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Kubinski M, Beicht J, Gerlach T, Aregay A, Osterhaus ADME, Tscherne A, Sutter G, Prajeeth CK, Rimmelzwaan GF. Immunity to Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus NS3 Protein Induced with a Recombinant Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara Fails to Afford Mice Protection against TBEV Infection. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:105. [PMID: 38276677 PMCID: PMC10819467 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12010105] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a serious neurological disease caused by TBE virus (TBEV). Because antiviral treatment options are not available, vaccination is the key prophylactic measure against TBEV infections. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, cases of vaccination breakthrough infections have been reported. The multienzymatic non-structural protein 3 (NS3) of orthoflaviviruses plays an important role in polyprotein processing and virus replication. In the present study, we evaluated NS3 of TBEV as a potential vaccine target for the induction of protective immunity. To this end, a recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara that drives the expression of the TBEV NS3 gene (MVA-NS3) was constructed. MVA-NS3 was used to immunize C57BL/6 mice. It induced NS3-specific immune responses, in particular T cell responses, especially against the helicase domain of NS3. However, MVA-NS3-immunized mice were not protected from subsequent challenge infection with a lethal dose of the TBEV strain Neudoerfl, indicating that in contrast to immunity to prME and NS1, NS3-specific immunity is not an independent correlate of protection against TBEV in this mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Kubinski
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (M.K.); (J.B.); (T.G.); (A.A.); (A.D.M.E.O.); (C.K.P.)
| | - Jana Beicht
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (M.K.); (J.B.); (T.G.); (A.A.); (A.D.M.E.O.); (C.K.P.)
| | - Thomas Gerlach
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (M.K.); (J.B.); (T.G.); (A.A.); (A.D.M.E.O.); (C.K.P.)
| | - Amare Aregay
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (M.K.); (J.B.); (T.G.); (A.A.); (A.D.M.E.O.); (C.K.P.)
| | - Albert D. M. E. Osterhaus
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (M.K.); (J.B.); (T.G.); (A.A.); (A.D.M.E.O.); (C.K.P.)
| | - Alina Tscherne
- Division of Virology, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Sonnenstraße 24, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (A.T.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - Gerd Sutter
- Division of Virology, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Sonnenstraße 24, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (A.T.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - Chittappen Kandiyil Prajeeth
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (M.K.); (J.B.); (T.G.); (A.A.); (A.D.M.E.O.); (C.K.P.)
| | - Guus F. Rimmelzwaan
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (M.K.); (J.B.); (T.G.); (A.A.); (A.D.M.E.O.); (C.K.P.)
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Porcelli S, Heckmann A, Lagrée AC, Galon C, Moutailler S, Deshuillers PL. Exploring the Susceptibility of C3H Mice to Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus Infection: Implications for Co-Infection Models and Understanding of the Disease. Viruses 2023; 15:2270. [PMID: 38005946 PMCID: PMC10674427 DOI: 10.3390/v15112270] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are increasingly recognized as a critical One Health concern. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), a severe neuro infection caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), has emerged as a significant global public health threat. Laboratory animals, particularly mice, have played a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of TBD pathogenesis. Notably, BALB/c mice have been employed as models due to their heightened susceptibility to TBEV. However, the use of C3H mice, valued for other tick-borne pathogens, has remained unexplored for TBEV until now. This study aimed to assess the susceptibility of C3H mice to TBEV infection, laying the groundwork for future co-infection models involving TBEV and Borrelia. Experiments revealed that C3H mice are susceptible to TBEV infection through subcutaneous inoculation. While 102 PFU/mouse appeared necessary for full infection, 103 PFU/mouse induced consistent symptoms. However, subsequent assessment of ticks' acquisition of TBEV from infected mice met with limited success, raising questions about optimal infectious doses for natural infection. These findings suggest the potential of C3H mice for studying TBEV and co-infections with other pathogens, particularly Borrelia. Further exploration of the interplay between these pathogens, their transmission dynamics, and disease severity could enhance prevention and control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sara Moutailler
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (S.P.); (A.H.); (A.-C.L.); (C.G.)
| | - Pierre Lucien Deshuillers
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (S.P.); (A.H.); (A.-C.L.); (C.G.)
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Beicht J, Kubinski M, Zdora I, Puff C, Biermann J, Gerlach T, Baumgärtner W, Sutter G, Osterhaus ADME, Prajeeth CK, Rimmelzwaan GF. Induction of humoral and cell-mediated immunity to the NS1 protein of TBEV with recombinant Influenza virus and MVA affords partial protection against lethal TBEV infection in mice. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1177324. [PMID: 37483628 PMCID: PMC10360051 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1177324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is one of the most relevant tick-transmitted neurotropic arboviruses in Europe and Asia and the causative agent of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Annually more than 10,000 TBE cases are reported despite having vaccines available. In Europe, the vaccines FSME-IMMUN® and Encepur® based on formaldehyde-inactivated whole viruses are licensed. However, demanding vaccination schedules contribute to sub-optimal vaccination uptake and breakthrough infections have been reported repeatedly. Due to its immunogenic properties as well as its role in viral replication and disease pathogenesis, the non-structural protein 1 (NS1) of flaviviruses has become of interest for non-virion based flavivirus vaccine candidates in recent years. Methods Therefore, immunogenicity and protective efficacy of TBEV NS1 expressed by neuraminidase (NA)-deficient Influenza A virus (IAV) or Modified Vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) vectors were investigated in this study. Results With these recombinant viral vectors TBEV NS1-specific antibody and T cell responses were induced. Upon heterologous prime/boost regimens partial protection against lethal TBEV challenge infection was afforded in mice. Discussion This supports the inclusion of NS1 as a vaccine component in next generation TBEV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Beicht
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Mareike Kubinski
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Isabel Zdora
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover Graduate School for Neurosciences, Infection Medicine, and Veterinary Sciences (HGNI), Hannover, Germany
| | - Christina Puff
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jeannine Biermann
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Gerlach
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover Graduate School for Neurosciences, Infection Medicine, and Veterinary Sciences (HGNI), Hannover, Germany
| | - Gerd Sutter
- Division of Virology, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Albert D. M. E. Osterhaus
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Chittappen Kandiyil Prajeeth
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Guus F. Rimmelzwaan
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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Ruzek D. Editorial for the Special Issue: “Tick-Borne Encephalitis”. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11040934. [PMID: 37110357 PMCID: PMC10144950 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11040934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a disease caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) [...]
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ruzek
- Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, CZ-62100 Brno, Czech Republic
- Research Center for Thermotolerant Microbial Resources, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-0841, Japan
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Kubinski M, Beicht J, Zdora I, Saletti G, Kircher M, Petry-Gusmag M, Steffen I, Puff C, Jung K, Baumgärtner W, Rimmelzwaan GF, Osterhaus ADME, Prajeeth CK. Cross-reactive antibodies against Langat virus protect mice from lethal tick-borne encephalitis virus infection. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1134371. [PMID: 36926332 PMCID: PMC10011100 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1134371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Naturally attenuated Langat virus (LGTV) and highly pathogenic tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) share antigenically similar viral proteins and are grouped together in the same flavivirus serocomplex. In the early 1970s, this has encouraged the usage of LGTV as a potential live attenuated vaccine against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) until cases of encephalitis were reported among vaccinees. Previously, we have shown in a mouse model that immunity induced against LGTV protects mice against lethal TBEV challenge infection. However, the immune correlates of this protection have not been studied. Methods We used the strategy of adoptive transfer of either serum or T cells from LGTV infected mice into naïve recipient mice and challenged them with lethal dose of TBEV. Results We show that mouse infection with LGTV induced both cross-reactive antibodies and T cells against TBEV. To identify correlates of protection, Monitoring the disease progression in these mice for 16 days post infection, showed that serum from LGTV infected mice efficiently protected from developing severe disease. On the other hand, adoptive transfer of T cells from LGTV infected mice failed to provide protection. Histopathological investigation of infected brains suggested a possible role of microglia and T cells in inflammatory processes within the brain. Discussion Our data provide key information regarding the immune correlates of protection induced by LGTV infection of mice which may help design better vaccines against TBEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Kubinski
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jana Beicht
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Isabel Zdora
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- Center of Systems Neuroscience, Hannover Graduate School for Neurosciences, Infection Medicine, and Veterinary Sciences (HGNI), Hannover, Germany
| | - Giulietta Saletti
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Magdalena Kircher
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Monique Petry-Gusmag
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Imke Steffen
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- Institute for Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christina Puff
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Klaus Jung
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- Center of Systems Neuroscience, Hannover Graduate School for Neurosciences, Infection Medicine, and Veterinary Sciences (HGNI), Hannover, Germany
| | - Guus F. Rimmelzwaan
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Albert D. M. E. Osterhaus
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Chittappen Kandiyil Prajeeth
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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Kubinski M, Beicht J, Zdora I, Biermann J, Puff C, Gerlach T, Tscherne A, Baumgärtner W, Osterhaus ADME, Sutter G, Prajeeth CK, Rimmelzwaan GF. A recombinant Modified Vaccinia virus Ankara expressing prME of tick-borne encephalitis virus affords mice full protection against TBEV infection. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1182963. [PMID: 37153588 PMCID: PMC10160477 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1182963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is an important human pathogen that can cause a serious disease involving the central nervous system (tick-borne encephalitis, TBE). Although approved inactivated vaccines are available, the number of TBE cases is rising, and breakthrough infections in fully vaccinated subjects have been reported in recent years. Methods In the present study, we generated and characterized a recombinant Modified Vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) for the delivery of the pre-membrane (prM) and envelope (E) proteins of TBEV (MVA-prME). Results MVA-prME was tested in mice in comparison with a licensed vaccine FSME-IMMUN® and proved to be highly immunogenic and afforded full protection against challenge infection with TBEV. Discussion Our data indicate that MVA-prME holds promise as an improved next-generation vaccine for the prevention of TBE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Kubinski
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jana Beicht
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Isabel Zdora
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover Graduate School for Neurosciences, Infection Medicine, and Veterinary Sciences (HGNI), Hannover, Germany
| | - Jeannine Biermann
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christina Puff
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Gerlach
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alina Tscherne
- Division of Virology, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover Graduate School for Neurosciences, Infection Medicine, and Veterinary Sciences (HGNI), Hannover, Germany
| | - Albert D. M. E. Osterhaus
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gerd Sutter
- Division of Virology, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Chittappen Kandiyil Prajeeth
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Guus F. Rimmelzwaan
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- *Correspondence: Guus F. Rimmelzwaan,
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