1
|
Sizikova TE, Lebedev VN, Borisevich SV. [Comparative analysis of the taxonomic classification criteria for a number of groups of pathogenic DNA and RNA viruses based on genomic data]. Vopr Virusol 2024; 69:203-218. [PMID: 38996370 DOI: 10.36233/0507-4088-238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
The basis for criteria of the taxonomic classification of DNA and RNA viruses based on data of the genomic sequencing are viewed in this review. The genomic sequences of viruses, which have genome represented by double-stranded DNA (orthopoxviruses as example), positive-sense single-stranded RNA (alphaviruses and flaviviruses as example), non-segmented negative-sense single-stranded RNA (filoviruses as example), segmented negative-sense single-stranded RNA (arenaviruses and phleboviruses as example) are analyzed. The levels of genetic variability that determine the assignment of compared viruses to taxa of various orders are established for each group of viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T E Sizikova
- 48th Central Scientific Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
| | - V N Lebedev
- 48th Central Scientific Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
| | - S V Borisevich
- 48th Central Scientific Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fongsaran C, Jirakanwisal K, Peng BH, Fracassi A, Taglialatela G, Dineley KT, Paessler S, Cisneros IE. Arbovirus infection increases the risk for the development of neurodegenerative disease pathology in the murine model. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 38:100780. [PMID: 38706571 PMCID: PMC11067009 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is classified as a progressive disorder resulting from protein misfolding, also known as proteinopathies. Proteinopathies include synucleinopathies triggered by misfolded amyloid α-synuclein, tauopathies triggered by misfolded tau, and amyloidopathies triggered by misfolded amyloid of which Alzheimer's disease (β-amyloid) is most prevalent. Most neurodegenerative diseases (>90%) are not due to dominantly inherited genetic causes. Instead, it is thought that the risk for disease is a complicated interaction between inherited and environmental risk factors that, with age, drive pathology that ultimately results in neurodegeneration and disease onset. Since it is increasingly appreciated that encephalitic viral infections can have profoundly detrimental neurological consequences long after the acute infection has resolved, we tested the hypothesis that viral encephalitis exacerbates the pathological profile of protein-misfolding diseases. Using a robust, reproducible, and well-characterized mouse model for β-amyloidosis, Tg2576, we studied the contribution of alphavirus-induced encephalitis (TC-83 strain of VEEV to model alphavirus encephalitis viruses) on the progression of neurodegenerative pathology. We longitudinally evaluated neurological, neurobehavioral, and cognitive levels, followed by a post-mortem analysis of brain pathology focusing on neuroinflammation. We found more severe cognitive deficits and brain pathology in Tg2576 mice inoculated with TC-83 than in their mock controls. These data set the groundwork to investigate sporadic Alzheimer's disease and treatment interventions for this infectious disease risk factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chanida Fongsaran
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Neuroinfectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Krit Jirakanwisal
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Neuroinfectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Bi-Hung Peng
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Anna Fracassi
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Giulio Taglialatela
- Neuroinfectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Kelly T. Dineley
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Irma E. Cisneros
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Neuroinfectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xie Y, Cao J, Gan S, Xu L, Zhang D, Qian S, Xu F, Ding Q, Schoggins JW, Fan W. TRIM32 inhibits Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Infection by targeting a late step in viral entry. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.04.597282. [PMID: 38895352 PMCID: PMC11185716 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.04.597282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Alphaviruses are mosquito borne RNA viruses that are a reemerging public health threat. Alphaviruses have a broad host range, and can cause diverse disease outcomes like arthritis, and encephalitis. The host ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) plays critical roles in regulating cellular processes to control the infections with various viruses, including alphaviruses. Previous studies suggest alphaviruses hijack UPS for virus infection, but the molecular mechanisms remain poorly characterized. In addition, whether certain E3 ubiquitin ligases or deubiquitinases act as alphavirus restriction factors remains poorly understood. Here, we employed a cDNA expression screen to identify E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM32 as a novel intrinsic restriction factor against alphavirus infection, including VEEV-TC83, SINV, and ONNV. Ectopic expression of TRIM32 reduces alphavirus infection, whereas depletion of TRIM32 with CRISPR-Cas9 increases infection. We demonstrate that TRIM32 inhibits alphaviruses through a mechanism that is independent of the TRIM32-STING-IFN axis. Combining reverse genetics and biochemical assays, we found that TRIM32 interferes with genome translation after membrane fusion, prior to replication of the incoming viral genome. Furthermore, our data indicate that the monoubiquitination of TRIM32 is important for its antiviral activity. Notably, we also show two TRIM32 pathogenic mutants R394H and D487N, related to Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD), have a loss of antiviral activity against VEEV-TC83. Collectively, these results reveal that TRIM32 acts as a novel intrinsic restriction factor suppressing alphavirus infection and provides insights into the interaction between alphaviruses and the host UPS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Xie
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Cao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuyi Gan
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingdong Xu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dongjie Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Suhong Qian
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Research Center for Life Science and Human Health, Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Ding
- School of Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - John W. Schoggins
- Department of Microbiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Wenchun Fan
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pushko P, Lukashevich IS, Johnson DM, Tretyakova I. Single-Dose Immunogenic DNA Vaccines Coding for Live-Attenuated Alpha- and Flaviviruses. Viruses 2024; 16:428. [PMID: 38543793 PMCID: PMC10974764 DOI: 10.3390/v16030428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Single-dose, immunogenic DNA (iDNA) vaccines coding for whole live-attenuated viruses are reviewed. This platform, sometimes called immunization DNA, has been used for vaccine development for flavi- and alphaviruses. An iDNA vaccine uses plasmid DNA to launch live-attenuated virus vaccines in vitro or in vivo. When iDNA is injected into mammalian cells in vitro or in vivo, the RNA genome of an attenuated virus is transcribed, which starts replication of a defined, live-attenuated vaccine virus in cell culture or the cells of a vaccine recipient. In the latter case, an immune response to the live virus vaccine is elicited, which protects against the pathogenic virus. Unlike other nucleic acid vaccines, such as mRNA and standard DNA vaccines, iDNA vaccines elicit protection with a single dose, thus providing major improvement to epidemic preparedness. Still, iDNA vaccines retain the advantages of other nucleic acid vaccines. In summary, the iDNA platform combines the advantages of reverse genetics and DNA immunization with the high immunogenicity of live-attenuated vaccines, resulting in enhanced safety and immunogenicity. This vaccine platform has expanded the field of genetic DNA and RNA vaccines with a novel type of immunogenic DNA vaccines that encode entire live-attenuated viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Pushko
- Medigen, Inc., 8420 Gas House Pike Suite S, Frederick, MD 21701, USA;
| | - Igor S. Lukashevich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Center for Predictive Medicine and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, 505 S Hancock St., Louisville, KY 40202, USA;
| | - Dylan M. Johnson
- Department of Biotechnology & Bioengineering, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA 945501, USA;
| | - Irina Tretyakova
- Medigen, Inc., 8420 Gas House Pike Suite S, Frederick, MD 21701, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Curran EH, Devine MD, Hartley CD, Huang Y, Conrady CD, Debiec MR, Justin GA, Thomas J, Yeh S. Ophthalmic implications of biological threat agents according to the chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives framework. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 10:1349571. [PMID: 38293299 PMCID: PMC10824978 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1349571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
As technology continues to evolve, the possibility for a wide range of dangers to people, organizations, and countries escalate globally. The United States federal government classifies types of threats with the capability of inflicting mass casualties and societal disruption as Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Energetics/Explosives (CBRNE). Such incidents encompass accidental and intentional events ranging from weapons of mass destruction and bioterrorism to fires or spills involving hazardous or radiologic material. All of these have the capacity to inflict death or severe physical, neurological, and/or sensorial disabilities if injuries are not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. Ophthalmic injury can provide important insight into understanding and treating patients impacted by CBRNE agents; however, improper ophthalmic management can result in suboptimal patient outcomes. This review specifically addresses the biological agents the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) deems to have the greatest capacity for bioterrorism. CBRNE biological agents, encompassing pathogens and organic toxins, are further subdivided into categories A, B, and C according to their national security threat level. In our compendium of these biological agents, we address their respective CDC category, systemic and ophthalmic manifestations, route of transmission and personal protective equipment considerations as well as pertinent vaccination and treatment guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma H. Curran
- Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Max D. Devine
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Caleb D. Hartley
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Ye Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Christopher D. Conrady
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Pathology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Matthew R. Debiec
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Grant A. Justin
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Joanne Thomas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Steven Yeh
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
- National Strategic Research Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Schwedler JL, Stefan MA, Thatcher CE, McIlroy PR, Sinha A, Phillips AM, Sumner CA, Courtney CM, Kim CY, Weilhammer DR, Harmon B. Therapeutic efficacy of a potent anti-Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus antibody is contingent on Fc effector function. MAbs 2024; 16:2297451. [PMID: 38170638 PMCID: PMC10766394 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2297451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of specific, safe, and potent monoclonal antibodies (Abs) has led to novel therapeutic options for infectious disease. In addition to preventing viral infection through neutralization, Abs can clear infected cells and induce immunomodulatory functions through engagement of their crystallizable fragment (Fc) with complement proteins and Fc receptors on immune cells. Little is known about the role of Fc effector functions of neutralizing Abs in the context of encephalitic alphavirus infection. To determine the role of Fc effector function in therapeutic efficacy against Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), we compared the potently neutralizing anti-VEEV human IgG F5 (hF5) Ab with intact Fc function (hF5-WT) or containing the loss of function Fc mutations L234A and L235A (hF5-LALA) in the context of VEEV infection. We observed significantly reduced binding to complement and Fc receptors, as well as differential in vitro kinetics of Fc-mediated cytotoxicity for hF5-LALA compared to hF5-WT. The in vivo efficacy of hF5-LALA was comparable to hF5-WT at -24 and + 24 h post infection, with both Abs providing high levels of protection. However, when hF5-WT and hF5-LALA were administered + 48 h post infection, there was a significant decrease in the therapeutic efficacy of hF5-LALA. Together these results demonstrate that optimal therapeutic Ab treatment of VEEV, and possibly other encephalitic alphaviruses, requires neutralization paired with engagement of immune effectors via the Fc region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Schwedler
- Biotechnology and Bioengineering Department, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Maxwell A. Stefan
- Biotechnology and Bioengineering Department, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Christine E. Thatcher
- Biotechnology and Bioengineering Department, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Peter R. McIlroy
- Biotechnology and Bioengineering Department, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Anupama Sinha
- Biotechnology and Bioengineering Department, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Ashlee M. Phillips
- Biosciences and Biotechnology Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Christopher A. Sumner
- Biotechnology and Bioengineering Department, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Colleen M. Courtney
- Biotechnology and Bioengineering Department, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Christina Y. Kim
- Biotechnology and Bioengineering Department, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Dina R. Weilhammer
- Biosciences and Biotechnology Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Brooke Harmon
- Biotechnology and Bioengineering Department, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Williams EP, Xue Y, Lee J, Fitzpatrick EA, Kong Y, Reichard W, Writt H, Jonsson CB. Deep spatial profiling of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus reveals increased genetic diversity amidst neuroinflammation and cell death during brain infection. J Virol 2023; 97:e0082723. [PMID: 37560924 PMCID: PMC10506382 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00827-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) causes a febrile illness that can progress to neurological disease with the possibility of death in human cases. The evaluation and optimization of therapeutics that target brain infections demands knowledge of the host's response to VEEV, the dynamics of infection, and the potential for within-host evolution of the virus. We hypothesized that selective pressures during infection of the brain may differ temporally and spatially and so we investigated the dynamics of the host response, viral transcript levels, and genetic variation of VEEV TC-83 in eight areas of the brain in mice over 7 days post-infection (dpi). Viral replication increased throughout the brain until 5-6 dpi and decreased thereafter with neurons as the main site of viral replication. Low levels of genetic diversity were noted on 1 dpi and were followed by an expansion in the genetic diversity of VEEV and nonsynonymous (Ns) mutations that peaked by 5 dpi. The pro-inflammatory response and the influx of immune cells mirrored the levels of virus and correlated with substantial damage to neurons by 5 dpi and increased activation of microglial cells and astrocytes. The prevalence and dynamics of Ns mutations suggest that the VEEV is under selection within the brain and that progressive neuroinflammation may play a role in acting as a selective pressure. IMPORTANCE Treatment of encephalitis in humans caused by Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) from natural or aerosol exposure is not available, and hence, there is a great interest to address this gap. In contrast to natural infections, therapeutic treatment of infections from aerosol exposure will require fast-acting drugs that rapidly penetrate the blood-brain barrier, engage sites of infection in the brain and mitigate the emergence of drug resistance. Therefore, it is important to understand not only VEEV pathogenesis, but the trafficking of the viral population within the brain, the potential for within-host evolution of the virus, and how VEEV might evolve resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evan P. Williams
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Yi Xue
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jasper Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Fitzpatrick
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Institute for the Study of Host-Pathogen Systems, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ying Kong
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Walter Reichard
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Haley Writt
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Colleen B. Jonsson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Institute for the Study of Host-Pathogen Systems, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Han L, Song S, Feng H, Ma J, Wei W, Si F. A roadmap for developing Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) vaccines: Lessons from the past, strategies for the future. Int J Biol Macromol 2023:125514. [PMID: 37353130 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125514] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), which can lead to severe central nervous system infections in both humans and animals. At present, the medical community does not possess a viable means of addressing VEE, rendering the prevention of the virus a matter of paramount importance. Regarding the prevention and control of VEEV, the implementation of a vaccination program has been recognized as the most efficient strategy. Nevertheless, there are currently no licensed vaccines or drugs available for human use against VEEV. This imperative has led to a surge of interest in vaccine research, with VEEV being a prime focus for researchers in the field. In this paper, we initially present a comprehensive overview of the current taxonomic classification of VEEV and the cellular infection mechanism of the virus. Subsequently, we provide a detailed introduction of the prominent VEEV vaccine types presently available, including inactivated vaccines, live attenuated vaccines, genetic, and virus-like particle vaccines. Moreover, we emphasize the challenges that current VEEV vaccine development faces and suggest urgent measures that must be taken to overcome these obstacles. Notably, based on our latest research, we propose the feasibility of incorporation codon usage bias strategies to create the novel VEEV vaccine. Finally, we prose several areas that future VEEV vaccine development should focus on. Our objective is to encourage collaboration between the medical and veterinary communities, expedite the translation of existing vaccines from laboratory to clinical applications, while also preparing for future outbreaks of new VEEV variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Han
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai 201106, China; Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Clinical Medical College of Henan University, Kai Feng 475000, China
| | - Shuai Song
- Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
| | - Huilin Feng
- Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Infection and Biological Safety, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Henan University, Kai Feng 475000, China
| | - Jing Ma
- Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Clinical Medical College of Henan University, Kai Feng 475000, China
| | - Wenqiang Wei
- Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Infection and Biological Safety, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Henan University, Kai Feng 475000, China.
| | - Fusheng Si
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai 201106, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang H, Liu S, Lv Y, Wei W. Codon usage bias of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus and its host adaption. Virus Res 2023; 328:199081. [PMID: 36854361 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an emerging zoonotic virus in the alphavirus genus. It can be transmitted to humans due to spillover from equid-mosquito cycles. The symptoms caused by VEEV include fever, headache, myalgia, nausea, and vomiting. It can also cause encephalitis in severe cases. The evolutionary features of VEEV are largely unknown. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the codon usage pattern of VEEV by computing a variety of indicators, such as effective number of codons (ENc), codon adaptation index (CAI), relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU), on 130 VEEV coding sequences retrieved from GenBank. The results showed that the codon usage bias of VEEV is relatively low. ENc-GC3s plot, neutrality plot, and CAI-ENc correlation analyses supported that translational selection plays an important role in shaping the codon usage pattern of VEEV whereas the mutation pressure has a minor influence. Analysis of RSCU values showed that most of the preferred codons in VEEV are C/G-ended. Analysis of dinucleotide composition found that all CG- and UA-containing codons are not preferentially used. Phylogenetic analysis showed that VEEV isolates can be clustered into three genera and evolutionary force affects the codon usage pattern. Furthermore, a correspondence analysis (COA) showed that aromaticity and hydrophobicity as well as geographical distribution also have certain effects on the codon usage variation of VEEV, suggesting the possible involvement of translational selection. Overall, the codon usage of VEEV is comparatively slight and translational selection might be the main factor that shapes the codon usage pattern of VEEV. This study will promote our understanding about the evolution of VEEV and its host adaption, and might provide some clues for preventing the cross-species transmission of VEEV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongju Wang
- Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Infection and Biological Safety, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Shijie Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yao Lv
- School of Clinical Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Wenqiang Wei
- Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Infection and Biological Safety, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cao X, Yang D, Parvathareddy J, Chu YK, Kim EJ, Fitz-Henley JN, Li X, Lukka PB, Parmar KR, Temrikar ZH, Dhole P, Adcock RS, Gabbard J, Bansal S, Lee J, Zalduondo L, Hayes E, Stabenow J, Meibohm B, Fitzpatrick EA, Bailey K, Campos RK, Julander JG, Rossi SL, Chung D, Jonsson CB, Golden JE. Efficacy of a brain-penetrant antiviral in lethal Venezuelan and eastern equine encephalitis mouse models. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabl9344. [PMID: 37043558 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abl9344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Venezuelan and eastern equine encephalitis viruses (VEEV and EEEV, respectively) are mosquito-borne, neuroinvasive human pathogens for which no FDA-approved therapeutic exists. Besides the biothreat posed by these viruses when aerosolized, arthropod transmission presents serious health risks to humans, as demonstrated by the 2019 outbreak of EEE disease in the United States that resulted in 38 confirmed cases, 19 deaths, and neurological effects in survivors. Here, we describe the discovery of a 2-pyrrolidinoquinazolinone scaffold, efficiently synthesized in two to five steps, whose structural optimization resulted in profound antiviral activity. The lead quinazolinone, BDGR-49, potently reduced cellular VEEV and EEEV titers by >7 log at 1 μM and exhibited suitable intravenous and oral pharmacokinetic profiles in BALB/c mice to achieve excellent brain exposure. Outstanding in vivo efficacy was observed in several lethal, subcutaneous infection mouse models using an 8-day dosing regimen. Prophylactically administered BDGR-49 at 25 mg kg-1 per day fully protected against a 10× LD50 VEEV Trinidad donkey (TrD) challenge in BALB/c mice. Similarly, we observed 70% protection when 10× LD50 EEEV FL93-939-infected C57BL/6 mice were treated prophylactically with BDGR-49 at 50 mg kg-1 per day. Last, we observed 100% therapeutic efficacy when mice, challenged with 10× LD50 VEEV TrD, were dosed at 48 hours after infection with BDGR-49 at 25 mg kg-1 per day. Mouse brain viral titers at 96 hours after infection were reduced to values near the limit of detection. Collectively, these results underscore the substantial development potential of a well-tolerated, brain-penetrant lead compound that shows promise in preventing and treating encephalitic alphavirus disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xufeng Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Dong Yang
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Jyothi Parvathareddy
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Yong-Kyu Chu
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Department of Microbiology Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Eun Jung Kim
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Department of Microbiology Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Jhewelle N Fitz-Henley
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Pradeep B Lukka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Keyur R Parmar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Zaid H Temrikar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Priya Dhole
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Department of Microbiology Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Robert Scott Adcock
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Department of Microbiology Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Jon Gabbard
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Department of Microbiology Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Shruti Bansal
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Jasper Lee
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology, Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Lillian Zalduondo
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Ernestine Hayes
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Jennifer Stabenow
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Bernd Meibohm
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Fitzpatrick
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology, Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Kevin Bailey
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Rafael K Campos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Justin G Julander
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Shannan L Rossi
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Donghoon Chung
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Department of Microbiology Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Colleen B Jonsson
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology, Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Jennifer E Golden
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hoffka G, Lountos GT, Needle D, Wlodawer A, Waugh DS, Tőzsér J, Mótyán JA. Self-inhibited State of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEEV) nsP2 Cysteine Protease: A Crystallographic and Molecular Dynamics Analysis. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168012. [PMID: 36792007 PMCID: PMC10758287 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168012] [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: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
The Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) belongs to the Togaviridae family and is pathogenic to both humans and equines. The VEEV non-structural protein 2 (nsP2) is a cysteine protease (nsP2pro) that processes the polyprotein and thus it is a drug target for inhibitor discovery. The atomic structure of the VEEV nsP2 catalytic domain was previously characterized by both X-ray crystallography and computational studies. A modified nsP2pro harboring a N475A mutation in the N terminus was observed to exhibit an unexpected conformation: the N-terminal residues bind to the active site, mimicking binding of a substrate. The large conformational change of the N terminus was assumed to be induced by the N475A mutation, as N475 has an important role in stabilization of the N terminus and the active site. This conformation was first observed in the N475A mutant, but we also found it while determining a crystal structure of the catalytically active nsP2pro containing the wild-type N475 active site residue and K741A/K767A surface entropy reduction mutations. This suggests that the N475A mutation is not a prerequisite for self-inhibition. Here, we describe a high resolution (1.46 Å) crystal structure of a truncated nsP2pro (residues 463-785, K741A/K767A) and analyze the structure further by molecular dynamics to study the active and self-inhibited conformations of nsP2pro and its N475A mutant. A comparison of the different conformations of the N-terminal residues sheds a light on the interactions that play an important role in the stabilization of the enzyme.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gyula Hoffka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Hungary; Doctoral School of Molecular Cell and Immune Biology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - George T Lountos
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Danielle Needle
- Center for Structural Biology, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Alexander Wlodawer
- Center for Structural Biology, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - David S Waugh
- Center for Structural Biology, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - József Tőzsér
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Hungary
| | - János András Mótyán
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Boghdeh NA, McGraw B, Barrera MD, Anderson C, Baha H, Risner KH, Ogungbe IV, Alem F, Narayanan A. Inhibitors of the Ubiquitin-Mediated Signaling Pathway Exhibit Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Activities against New World Alphaviruses. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030655. [PMID: 36992362 PMCID: PMC10059822 DOI: 10.3390/v15030655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
New World alphaviruses including Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEEV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) are mosquito-transmitted viruses that cause disease in humans and equines. There are currently no FDA-approved therapeutics or vaccines to treat or prevent exposure-associated encephalitic disease. The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS)-associated signaling events are known to play an important role in the establishment of a productive infection for several acutely infectious viruses. The critical engagement of the UPS-associated signaling mechanisms by many viruses as host–pathogen interaction hubs led us to hypothesize that small molecule inhibitors that interfere with these signaling pathways will exert broad-spectrum inhibitory activity against alphaviruses. We queried eight inhibitors of the UPS signaling pathway for antiviral outcomes against VEEV. Three of the tested inhibitors, namely NSC697923 (NSC), bardoxolone methyl (BARM) and omaveloxolone (OMA) demonstrated broad-spectrum antiviral activity against VEEV and EEEV. Dose dependency and time of addition studies suggest that BARM and OMA exhibit intracellular and post-entry viral inhibition. Cumulatively, our studies indicate that inhibitors of the UPS-associated signaling pathways exert broad-spectrum antiviral outcomes in the context of VEEV and EEEV infection, supporting their translational application as therapeutic candidates to treat alphavirus infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niloufar A. Boghdeh
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Brittany McGraw
- School of Systems Biology, College of Science, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Michael D. Barrera
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- School of Systems Biology, College of Science, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Carol Anderson
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- School of Systems Biology, College of Science, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Haseebullah Baha
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- School of Systems Biology, College of Science, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Kenneth H. Risner
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- School of Systems Biology, College of Science, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Ifedayo V. Ogungbe
- Department of Chemistry, Physics and Atmospheric Sciences, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA
| | - Farhang Alem
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- School of Systems Biology, College of Science, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Aarthi Narayanan
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- Department of Biology, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Behnia M, Bradfute SB. The Host Non-Coding RNA Response to Alphavirus Infection. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020562. [PMID: 36851776 PMCID: PMC9967650 DOI: 10.3390/v15020562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses are important human and animal pathogens that can cause a range of debilitating symptoms and are found worldwide. These include arthralgic diseases caused by Old-World viruses and encephalitis induced by infection with New-World alphaviruses. Non-coding RNAs do not encode for proteins, but can modulate cellular response pathways in a myriad of ways. There are several classes of non-coding RNAs, some more well-studied than others. Much research has focused on the mRNA response to infection against alphaviruses, but analysis of non-coding RNA responses has been more limited until recently. This review covers what is known regarding host cell non-coding RNA responses in alphavirus infections and highlights gaps in the knowledge that future research should address.
Collapse
|
14
|
Ogorek TJ, Golden JE. Advances in the Development of Small Molecule Antivirals against Equine Encephalitic Viruses. Viruses 2023; 15:413. [PMID: 36851628 PMCID: PMC9958955 DOI: 10.3390/v15020413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan, western, and eastern equine encephalitic alphaviruses (VEEV, WEEV, and EEEV, respectively) are arboviruses that are highly pathogenic to equines and cause significant harm to infected humans. Currently, human alphavirus infection and the resulting diseases caused by them are unmitigated due to the absence of approved vaccines or therapeutics for general use. These circumstances, combined with the unpredictability of outbreaks-as exemplified by a 2019 EEE surge in the United States that claimed 19 patient lives-emphasize the risks posed by these viruses, especially for aerosolized VEEV and EEEV which are potential biothreats. Herein, small molecule inhibitors of VEEV, WEEV, and EEEV are reviewed that have been identified or advanced in the last five years since a comprehensive review was last performed. We organize structures according to host- versus virus-targeted mechanisms, highlight cellular and animal data that are milestones in the development pipeline, and provide a perspective on key considerations for the progression of compounds at early and later stages of advancement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J. Ogorek
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jennifer E. Golden
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kehn-Hall K, Bradfute SB. Understanding host responses to equine encephalitis virus infection: implications for therapeutic development. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2022; 20:1551-1566. [PMID: 36305549 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2022.2141224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Venezuelan, eastern, and western equine encephalitis viruses (VEEV, EEEV, and WEEV) are mosquito-borne New World alphaviruses that cause encephalitis in equids and humans. These viruses can cause severe disease and death, as well as long-term severe neurological symptoms in survivors. Despite the pathogenesis and weaponization of these viruses, there are no approved therapeutics for treating infection. AREAS COVERED In this review, we describe the molecular pathogenesis of these viruses, discuss host-pathogen interactions needed for viral replication, and highlight new avenues for drug development with a focus on host-targeted approaches. EXPERT OPINION Current approaches have yielded some promising therapeutics, but additional emphasis should be placed on advanced development of existing small molecules and pursuit of pan-encephalitic alphavirus drugs. More research should be conducted on EEEV and WEEV, given their high lethality rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kylene Kehn-Hall
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.,Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Steven B Bradfute
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Babaeimarzangou SS, Zaker H, Soleimannezhadbari E, Gamchi NS, Kazeminia M, Tarighi S, Seyedian H, Tsatsakis A, Spandidos DA, Margina D. Vaccine development for zoonotic viral diseases caused by positive‑sense single‑stranded RNA viruses belonging to the Coronaviridae and Togaviridae families (Review). Exp Ther Med 2022; 25:42. [PMID: 36569444 PMCID: PMC9768462 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Outbreaks of zoonotic viral diseases pose a severe threat to public health and economies worldwide, with this currently being more prominent than it previously was human history. These emergency zoonotic diseases that originated and transmitted from vertebrates to humans have been estimated to account for approximately one billion cases of illness and have caused millions of deaths worldwide annually. The recent emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (coronavirus disease 2019) is an excellent example of the unpredictable public health threat causing a pandemic. The present review summarizes the literature data regarding the main vaccine developments in human clinical phase I, II and III trials against the zoonotic positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses belonging to the Coronavirus and Alphavirus genera, including severe acute respiratory syndrome, Middle east respiratory syndrome, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, Semliki Forest virus, Ross River virus, Chikungunya virus and O'nyong-nyong virus. That there are neither vaccines nor effective antiviral drugs available against most of these viruses is undeniable. Therefore, new explosive outbreaks of these zoonotic viruses may surely be expected. The present comprehensive review provides an update on the status of vaccine development in different clinical trials against these viruses, as well as an overview of the present results of these trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Sajjad Babaeimarzangou
- Division of Poultry Health and Diseases, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia 5756151818, Iran
| | - Himasadat Zaker
- Histology and Microscopic Analysis Division, RASTA Specialized Research Institute (RSRI), West Azerbaijan Science and Technology Park (WASTP), Urmia 5756115322, Iran
| | | | - Naeimeh Shamsi Gamchi
- Histology and Microscopic Analysis Division, RASTA Specialized Research Institute (RSRI), West Azerbaijan Science and Technology Park (WASTP), Urmia 5756115322, Iran
| | - Masoud Kazeminia
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417935840, Iran
| | - Shima Tarighi
- Veterinary Office of West Azerbaijan Province, Urmia 5717617695, Iran
| | - Homayon Seyedian
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia 5756151818, Iran
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Medicine, University of Crete, 71307 Heraklion, Greece,Correspondence to: Professor Denisa Margina, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Denisa Margina
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania,Correspondence to: Professor Denisa Margina, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Martinez-Gualda B, Graus M, Camps A, Vanhulle E, Saul S, Azari S, Nhu Tran DH, Vangeel L, Chiu W, Neyts J, Schols D, Einav S, Vermeire K, De Jonghe S. Synthesis and evaluation of 3-alkynyl-5-aryl-7-aza-indoles as broad-spectrum antiviral agents. Front Chem 2022; 10:1058229. [PMID: 36385995 PMCID: PMC9643853 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.1058229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA viral infections, including those caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and Venezuelan Equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), pose a major global health challenge. Here, we report the synthesis and screening of a series of pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridines targeting RSV, SARS-CoV-2 and/or VEEV. From this campaign, a series of lead compounds was generated that demonstrated antiviral activity in the low single-digit micromolar range against the various viruses and did not show cytotoxicity. These findings highlight the potential of 3-alkynyl-5-aryl-7-aza-indoles as a promising chemotype for the development of broad-spectrum antiviral agents.
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Alphaviruses contain many human and animal pathogens, such as CHIKV, SINV, and VEEV. Accumulating evidence indicates that innate immunity plays an important role in response to alphaviruses infection. In parallel, alphaviruses have evolved many strategies to evade host antiviral innate immunity. In the current review, we focus on the underlying mechanisms employed by alphaviruses to evade cGAS-STING, IFN, transcriptional host shutoff, translational host shutoff, and RNAi. Dissecting the detailed antiviral immune evasion mechanisms by alphaviruses will enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of alphaviruses and may provide more effective strategies to control alphaviruses infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yihan Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Yupei Yuan
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Leiliang Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Leiliang Zhang,
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Haikerwal A, Barrera MD, Bhalla N, Zhou W, Boghdeh N, Anderson C, Alem F, Narayanan A. Inhibition of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Using Small Interfering RNAs. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081628. [PMID: 35893693 PMCID: PMC9331859 DOI: 10.3390/v14081628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Acutely infectious new world alphaviruses such as Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEEV) pose important challenges to the human population due to a lack of effective therapeutic intervention strategies. Small interfering RNAs that can selectively target the viral genome (vsiRNAs) has been observed to offer survival advantages in several in vitro and in vivo models of acute virus infections, including alphaviruses such as Chikungunya virus and filoviruses such as Ebola virus. In this study, novel vsiRNAs that targeted conserved regions in the nonstructural and structural genes of the VEEV genome were designed and evaluated for antiviral activity in mammalian cells in the context of VEEV infection. The data demonstrate that vsiRNAs were able to effectively decrease the infectious virus titer at earlier time points post infection in the context of the attenuated TC-83 strain and the virulent Trinidad Donkey strain, while the inhibition was overcome at later time points. Depletion of Argonaute 2 protein (Ago2), the catalytic component of the RISC complex, negated the inhibitory effect of the vsiRNAs, underscoring the involvement of the siRNA pathway in the inhibition process. Depletion of the RNAi pathway proteins Dicer, MOV10, TRBP2 and Matrin 3 decreased viral load in infected cells, alluding to an impact of the RNAi pathway in the establishment of a productive infection. Additional studies focused on rational combinations of effective vsiRNAs and delivery strategies to confer better in vivo bioavailability and distribution to key target tissues such as the brain can provide effective solutions to treat encephalitic diseases resulting from alphavirus infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Haikerwal
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (A.H.); (M.D.B.); (N.B.); (N.B.); (C.A.); (F.A.)
| | - Michael D. Barrera
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (A.H.); (M.D.B.); (N.B.); (N.B.); (C.A.); (F.A.)
| | - Nishank Bhalla
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (A.H.); (M.D.B.); (N.B.); (N.B.); (C.A.); (F.A.)
| | - Weidong Zhou
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA;
| | - Niloufar Boghdeh
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (A.H.); (M.D.B.); (N.B.); (N.B.); (C.A.); (F.A.)
| | - Carol Anderson
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (A.H.); (M.D.B.); (N.B.); (N.B.); (C.A.); (F.A.)
| | - Farhang Alem
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (A.H.); (M.D.B.); (N.B.); (N.B.); (C.A.); (F.A.)
| | - Aarthi Narayanan
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (A.H.); (M.D.B.); (N.B.); (N.B.); (C.A.); (F.A.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yip AJW, Low ZY, Chow VTK, Lal SK. Repurposing Molnupiravir for COVID-19: The Mechanisms of Antiviral Activity. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061345. [PMID: 35746815 PMCID: PMC9228778 DOI: 10.3390/v14061345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Molnupiravir is a β-d-N4-hydroxycytidine-5'-isopropyl ester (NHC) compound that exerts antiviral activity against various RNA viruses such as influenza, SARS, and Ebola viruses. Thus, the repurposing of Molnupiravir has gained significant attention for combatting infection with SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19. Recently, Molnupiravir was granted authorization for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults. Findings from in vitro experiments, in vivo studies and clinical trials reveal that Molnupiravir is effective against SARS-CoV-2 by inducing viral RNA mutagenesis, thereby giving rise to mutated complementary RNA strands that generate non-functional viruses. To date, the data collectively suggest that Molnupiravir possesses promising antiviral activity as well as favorable prophylactic efficacy, attributed to its effective mutagenic property of disrupting viral replication. This review discusses the mechanisms of action of Molnupiravir and highlights its clinical utility by disabling SARS-CoV-2 replication, thereby ameliorating COVID-19 severity. Despite relatively few short-term adverse effects thus far, further detailed clinical studies and long-term pharmacovigilance are needed in view of its mutagenic effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Jia Wen Yip
- School of Science, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia; (A.J.W.Y.); (Z.Y.L.)
| | - Zheng Yao Low
- School of Science, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia; (A.J.W.Y.); (Z.Y.L.)
| | - Vincent T. K. Chow
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Program, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore;
| | - Sunil K. Lal
- School of Science, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia; (A.J.W.Y.); (Z.Y.L.)
- Tropical Medicine & Biology Platform, Monash University, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Phylogenetic and Mutation Analysis of the Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Sequence Isolated in Costa Rica from a Mare with Encephalitis. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9060258. [PMID: 35737310 PMCID: PMC9229380 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9060258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an arboviral pathogen in tropical America that causes lethal encephalitis in horses and humans. VEEV is classified into six subtypes (I to VI). Subtype I viruses are divided into epizootic (IAB and IC) and endemic strains (ID and IE) that can produce outbreaks or sporadic diseases, respectively. The objective of this study was to reconstruct the phylogeny and the molecular clock of sequences of VEEV subtype I complex and identify mutations within sequences belonging to epizootic or enzootic subtypes focusing on a sequence isolated from a mare in Costa Rica. Bayesian phylogeny of the VEEV subtype I complex tree with 110 VEEV complete genomes was analyzed. Evidence of positive selection was evaluated with Datamonkey server algorithms. The putative effects of mutations on the 3D protein structure in the Costa Rica sequence were evaluated. The phylogenetic analysis showed that Subtype IE-VEEV diverged earlier than other subtypes, Costa Rican VEEV-IE ancestors came from Nicaragua in 1963 and Guatemala in 1907. Among the observed non-synonymous mutations, only 17 amino acids changed lateral chain groups. Fourteen mutations located in the NSP3, E1, and E2 genes are unique in this sequence, highlighting the importance of E1-E2 genes in VEEV evolution.
Collapse
|
22
|
Tilorone and Cridanimod Protect Mice and Show Antiviral Activity in Rats despite Absence of the Interferon-Inducing Effect in Rats. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15050617. [PMID: 35631443 PMCID: PMC9143969 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The synthetic compounds, Tilorone and Cridanimod, have the antiviral activity which initially had been ascribed to the capacity to induce interferon. Both drugs induce interferon in mice but not in humans. This study investigates whether these compounds have the antiviral activity in mice and rats since rats more closely resemble the human response. Viral-infection models were created in CD-1 mice and Wistar rats. Three strains of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus were tested for the performance in these models. One virus strain is the molecularly cloned attenuated vaccine. The second strain has major virulence determinants converted to the wild-type state which are present in virulent strains. The third virus has wild-type virulence determinants, and in addition, is engineered to express green fluorescent protein. Experimentally infected animals received Tilorone or Cridanimod, and their treatment was equivalent to the pharmacopoeia-recomended human treatment regimen. Tilorone and Cridanimod show the antiviral activity in mice and rats and protect the mice from death. In rats, both drugs diminish the viremia. These drugs do not induce interferon-alpha or interferon-beta in rats. The presented observations allow postulating the existence of an interferon-independent and species-independent mechanism of action.
Collapse
|
23
|
Kafai NM, Williamson LE, Binshtein E, Sukupolvi-Petty S, Gardner CL, Liu J, Mackin S, Kim AS, Kose N, Carnahan RH, Jung A, Droit L, Reed DS, Handley SA, Klimstra WB, Crowe JE, Diamond MS. Neutralizing antibodies protect mice against Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus aerosol challenge. J Exp Med 2022; 219:e20212532. [PMID: 35297953 PMCID: PMC9195047 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20212532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) remains a risk for epidemic emergence or use as an aerosolized bioweapon. To develop possible countermeasures, we isolated VEEV-specific neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from mice and a human immunized with attenuated VEEV strains. Functional assays and epitope mapping established that potently inhibitory anti-VEEV mAbs bind distinct antigenic sites in the A or B domains of the E2 glycoprotein and block multiple steps in the viral replication cycle including attachment, fusion, and egress. A 3.2-Å cryo-electron microscopy reconstruction of VEEV virus-like particles bound by a human Fab suggests that antibody engagement of the B domain may result in cross-linking of neighboring spikes to prevent conformational requirements for viral fusion. Prophylaxis or postexposure therapy with these mAbs protected mice against lethal aerosol challenge with VEEV. Our study defines functional and structural mechanisms of mAb protection and suggests that multiple antigenic determinants on VEEV can be targeted for vaccine or antibody-based therapeutic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha M. Kafai
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Lauren E. Williamson
- Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Elad Binshtein
- Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | | | - Christina L. Gardner
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- United States Army Research Institute for Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD
| | - Jaclyn Liu
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Samantha Mackin
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Arthur S. Kim
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Nurgun Kose
- Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Robert H. Carnahan
- Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Ana Jung
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Lindsay Droit
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Douglas S. Reed
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Scott A. Handley
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - William B. Klimstra
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - James E. Crowe
- Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Michael S. Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- The Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ahmadi R, Emami S. Recent applications of vinyl sulfone motif in drug design and discovery. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 234:114255. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
|
25
|
Elveborg S, Monteil VM, Mirazimi A. Methods of Inactivation of Highly Pathogenic Viruses for Molecular, Serology or Vaccine Development Purposes. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020271. [PMID: 35215213 PMCID: PMC8879476 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The handling of highly pathogenic viruses, whether for diagnostic or research purposes, often requires an inactivation step. This article reviews available inactivation techniques published in peer-reviewed journals and their benefits and limitations in relation to the intended application. The bulk of highly pathogenic viruses are represented by enveloped RNA viruses belonging to the Togaviridae, Flaviviridae, Filoviridae, Arenaviridae, Hantaviridae, Peribunyaviridae, Phenuiviridae, Nairoviridae and Orthomyxoviridae families. Here, we summarize inactivation methods for these virus families that allow for subsequent molecular and serological analysis or vaccine development. The techniques identified here include: treatment with guanidium-based chaotropic salts, heat inactivation, photoactive compounds such as psoralens or 1.5-iodonaphtyl azide, detergents, fixing with aldehydes, UV-radiation, gamma irradiation, aromatic disulfides, beta-propiolacton and hydrogen peroxide. The combination of simple techniques such as heat or UV-radiation and detergents such as Tween-20, Triton X-100 or Sodium dodecyl sulfate are often sufficient for virus inactivation, but the efficiency may be affected by influencing factors including quantity of infectious particles, matrix constitution, pH, salt- and protein content. Residual infectivity of the inactivated virus could have disastrous consequences for both laboratory/healthcare personnel and patients. Therefore, the development of inactivation protocols requires careful considerations which we review here.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Elveborg
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Uppsala University Hospital, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden;
- Clinical Microbiology, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Vanessa M. Monteil
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden;
| | - Ali Mirazimi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden;
- National Veterinary Institute, 751 89 Uppsala, Sweden
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +46-703-672-573
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
High titer self-propagating capsidless Chikungunya virus generated in Vero cells as a strategy for alphavirus vaccine development. J Virol 2022; 96:e0148021. [PMID: 35107379 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01480-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In our previous study, we found a new type of Chikungunya virus particle with a complete capsid deletion (ΔC-CHIKV) is still infectious in BHK-21 cells and demonstrated its potential as a live attenuated vaccine candidate. However, the low yield as well as the disability to propagate in vaccine production cell line Vero of ΔC-CHIKV are not practical for commercial vaccine development. In this study, we not only achieved the successful propagation of the viral particle in Vero cells, but significantly improved its yield through construction of a chimeric VEEV-ΔC-CHIKV and extensive passage in Vero cells. Mechanistically, high production of VEEV-ΔC-CHIKV is due to the improvement of viral RNA packaging efficiency conferred by adaptive mutations, especially those in envelope proteins. Similar to ΔC-CHIKV, the passaged VEEV-ΔC-CHIKV is safe, immunogenic and efficacious which protects mice from CHIKV challenge after only one shot of immunization. Our study demonstrates that the utilization of infectious capsidless viral particle of CHIKV as a vaccine candidate is a practical strategy for the development of alphavirus vaccine. IMPORTANCE Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is one of important emerging alphaviruses. Currently, there are no licensed vaccines against CHIKV infection. We have previously found a new type of Chikungunya virus particle with a complete capsid deletion (ΔC-CHIKV) as a live attenuated vaccine candidate which is not suitable for commercial vaccine development with the low viral titer production. In this study, we significantly improved its production through construction of a chimeric VEEV-ΔC-CHIKV. Our results proved that the utilization of infectious capsidless viral particle of CHIKV as a safe and practical vaccine candidate.
Collapse
|
27
|
Inactivation of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Genome Using Two Methods. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020272. [PMID: 35215864 PMCID: PMC8878209 DOI: 10.3390/v14020272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an Alphavirus in the Togaviridae family of positive-strand RNA viruses. The viral genome of positive-strand RNA viruses is infectious, as it produces infectious virus upon introduction into a cell. VEEV is a select agent and samples containing viral RNA are subject to additional regulations due to their infectious nature. Therefore, RNA isolated from cells infected with BSL-3 select agent strains of VEEV or other positive-strand viruses must be inactivated before removal from high-containment laboratories. In this study, we tested the inactivation of the viral genome after RNA fragmentation or cDNA synthesis, using the Trinidad Donkey and TC-83 strains of VEEV. We successfully inactivated VEEV genomic RNA utilizing these two protocols. Our cDNA synthesis method also inactivated the genomic RNA of eastern and western equine encephalitis viruses (EEEV and WEEV). We also tested whether the purified VEEV genomic RNA can produce infectious virions in the absence of transfection. Our result showed the inability of the viral genome to cause infection without being transfected into the cells. Overall, this work introduces RNA fragmentation and cDNA synthesis as reliable methods for the inactivation of samples containing the genomes of positive-strand RNA viruses.
Collapse
|
28
|
Bivalent single domain antibody constructs for effective neutralization of Venezuelan equine encephalitis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:700. [PMID: 35027600 PMCID: PMC8758676 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04434-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a mosquito borne alphavirus which leads to high viremia in equines followed by lethal encephalitis and lateral spread to humans. In addition to naturally occurring outbreaks, VEEV is a potential biothreat agent with no approved human vaccine or therapeutic currently available. Single domain antibodies (sdAb), also known as nanobodies, have the potential to be effective therapeutic agents. Using an immune phage display library derived from a llama immunized with an equine vaccine that included inactivated VEEV, five sdAb sequence families were identified that showed varying ability to neutralize VEEV. One of the sequence families had been identified previously in selections against chikungunya virus, a related alphavirus of public health concern. A key advantage of sdAb is the ability to optimize properties such as neutralization capacity through protein engineering. Neutralization of VEEV was improved by two orders of magnitude by genetically linking sdAb. One of the bivalent constructs showed effective neutralization of both VEEV and chikungunya virus. Several of the bivalent constructs neutralized VEEV in cell-based assays with reductions in the number of plaques by 50% at protein concentrations of 1 ng/mL or lower, making future evaluation of their therapeutic potential compelling.
Collapse
|
29
|
Optimization of 4-Anilinoquinolines as Dengue Virus Inhibitors. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26237338. [PMID: 34885921 PMCID: PMC8659069 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging viral infections, including those caused by dengue virus (DENV) and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus (VEEV), pose a significant global health challenge. Here, we report the preparation and screening of a series of 4-anilinoquinoline libraries targeting DENV and VEEV. This effort generated a series of lead compounds, each occupying a distinct chemical space, including 3-((6-bromoquinolin-4-yl)amino)phenol (12), 6-bromo-N-(5-fluoro-1H-indazol-6-yl)quinolin-4-amine (50) and 6-((6-bromoquinolin-4-yl)amino)isoindolin-1-one (52), with EC50 values of 0.63–0.69 µM for DENV infection. These compound libraries demonstrated very limited toxicity with CC50 values greater than 10 µM in almost all cases. Additionally, the lead compounds were screened for activity against VEEV and demonstrated activity in the low single-digit micromolar range, with 50 and 52 demonstrating EC50s of 2.3 µM and 3.6 µM, respectively. The promising results presented here highlight the potential to further refine this series in order to develop a clinical compound against DENV, VEEV, and potentially other emerging viral threats.
Collapse
|
30
|
Identification and evaluation of 4-anilinoquin(az)olines as potent inhibitors of both dengue virus (DENV) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV). Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 52:128407. [PMID: 34624490 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.128407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for novel strategies for the treatment of emerging arthropod-borne viral infections, including those caused by dengue virus (DENV) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV). We prepared and screened focused libraries of 4-anilinoquinolines and 4-anilinoquinazolines for antiviral activity and identified three potent compounds. N-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-6-(trifluoromethyl)quinolin-4-amine (10) inhibited DENV infection with an EC50 = 0.25 µM, N-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-6-(trifluoromethyl)quinolin-4-amine (27) inhibited VEEV with an EC50 = 0.50 µM, while N-(3-ethynyl-4-fluorophenyl)-6,7-dimethoxyquinazolin-4-amine (54) inhibited VEEV with an EC50 = 0.60 µM. These series of compounds demonstrated nearly no toxicity with CC50 values greater than 10 µM in all cases. These promising results provide a future prospective to develop a clinical compound against these emerging viral threats.
Collapse
|
31
|
Structure of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus with its receptor LDLRAD3. Nature 2021; 598:677-681. [PMID: 34646021 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03909-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an enveloped RNA virus that causes encephalitis and potentially mortality in infected humans and equines1. At present, no vaccines or drugs are available that prevent or cure diseases caused by VEEV. Low-density lipoprotein receptor class A domain-containing 3 (LDLRAD3) was recently identified as a receptor for the entry of VEEV into host cells2. Here we present the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the LDLRAD3 extracellular domain 1 (LDLRAD3-D1) in complex with VEEV virus-like particles at a resolution of 3.0 Å. LDLRAD3-D1 has a cork-like structure and is inserted into clefts formed between adjacent VEEV E2-E1 heterodimers in the viral-surface trimer spikes through hydrophobic and polar contacts. Mutagenesis studies of LDLRAD3-D1 identified residues that are involved in the key interactions with VEEV. Of note, some of the LDLRAD3-D1 mutants showed a significantly increased binding affinity for VEEV, suggesting that LDLRAD3-D1 may serve as a potential scaffold for the development of inhibitors of VEEV entry. Our structures provide insights into alphavirus assembly and the binding of receptors to alphaviruses, which may guide the development of therapeutic countermeasures against alphaviruses.
Collapse
|
32
|
Guerrero-Arguero I, Tellez-Freitas CM, Weber KS, Berges BK, Robison RA, Pickett BE. Alphaviruses: Host pathogenesis, immune response, and vaccine & treatment updates. J Gen Virol 2021; 102. [PMID: 34435944 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human pathogens belonging to the Alphavirus genus, in the Togaviridae family, are transmitted primarily by mosquitoes. The signs and symptoms associated with these viruses include fever and polyarthralgia, defined as joint pain and inflammation, as well as encephalitis. In the last decade, our understanding of the interactions between members of the alphavirus genus and the human host has increased due to the re-appearance of the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in Asia and Europe, as well as its emergence in the Americas. Alphaviruses affect host immunity through cytokines and the interferon response. Understanding alphavirus interactions with both the innate immune system as well as the various cells in the adaptive immune systems is critical to developing effective therapeutics. In this review, we summarize the latest research on alphavirus-host cell interactions, underlying infection mechanisms, and possible treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Israel Guerrero-Arguero
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA.,Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - K Scott Weber
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Bradford K Berges
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Richard A Robison
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Brett E Pickett
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Structure and Sequence Requirements for RNA Capping at the Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus RNA 5' End. J Virol 2021; 95:e0077721. [PMID: 34011549 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00777-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a reemerging arthropod-borne virus causing encephalitis in humans and domesticated animals. VEEV possesses a positive single-stranded RNA genome capped at its 5' end. The capping process is performed by the nonstructural protein nsP1, which bears methyl and guanylyltransferase activities. The capping reaction starts with the methylation of GTP. The generated m7GTP is complexed to the enzyme to form an m7GMP-nsP1 covalent intermediate. The m7GMP is then transferred onto the 5'-diphosphate end of the viral RNA. Here, we explore the specificities of the acceptor substrate in terms of length, RNA secondary structure, and/or sequence. Any diphosphate nucleosides but GDP can serve as acceptors of the m7GMP to yield m7GpppA, m7GpppC, or m7GpppU. We show that capping is more efficient on small RNA molecules, whereas RNAs longer than 130 nucleotides are barely capped by the enzyme. The structure and sequence of the short, conserved stem-loop, downstream to the cap, is an essential regulatory element for the capping process. IMPORTANCE The emergence, reemergence, and expansion of alphaviruses (genus of the family Togaviridae) are a serious public health and epizootic threat. Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) causes encephalitis in human and domesticated animals, with a mortality rate reaching 80% in horses. To date, no efficient vaccine or safe antivirals are available for human use. VEEV nonstructural protein 1 (nsP1) is the viral capping enzyme characteristic of the Alphavirus genus. nsP1 catalyzes methyltransferase and guanylyltransferase reactions, representing a good therapeutic target. In the present report, we provide insights into the molecular features and specificities of the cap acceptor substrate for the guanylylation reaction.
Collapse
|
34
|
Navien TN, Yeoh TS, Anna A, Tang TH, Citartan M. Aptamers isolated against mosquito-borne pathogens. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 37:131. [PMID: 34240263 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-021-03097-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases are a major threat to public health. The shortcomings of diagnostic tools, especially those that are antibody-based, have been blamed in part for the rising annual morbidity and mortality caused by these diseases. Antibodies harbor a number of disadvantages that can be clearly addressed by aptamers as the more promising molecular recognition elements. Aptamers are defined as single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides generated by SELEX that exhibit high binding affinity and specificity against a wide variety of target molecules based on their unique structural conformations. A number of aptamers were developed against mosquito-borne pathogens such as Dengue virus, Zika virus, Chikungunya virus, Plasmodium parasite, Francisella tularensis, Japanese encephalitis virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, Rift Valley fever virus and Yellow fever virus. Intrigued by these achievements, we carry out a comprehensive overview of the aptamers developed against these mosquito-borne infectious agents. Characteristics of the aptamers and their roles in diagnostic, therapeutic as well as other applications are emphasized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tholasi Nadhan Navien
- Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Tzi Shien Yeoh
- Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Andrew Anna
- Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Thean-Hock Tang
- Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia.
| | - Marimuthu Citartan
- Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
PERK Is Critical for Alphavirus Nonstructural Protein Translation. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050892. [PMID: 34065980 PMCID: PMC8151226 DOI: 10.3390/v13050892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an alphavirus that causes encephalitis. Previous work indicated that VEEV infection induced early growth response 1 (EGR1) expression, leading to cell death via the protein kinase R (PKR)-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) arm of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway. Loss of PERK prevented EGR1 induction and decreased VEEV-induced death. The results presented within show that loss of PERK in human primary astrocytes dramatically reduced VEEV and eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) infectious titers by 4–5 log10. Loss of PERK also suppressed VEEV replication in primary human pericytes and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, but it had no impact on VEEV replication in transformed U87MG and 293T cells. A significant reduction in VEEV RNA levels was observed as early as 3 h post-infection, but viral entry assays indicated that the loss of PERK minimally impacted VEEV entry. In contrast, the loss of PERK resulted in a dramatic reduction in viral nonstructural protein translation and negative-strand viral RNA production. The loss of PERK also reduced the production of Rift Valley fever virus and Zika virus infectious titers. These data indicate that PERK is an essential factor for the translation of alphavirus nonstructural proteins and impacts multiple RNA viruses, making it an exciting target for antiviral development.
Collapse
|
36
|
The transcriptional landscape of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (TC-83) infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009306. [PMID: 33788849 PMCID: PMC8041203 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEEV) is a major biothreat agent that naturally causes outbreaks in humans and horses particularly in tropical areas of the western hemisphere, for which no antiviral therapy is currently available. The host response to VEEV and the cellular factors this alphavirus hijacks to support its effective replication or evade cellular immune responses are largely uncharacterized. We have previously demonstrated tremendous cell-to-cell heterogeneity in viral RNA (vRNA) and cellular transcript levels during flaviviral infection using a novel virus-inclusive single-cell RNA-Seq approach. Here, we used this unbiased, genome-wide approach to simultaneously profile the host transcriptome and vRNA in thousands of single cells during infection of human astrocytes with the live-attenuated vaccine strain of VEEV (TC-83). Host transcription was profoundly suppressed, yet “superproducer cells” with extremely high vRNA abundance emerged during the first viral life cycle and demonstrated an altered transcriptome relative to both uninfected cells and cells with high vRNA abundance harvested at later time points. Additionally, cells with increased structural-to-nonstructural transcript ratio exhibited upregulation of intracellular membrane trafficking genes at later time points. Loss- and gain-of-function experiments confirmed pro- and antiviral activities in both vaccine and virulent VEEV infections among the products of transcripts that positively or negatively correlated with vRNA abundance, respectively. Lastly, comparison with single cell transcriptomic data from other viruses highlighted common and unique pathways perturbed by infection across evolutionary scales. This study provides a high-resolution characterization of the VEEV (TC-83)-host interplay, identifies candidate targets for antivirals, and establishes a comparative single-cell approach to study the evolution of virus-host interactions. Little is known about the host response to Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEEV) and the cellular factors this alphavirus hijacks to support effective replication or evade cellular immune responses. Monitoring dynamics of host and viral RNA (vRNA) during viral infection at a single-cell level can provide insight into the virus-host interplay at a high resolution. Here, a single-cell RNA sequencing technology that detects host and viral RNA was used to investigate the interactions between TC-83, the vaccine strain of VEEV, and the human host during the course of infection of U-87 MG cells (human astrocytoma). Virus abundance and host transcriptome were heterogeneous across cells from the same culture. Subsets of differentially expressed genes, positively or negatively correlating with vRNA abundance, were identified and subsequently in vitro validated as candidate proviral and antiviral factors, respectively, in TC-83 and/or virulent VEEV infections. In the first replication cycle, “superproducer” cells exhibited rapid increase in vRNA abundance and unique gene expression patterns. At later time points, cells with increased structural-to-nonstructural transcript ratio demonstrated upregulation of intracellular membrane trafficking genes. Lastly, comparing the VEEV dataset with published datasets on other RNA viruses revealed unique and overlapping responses across viral clades. Overall, this study improves the understanding of VEEV-host interactions, reveals candidate targets for antiviral approaches, and establishes a comparative single-cell approach to study the evolution of virus-host interactions.
Collapse
|
37
|
Role of Melatonin on Virus-Induced Neuropathogenesis-A Concomitant Therapeutic Strategy to Understand SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10010047. [PMID: 33401749 PMCID: PMC7823793 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10010047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral infections may cause neurological disorders by directly inducing oxidative stress and interrupting immune system function, both of which contribute to neuronal death. Several reports have described the neurological manifestations in Covid-19 patients where, in severe cases of the infection, brain inflammation and encephalitis are common. Recently, extensive research-based studies have revealed and acknowledged the clinical and preventive roles of melatonin in some viral diseases. Melatonin has been shown to have antiviral properties against several viral infections which are accompanied by neurological symptoms. The beneficial properties of melatonin relate to its properties as a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory molecule and its neuroprotective effects. In this review, what is known about the therapeutic role of melatonin in virus-induced neuropathogenesis is summarized and discussed.
Collapse
|
38
|
Shechter S, Thomas DR, Jans DA. Application of In Silico and HTS Approaches to Identify Nuclear Import Inhibitors for Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Capsid Protein: A Case Study. Front Chem 2020; 8:573121. [PMID: 33505952 PMCID: PMC7832173 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.573121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of new drugs is costly and time-consuming, with estimates of over $US1 billion and 15 years for a product to reach the market. As understanding of the molecular basis of disease improves, various approaches have been used to target specific molecular interactions in the search for effective drugs. These include high-throughput screening (HTS) for novel drug identification and computer-aided drug design (CADD) to assess the properties of putative drugs before experimental work begins. We have applied conventional HTS and CADD approaches to the problem of identifying antiviral compounds to limit infection by Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV). Nuclear targeting of the VEEV capsid (CP) protein through interaction with the host nuclear import machinery has been shown to be essential for viral pathogenicity, with viruses incapable of this interaction being greatly attenuated. Our previous conventional HTS and in silico structure-based drug design (SBDD) screens were successful in identifying novel inhibitors of CP interaction with the host nuclear import machinery, thus providing a unique opportunity to assess the relative value of the two screening approaches directly. This focused review compares and contrasts the two screening approaches, together with the properties of the inhibitors identified, as a case study for parallel use of the two approaches to identify antivirals. The utility of SBDD screens, especially when used in parallel with traditional HTS, in identifying agents of interest to target the host-pathogen interface is highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Shechter
- Shechter Computational Solutions, Andover, MA, United States.,Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, United States
| | - David R Thomas
- Nuclear Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Monash, VIC, Australia
| | - David A Jans
- Nuclear Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Monash, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Synthetic Host Defense Peptides Inhibit Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Replication and the Associated Inflammatory Response. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21491. [PMID: 33293592 PMCID: PMC7722873 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77990-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), a New World alphavirus of the Togaviridae family of viruses causes periodic outbreaks of disease in humans and equines. Disease following VEEV infection manifests as a febrile illness with flu-like symptoms, which can progress to encephalitis and cause permanent neurological sequelae in a small number of cases. VEEV is classified as a category B select agent due to ease of aerosolization and high retention of infectivity in the aerosol form. Currently, there are no FDA-approved vaccines or therapeutics available to combat VEEV infection. VEEV infection in vivo is characterized by extensive systemic inflammation that can exacerbate infection by potentially increasing the susceptibility of off-site cells to infection and dissemination of the virus. Hence, a therapeutic targeting both the infection and associated inflammation represents an unmet need. We have previously demonstrated that host defense peptides (HDPs), short peptides that are key components of the innate immune response, exhibit antiviral activity against a multitude of viruses including VEEV. In this study, we designed synthetic peptides derived from indolicidin, a naturally occurring HDP, and tested their efficacy against VEEV. Two candidate synthetic peptides inhibited VEEV replication by approximately 1000-fold and decreased the expression of inflammatory mediators such as IL1α, IL1β, IFNγ, and TNFα at both the gene and protein expression levels. Furthermore, an increase in expression levels of genes involved in chemotaxis of leukocytes and anti-inflammatory genes such as IL1RN was also observed. Overall, we conclude that our synthetic peptides inhibit VEEV replication and the inflammatory burden associated with VEEV infection.
Collapse
|
40
|
LDLRAD3 is a receptor for Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. Nature 2020; 588:308-314. [PMID: 33208938 PMCID: PMC7769003 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2915-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a neurotropic alphavirus transmitted by mosquitoes that causes encephalitis and death in humans1. VEEV is a biodefence concern because of its potential for aerosol spread and the current lack of sufficient countermeasures. The host factors that are required for VEEV entry and infection remain poorly characterized. Here, using a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9-based screen, we identify low-density lipoprotein receptor class A domain-containing 3 (LDLRAD3)-a highly conserved yet poorly characterized member of the scavenger receptor superfamily-as a receptor for VEEV. Gene editing of mouse Ldlrad3 or human LDLRAD3 results in markedly reduced viral infection of neuronal cells, which is restored upon complementation with LDLRAD3. LDLRAD3 binds directly to VEEV particles and enhances virus attachment and internalization into host cells. Genetic studies indicate that domain 1 of LDLRAD3 (LDLRAD3(D1)) is necessary and sufficient to support infection by VEEV, and both anti-LDLRAD3 antibodies and an LDLRAD3(D1)-Fc fusion protein block VEEV infection in cell culture. The pathogenesis of VEEV infection is abrogated in mice with deletions in Ldlrad3, and administration of LDLRAD3(D1)-Fc abolishes disease caused by several subtypes of VEEV, including highly virulent strains. The development of a decoy-receptor fusion protein suggests a strategy for the prevention of severe VEEV infection and associated disease in humans.
Collapse
|
41
|
Zhang H, Harmon M, Radoshitzky SR, Soloveva V, Kane CD, Duplantier AJ, Ogungbe IV. Vinyl Sulfone-Based Inhibitors of Nonstructural Protein 2 Block the Replication of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:2139-2145. [PMID: 33214821 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases like those caused by arboviruses such as Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) pose a serious threat to public health systems. Development of medical countermeasures against emerging infectious diseases are of utmost importance. In this work, an acrylate and vinyl sulfone-based chemical series was investigated as promising starting scaffolds against VEEV and as inhibitors of the cysteine protease domain of VEEV's nonstructural protein 2 (nsP2). Primary screen and dose response studies were performed to evaluate the potency and cytotoxicity of the compounds. The results provide structural insights into a new class of potent nonpeptidic covalent inhibitors of nsP2 cysteine protease represented by compound 11 (VEEV TrD, EC50 = 2.4 μM (HeLa), 1.6 μM (Vero E6)). These results may facilitate the evolution of the compounds into selective and broad-spectrum anti-alphaviral drug leads.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huaisheng Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Atmospheric Sciences, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217-0095, United States
| | - Moeshia Harmon
- Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Atmospheric Sciences, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217-0095, United States
| | - Sheli R. Radoshitzky
- The Geneva Foundation, Countermeasure Development Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, Maryland 21702-5011, United States
| | - Veronica Soloveva
- Cherokee Nation Assurance, Countermeasure Development Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, Maryland 21702-5011, United States
| | - Christopher D. Kane
- Research Program Office, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, Maryland 21702-5011, United States
| | - Allen J. Duplantier
- Cherokee Nation Assurance, Countermeasure Development Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, Maryland 21702-5011, United States
| | - Ifedayo Victor Ogungbe
- Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Atmospheric Sciences, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217-0095, United States
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Bartlett ML, Griffin DE. Acute RNA Viral Encephalomyelitis and the Role of Antibodies in the Central Nervous System. Viruses 2020; 12:v12090988. [PMID: 32899509 PMCID: PMC7551998 DOI: 10.3390/v12090988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute RNA viral encephalomyelitis is a serious complication of numerous virus infections. Antibodies in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) are correlated to better outcomes, and there is substantive evidence of antibody secreting cells (ASCs) entering the central nervous system (CNS) and contributing to resolution of infection. Here, we review the RNA viruses known to cause acute viral encephalomyelitis with mechanisms of control that require antibody or ASCs. We compile the cytokines, chemokines, and surface receptors associated with ASC recruitment to the CNS after infection and compare known antibody-mediated mechanisms as well as potential noncytolytic mechanisms for virus control. These non-canonical functions of antibodies may be employed in the CNS to protect precious non-renewable neurons. Understanding the immune-specialized zone of the CNS is essential for the development of effective treatments for acute encephalomyelitis caused by RNA viruses.
Collapse
|
43
|
Azar SR, Campos RK, Bergren NA, Camargos VN, Rossi SL. Epidemic Alphaviruses: Ecology, Emergence and Outbreaks. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8081167. [PMID: 32752150 PMCID: PMC7464724 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8081167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past century, the emergence/reemergence of arthropod-borne zoonotic agents has been a growing public health concern. In particular, agents from the genus Alphavirus pose a significant risk to both animal and human health. Human alphaviral disease presents with either arthritogenic or encephalitic manifestations and is associated with significant morbidity and/or mortality. Unfortunately, there are presently no vaccines or antiviral measures approved for human use. The present review examines the ecology, epidemiology, disease, past outbreaks, and potential to cause contemporary outbreaks for several alphavirus pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sasha R. Azar
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, USA;
| | - Rafael K. Campos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, USA;
| | | | - Vidyleison N. Camargos
- Host-Microorganism Interaction Lab, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil;
| | - Shannan L. Rossi
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, USA;
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0610, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +409-772-9033
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
Plants are a rich source of new antiviral, pharmacologically active agents. The naturally occurring plant alkaloid berberine (BBR) is one of the phytochemicals with a broad range of biological activity, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activity. BBR targets different steps in the viral life cycle and is thus a good candidate for use in novel antiviral drugs and therapies. It has been shown that BBR reduces virus replication and targets specific interactions between the virus and its host. BBR intercalates into DNA and inhibits DNA synthesis and reverse transcriptase activity. It inhibits replication of herpes simplex virus (HSV), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This isoquinoline alkaloid has the ability to regulate the MEK-ERK, AMPK/mTOR, and NF-κB signaling pathways, which are necessary for viral replication. Furthermore, it has been reported that BBR supports the host immune response, thus leading to viral clearance. In this short review, we focus on the most recent studies on the antiviral properties of berberine and its derivatives, which might be promising agents to be considered in future studies in the fight against the current pandemic SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Collapse
|
45
|
Stromberg ZR, Fischer W, Bradfute SB, Kubicek-Sutherland JZ, Hraber P. Vaccine Advances against Venezuelan, Eastern, and Western Equine Encephalitis Viruses. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8020273. [PMID: 32503232 PMCID: PMC7350001 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8020273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccinations are a crucial intervention in combating infectious diseases. The three neurotropic Alphaviruses, Eastern (EEEV), Venezuelan (VEEV), and Western (WEEV) equine encephalitis viruses, are pathogens of interest for animal health, public health, and biological defense. In both equines and humans, these viruses can cause febrile illness that may progress to encephalitis. Currently, there are no licensed treatments or vaccines available for these viruses in humans. Experimental vaccines have shown variable efficacy and may cause severe adverse effects. Here, we outline recent strategies used to generate vaccines against EEEV, VEEV, and WEEV with an emphasis on virus-vectored and plasmid DNA delivery. Despite candidate vaccines protecting against one of the three viruses, few studies have demonstrated an effective trivalent vaccine. We evaluated the potential of published vaccines to generate cross-reactive protective responses by comparing DNA vaccine sequences to a set of EEEV, VEEV, and WEEV genomes and determining the vaccine coverages of potential epitopes. Finally, we discuss future directions in the development of vaccines to combat EEEV, VEEV, and WEEV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary R. Stromberg
- Physical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy, Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 505, USA; (Z.R.S.); (J.Z.K.-S.)
| | - Will Fischer
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 505, USA;
| | - Steven B. Bradfute
- Center for Global Health, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 505, USA;
| | - Jessica Z. Kubicek-Sutherland
- Physical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy, Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 505, USA; (Z.R.S.); (J.Z.K.-S.)
| | - Peter Hraber
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 505, USA;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Johnson DM, Sokoloski KJ, Jokinen JD, Pfeffer TL, Chu YK, Adcock RS, Chung D, Tretyakova I, Pushko P, Lukashevich IS. Advanced Safety and Genetic Stability in Mice of a Novel DNA-Launched Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Vaccine with Rearranged Structural Genes. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8010114. [PMID: 32121666 PMCID: PMC7157698 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The safety and genetic stability of V4020, a novel Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEEV) vaccine based on the investigational VEEV TC-83 strain, was evaluated in mice. V4020 was generated from infectious DNA, contains a stabilizing mutation in the E2-120 glycoprotein, and includes rearrangement of structural genes. After intracranial inoculation (IC), replication of V4020 was more attenuated than TC-83, as documented by low clinical scores, inflammation, viral load in brain, and earlier viral clearance. During the first 9 days post-inoculation (DPI), genes involved in inflammation, cytokine signaling, adaptive immune responses, and apoptosis were upregulated in both groups. However, the magnitude of upregulation was greater in TC-83 than V4020 mice, and this pattern persisted till 13 DPI, while V4020 gene expression profiles declined to mock-infected levels. In addition, genetic markers of macrophages, DCs, and microglia were strongly upregulated in TC-83 mice. During five serial passages in the brain, less severe clinical manifestations and a lower viral load were observed in V4020 mice and all animals survived. In contrast, 13.3% of mice met euthanasia criteria during the passages in TC-83 group. At 2 DPI, RNA-Seq analysis of brain tissues revealed that V4020 mice had lower rates of mutations throughout five passages. A higher synonymous mutation ratio was observed in the nsP4 (RdRP) gene of TC-83 compared to V4020 mice. At 2 DPI, both viruses induced different expression profiles of host genes involved in neuro-regeneration. Taken together, these results provide evidence for the improved safety and genetic stability of the experimental V4020 VEEV vaccine in a murine model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dylan M. Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (K.J.S.); (D.C.)
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
- Correspondence: (D.M.J.); (I.S.L.)
| | - Kevin J. Sokoloski
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (K.J.S.); (D.C.)
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
| | - Jenny D. Jokinen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA;
| | - Tia L. Pfeffer
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA;
| | - Yong-Kyu Chu
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
| | - Robert S. Adcock
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
| | - Donghoon Chung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (K.J.S.); (D.C.)
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
| | | | - Peter Pushko
- Medigen, Inc., Frederick, MD 21701, USA; (I.T.); (P.P.)
| | - Igor S. Lukashevich
- Center for Predictive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; (T.L.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (R.S.A.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA;
- Correspondence: (D.M.J.); (I.S.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Akhrymuk I, Lin SC, Sun M, Patnaik A, Lehman C, Altamura L, Minogue T, Lepene B, van Hoek ML, Kehn-Hall K. Magnetic Nanotrap Particles Preserve the Stability of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus in Blood for Laboratory Detection. Front Vet Sci 2020; 6:509. [PMID: 32064269 PMCID: PMC6999085 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Most of the modern techniques used for identification of viral-induced disease are based on identification of viral antigens and/or nucleic acids in patient's blood. Diagnosis in the field or in remote locations can be challenging and alternatively samples are shipped to diagnostic labs for testing. Shipments must occur under controlled temperature conditions to prevent loss of sample integrity. We have tested the ability of magnetic Nanotrap® (NT) particles to improve stability and detection of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), viral capsid protein, and viral genomic RNA in whole human blood at elevated temperature and prolonged storage conditions. NT particles have previously been shown to capture and enrich multiple pathogens including respiratory syncytial virus, influenza virus, coronavirus, and Rift Valley fever virus. Our study indicates that samples incubated with NT particles had detectable levels of infectious VEEV in blood equal to or greater than samples without NT treatment across all temperatures. Viral RNA detection was increased in the presence of NT particles at later time points (72 h) and higher temperature (40°C) conditions. Likewise, detection of VEEV capsid protein was enhanced in the presence of NT particles up to 72 h at 40°C. Finally, we intranasally infected C3H mice with TC-83, the live attenuated vaccine strain of VEEV, and demonstrated that NT particles could substantially increase the detection of VEEV capsid in infected blood incubated up to 72 h at 40°C. Samples without NT particles had undetectable capsid protein levels. Taken together, our data demonstrate the ability of NT particles to preserve and enable detection of VEEV in human and mouse blood samples over time and at elevated temperatures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Akhrymuk
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, United States
| | - Shih-Chao Lin
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, United States
| | - Mei Sun
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | | | - Caitlin Lehman
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, United States
| | - Louis Altamura
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Timothy Minogue
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Ben Lepene
- Ceres Nanosciences, Inc., Manassas, VA, United States
| | - Monique L van Hoek
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, United States
| | - Kylene Kehn-Hall
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Bocan TM, Stafford RG, Brown JL, Akuoku Frimpong J, Basuli F, Hollidge BS, Zhang X, Raju N, Swenson RE, Smith DR. Characterization of Brain Inflammation, Apoptosis, Hypoxia, Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity and Metabolism in Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEEV TC-83) Exposed Mice by In Vivo Positron Emission Tomography Imaging. Viruses 2019; 11:v11111052. [PMID: 31766138 PMCID: PMC6893841 DOI: 10.3390/v11111052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional pathogenesis studies of alphaviruses involves monitoring survival, viremia, and pathogen dissemination via serial necropsies; however, molecular imaging shifts this paradigm and provides a dynamic assessment of pathogen infection. Positron emission tomography (PET) with PET tracers targeted to study neuroinflammation (N,N-diethyl-2-[4-phenyl]-5,7-dimethylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-3-acetamide, [18F]DPA-714), apoptosis (caspase-3 substrate, [18F]CP-18), hypoxia (fluormisonidazole, [18F]FMISO), blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity ([18F]albumin), and metabolism (fluorodeoxyglucose, [18F]FDG) was performed on C3H/HeN mice infected intranasally with 7000 plaque-forming units (PFU) of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) TC-83. The main findings are as follows: (1) whole-brain [18F]DPA-714 and [18F]CP-18 uptake increased three-fold demonstrating, neuroinflammation and apoptosis, respectively; (2) [18F]albumin uptake increased by 25% across the brain demonstrating an altered BBB; (3) [18F]FMISO uptake increased by 50% across the whole brain indicating hypoxic regions; (4) whole-brain [18F]FDG uptake was unaffected; (5) [18F]DPA-714 uptake in (a) cortex, thalamus, striatum, hypothalamus, and hippocampus increased through day seven and decreased by day 10 post exposure, (b) olfactory bulb increased at day three, peaked day seven, and decreased day 10, and (c) brain stem and cerebellum increased through day 10. In conclusion, intranasal exposure of C3H/HeN mice to VEEV TC-83 results in both time-dependent and regional increases in brain inflammation, apoptosis, and hypoxia, as well as modest decreases in BBB integrity; however, it has no effect on brain glucose metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M. Bocan
- Translational Sciences Directorate, Countermeasure Development Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter St., Ft. Detrick, MD 21702, USA;
- Cherokee Nation Assurance, 777 West Cherokee Street, Catoosa, OK 74015, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(301)-619-2647
| | - Robert G. Stafford
- Translational Sciences Directorate, Countermeasure Development Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter St., Ft. Detrick, MD 21702, USA;
| | - Jennifer L. Brown
- Foundational Sciences Directorate, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter St., Ft. Detrick, MD 21702, USA;
- General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), 3211 Jermantown Road, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Justice Akuoku Frimpong
- Foundational Sciences Directorate, Virology Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter St., Ft. Detrick, MD 21702, USA; (J.A.F.); (B.S.H.)
| | - Falguni Basuli
- Imaging Probe Development Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (F.B.); (X.Z.); (N.R.); (R.E.S.)
| | - Bradley S. Hollidge
- Foundational Sciences Directorate, Virology Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter St., Ft. Detrick, MD 21702, USA; (J.A.F.); (B.S.H.)
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Imaging Probe Development Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (F.B.); (X.Z.); (N.R.); (R.E.S.)
| | - Natarajan Raju
- Imaging Probe Development Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (F.B.); (X.Z.); (N.R.); (R.E.S.)
| | - Rolf E. Swenson
- Imaging Probe Development Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (F.B.); (X.Z.); (N.R.); (R.E.S.)
| | - Darci R. Smith
- Immunodiagnostic Department, Naval Medical Research Center, 8400 Research Plaza, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Dahal B, Lin SC, Carey BD, Jacobs JL, Dinman JD, van Hoek ML, Adams AA, Kehn-Hall K. EGR1 upregulation following Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus infection is regulated by ERK and PERK pathways contributing to cell death. Virology 2019; 539:121-128. [PMID: 31733451 PMCID: PMC7126400 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2019.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a neurotropic virus that causes significant disease in both humans and equines. Here we characterized the impact of VEEV on signaling pathways regulating cell death in human primary astrocytes. VEEV productively infected primary astrocytes and caused an upregulation of early growth response 1 (EGR1) gene expression at 9 and 18 h post infection. EGR1 induction was dependent on extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) and protein kinase R (PKR)-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), but not on p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) or phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling. Knockdown of EGR1 significantly reduced VEEV-induced apoptosis and impacted viral replication. Knockdown of ERK1/2 or PERK significantly reduced EGR1 gene expression, dramatically reduced viral replication, and increased cell survival as well as rescued cells from VEEV-induced apoptosis. These data indicate that EGR1 activation and subsequent cell death are regulated through ERK and PERK pathways in VEEV infected primary astrocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bibha Dahal
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Shih-Chao Lin
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Brian D Carey
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Jonathan L Jacobs
- QIAGEN Bioinformatics, Aarhus, Denmark; QIAGEN Bioinformatics, Maryland, USA
| | - Jonathan D Dinman
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Monique L van Hoek
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | | | - Kylene Kehn-Hall
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|