) in culture showed the emergence of clusters of rapidly proliferating, spheroid-shaped transformed cells named CTH (CMV-Transformed HMECs) cells. CTH cells assessment suggests a direct contribution of HCMV to oncogenesis, from key latent and lytic genes activating oncogenic pathways to fueling tumor evolution. We hypothesized that the presence of HCMV genome in CTH cells is of pivotal importance for determining its oncogenic potential. We previously reported the detection of a long non-coding (lnc) RNA4.9 gene in CTH cells. Therefore, we assessed here the presence of UL69 gene, located nearby and downstream of the lncRNA4.9 gene, in CTH cells. The HCMV UL69 gene in CTH cells was detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of UL69 gene was performed using Sanger method. The corresponding amino acid sequence was then blasted against the UL69 sequence derived from HCMV-DB genome using NCBI Protein BLAST tool. A 99% identity was present between the nucleotide sequence present in CTH cells and HCMV-DB genome. UL69 transcript was detected in RNA extracts of CTH cells, using a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay, and pUL69 protein was identified in CTH lysates using western blotting. Ganciclovir-treated CTH cells showed a decrease in UL69 gene detection and cellular proliferation. In CTH cells, the knockdown of UL69 with siRNA was assessed by RT-qPCR and western blot to reveal the impact of pUL69 on HCMV replication and CTH cell proliferation. Finally, UL69 gene was detected in breast cancer biopsies. Our results indicate a close link between the UL69 gene detected in the HCMV-DB isolate used to infect HMECs, and the UL69 gene present in transformed CTH cells and tumor biopsies, further highlighting a direct role for HCMV in breast tumor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandy Haidar Ahmad
- Department Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB EA4266, University of Bourgogne France-Comté, Besançon, France.,Molecular Cancer and Pharmaceutical Biology Laboratory, Lebanese University, Beyrouth, Lebanon
| | - Fatima Al Moussawi
- Department Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB EA4266, University of Bourgogne France-Comté, Besançon, France.,Molecular Cancer and Pharmaceutical Biology Laboratory, Lebanese University, Beyrouth, Lebanon
| | - Ranim El Baba
- Department Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB EA4266, University of Bourgogne France-Comté, Besançon, France.,Molecular Cancer and Pharmaceutical Biology Laboratory, Lebanese University, Beyrouth, Lebanon
| | - Zeina Nehme
- Department Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB EA4266, University of Bourgogne France-Comté, Besançon, France.,Molecular Cancer and Pharmaceutical Biology Laboratory, Lebanese University, Beyrouth, Lebanon
| | - Sébastien Pasquereau
- Department Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB EA4266, University of Bourgogne France-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Amit Kumar
- Department Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB EA4266, University of Bourgogne France-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Chloé Molimard
- Department of Pathology, CHRU Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Franck Monnien
- Department of Pathology, CHRU Besançon, Besançon, France
| | | | - Racha Karaky
- Molecular Cancer and Pharmaceutical Biology Laboratory, Lebanese University, Beyrouth, Lebanon
| | | | - Mona Diab Assaf
- Molecular Cancer and Pharmaceutical Biology Laboratory, Lebanese University, Beyrouth, Lebanon
| | - Georges Herbein
- Department Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB EA4266, University of Bourgogne France-Comté, Besançon, France.,Department of Virology, CHRU Besancon, Besancon, France
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22
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Gugliesi F, Pasquero S, Griffante G, Scutera S, Albano C, Pacheco SFC, Riva G, Dell’Oste V, Biolatti M. Human Cytomegalovirus and Autoimmune Diseases: Where Are We? Viruses 2021; 13:260. [PMID: 33567734 PMCID: PMC7914970 DOI: 10.3390/v13020260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the β-subgroup of the herpesvirus family. After the initial infection, the virus establishes latency in poorly differentiated myeloid precursors from where it can reactivate at later times to cause recurrences. In immunocompetent subjects, primary HCMV infection is usually asymptomatic, while in immunocompromised patients, HCMV infection can lead to severe, life-threatening diseases, whose clinical severity parallels the degree of immunosuppression. The existence of a strict interplay between HCMV and the immune system has led many to hypothesize that HCMV could also be involved in autoimmune diseases (ADs). Indeed, signs of active viral infection were later found in a variety of different ADs, such as rheumatological, neurological, enteric disorders, and metabolic diseases. In addition, HCMV infection has been frequently linked to increased production of autoantibodies, which play a driving role in AD progression, as observed in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Documented mechanisms of HCMV-associated autoimmunity include molecular mimicry, inflammation, and nonspecific B-cell activation. In this review, we summarize the available literature on the various ADs arising from or exacerbating upon HCMV infection, focusing on the potential role of HCMV-mediated immune activation at disease onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gugliesi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (F.G.); (S.P.); (S.S.); (C.A.); (S.F.C.P.); (V.D.)
| | - Selina Pasquero
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (F.G.); (S.P.); (S.S.); (C.A.); (S.F.C.P.); (V.D.)
| | - Gloria Griffante
- Department of Translational Medicine, Molecular Virology Unit, University of Piemonte Orientale Medical School, 28100 Novara, Italy;
| | - Sara Scutera
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (F.G.); (S.P.); (S.S.); (C.A.); (S.F.C.P.); (V.D.)
| | - Camilla Albano
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (F.G.); (S.P.); (S.S.); (C.A.); (S.F.C.P.); (V.D.)
| | - Sergio Fernando Castillo Pacheco
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (F.G.); (S.P.); (S.S.); (C.A.); (S.F.C.P.); (V.D.)
| | - Giuseppe Riva
- Otorhinolaryngology Division, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Valentina Dell’Oste
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (F.G.); (S.P.); (S.S.); (C.A.); (S.F.C.P.); (V.D.)
| | - Matteo Biolatti
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (F.G.); (S.P.); (S.S.); (C.A.); (S.F.C.P.); (V.D.)
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