1
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Dedloff MR, Lazear HM. Antiviral and Immunomodulatory Effects of Interferon Lambda at the Maternal-Fetal Interface. Annu Rev Virol 2024; 11:363-379. [PMID: 38848605 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-virology-111821-101531] [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] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Interferon lambda (IFN-λ, type III IFN, IL-28/29) is a family of antiviral cytokines that are especially important at barrier sites, including the maternal-fetal interface. Recent discoveries have identified important roles for IFN-λ during pregnancy, particularly in the context of congenital infections. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the activity of IFN-λ at the maternal-fetal interface, highlighting cell types that produce and respond to IFN-λ in the placenta, decidua, and endometrium. Further, we discuss the role of IFN-λ during infections with congenital pathogens including Zika virus, human cytomegalovirus, rubella virus, and Listeria monocytogenes. We discuss advances in experimental models that can be used to fill important knowledge gaps about IFN-λ-mediated immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret R Dedloff
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA;
| | - Helen M Lazear
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA;
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2
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Kuhn RJ, Barrett ADT, Desilva AM, Harris E, Kramer LD, Montgomery RR, Pierson TC, Sette A, Diamond MS. A Prototype-Pathogen Approach for the Development of Flavivirus Countermeasures. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:S398-S413. [PMID: 37849402 PMCID: PMC10582523 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad193] [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: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Flaviviruses are a genus within the Flaviviridae family of positive-strand RNA viruses and are transmitted principally through mosquito and tick vectors. These viruses are responsible for hundreds of millions of human infections worldwide per year that result in a range of illnesses from self-limiting febrile syndromes to severe neurotropic and viscerotropic diseases and, in some cases, death. A vaccine against the prototype flavivirus, yellow fever virus, has been deployed for 85 years and is highly effective. While vaccines against some medically important flaviviruses are available, others have proven challenging to develop. The emergence and spread of flaviviruses, including dengue virus and Zika virus, demonstrate their pandemic potential. This review highlights the gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed to allow for the rapid development of vaccines against emerging flaviviruses in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Kuhn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology, and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Alan D T Barrett
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Aravinda M Desilva
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Eva Harris
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Laura D Kramer
- School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Ruth R Montgomery
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Theodore C Pierson
- Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Alessandro Sette
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California in San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Michael S Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
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3
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Wu H, Huang XY, Sun MX, Wang Y, Zhou HY, Tian Y, He B, Li K, Li DY, Wu AP, Wang H, Qin CF. Zika virus targets human trophoblast stem cells and prevents syncytialization in placental trophoblast organoids. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5541. [PMID: 37684223 PMCID: PMC10491779 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41158-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy threatens pregnancy and fetal health. However, the infectivity and pathological effects of ZIKV on placental trophoblast progenitor cells in early human embryos remain largely unknown. Here, using human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs), we demonstrated that hTSCs were permissive to ZIKV infection, and resistance to ZIKV increased with hTSC differentiation. Combining gene knockout and transcriptome analysis, we demonstrated that the intrinsic expression of AXL and TIM-1, and the absence of potent interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISGs) and IFNs contributed to the high sensitivity of hTSCs to ZIKV. Furthermore, using our newly developed hTSC-derived trophoblast organoid (hTSC-organoid), we demonstrated that ZIKV infection disrupted the structure of mature hTSC-organoids and inhibited syncytialization. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) further demonstrated that ZIKV infection of hTSC-organoids disrupted the stemness of hTSCs and the proliferation of cytotrophoblast cells (CTBs) and probably led to a preeclampsia (PE) phenotype. Overall, our results clearly demonstrate that hTSCs represent the major target cells of ZIKV, and a reduced syncytialization may result from ZIKV infection of early developing placenta. These findings deepen our understanding of the characteristics and consequences of ZIKV infection of hTSCs in early human embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xing-Yao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Meng-Xu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hang-Yu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Ying Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Beijia He
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Kai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - De-Yu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Ai-Ping Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Cheng-Feng Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China.
- Research Unit of Discovery and Tracing of Natural Focus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China.
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4
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Rengifo AC, Rivera J, Álvarez-Díaz DA, Naizaque J, Santamaria G, Corchuelo S, Gómez CY, Torres-Fernández O. Morphological and Molecular Changes in the Cortex and Cerebellum of Immunocompetent Mice Infected with Zika Virus. Viruses 2023; 15:1632. [PMID: 37631975 PMCID: PMC10458311 DOI: 10.3390/v15081632] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) disease continues to be a threat to public health, and it is estimated that millions of people have been infected and that there have been more cases of serious complications than those already reported. Despite many studies on the pathogenesis of ZIKV, several of the genes involved in the malformations associated with viral infection are still unknown. In this work, the morphological and molecular changes in the cortex and cerebellum of mice infected with ZIKV were evaluated. Neonatal BALB/c mice were inoculated with ZIKV intraperitoneally, and the respective controls were inoculated with a solution devoid of the virus. At day 10 postinoculation, the mice were euthanized to measure the expression of the markers involved in cortical and cerebellar neurodevelopment. The infected mice presented morphological changes accompanied by calcifications, as well as a decrease in most of the markers evaluated in the cortex and cerebellum. The modifications found could be predictive of astrocytosis, dendritic pathology, alterations in the regulation systems of neuronal excitation and inhibition, and premature maturation, conditions previously described in other models of ZIKV infection and microcephaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aura Caterine Rengifo
- Grupo de Morfología Celular, Dirección de Investigación en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS), Avenue 26 No. 51-20–Zone 6 CAN, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (J.R.); (D.A.Á.-D.); (J.N.); (G.S.); (S.C.); (C.Y.G.); (O.T.-F.)
| | - Jorge Rivera
- Grupo de Morfología Celular, Dirección de Investigación en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS), Avenue 26 No. 51-20–Zone 6 CAN, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (J.R.); (D.A.Á.-D.); (J.N.); (G.S.); (S.C.); (C.Y.G.); (O.T.-F.)
| | - Diego Alejandro Álvarez-Díaz
- Grupo de Morfología Celular, Dirección de Investigación en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS), Avenue 26 No. 51-20–Zone 6 CAN, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (J.R.); (D.A.Á.-D.); (J.N.); (G.S.); (S.C.); (C.Y.G.); (O.T.-F.)
- Genómica de Microorganismos Emergentes, Dirección de Investigación en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS), Avenue 26 No. 51-20–Zone 6 CAN, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Julián Naizaque
- Grupo de Morfología Celular, Dirección de Investigación en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS), Avenue 26 No. 51-20–Zone 6 CAN, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (J.R.); (D.A.Á.-D.); (J.N.); (G.S.); (S.C.); (C.Y.G.); (O.T.-F.)
| | - Gerardo Santamaria
- Grupo de Morfología Celular, Dirección de Investigación en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS), Avenue 26 No. 51-20–Zone 6 CAN, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (J.R.); (D.A.Á.-D.); (J.N.); (G.S.); (S.C.); (C.Y.G.); (O.T.-F.)
| | - Sheryll Corchuelo
- Grupo de Morfología Celular, Dirección de Investigación en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS), Avenue 26 No. 51-20–Zone 6 CAN, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (J.R.); (D.A.Á.-D.); (J.N.); (G.S.); (S.C.); (C.Y.G.); (O.T.-F.)
| | - Claudia Yadira Gómez
- Grupo de Morfología Celular, Dirección de Investigación en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS), Avenue 26 No. 51-20–Zone 6 CAN, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (J.R.); (D.A.Á.-D.); (J.N.); (G.S.); (S.C.); (C.Y.G.); (O.T.-F.)
| | - Orlando Torres-Fernández
- Grupo de Morfología Celular, Dirección de Investigación en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS), Avenue 26 No. 51-20–Zone 6 CAN, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (J.R.); (D.A.Á.-D.); (J.N.); (G.S.); (S.C.); (C.Y.G.); (O.T.-F.)
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5
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Watanabe S, Vasudevan SG. Clinical and experimental evidence for transplacental vertical transmission of flaviviruses. Antiviral Res 2023; 210:105512. [PMID: 36572192 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105512] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic outbreak in Americas in 2016 attracted global attention because of the association of the virus infection with severe birth defects such as microcephaly, mediated through transplacental virus transmission during pregnancy. Less well-known, but also reported is the increasing evidence that prenatal vertical transmission can be caused by other flaviviruses such as dengue virus (DENV). Currently, the mechanism(s) that cause the vertical transmission of flaviviruses is understudied. Here we review the published reports of clinical evidence of intrauterine transmission of ZIKV and other flaviviruses. We also discuss the animal models for flavivirus infection during pregnancy that have been developed to study the mechanisms underlying the transplacental transmission of flaviviruses in order to develop potential countermeasures for its prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Watanabe
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8-College Road, 169857, Singapore.
| | - Subhash G Vasudevan
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8-College Road, 169857, Singapore
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6
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Lopez-Apodaca LI, Zarza H, Zamudio-Moreno E, Nuñez-Avellaneda D, Baak-Baak CM, Reyes-Solis GDC, Oswaldo Margarito TC, Peláez-Ballestas I, Roiz D, Suzán G, Roche B, Machain-Williams CI. Molecular survey of Zika virus in the animal-human interface in traditional farming. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1057686. [PMID: 36504864 PMCID: PMC9732010 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1057686] [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] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Backyard animal husbandry is common in rural communities in developing countries and, given the conditions in which it occurs, it can increase the risk of disease transmission, such as arboviruses. To determine the presence of the Zika virus (ZIKV) and abundance of its arthropod vectors we evaluated the socioeconomic implications involved in its transmission in two highly vulnerable Mayan communities in the state of Yucatan that practice backyard farming. An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out throughout 2016 to understand socioeconomic variables and seasonal patterns in mosquito populations. We selected 20 households from each community. Social exclusion indicators were analyzed, human and domestic animals were sampled, and mosquitoes were collected and identified. Four out of eight indicators of social exclusion were higher than the reported national averages. We captured 5,825 mosquitoes from 16 species being Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti the most abundant. The presence of chickens and human overcrowding in dwellings were the most significant factors (P = 0.026) associated with the presence of Ae. aegypti. Septic tanks (odds ratio = 6.64) and chickens (odds ratio = 27.41) in backyards were the main risk factors associated with the presence of immature states of Ae. aegypti in both communities. Molecular analysis to detect ZIKV was performed in blood samples from 416 humans, 1,068 backyard animals and 381 mosquito pools. Eighteen humans and 10 pig pools tested positive for ZIKV. Forty-three mosquito pools tested positive for flavivirus. Ten of the 43 pools of positive mosquitoes were sequenced, corresponding 3/10 to ZIKV and 1/10 to Dengue virus type 2. The findings obtained indicate the continuous circulation of Flavivirus (including ZIKV) in backyard environments in vulnerable communities, highlighting the importance of studying their transmission and maintenance in these systems, due that backyard animal husbandry is a common practice in these vulnerable communities with limited access to health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ivone Lopez-Apodaca
- Laboratory of Arbovirology, Regional Research Center Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, Autonomous University of Yucatan, Mérida, Mexico
| | - Heliot Zarza
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Lerma Unit Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Emily Zamudio-Moreno
- Laboratory of Arbovirology, Regional Research Center Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, Autonomous University of Yucatan, Mérida, Mexico
| | - Daniel Nuñez-Avellaneda
- Direction Adjunt of Technological Development, Liaison and Innovation-National Science and Technology Council, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Carlos Marcial Baak-Baak
- Laboratory of Arbovirology, Regional Research Center Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, Autonomous University of Yucatan, Mérida, Mexico
| | | | - Torres-Chablé Oswaldo Margarito
- Laboratory of Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases DACA-UJAT, Academic Division of Agricultural Sciences, Juarez Autonomous University of Tabasco, Villahermosa, Mexico
| | | | - David Roiz
- Infectious Diseases: Vector, Control, Genetic, Ecology and Evolution (MIVEGEC), Univ. Montpellier, IRD, CNRS, Montpellier, France,International Laboratory Ecosystem, Biological Diversity, Habitat Modifications, and Risk of Emerging Pathogens and Diseases in Mexico (ELDORADO), Mérida, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Suzán
- International Laboratory Ecosystem, Biological Diversity, Habitat Modifications, and Risk of Emerging Pathogens and Diseases in Mexico (ELDORADO), Mérida, Mexico,Laboratory of Disease Ecology and One Health, Department of Ethology and Wildlife, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Benjamin Roche
- Infectious Diseases: Vector, Control, Genetic, Ecology and Evolution (MIVEGEC), Univ. Montpellier, IRD, CNRS, Montpellier, France,International Laboratory Ecosystem, Biological Diversity, Habitat Modifications, and Risk of Emerging Pathogens and Diseases in Mexico (ELDORADO), Mérida, Mexico
| | - Carlos Ignacio Machain-Williams
- Laboratory of Arbovirology, Regional Research Center Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, Autonomous University of Yucatan, Mérida, Mexico,*Correspondence: Carlos Ignacio Machain-Williams
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7
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Kim S, Shin HY. Understanding the Tissue Specificity of ZIKV Infection in Various Animal Models for Vaccine Development. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:1517. [PMID: 36146595 PMCID: PMC9504629 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10091517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arthropod-borne virus that belongs to the Flavivirus genus and is principally transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. ZIKV infection often causes no or only mild symptoms, but it can also trigger severe consequences, including microcephaly in infants and Guillain-Barré syndrome, uveitis, and neurologic manifestations in adults. There is no ZIKV vaccine or treatment currently approved for clinical use. The primary target of ZIKV infection has been recognized as the maternal placenta, with vertical transmission to the fetal brain. However, ZIKV can also spread to multiple tissues in adults, including the sexual organs, eyes, lymph nodes, and brain. Since numerous studies have indicated that there are slightly different tissue-specific pathologies in each animal model of ZIKV, the distinct ZIKV tropism of a given animal model must be understood to enable effective vaccine development. Here, we comprehensively discussed the tissue specificity of ZIKV reported in each animal model depending on the genetic background and route of administration. This review should facilitate the selection of appropriate animal models when studying the fundamental pathogenesis of ZIKV infection, thereby supporting the design of optimal preclinical and clinical studies for the development of vaccines and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ha Youn Shin
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
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8
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Casazza RL, Philip DT, Lazear HM. Interferon Lambda Signals in Maternal Tissues to Exert Protective and Pathogenic Effects in a Gestational Stage-Dependent Manner. mBio 2022; 13:e0385721. [PMID: 35471083 PMCID: PMC9239100 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03857-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Interferon lambda (IFN-λ) (type III IFN) is constitutively secreted from human placental cells in culture and reduces Zika virus (ZIKV) transplacental transmission in mice. However, the roles of IFN-λ during healthy pregnancy and in restricting congenital infection remain unclear. Here, we used mice lacking the IFN-λ receptor (Ifnlr1-/-) to generate pregnancies lacking either maternal or fetal IFN-λ responsiveness and found that the antiviral effect of IFN-λ resulted from signaling exclusively in maternal tissues. This protective effect depended on gestational stage, as infection earlier in pregnancy (E7 rather than E9) resulted in enhanced transplacental transmission of ZIKV. In Ifnar1-/- dams, which sustain robust ZIKV infection, maternal IFN-λ signaling caused fetal resorption and intrauterine growth restriction. Pregnancy pathology elicited by poly(I·C) treatment also was mediated by maternal IFN-λ signaling, specifically in maternal leukocytes, and also occurred in a gestational stage-dependent manner. These findings identify an unexpected effect of IFN-λ signaling, specifically in maternal (rather than placental or fetal) tissues, which is distinct from the pathogenic effects of IFN-αβ (type I IFN) during pregnancy. These results highlight the complexity of immune signaling at the maternal-fetal interface, where disparate outcomes can result from signaling at different gestational stages. IMPORTANCE Pregnancy is an immunologically complex situation, which must balance protecting the fetus from maternal pathogens with preventing maternal immune rejection of non-self fetal and placental tissue. Cytokines, such as interferon lambda (IFN-λ), contribute to antiviral immunity at the maternal-fetal interface. We found in a mouse model of congenital Zika virus infection that IFN-λ can have either a protective antiviral effect or cause immune-mediated pathology, depending on the stage of gestation when IFN-λ signaling occurs. Remarkably, both the protective and pathogenic effects of IFN-λ occurred through signaling exclusively in maternal immune cells rather than in fetal or placental tissues or in other maternal cell types, identifying a new role for IFN-λ at the maternal-fetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L. Casazza
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Drake T. Philip
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Helen M. Lazear
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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9
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Chandrasekar V, Singh AV, Maharjan RS, Dakua SP, Balakrishnan S, Dash S, Laux P, Luch A, Singh S, Pradhan M. Perspectives on the Technological Aspects and Biomedical Applications of Virus‐Like Particles/Nanoparticles in Reproductive Biology: Insights on the Medicinal and Toxicological Outlook. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202200010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ajay Vikram Singh
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) Department of Chemical and Product Safety Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10 10589 Berlin Germany
| | - Romi Singh Maharjan
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) Department of Chemical and Product Safety Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10 10589 Berlin Germany
| | | | | | - Sagnika Dash
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Apollo Clinic Qatar 23656 Doha Qatar
| | - Peter Laux
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) Department of Chemical and Product Safety Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10 10589 Berlin Germany
| | - Andreas Luch
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) Department of Chemical and Product Safety Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10 10589 Berlin Germany
| | - Suyash Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery All India Institute of Medical Sciences Raebareli UP 226001 India
| | - Mandakini Pradhan
- Department of Fetal Medicine Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences Reabareli Road Lucknow UP 226014 India
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10
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Langel SN, Blasi M, Permar SR. Maternal immune protection against infectious diseases. Cell Host Microbe 2022; 30:660-674. [PMID: 35550669 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2022.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The maternal immune system protects developing offspring against pathogens before birth via transplacental transfer and after birth through secreted milk. This transferred maternal immunity influences each generation's susceptibility to infections and responsiveness to immunization. Thus, boosting immunity in the maternal-neonatal dyad is a potentially valuable public health strategy. Additionally, at critical times during fetal and postnatal development, environmental factors and immune stimuli influence immune development. These "windows of opportunity" offer a chance to identify both risk and protective factors that promote long-term health and limit disease. Here, we review pre- and postpartum maternal immune factors that protect against infectious agents in offspring and how they may shape the infant's immune landscape over time. Additionally, we discuss the influence of maternal immunity on the responsiveness to immunization in early life. Lastly, when maternal factors are insufficient to prevent neonatal infectious diseases, we discuss pre- and postnatal therapeutic strategies for the maternal-neonatal dyad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie N Langel
- Department of Surgery, Duke Center for Human Systems Immunology, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Maria Blasi
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sallie R Permar
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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11
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Villazana-Kretzer DL, Wuertz KM, Newhouse D, Damicis JR, Dornisch EM, Voss KM, Muruato AE, Paymaster JA, Schmiedecke SS, Edwards SM, Napolitano PG, Tisoncik-Go J, Ieronimakis N, Gale M. ZIKV can infect human term placentas in the absence of maternal factors. Commun Biol 2022; 5:243. [PMID: 35304593 PMCID: PMC8933440 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03158-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus infection can result in devastating pregnancy outcomes when it crosses the placental barrier. For human pregnancies, the mechanisms of vertical transmission remain enigmatic. Utilizing a human placenta-cotyledon perfusion model, we examined Zika virus exposure in the absence of maternal factors. To distinguish responses related to viral infection vs. recognition, we evaluated cotyledons perfused with either active or inactivated Zika virus. Active Zika virus exposure resulted in infection, cell death and syncytium injury. Pathology corresponded with transcriptional changes related to inflammation and innate immunity. Inactive Zika virus exposure also led to syncytium injury and related changes in gene expression but not cell death. Our observations reveal pathologies and innate immune responses that are dependent on infection or virus placenta interactions independent of productive infection. Importantly, our findings indicate that Zika virus can infect and compromise placentas in the absence of maternal humoral factors that may be protective. Villazana-Kretzer et al. compare histology, physiology and gene expression in cotyledons from term placentas perfused with either active or UV-inactivated Zika virus. They show that ZIKV can infect human term placentas in the absence of maternal factors and identify unique transcriptional responses to active ZIKA virus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathryn McGuckin Wuertz
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Daniel Newhouse
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer R Damicis
- Department of Clinical Investigation, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA, USA
| | - Elisabeth M Dornisch
- Department of Clinical Investigation, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA, USA
| | - Kathleen M Voss
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Antonio E Muruato
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer A Paymaster
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA, USA
| | - Stacey S Schmiedecke
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA, USA
| | - Sarah M Edwards
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA, USA
| | - Peter G Napolitano
- Department of OB/GYN, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer Tisoncik-Go
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nicholas Ieronimakis
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA, USA. .,Department of Clinical Investigation, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA, USA.
| | - Michael Gale
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
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12
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Watanabe S, Chan KWK, Tan NWW, Mahid MBA, Chowdhury A, Chang KTE, Vasudevan SG. Experimental evidence for a high rate of maternal-fetal transmission of dengue virus in the presence of antibodies in immunocompromised mice. EBioMedicine 2022; 77:103930. [PMID: 35290828 PMCID: PMC8921544 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.103930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Congenital disorders associated with prenatal vertical transmission of Zika virus (ZIKV) is well established since the 2016 outbreak in the Americas. However, despite clinical reports of similar mode of transmission for other flaviviruses such as dengue virus (DENV), the phenomenon has not been experimentally explored. Methods Pregnant AG129 mice were infected with DENV1 in the presence or absence of enhancing antibodies at different gestational time points. ZIKV was used for comparison. We quantified viral load in fetus and placentas and performed comprehensive gene expression profiling in the maternal (decidua) and fetal portion of placenta separately. Findings We demonstrate in a laboratory experimental setting that DENV can be transmitted vertically in a gestation stage-dependent manner similar to ZIKV, and this incidence drastically increases in the presence of enhancing antibodies. Interestingly, a high rate of DENV fetal infection occurs even though the placental viral load is significantly lower than that found in ZIKV-infected dams. Comprehensive gene expression profiling revealed DENV infection modulates a variety of inflammation-associated genes comparable to ZIKV in decidua and fetal placenta in early pregnancy. Interpretation Our findings suggest that the virus-induced modulation of host gene expression may facilitate DENV to cross the placental barrier in spite of lower viral burden compared to ZIKV. This mouse model may serve to identify the host determinants required for the vertical transmission of flaviviruses and develop appropriate countermeasures. Funding National Medical Research Council/Open Fund Individual Research Grant MOH-000524 (SW), MOH-000086 and OFIRG20nov-0017 (SGV).
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Watanabe
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8-College Road 169857, Singapore.
| | - Kitti Wing Ki Chan
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8-College Road 169857, Singapore
| | - Nicole Wei Wen Tan
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8-College Road 169857, Singapore
| | | | - Avisha Chowdhury
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8-College Road 169857, Singapore
| | - Kenneth Tou En Chang
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8-College Road 169857, Singapore; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road 229899, Singapore
| | - Subhash G Vasudevan
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8-College Road 169857, Singapore; Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Queensland 4222, Australia.
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13
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Yu W, Hu X, Cao B. Viral Infections During Pregnancy: The Big Challenge Threatening Maternal and Fetal Health. MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE 2022; 4:72-86. [PMID: 35187500 PMCID: PMC8843053 DOI: 10.1097/fm9.0000000000000133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral infections during pregnancy are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including maternal and fetal mortality, pregnancy loss, premature labor, and congenital anomalies. Mammalian gestation encounters an immunological paradox wherein the placenta balances the tolerance of an allogeneic fetus with protection against pathogens. Viruses cannot easily transmit from mother to fetus due to physical and immunological barriers at the maternal-fetal interface posing a restricted threat to the fetus and newborns. Despite this, the unknown strategies utilized by certain viruses could weaken the placental barrier to trigger severe maternal and fetal health issues especially through vertical transmission, which was not fully understood until now. In this review, we summarize diverse aspects of the major viral infections relevant to pregnancy, including the characteristics of pathogenesis, related maternal-fetal complications, and the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of vertical transmission. We highlight the fundamental signatures of complex placental defense mechanisms, which will prepare us to fight the next emerging and re-emerging infectious disease in the pregnancy population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhe Yu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Xiaoqian Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Bin Cao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
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14
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van Leur SW, Heunis T, Munnur D, Sanyal S. Pathogenesis and virulence of flavivirus infections. Virulence 2021; 12:2814-2838. [PMID: 34696709 PMCID: PMC8632085 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1996059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The Flavivirus genus consists of >70 members including several that are considered significant human pathogens. Flaviviruses display a broad spectrum of diseases that can be roughly categorised into two phenotypes - systemic disease involving haemorrhage exemplified by dengue and yellow Fever virus, and neurological complications associated with the likes of West Nile and Zika viruses. Attempts to develop vaccines have been variably successful against some. Besides, mosquito-borne flaviviruses can be vertically transmitted in the arthropods, enabling long term persistence and the possibility of re-emergence. Therefore, developing strategies to combat disease is imperative even if vaccines become available. The cellular interactions of flaviviruses with their human hosts are key to establishing the viral lifecycle on the one hand, and activation of host immunity on the other. The latter should ideally eradicate infection, but often leads to immunopathological and neurological consequences. In this review, we use Dengue and Zika viruses to discuss what we have learned about the cellular and molecular determinants of the viral lifecycle and the accompanying immunopathology, while highlighting current knowledge gaps which need to be addressed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tiaan Heunis
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, OxfordOX1 3RE, UK
| | - Deeksha Munnur
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, OxfordOX1 3RE, UK
| | - Sumana Sanyal
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, OxfordOX1 3RE, UK
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15
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Decidual NK cells kill Zika virus-infected trophoblasts. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2115410118. [PMID: 34785597 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2115410118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) during pregnancy infects fetal trophoblasts and causes placental damage and birth defects including microcephaly. Little is known about the anti-ZIKV cellular immune response at the maternal-fetal interface. Decidual natural killer cells (dNK), which directly contact fetal trophoblasts, are the dominant maternal immune cells in the first-trimester placenta, when ZIKV infection is most hazardous. Although dNK express all the cytolytic molecules needed to kill, they usually do not kill infected fetal cells but promote placentation. Here, we show that dNK degranulate and kill ZIKV-infected placental trophoblasts. ZIKV infection of trophoblasts causes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which makes them dNK targets by down-regulating HLA-C/G, natural killer (NK) inhibitory receptor ligands that help maintain tolerance of the semiallogeneic fetus. ER stress also activates the NK activating receptor NKp46. ZIKV infection of Ifnar1 -/- pregnant mice results in high viral titers and severe intrauterine growth restriction, which are exacerbated by depletion of NK or CD8 T cells, indicating that killer lymphocytes, on balance, protect the fetus from ZIKV by eliminating infected cells and reducing the spread of infection.
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16
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Saber M, Ortiz JB, Rojas Valencia LM, Ma X, Tallent BR, Adelson PD, Rowe RK, Qiu S, Lifshitz J. Mice Born to Mothers with Gravida Traumatic Brain Injury Have Distorted Brain Circuitry and Altered Immune Responses. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:2862-2880. [PMID: 34155930 PMCID: PMC8820287 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2021.0048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) increases risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Physical assaults increase in frequency and intensity during pregnancy. The consequences of TBI during pregnancy (gravida TBI; gTBI) on offspring development is unknown, for which stress and inflammation during pregnancy worsen fetal developmental outcomes. We hypothesized that gTBI would lead to increased anxiety- and depression-related behavior, altered inflammatory responses and gut pathology, and distorted brain circuitry in mixed-sex offspring compared to mice born to control mothers. Pregnant dams received either diffuse TBI or sham injury (control) 12 days post-coitum. We found that male gTBI offspring were principal drivers of the gTBI effects on health, physiology, and behavior. For example, male, but not female, gTBI offspring weighed significantly less at weaning compared to male control offspring. At post-natal day (PND) 28, gTBI offspring had significantly weaker intralaminar connectivity onto layer 5 pre-frontal pyramidal neurons compared to control offspring. Neurological performance on anxiety-like behaviors was decreased, with only marginal differences in depressive-like behaviors, for gTBI offspring compared to control offspring. At PND42 and PND58, circulating neutrophil and monocyte populations were significantly smaller in gTBI male offspring than control male offspring. In response to a subsequent inflammatory challenge at PND75, gTBI offspring had significantly smaller circulating neutrophil populations than control offspring. Anxiety-like behaviors persisted during the immune challenge in gTBI offspring. However, spleen immune response and gut histology showed no significant differences between groups. The results compel further studies to determine the full extent of gTBI on fetal and maternal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Saber
- Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - J. Bryce Ortiz
- Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Phoenix VA Health Care System, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Luisa M. Rojas Valencia
- Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Phoenix VA Health Care System, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Xiaokuang Ma
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Bret R. Tallent
- Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Phoenix VA Health Care System, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - P. David Adelson
- Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Rachel K. Rowe
- Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Phoenix VA Health Care System, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Shenfeng Qiu
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Jonathan Lifshitz
- Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Phoenix VA Health Care System, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
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17
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Wan S, Cao S, Wang X, Zhou Y, Yan W, Gu X, Wu TC, Pang X. Evaluation of Vertebrate-Specific Replication-Defective Zika Virus, a Novel Single-Cycle Arbovirus Vaccine, in a Mouse Model. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9040338. [PMID: 33916109 PMCID: PMC8065927 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9040338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The flavivirus Zika (ZIKV) has emerged as a global threat, making the development of a ZIKV vaccine a priority. While live-attenuated vaccines are known to induce long-term immunity but reduced safety, inactivated vaccines exhibit a weaker immune response as a trade-off for increased safety margins. To overcome the trade-off between immunogenicity and safety, the concept of a third-generation flavivirus vaccine based on single-cycle flaviviruses has been developed. These third-generation flavivirus vaccines have demonstrated extreme potency with a high level of safety in animal models. However, the production of these single-cycle, encapsidation-defective flaviviruses requires a complicated virion packaging system. Here, we investigated a new single-cycle flavivirus vaccine, a vertebrate-specific replication-defective ZIKV (VSRD-ZIKV), in a mouse model. VSRD-ZIKV replicates to high titers in insect cells but can only initiate a single-round infection in vertebrate cells. During a single round of infection, VSRD-ZIKV can express all the authentic viral antigens in vertebrate hosts. VSRD-ZIKV immunization elicited a robust cellular and humoral immune response that protected against a lethal ZIKV challenge in AG129 mice. Additionally, VSRD-ZIKV-immunized pregnant mice were protected against vertically transferring a lethal ZIKV infection to their offspring. Immunized male mice were protected and prevented viral accumulation in the testes after being challenged with lethal ZIKV. Overall, our results indicate that VSRD-ZIKV induces a potent protective immunity against ZIKV in a mouse model and represents a promising approach to develop novel single-cycle arbovirus vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengfeng Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (S.W.); (S.C.); (X.W.); (W.Y.)
- Department of Oral Pathology, College of Dentistry, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA;
| | - Shengbo Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (S.W.); (S.C.); (X.W.); (W.Y.)
| | - Xugang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (S.W.); (S.C.); (X.W.); (W.Y.)
| | - Yanfei Zhou
- Tegen Biomedical Co., Rockville, MD 20851, USA;
| | - Weidong Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (S.W.); (S.C.); (X.W.); (W.Y.)
- Department of Oral Pathology, College of Dentistry, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA;
| | - Xinbin Gu
- Department of Oral Pathology, College of Dentistry, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA;
| | - Tzyy-Choou Wu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutes, Baltimore, MD 2128, USA;
| | - Xiaowu Pang
- Department of Oral Pathology, College of Dentistry, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA;
- Correspondence:
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18
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Tarantal AF, Hartigan-O’Connor DJ, Penna E, Kreutz A, Martinez ML, Noctor SC. Fetal Rhesus Monkey First Trimester Zika Virus Infection Impacts Cortical Development in the Second and Third Trimesters. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:2309-2321. [PMID: 33341889 PMCID: PMC8023859 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus is a teratogen similar to other neurotropic viruses, notably cytomegalovirus and rubella. The goal of these studies was to address the direct impact of Zika virus on fetal development by inoculating early gestation fetal rhesus monkeys using an ultrasound-guided approach (intraperitoneal vs. intraventricular). Growth and development were monitored across gestation, maternal samples collected, and fetal tissues obtained in the second trimester or near term. Although normal growth and anatomical development were observed, significant morphologic changes were noted in the cerebral cortex at 3-weeks post-Zika virus inoculation including massive alterations in the distribution, density, number, and morphology of microglial cells in proliferative regions of the fetal cerebral cortex; an altered distribution of Tbr2+ neural precursor cells; increased diameter and volume of blood vessels in the cortical proliferative zones; and a thinner cortical plate. At 3-months postinoculation, alterations in morphology, distribution, and density of microglial cells were also observed with an increase in blood vessel volume; and a thinner cortical plate. Only transient maternal viremia was observed but sustained maternal immune activation was detected. Overall, these studies suggest persistent changes in cortical structure result from early gestation Zika virus exposure with durable effects on microglial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice F Tarantal
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Dennis J Hartigan-O’Connor
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Elisa Penna
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95817, USA
| | - Anna Kreutz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95817, USA
| | - Michele L Martinez
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Stephen C Noctor
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95817, USA
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95817, USA
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19
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Wang Y, Huo Z, Lin Q, Lin Y, Chen C, Huang Y, Huang C, Zhang J, He J, Liu C, Zhang P. Positive Feedback Loop of Long Noncoding RNA OASL-IT1 and Innate Immune Response Restricts the Replication of Zika Virus in Epithelial A549 Cells. J Innate Immun 2021; 13:179-193. [PMID: 33626545 PMCID: PMC8138224 DOI: 10.1159/000513606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of host noncoding RNAs and coding mRNAs is significantly altered by viral infection. In the current study, we screened the transcriptional profile of human lung epithelial A549 cells infected with Zika virus (ZIKV) by microarray assay. Seventy-nine long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and 140 mRNAs were differentially expressed (DE). The bioinformatics analysis revealed that the mRNAs adjacent to the DE lncRNAs were closely related to the host responses to viral infection. We selected 7 lncRNAs from the top 50 hits for validation. The quantitative real-time PCR data confirmed that expression of selected lncRNAs was induced by ZIKV infection. Moreover, the expression of 7 lncRNAs was induced by infection of dengue virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, or vesicular stomatitis virus, or by treatment of poly(I:C) and IFN-β. Furthermore, loss of innate immune adaptor IPS-1 or receptor IFNAR1 resulted in lower induction levels of several lncRNAs by ZIKV. Overexpression of 3 lncRNAs (RPL27-OT1, OASL-IT1, and REC8-OT3) reduced the virus yields of ZIKV. Knockout of OASL-IT1 significantly enhanced ZIKV replication. In OASL-IT1 knockout cells, the levels of interferons (IFNs) and the activation of 3 innate immune signaling pathways triggered by ZIKV were dramatically reduced. Collectively, our work found a positive feedback loop in the IFN system, in which IFNs and OASL-IT1 regulate each other, thereby promoting establishment of antiviral defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Immunology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiting Huo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Immunology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Quanshi Lin
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Immunology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuxia Lin
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Immunology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cancan Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanxia Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Immunology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changbai Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Immunology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junsong Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junfang He
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Immunology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Immunology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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20
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Pereira LR, Alves RPDS, Sales NS, Andreata-Santos R, Venceslau-Carvalho AA, Pereira SS, Castro-Amarante MF, Rodrigues-Jesus MJ, Favaro MTDP, Chura-Chambi RM, Morganti L, Ferreira LCDS. Enhanced Immune Responses and Protective Immunity to Zika Virus Induced by a DNA Vaccine Encoding a Chimeric NS1 Fused With Type 1 Herpes Virus gD Protein. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2020; 2:604160. [PMID: 35047887 PMCID: PMC8757838 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2020.604160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a globally-distributed flavivirus transmitted to humans by Aedes mosquitoes, usually causing mild symptoms that may evolve to severe conditions, including neurological alterations, such as neonatal microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Due to the absence of specific and effective preventive methods, we designed a new subunit vaccine based on a DNA vector (pgDNS1-ZIKV) encoding the non-structural protein 1 (NS1) genetically fused to the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) glycoprotein D (gD) protein. Recombinant plasmids were replicated in Escherichia coli and the expression of the target protein was confirmed in transfected HEK293 cells. C57BL/6 and AB6 (IFNAR1-/-) mice were i.m. immunized by electroporation in order to evaluate pgDNS1-ZIKV immunogenicity. After two doses, high NS1-specific IgG antibody titers were measured in serum samples collected from pgDNS1-ZIKV-immunized mice. The NS1-specific antibodies were capable to bind the native protein expressed in infected mammalian cells. Immunization with pgDNS1-ZIKV increased both humoral and cellular immune responses regarding mice immunized with a ZIKV NS1 encoding vaccine. Immunization with pgDNS1-ZIKV reduced viremia and morbidity scores leading to enhanced survival of immunodeficient AB6 mice challenged with a lethal virus load. These results give support to the use of ZIKV NS1 as a target antigen and further demonstrate the relevant adjuvant effects of HSV-1 gD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennon Ramos Pereira
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rúbens Prince dos Santos Alves
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Natiely Silva Sales
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Robert Andreata-Santos
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aléxia Adrianne Venceslau-Carvalho
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Samuel Santos Pereira
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Fernanda Castro-Amarante
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mônica Josiane Rodrigues-Jesus
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marianna Teixeira de Pinho Favaro
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ligia Morganti
- Biotechnology Center, Institute of Energy and Nuclear Research (IPEN), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luís Carlos de Souza Ferreira
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil,*Correspondence: Luís Carlos de Souza Ferreira
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21
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Naim N, Amrit FRG, McClendon TB, Yanowitz JL, Ghazi A. The molecular tug of war between immunity and fertility: Emergence of conserved signaling pathways and regulatory mechanisms. Bioessays 2020; 42:e2000103. [PMID: 33169418 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Reproduction and immunity are energy intensive, intimately linked processes in most organisms. In women, pregnancy is associated with widespread immunological adaptations that alter immunity to many diseases, whereas, immune dysfunction has emerged as a major cause for infertility in both men and women. Deciphering the molecular bases of this dynamic association is inherently challenging in mammals. This relationship has been traditionally studied in fast-living, invertebrate species, often in the context of resource allocation between life history traits. More recently, these studies have advanced our understanding of the mechanistic underpinnings of the immunity-fertility dialogue. Here, we review the molecular connections between reproduction and immunity from the perspective of human pregnancy to mechanistic discoveries in laboratory organisms. We focus particularly on recent invertebrate studies identifying conserved signaling pathways and transcription factors that regulate resource allocation and shape the balance between reproductive status and immune health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki Naim
- Departments of Pediatrics, Developmental Biology and Cell Biology and Physiology, John, G. Rangos Sr. Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Francis R G Amrit
- Departments of Pediatrics, Developmental Biology and Cell Biology and Physiology, John, G. Rangos Sr. Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - T Brooke McClendon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Judith L Yanowitz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Arjumand Ghazi
- Departments of Pediatrics, Developmental Biology and Cell Biology and Physiology, John, G. Rangos Sr. Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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22
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Abstract
Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a label-free molecular imaging technique allowing an untargeted detection of a broad range of biomolecules and xenobiotics. MSI enables imaging of the spatial distribution of proteins, peptides, lipids and metabolites from a wide range of samples. To date, this technique is commonly applied to tissue sections in cancer diagnostics and biomarker development, but also molecular histology in general. Advances in the methodology and bioinformatics improved the resolution of MS images below the single cell level and increased the flexibility of the workflow. However, MSI-based research in virology is just starting to gain momentum and its full potential has not been exploited yet. In this review, we discuss the main applications of MSI in virology. We review important aspects of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) MSI, the most widely used MSI technique in virology. In addition, we summarize relevant literature on MSI studies that aim to unravel virus-host interactions and virus pathogenesis, to elucidate antiviral drug kinetics and to improve current viral disease diagnostics. Collectively, these studies strongly improve our general understanding of virus-induced changes in the proteome, metabolome and metabolite distribution in host tissues of humans, animals and plants upon infection. Furthermore, latest MSI research provided important insights into the drug distribution and distribution kinetics, especially in antiretroviral research. Finally, MSI-based investigations of oncogenic viruses greatly increased our knowledge on tumor mass signatures and facilitated the identification of cancer biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca D Bertzbach
- Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Axel Karger
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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23
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de Campos VS, Calaza KC, Adesse D. Implications of TORCH Diseases in Retinal Development-Special Focus on Congenital Toxoplasmosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:585727. [PMID: 33194824 PMCID: PMC7649341 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.585727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
There are certain critical periods during pregnancy when the fetus is at high risk for exposure to teratogens. Some microorganisms, including Toxoplasma gondii, are known to exhibit teratogenic effects, interfering with fetal development and causing irreversible disturbances. T. gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite and the etiological agent of Toxoplasmosis, a zoonosis that affects one third of the world's population. Although congenital infection can cause severe fetal damage, the injury extension depends on the gestational period of infection, among other factors, like parasite genotype and host immunity. This parasite invades the Central Nervous System (CNS), forming tissue cysts, and can interfere with neurodevelopment, leading to frequent neurological abnormalities associated with T. gondii infection. Therefore, T. gondii is included in the TORCH complex of infectious diseases that may lead to neurological malformations (Toxoplasmosis, Others, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes). The retina is part of CNS, as it is derived from the diencephalon. Except for astrocytes and microglia, retinal cells originate from multipotent neural progenitors. After cell cycle exit, cells migrate to specific layers, undergo morphological and neurochemical differentiation, form synapses and establish their circuits. The retina is organized in nuclear layers intercalated by plexus, responsible for translating and preprocessing light stimuli and for sending this information to the brain visual nuclei for image perception. Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is a very debilitating condition and may present high severity in areas in which virulent strains are found. However, little is known about the effect of congenital infection on the biology of retinal progenitors/ immature cells and how this infection may affect the development of this tissue. In this context, this study reviews the effects that congenital infections may cause to the developing retina and the cellular and molecular aspects of these diseases, with special focus on congenital OT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Souza de Campos
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia da Retina, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Karin C. Calaza
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia da Retina, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, Brazil
| | - Daniel Adesse
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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24
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Evaluation in Swine of a Recombinant African Swine Fever Virus Lacking the MGF-360-1L Gene. Viruses 2020; 12:v12101193. [PMID: 33092258 PMCID: PMC7589680 DOI: 10.3390/v12101193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The African swine fever (ASF) pandemic is currently affecting pigs throughout Eurasia, resulting in significant swine production losses. The causative agent, ASF virus (ASFV), is a large, structurally complex virus with a genome encoding more than 160 genes. The function of most of those genes remains unknown. Here, we presented the previously uncharacterized ASFV gene MGF360-1L, the first gene in the genome. The kinetic studies of virus RNA transcription demonstrated that the MGF360-1L gene was transcribed as a late virus protein. The essentiality of MGF360-1L to virus replication was evaluated by developing a recombinant ASFV lacking the gene (ASFV-G-ΔMGF360-1L). In primary swine macrophage cell cultures, ASFV-G-ΔMGF360-1L showed similar replication kinetics as the parental highly virulent field isolate Georgia2007 (ASFV-G). Domestic pigs experimentally infected with ASFV-G-ΔMGF360-1L presented with a clinical disease indistinguishable from that caused by ASFV-G, demonstrating that MGF360-1L was not involved in virulence in swine, the natural host of ASFV.
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25
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Sparks H, Monogue B, Akiyama B, Kieft J, Beckham JD. Disruption of Zika Virus xrRNA1-Dependent sfRNA1 Production Results in Tissue-Specific Attenuated Viral Replication. Viruses 2020; 12:v12101177. [PMID: 33080971 PMCID: PMC7589627 DOI: 10.3390/v12101177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The Zika virus (ZIKV), like other flaviviruses, produces several species of sub-genomic RNAs (sfRNAs) during infection, corresponding to noncoding RNA fragments of different lengths that result from the exonuclease degradation of the viral 3′ untranslated region (UTR). Over the course of infection, these sfRNAs accumulate in the cell as a result of an incomplete viral genome degradation of the 3′ UTR by the host 5′ to 3′ exoribonuclease, Xrn1. The halting of Xrn1 in the 3′ UTR is due to two RNA pseudoknot structures in the 3′ UTR, termed exoribonuclease-resistant RNA1 and 2 (xrRNA1&2). Studies with related flaviviruses have shown that sfRNAs are important for pathogenicity and inhibiting both mosquito and mammalian host defense mechanisms. However, these investigations have not included ZIKV and there is very limited data addressing how sfRNAs impact infection in a whole animal model or specific tissues. In this study, we generate a sfRNA1-deficient ZIKV (X1) by targeted mutation in the xrRNA1 3′ UTR structure. We find that the X1 virus lacks the production of the largest ZIKV sfRNA species, sfRNA1. Using the X1 virus to infect adult Ifnar1−/− mice, we find that while the lack of sfRNA1 does not alter ZIKV replication in the spleen, there is a significant reduction of ZIKV genome replication in the brain and placenta compared to wild-type ZIKV infection. Despite the attenuated phenotype of the X1 ZIKV, mice develop a robust neutralizing antibody response. We conclude that the targeted disruption of xrRNA1 results in tissue-specific attenuation while still supporting robust neutralizing antibody responses. Future studies will need to investigate the tissue-specific mechanisms by which ZIKV sfRNAs influence infection and may utilize targeted xrRNA mutations to develop novel attenuated flavivirus vaccine approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadrian Sparks
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (H.S.); (B.M.)
| | - Brendan Monogue
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (H.S.); (B.M.)
| | - Benjamin Akiyama
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and 4RNA BioScience Initiative, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (B.A.); (J.K.)
| | - Jeffrey Kieft
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and 4RNA BioScience Initiative, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (B.A.); (J.K.)
| | - J. David Beckham
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (H.S.); (B.M.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Correspondence:
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26
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Thomas SJ, Barrett A. Zika vaccine pre-clinical and clinical data review with perspectives on the future development. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2020; 16:2524-2536. [PMID: 32702260 PMCID: PMC7644220 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2020.1730657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika is an arboviral illness caused by infection with the Zika flavivirus. Transmission most commonly occurs during a feeding event involving an infected Aedes mosquito or vertical transmission between an infected mother to her fetus. Infection outcomes range from asymptomatic to devastating neurologic injuries in children infected in utero. The recognition of Congenital Zika Syndrome prompted the declaration of an international health emergency and a call to rapidly develop medical countermeasures such as vaccines and therapeutics. A flurry of research and development activity in industry, government, non-governmental organizations, and academia during the most recent Zika epidemic (2015) stimulated the development of a number of vaccine candidate prototypes, generation of pre-clinical data, and the conduct of early phase human trials. The safety and immunogenicity of different vaccine platforms were demonstrated and mouse and non-human primate passive transfer studies hinted at the potential for clinical benefit in humans and defining an immune correlate of protection. A rapid decline in regional transmission, however, prevented the conduct a clinical endpoint efficacy trial. The pathway to licensure of a Zika vaccine remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J. Thomas
- Institute for Global Health and Translational Science, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Alan Barrett
- Department of Pathology and Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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27
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Evolutionary analysis of the Musashi family: What can it tell us about Zika? INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2020; 84:104364. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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28
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Zeng J, Dong S, Luo Z, Xie X, Fu B, Li P, Liu C, Yang X, Chen Y, Wang X, Liu Z, Wu J, Yan Y, Wang F, Chen JF, Zhang J, Long G, Goldman SA, Li S, Zhao Z, Liang Q. The Zika Virus Capsid Disrupts Corticogenesis by Suppressing Dicer Activity and miRNA Biogenesis. Cell Stem Cell 2020; 27:618-632.e9. [PMID: 32763144 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2020.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) causes microcephaly and disrupts neurogenesis. Dicer-mediated miRNA biogenesis is required for embryonic brain development and has been suggested to be disrupted upon ZIKV infection. Here we mapped the ZIKV-host interactome in neural stem cells (NSCs) and found that Dicer is specifically targeted by the capsid from ZIKV, but not other flaviviruses, to facilitate ZIKV infection. We identified a capsid mutant (H41R) that loses this interaction and does not suppress Dicer activity. Consistently, ZIKV-H41R is less virulent and does not inhibit neurogenesis in vitro or corticogenesis in utero. Epidemic ZIKV strains contain capsid mutations that increase Dicer binding affinity and enhance pathogenicity. ZIKV-infected NSCs show global dampening of miRNA production, including key miRNAs linked to neurogenesis, which is not observed after ZIKV-H41R infection. Together these findings show that capsid-dependent suppression of Dicer is a major determinant of ZIKV immune evasion and pathogenesis and may underlie ZIKV-related microcephaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxiong Zeng
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shupeng Dong
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Research Center of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhifei Luo
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xiaochun Xie
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bishi Fu
- Department of Paediatrics, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; State Key Laboratory of Virology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ping Li
- Key Laboratory for Food Microbial Technology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chengrong Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing Yang
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenshan Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Youzhen Yan
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Feng Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Research Center of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Fu Chen
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Long
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Steven A Goldman
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Shitao Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| | - Zhen Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Qiming Liang
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Research Center of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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29
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Thawani A, Sammudin NH, Reygaerts HS, Wozniak AN, Munnamalai V, Kuhn RJ, Fekete DM. Zika virus can directly infect and damage the auditory and vestibular components of the embryonic chicken inner ear. Dev Dyn 2020; 249:867-883. [PMID: 32384225 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sensorineural hearing loss is an understudied consequence of congenital Zika syndrome, and balance disorders are essentially unreported to date. Also lacking is information about the susceptibility and the pathogenesis of the developing inner ear following Zika virus (ZIKV) exposure. To address this, ZIKV was delivered directly into the otic cup/otocyst of chicken embryos and infection of inner ear tissues was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS After injections on embryonic days 2 to 5, ZIKV infection was observed in 90% of the samples harvested 2 to 8 days later; however, the degree of infection was highly variable across individuals. ZIKV was detected in all regions of the inner ear, associated ganglia, and in the surrounding periotic mesenchyme. Detection of virus peaked earlier in the ganglion and vestibular compartments, and later in the cochlea. ZIKV infection increased cell death robustly in the auditory ganglion, and modestly in the auditory sensory organ. Macrophage accumulation was found to overlap with dense viral infection in some tissues. Additionally, dysmorphogenesis of the semicircular canals and ganglion was observed for a subset of injection conditions. CONCLUSIONS This article presents evidence of direct ZIKV infection of developing inner ear epithelium and shows previously unknown inner ear dysmorphogenesis phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Thawani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.,Purdue Institute of Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.,Purdue Institute of Inflammation Immunology and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Nabilah H Sammudin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.,Purdue Institute of Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Hannah S Reygaerts
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Alexis N Wozniak
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Richard J Kuhn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.,Purdue Institute of Inflammation Immunology and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Donna M Fekete
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.,Purdue Institute of Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.,Purdue Institute of Inflammation Immunology and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.,Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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30
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A combination of two human monoclonal antibodies limits fetal damage by Zika virus in macaques. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:7981-7989. [PMID: 32209664 PMCID: PMC7149495 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2000414117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy can cause fetal abnormalities. Vaccines against ZIKV are under development, but because of potential safety concerns due to disease-enhancing antibodies, and the time required by active immunization to induce protective antibodies, there is a need to explore alternative strategies. Recombinant monoclonal antibodies can be modified to prevent enhancement of infection, and thus could be an efficacious and safe alternative to vaccines to confer rapid protection. We show that prophylactic administration of two engineered antibodies, Z004 and Z021, to pregnant macaques partially protects against fetal neurologic damage and limits vertical transmission of ZIKV. Human infection by Zika virus (ZIKV) during pregnancy can lead to vertical transmission and fetal aberrations, including microcephaly. Prophylactic administration of antibodies can diminish or prevent ZIKV infection in animal models, but whether passive immunization can protect nonhuman primates and their fetuses during pregnancy has not been determined. Z004 and Z021 are neutralizing monoclonal antibodies to domain III of the envelope (EDIII) of ZIKV. Together the two antibodies protect nonpregnant macaques against infection even after Fc modifications to prevent antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) in vitro and extend their half-lives. Here we report on prophylactic coadministration of the Fc-modified antibodies to pregnant rhesus macaques challenged three times with ZIKV during first and second trimester. The two antibodies did not entirely eliminate maternal viremia but limited vertical transmission, protecting the fetus from neurologic damage. Thus, maternal passive immunization with two antibodies to EDIII can shield primate fetuses from the harmful effects of ZIKV.
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31
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Claus C, Jung M, Hübschen JM. Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Models: A Peephole into Virus Infections during Early Pregnancy. Cells 2020; 9:E542. [PMID: 32110999 PMCID: PMC7140399 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The rubella virus (RV) was the first virus shown to be teratogenic in humans. The wealth of data on the clinical symptoms associated with congenital rubella syndrome is in stark contrast to an incomplete understanding of the forces leading to the teratogenic alterations in humans. This applies not only to RV, but also to congenital viral infections in general and includes (1) the mode of vertical transmission, even at early gestation, (2) the possible involvement of inflammation as a consequence of an activated innate immune response, and (3) the underlying molecular and cellular alterations. With the progress made in the development of pluripotent stem cell-based models including organoids and embryoids, it is now possible to assess congenital virus infections on a mechanistic level. Moreover, antiviral treatment options can be validated, and newly emerging viruses with a potential impact on human embryonal development, such as that recently reflected by the Zika virus (ZIKV), can be characterized. Here, we discuss human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and ZIKV in comparison to RV as viruses with well-known congenital pathologies and highlight their analysis on current models for the early phase of human development. This includes the implications of their genetic variability and, as such, virus strain-specific properties for their use as archetype models for congenital virus infections. In this review, we will discuss the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and derived organoid systems for the study of congenital virus infections with a focus on their prominent aetiologies, HCMV, ZIKV, and RV. Their assessment on these models will provide valuable information on how human development is impaired by virus infections; it will also add new insights into the normal progression of human development through the analysis of developmental pathways in the context of virus-induced alterations. These are exciting perspectives for both developmental biology and congenital virology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Claus
- Institute of Virology, University of Leipzig, Johannisallee 30, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Matthias Jung
- University Clinic and Outpatient Clinic for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatic Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Judith M Hübschen
- Infectious Diseases Research Unit, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
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32
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Chiu CF, Chu LW, Liao IC, Simanjuntak Y, Lin YL, Juan CC, Ping YH. The Mechanism of the Zika Virus Crossing the Placental Barrier and the Blood-Brain Barrier. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:214. [PMID: 32153526 PMCID: PMC7044130 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection causes severe neurological symptoms in adults and fetal microcephaly and the virus is detected in the brain of microcephaly and meningoencephalitis patient. However, the mechanism of ZIKV crossing the physiological barrier to the central nervous systems (CNS) remains elusive. The placental barrier and the blood brain barrier (BBB) protect the fetus from pathogens and ensure healthy brain development during pregnancy. In this study, we used human placenta trophoblasts cells (JEG-3) and human brain-derived endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3) as in vitro models of the physiological barriers. Results showed that ZIKV could infect JEG-3 cells effectively and reduce the amounts of ZO-1 and occludin between adjacent cells by the proteasomal degradation pathway, suggesting that the permeability of the barrier differentially changed in response to ZIKV infection, allowing the virus particle to cross the host barrier. In contrast, ZIKV could infect hCMEC/D3 cells without disrupting the BBB barrier permeability and tight junction protein expression. Although no disruption to the BBB was observed during ZIKV infection, ZIKV particles were released on the basal side of the BBB model and infected underlying cells. In addition, we observed that fluorescence-labeled ZIKV particles could cross the in vitro placenta barrier and BBB model by transcytosis and the action of transcytosis could be blocked by either low temperature or pharmacological inhibitors of endocytosis. In summary, the ZIKV uses a cell-type specific paracellular pathway to cross the placenta monolayer barrier by disrupting cellular tight junction. In addition, the ZIKV can also cross both the placenta barrier and the BBB by transcytosis. Our study provided new insights into on the mechanism of the cellular barrier penetration of ZIKV particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Fen Chiu
- Department and Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Wei Chu
- Department and Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-Chen Liao
- Department and Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yogy Simanjuntak
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ling Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chang Juan
- Department and Institute of Physiology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Hsin Ping
- Department and Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biophotonics, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Luo S, Zhao W, Ma X, Zhang P, Liu B, Zhang L, Wang W, Wang Y, Fu Y, Allain JP, Li T, Li C. A high infectious simian adenovirus type 23 vector based vaccine efficiently protects common marmosets against Zika virus infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008027. [PMID: 32049958 PMCID: PMC7015313 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) has spread in many countries or territories causing severe neurologic complications with potential fatal outcomes. The small primate common marmosets are susceptible to ZIKV, mimicking key features of human infection. Here, a novel simian adenovirus type 23 vector-based vaccine expressing ZIKV pre-membrane-envelope proteins (Sad23L-prM-E) was produced in high infectious titer. Due to determination of immunogenicity in mice, a single-dose of 3×108 PFU Sad23L-prM-E vaccine was intramuscularly inoculated to marmosets. This vaccine raised antibody titers of 104.07 E-specific and 103.13 neutralizing antibody (NAb), as well as robust specific IFN-γ secreting T-cell response (1,219 SFCs/106 cells) to E peptides. The vaccinated marmosets, upon challenge with a high dose of ZIKV (105 PFU) six weeks post prime immunization, reduced viremia by more than 100 folds, and the low level of detectable viral RNA (<103 copies/ml) in blood, saliva, urine and feces was promptly eliminated when the secondary NAb (titer >103.66) and T-cell response (>726 SFCs/106 PBMCs) were acquired 1–2 weeks post exposure to ZIKV, while non-vaccinated control marmosets developed long-term high titer of ZIKV (105.73 copies/ml) (P<0.05). No significant pathological lesions were observed in marmoset tissues. Sad23L-prM-E vaccine was detectable in spleen, liver and PBMCs at least 4 months post challenge. In conclusion, a prime immunization with Sad23L-prM-E vaccine was able to protect marmosets against ZIKV infection when exposed to a high dose of ZIKV. This Sad23L-prM-E vaccine is a promising vaccine candidate for prevention of ZIKV infection in humans. Zika virus (ZIKV) is a member of the Flaviviridaefamily) and causes severe neurologic diseases. The development of safe and effective vaccine is urgent need. In this study, we constructed a novel simian adenovirus type 23 vector-based vaccine expressing ZIKV pre-membrane-envelope proteins (Sad23L-prM-E). By vaccinating the common marmosets with prime immunization of vaccine, and upon challenge with a high dose of ZIKV to the vaccinated marmosets, the immune response and protective efficacy of vaccine were extensively evaluated. The data suggested that Sad23L-prM-E vaccine could protect marmosets against a high dose of ZIKV challenge, which provided a promising vaccine for preventing ZIKV infection in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengxue Luo
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Laboratory of Biosafety, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaorui Ma
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Panli Zhang
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bochao Liu
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanzhan Wang
- Experimental Animal Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Jean-Pierre Allain
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Emeritus professor, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- * E-mail: (TL); (CL)
| | - Chengyao Li
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- * E-mail: (TL); (CL)
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34
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Genetic Diversity of Collaborative Cross Mice Controls Viral Replication, Clinical Severity, and Brain Pathology Induced by Zika Virus Infection, Independently of Oas1b. J Virol 2020; 94:JVI.01034-19. [PMID: 31694939 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01034-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The explosive spread of Zika virus (ZIKV) has been associated with major variations in severe disease and congenital afflictions among infected populations, suggesting an influence of host genes. We investigated how genome-wide variants could impact susceptibility to ZIKV infection in mice. We first describe that the susceptibility of Ifnar1-knockout mice is largely influenced by their genetic background. We then show that Collaborative Cross (CC) mice, which exhibit a broad genetic diversity, in which the type I interferon receptor (IFNAR) was blocked by an anti-IFNAR antibody expressed phenotypes ranging from complete resistance to severe symptoms and death, with large variations in the peak and the rate of decrease in the plasma viral load, in the brain viral load, in brain histopathology, and in the viral replication rate in infected cells. The differences in susceptibility to ZIKV between CC strains correlated with the differences in susceptibility to dengue and West Nile viruses between the strains. We identified highly susceptible and resistant mouse strains as new models to investigate the mechanisms of human ZIKV disease and other flavivirus infections. Genetic analyses revealed that phenotypic variations are driven by multiple genes with small effects, reflecting the complexity of ZIKV disease susceptibility in the human population. Notably, our results rule out the possibility of a role of the Oas1b gene in the susceptibility to ZIKV. Altogether, the findings of this study emphasize the role of host genes in the pathogeny of ZIKV infection and lay the foundation for further genetic and mechanistic studies.IMPORTANCE In recent outbreaks, ZIKV has infected millions of people and induced rare but potentially severe complications, including Guillain-Barré syndrome and encephalitis in adults. While several viral sequence variants were proposed to enhance the pathogenicity of ZIKV, the influence of host genetic variants in mediating the clinical heterogeneity remains mostly unexplored. We addressed this question using a mouse panel which models the genetic diversity of the human population and a ZIKV strain from a recent clinical isolate. Through a combination of in vitro and in vivo approaches, we demonstrate that multiple host genetic variants determine viral replication in infected cells and the clinical severity, the kinetics of blood viral load, and brain pathology in mice. We describe new mouse models expressing high degrees of susceptibility or resistance to ZIKV and to other flaviviruses. These models will facilitate the identification and mechanistic characterization of host genes that influence ZIKV pathogenesis.
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Effects of Adjuvants on the Immunogenicity and Efficacy of a Zika Virus Envelope Domain III Subunit Vaccine. Vaccines (Basel) 2019; 7:vaccines7040161. [PMID: 31717890 PMCID: PMC6963592 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7040161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, has attracted global attention due to its close association with congenital Zika syndrome and neurological diseases, and transmission through additional routes, such as sexual contact. Currently there are no vaccines approved for ZIKV, and thus, there is an urgent need to develop an effective and safe ZIKV vaccine. Domain III (DIII) of the ZIKV envelope (E) protein is an important vaccine target, and a vaccine developed using a mutant DIII of E (EDIII) protein protects adult and pregnant mice, and unborn offspring, against ZIKV infection. Here, we have used immunocompetent BALB/c mice treated with anti-interferon-α/β receptor 1 (Ifnar1) antibodies to investigate whether three adjuvants (aluminum (Alum), monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL), and MF59), either alone or in combination, could improve the efficacy of this EDIII subunit vaccine. Our data show that, although vaccine formulated with a single adjuvant induced a specific antibody and cellular immune response, and reduced viral load in mice challenged with ZIKV, the combination of Alum and MPL adjuvants led to a more robust and balanced immune response, stronger neutralizing activity against three recent ZIKV human strains, and greater protection against a high-dose ZIKV challenge. Particularly, the combination of Alum with MPL significantly reduced viral titers and viral RNA copy numbers in sera and tissues, including the male reproductive organs. Overall, this study has identified the combination of Alum and MPL as the most effective adjuvant for ZIKV EDIII subunit vaccines, and it has important implications for subunit vaccines against other enveloped viruses, including non-ZIKV flaviviruses.
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36
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Jagger BW, Dowd KA, Chen RE, Desai P, Foreman B, Burgomaster KE, Himansu S, Kong WP, Graham BS, Pierson TC, Diamond MS. Protective Efficacy of Nucleic Acid Vaccines Against Transmission of Zika Virus During Pregnancy in Mice. J Infect Dis 2019; 220:1577-1588. [PMID: 31260518 PMCID: PMC6782106 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) caused an epidemic of congenital malformations in 2015-2016. Although many vaccine candidates have been generated, few have demonstrated efficacy against congenital ZIKV infection. Here, we evaluated lipid-encapsulated messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines and a DNA plasmid vaccine encoding the prM-E genes of ZIKV in mouse models of congenital infection. Although the DNA vaccine provided comparable efficacy against vertical transmission of ZIKV, the mRNA vaccines, including one that minimizes antibody-dependent enhancement of infection, elicited higher levels of antigen-specific long-lived plasma cells and memory B cells. Despite the induction of robust neutralizing antibody titers by all vaccines, breakthrough seeding of the placenta and fetal head was observed in a small subset of type I interferon signaling-deficient immunocompromised dams. In comparison, evaluation of one of the mRNA vaccines in a human STAT2-knockin transgenic immunocompetent mouse showed complete protection against congenital ZIKV transmission. These data will inform ongoing human ZIKV vaccine development efforts and enhance our understanding of the correlates of vaccine-induced protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett W Jagger
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Kimberly A Dowd
- Viral Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Rita E Chen
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Pritesh Desai
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Bryant Foreman
- Viral Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Katherine E Burgomaster
- Viral Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Wing-Pui Kong
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Barney S Graham
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Theodore C Pierson
- Viral Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Michael S Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- The Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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37
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Sarkar S, Heise MT. Mouse Models as Resources for Studying Infectious Diseases. Clin Ther 2019; 41:1912-1922. [PMID: 31540729 PMCID: PMC7112552 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2019.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mouse models are important tools both for studying the pathogenesis of infectious diseases and for the preclinical evaluation of vaccines and therapies against a wide variety of human pathogens. The use of genetically defined inbred mouse strains, humanized mice, and gene knockout mice has allowed the research community to explore how pathogens cause disease, define the role of specific host genes in either controlling or promoting disease, and identify potential targets for the prevention or treatment of a wide range of infectious agents. This review discusses several of the most commonly used mouse model systems, as well as new resources such as the Collaborative Cross as models for studying infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Sarkar
- Department of Genetics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mark T Heise
- Department of Genetics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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38
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Dudley DM, Aliota MT, Mohr EL, Newman CM, Golos TG, Friedrich TC, O'Connor DH. Using Macaques to Address Critical Questions in Zika Virus Research. Annu Rev Virol 2019; 6:481-500. [PMID: 31180813 PMCID: PMC7323203 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-virology-092818-015732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) and nonhuman primates have been inextricably linked since the virus was first discovered in a sentinel rhesus macaque in Uganda in 1947. Soon after ZIKV was epidemiologically associated with birth defects in Brazil late in 2015, researchers capitalized on the fact that rhesus macaques are commonly used to model viral immunity and pathogenesis, quickly establishing macaque models for ZIKV infection. Within months, the susceptibility of pregnant macaques to experimental ZIKV challenge and ZIKV-associated abnormalities in fetuses was confirmed. This review discusses key unanswered questions in ZIKV immunity and in the pathogenesis of thecongenital Zika virus syndrome. We focus on those questions that can be best addressed in pregnant nonhuman primates and lessons learned from developing macaque models for ZIKV amid an active epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn M Dudley
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, USA; , ,
| | - Matthew T Aliota
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA;
| | - Emma L Mohr
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53792, USA;
| | - Christina M Newman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, USA; , ,
| | - Thaddeus G Golos
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53715, USA; ,
- Departments of Comparative Biosciences and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
| | - Thomas C Friedrich
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53715, USA; ,
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
| | - David H O'Connor
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, USA; , ,
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53715, USA; ,
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39
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Casazza RL, Lazear HM, Miner JJ. Protective and Pathogenic Effects of Interferon Signaling During Pregnancy. Viral Immunol 2019; 33:3-11. [PMID: 31545139 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2019.0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune regulation at the maternal-fetal interface is complex due to conflicting immunological objectives: protection of the fetus from maternal pathogens and prevention of immune-mediated rejection of the semiallogeneic fetus and placenta. Interferon (IFN) signaling plays an important role in restricting congenital infections as well as in the physiology of healthy pregnancies. In this review, we discuss the antiviral and pathogenic effects of type I IFN (IFN-α, IFN-β), type II IFN (IFN-γ), and type III IFN (IFN-λ) during pregnancy, with an emphasis on mouse and non-human primate models of congenital Zika virus infection. In the context of these animal model systems, we examine the role of IFN signaling during healthy pregnancy. Finally, we review mechanisms by which dysregulated type I IFN responses contribute to poor pregnancy outcomes in humans with autoimmune disease, including interferonopathies and systemic lupus erythematosus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Casazza
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Helen M Lazear
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jonathan J Miner
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri.,Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri
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40
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Xu D, Li C, Qin CF, Xu Z. Update on the Animal Models and Underlying Mechanisms for ZIKV-Induced Microcephaly. Annu Rev Virol 2019; 6:459-479. [PMID: 31206355 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-virology-092818-015740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The circulation of Zika virus (ZIKV) in nearly 80 countries and territories poses a significant global threat to public health. ZIKV is causally linked to severe developmental defects in the brain, recognized as congenital Zika syndrome (CZS), which includes microcephaly and other serious congenital neurological complications. Since the World Health Organization declared the ZIKV outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, remarkable progress has been made in the generation of different ZIKV infection animal models to gain insight into cellular targets and pathogenesis and to explore the associated underlying mechanisms. Here we focus on summarizing our current understanding of the effects of ZIKV on mammalian brain development in different developmental stages and discuss the potential underlying mechanisms of ZIKV-induced CZS, as well as future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Xu
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Institute of Life Sciences, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China;
| | - Cui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China;
| | - Cheng-Feng Qin
- Department of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China;
| | - Zhiheng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; .,Parkinson's Disease Center, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing 100069, China
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41
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Zhang W, Tan YW, Yam WK, Tu H, Qiu L, Tan EK, Chu JJH, Zeng L. In utero infection of Zika virus leads to abnormal central nervous system development in mice. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7298. [PMID: 31086212 PMCID: PMC6513999 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43303-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization has declared ZIKA virus (ZIKV) a global public health emergency, prompted by the association of ZIKV infections with severe brain abnormalities in the human fetus. ZIKV preferentially targets human neuronal precursor cells (NPCs) in both monolayer and cortical brain organoid culture systems and stunts their growth. Although ZIKV is well recognized to cause microcephaly, there is no systematic analysis to demonstrate the effect of ZIKV on central nervous system (CNS) development, including brain malformations and spinal cord dysfunction. Here, we conducted a longitudinal analysis to show that a novel mouse model (infected in utero and monitored after birth until adulthood) recapitulates the effects of ZIKV infection affecting neural stem cells fate and leads to a thinner cortex and a smaller brain. Furthermore, we demonstrate the effect of ZIKV on spinal cord function. Specifically, we found significant reductions in neuron numbers in the anterior horn of grey matter of the spinal cord and muscle dystrophy with a significant decrease in forepaw grip strength in the ZIKV group. Thus, the established mouse model of ZIKV infection leading to abnormal CNS development will help to further advance our understanding of the disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Neural Stem Cell Research Lab, Research Department, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Yong Wah Tan
- Collaborative Translation Unit for HFMD, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency of Science, Technology & Research (A STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Wan Keat Yam
- Collaborative Translation Unit for HFMD, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency of Science, Technology & Research (A STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Haitao Tu
- Neural Stem Cell Research Lab, Research Department, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Lifeng Qiu
- Neural Stem Cell Research Lab, Research Department, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Eng King Tan
- Research Department, National Neuroscience Institute, SGH Campus, Singapore, 169856, Singapore.,Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, SGH Campus, Singapore, 169856, Singapore.,Neuroscience & Behavioral Disorders Program, DUKE-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Justin Jang Hann Chu
- Collaborative Translation Unit for HFMD, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency of Science, Technology & Research (A STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore.,Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Li Zeng
- Neural Stem Cell Research Lab, Research Department, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore. .,Neuroscience & Behavioral Disorders Program, DUKE-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore. .,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Novena Campus, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore, 308232, Singapore.
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42
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Pre-Clinical Pregnancy Models for Evaluating Zika Vaccines. Trop Med Infect Dis 2019; 4:tropicalmed4020058. [PMID: 30959955 PMCID: PMC6630727 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed4020058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy can result in a variety of developmental abnormalities in the fetus, referred to as Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). The effects of CZS can range from the loss of the viable fetus to a variety of neurological defects in full-term infants, including microcephaly. The clinical importance of ZIKV-induced CZS has driven an intense effort to develop effective vaccines. Consequently, there are approximately 45 different ZIKV vaccine candidates at various stages of development with several undergoing phase I and II clinical trials. These vaccine candidates have been shown to effectively prevent infection in adult animal models, however, there has been less extensive testing for their ability to block vertical transmission to the fetus during pregnancy or prevent the development of CZS. In addition, it is becoming increasingly difficult to test vaccines in the field as the intensity of the ZIKV epidemic has declined precipitously, making clinical endpoint studies difficult. These ethical and practical challenges in determining efficacy of ZIKV vaccine candidates in preventing CZS have led to increased emphasis on pre-clinical testing in animal pregnancy models. Here we review the current status of pre-clinical pregnancy models for testing the ability of ZIKV vaccines to prevent CZS.
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43
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Tai W, Voronin D, Chen J, Bao W, Kessler DA, Shaz B, Jiang S, Yazdanbakhsh K, Du L. Transfusion-Transmitted Zika Virus Infection in Pregnant Mice Leads to Broad Tissue Tropism With Severe Placental Damage and Fetal Demise. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:29. [PMID: 30728813 PMCID: PMC6351479 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy can cause significant problems, particularly congenital Zika syndrome. Nevertheless, the potential deleterious consequences and associated mechanisms of transfusion-transmitted ZIKV infection on pregnant individuals and their fetuses and babies have not been investigated. Here we examined transmissibility of ZIKV through blood transfusion in ZIKV-susceptible pregnant A129 mice. Our data showed that transfused-transmitted ZIKV at the early infection stage led to significant viremia and broad tissue tropism in the pregnant recipient mice, which were not seen in those transfused with ZIKV-positive (ZIKV+) plasma at later infection stages. Importantly, pregnant mice transfused with early-stage, but not later stages, ZIKV+ plasma also exhibited severe placental infection with vascular damage and apoptosis, fetal infection and fetal damage, accompanied by fetal and pup death. Overall, this study suggests that transfusion-related transmission of ZIKV during initial stage of infection, which harbors high plasma viral titers, can cause serious adverse complications in the pregnant recipients and their fetuses and babies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanbo Tai
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Denis Voronin
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jiawei Chen
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Weili Bao
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Debra A Kessler
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Beth Shaz
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, United States.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Karina Yazdanbakhsh
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lanying Du
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, United States
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