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Durairaj J, Follonier OM, Leuzinger K, Alexander LT, Wilhelm M, Pereira J, Hillenbrand CA, Weissbach FH, Schwede T, Hirsch HH. Structural implications of BK polyomavirus sequence variations in the major viral capsid protein Vp1 and large T-antigen: a computational study. mSphere 2024; 9:e0079923. [PMID: 38501831 PMCID: PMC11036806 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00799-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a double-stranded DNA virus causing nephropathy, hemorrhagic cystitis, and urothelial cancer in transplant patients. The BKPyV-encoded capsid protein Vp1 and large T-antigen (LTag) are key targets of neutralizing antibodies and cytotoxic T-cells, respectively. Our single-center data suggested that variability in Vp1 and LTag may contribute to failing BKPyV-specific immune control and impact vaccine design. We, therefore, analyzed all available entries in GenBank (1516 VP1; 742 LTAG) and explored potential structural effects using computational approaches. BKPyV-genotype (gt)1 was found in 71.18% of entries, followed by BKPyV-gt4 (19.26%), BKPyV-gt2 (8.11%), and BKPyV-gt3 (1.45%), but rates differed according to country and specimen type. Vp1-mutations matched a serotype different than the assigned one or were serotype-independent in 43%, 18% affected more than one amino acid. Notable Vp1-mutations altered antibody-binding domains, interactions with sialic acid receptors, or were predicted to change conformation. LTag-sequences were more conserved, with only 16 mutations detectable in more than one entry and without significant effects on LTag-structure or interaction domains. However, LTag changes were predicted to affect HLA-class I presentation of immunodominant 9mers to cytotoxic T-cells. These global data strengthen single center observations and specifically our earlier findings revealing mutant 9mer epitopes conferring immune escape from HLA-I cytotoxic T cells. We conclude that variability of BKPyV-Vp1 and LTag may have important implications for diagnostic assays assessing BKPyV-specific immune control and for vaccine design. IMPORTANCE Type and rate of amino acid variations in BKPyV may provide important insights into BKPyV diversity in human populations and an important step toward defining determinants of BKPyV-specific immunity needed to protect vulnerable patients from BKPyV diseases. Our analysis of BKPyV sequences obtained from human specimens reveals an unexpectedly high genetic variability for this double-stranded DNA virus that strongly relies on host cell DNA replication machinery with its proof reading and error correction mechanisms. BKPyV variability and immune escape should be taken into account when designing further approaches to antivirals, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccines for patients at risk of BKPyV diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janani Durairaj
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Océane M. Follonier
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department of Biomedicine, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Karoline Leuzinger
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department of Biomedicine, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Clinical Virology, Laboratory Medicine, Department Theragnostic, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Leila T. Alexander
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maud Wilhelm
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department of Biomedicine, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Joana Pereira
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Caroline A. Hillenbrand
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department of Biomedicine, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fabian H. Weissbach
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department of Biomedicine, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Torsten Schwede
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hans H. Hirsch
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department of Biomedicine, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Infectious Diseases & Hospital Epidemiology, Department Acute Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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2
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Kotton CN, Kamar N, Wojciechowski D, Eder M, Hopfer H, Randhawa P, Sester M, Comoli P, Tedesco Silva H, Knoll G, Brennan DC, Trofe-Clark J, Pape L, Axelrod D, Kiberd B, Wong G, Hirsch HH. The Second International Consensus Guidelines on the Management of BK Polyomavirus in Kidney Transplantation. Transplantation 2024:00007890-990000000-00727. [PMID: 38605438 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) remains a significant challenge after kidney transplantation. International experts reviewed current evidence and updated recommendations according to Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE). Risk factors for BKPyV-DNAemia and biopsy-proven BKPyV-nephropathy include recipient older age, male sex, donor BKPyV-viruria, BKPyV-seropositive donor/-seronegative recipient, tacrolimus, acute rejection, and higher steroid exposure. To facilitate early intervention with limited allograft damage, all kidney transplant recipients should be screened monthly for plasma BKPyV-DNAemia loads until month 9, then every 3 mo until 2 y posttransplant (3 y for children). In resource-limited settings, urine cytology screening at similar time points can exclude BKPyV-nephropathy, and testing for plasma BKPyV-DNAemia when decoy cells are detectable. For patients with BKPyV-DNAemia loads persisting >1000 copies/mL, or exceeding 10 000 copies/mL (or equivalent), or with biopsy-proven BKPyV-nephropathy, immunosuppression should be reduced according to predefined steps targeting antiproliferative drugs, calcineurin inhibitors, or both. In adults without graft dysfunction, kidney allograft biopsy is not required unless the immunological risk is high. For children with persisting BKPyV-DNAemia, allograft biopsy may be considered even without graft dysfunction. Allograft biopsies should be interpreted in the context of all clinical and laboratory findings, including plasma BKPyV-DNAemia. Immunohistochemistry is preferred for diagnosing biopsy-proven BKPyV-nephropathy. Routine screening using the proposed strategies is cost-effective, improves clinical outcomes and quality of life. Kidney retransplantation subsequent to BKPyV-nephropathy is feasible in otherwise eligible recipients if BKPyV-DNAemia is undetectable; routine graft nephrectomy is not recommended. Current studies do not support the usage of leflunomide, cidofovir, quinolones, or IVIGs. Patients considered for experimental treatments (antivirals, vaccines, neutralizing antibodies, and adoptive T cells) should be enrolled in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille N Kotton
- Transplant and Immunocompromised Host Infectious Diseases Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Nassim Kamar
- Department of Nephrology and Organ Transplantation, Toulouse Rangueil University Hospital, INSERM UMR 1291, Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - David Wojciechowski
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Michael Eder
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helmut Hopfer
- Division of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Parmjeet Randhawa
- Division of Transplantation Pathology, The Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Martina Sester
- Department of Transplant and Infection Immunology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Patrizia Comoli
- Cell Factory and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit, Department of Mother and Child Health, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Helio Tedesco Silva
- Division of Nephrology, Hospital do Rim, Fundação Oswaldo Ramos, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Greg Knoll
- Department of Medicine (Nephrology), University of Ottawa and The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jennifer Trofe-Clark
- Renal-Electrolyte Hypertension Division, Associated Faculty of the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, PA
- Transplantation Division, Associated Faculty of the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, PA
| | - Lars Pape
- Pediatrics II, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - David Axelrod
- Kidney, Pancreas, and Living Donor Transplant Programs at University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Bryce Kiberd
- Division of Nephrology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Germaine Wong
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hans H Hirsch
- Division of Transplantation and Clinical Virology, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Mineeva-Sangwo O, Van Loon E, Andrei G, Kuypers D, Naesens M, Snoeck R. Time-dependent variations in BK polyomavirus genome from kidney transplant recipients with persistent viremia. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13534. [PMID: 37598256 PMCID: PMC10439958 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40714-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a human DNA virus that resides latent in the host's renal tissue. Reactivation occurs occasionally and in case of kidney transplantation, it can lead to polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PVAN). Due to the lack of specific antivirals for BKPyV and despite the risk of allograft rejection, reduction of immunosuppression remains the main approach for treating PVAN. Current data suggests that mutations can accumulate over time in the major capsid protein VP1 and can lead to neutralization escape in kidney transplant recipients. Herein, we show that mutations occur throughout the entire BKPyV genome, including in VP1. Changes were identified by per-patient comparison of viral genome sequences obtained in samples from 32 kidney recipients with persistent viremia collected at different post-transplant time-points. Amino acid changes were observed in both earlier and later post-transplant samples, although some of them were only found in later samples. Changes in VP1 mainly consisted in the introduction of a new amino acid. A switch back to the conservative amino acid was also observed. This should be considered in future approaches for treating BKPyV infection in kidney transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Mineeva-Sangwo
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elisabet Van Loon
- Nephrology and Renal Transplantation Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Graciela Andrei
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Dirk Kuypers
- Nephrology and Renal Transplantation Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maarten Naesens
- Nephrology and Renal Transplantation Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robert Snoeck
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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Liu N, Gu C, Yang Y, Gao Z, Kang N, Liu J, Xie Y. Establishment and characterization of a novel reverse genetic system of BK polyomavirus. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28995. [PMID: 37522259 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28995] [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: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
BK polyomavirus (BKV) is a small non-enveloped DNA virus. BKV infection or reactivation may cause BKV-associated nephropathy and hemorrhagic cystitis in immunosuppressed transplant recipients. No effective antivirals or prevention strategies are available against BKV infections. The current BKV reverse system employs the transfection of purified full-length linear viral genomes released by enzyme digestion from BKV genomic plasmids. The method is laborious and often results in variable DNA yield and quality, which can affect the efficiency of transfection and subsequent formation of circular viral genomes in cells. In this study, we report the generation of circular viral genomes by Cre-mediated DNA recombination in cells directly transfected with BKV precursor genomic plasmids. The novel system supported efficient viral expression and replication, and produced a higher level of infectious virions compared with the transfection with linear BKV genomes. Furthermore, we successfully constructed recombinant BKV capable of reporter gene expression. In conclusion, the novel BKV reverse genetic system allows for simpler manipulation of BKV genome with better virus yield, providing a tool for the study of BKV life cycle and antiviral screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenjian Gu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zixiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning Kang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Youhua Xie
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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5
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Sahragard I, Mohammadi A, Yaghobi R, Pakfetrat M, Afshari A, Sharifi H, Ghaemi M. The relation of NCCR variations and host transcription factors gene regulation in BK polyomavirus infected kidney transplant patients. Gene 2023:147567. [PMID: 37330024 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147567] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) infection in immunocompromised patients can led to polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (BKPyVAN) especially after kidney transplantation. The polyomavirus genome contains enhancer elements that are important transcription activators. In this study, the association between viral and host gene expression and NCCR variations was evaluated in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with BKPyV active, and BKPyV in-active infection. METHODS AND RESULTS Blood samples were collected from selected KTRs who divided to patients with active and in-active BKPyV infection. Transcriptional control region (TCR) anatomy was compared to the genomic sequence of archetype BKPyV strain WW using nested PCR method and sequencing. The expression level of some transcription factor genes was evaluated using in-house Real-time PCR (SYBR Green) technique. Most changes were observed after TCR anatomy detection in the Q and P blocks. The expression level of VP1 and LT-Ag viral genes were significantly higher in patients with active infection compared with non-infected ones. Transcription factor genes SP1, NF1, SMAD, NFκB, P53, PEA3, ETS1, AP2, NFAT and AP1 were significantly higher in BKPyV active group in comparison in-active and control groups. The analyses revealed that viral load level and mutations frequency has significant correlation. CONCLUSIONS Based on the results, increasing of NCCR variations were associated with higher viral load of BKPyV especially in Q block. Host transcriptional factors and viral genes all had higher express level in active BKPyV patients versus no in-active ones. Detection of the relation between NCCR variation and BKPyV severity in KTRs need to be confirmed in further complicated studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilnaz Sahragard
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammadi
- Department of pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ramin Yaghobi
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Maryam Pakfetrat
- Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Afsoon Afshari
- Shiraz Nephro-Urology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hassan Sharifi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehran Ghaemi
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
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6
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Nguyen NK, Devilder MC, Gautreau-Rolland L, Fourgeux C, Sinha D, Poschmann J, Hourmant M, Bressollette-Bodin C, Saulquin X, McIlroy D. A cluster of broadly neutralizing IgG against BK polyomavirus in a repertoire dominated by IgM. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201567. [PMID: 36717250 PMCID: PMC9887757 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is an opportunistic pathogen, which is only pathogenic in immunosuppressed individuals, such as kidney transplant recipients, in whom BKPyV can cause significant morbidity. To identify broadly neutralizing antibodies against this virus, we used fluorescence-labeled BKPyV virus-like particles to sort BKPyV-specific B cells from the PBMC of KTx recipients, then single-cell RNAseq to obtain paired heavy- and light-chain antibody sequences from 2,106 sorted B cells. The BKPyV-specific repertoire was highly diverse in terms of both V-gene usage and clonotype diversity and included most of the IgM B cells, including many with extensive somatic hypermutation. In two patients where sufficient data were available, IgM B cells in the BKPyV-specific dataset had significant differences in V-gene usage compared with IgG B cells from the same patient. CDR3 sequence-based clustering allowed us to identify and characterize three broadly neutralizing "41F17-like" clonotypes that were predominantly IgG, suggesting that some specific BKPyV capsid epitopes are preferentially targeted by IgG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc-Khanh Nguyen
- Nantes Universitéhttps://ror.org/05c1qsg97 , CHU Nantes, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes, France
| | - Marie-Claire Devilder
- Nantes Université, Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, Université d'Angers, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France
| | - Laetitia Gautreau-Rolland
- Nantes Université, Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, Université d'Angers, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France
- UFR Sciences et Techniques, Nantes Université, Nantes, France
| | - Cynthia Fourgeux
- Nantes Universitéhttps://ror.org/05c1qsg97 , CHU Nantes, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes, France
| | - Debajyoti Sinha
- Nantes Universitéhttps://ror.org/05c1qsg97 , CHU Nantes, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes, France
| | - Jeremie Poschmann
- Nantes Universitéhttps://ror.org/05c1qsg97 , CHU Nantes, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes, France
| | - Maryvonne Hourmant
- CHU Nanteshttps://ror.org/03gnr7b55 , Nantes Université, Service de Néphrologie-Immunologie clinique, Nantes, France
| | - Céline Bressollette-Bodin
- Nantes Universitéhttps://ror.org/05c1qsg97 , CHU Nantes, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes, France
- CHU Nanteshttps://ror.org/03gnr7b55 , Nantes Université, Service de Virologie, Nantes, France
- UFR Médecine, Nantes Université, Nantes, France
| | - Xavier Saulquin
- Nantes Université, Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, Université d'Angers, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France
- UFR Sciences et Techniques, Nantes Université, Nantes, France
| | - Dorian McIlroy
- Nantes Universitéhttps://ror.org/05c1qsg97 , CHU Nantes, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes, France
- UFR Sciences et Techniques, Nantes Université, Nantes, France
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7
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Peretti A, Scorpio DG, Kong WP, Pang YYS, McCarthy MP, Ren K, Jackson M, Graham BS, Buck CB, McTamney PM, Pastrana DV. A multivalent polyomavirus vaccine elicits durable neutralizing antibody responses in macaques. Vaccine 2023; 41:1735-1742. [PMID: 36764908 PMCID: PMC9992340 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.02.002] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
In 2019, there were about 100,000 kidney transplants globally, with more than a quarter of them performed in the United States. Unfortunately, some engrafted organs are lost to polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PyVAN) caused by BK and JC viruses (BKPyV and JCPyV). Both viruses cause brain disease and possibly bladder cancer in immunosuppressed individuals. Transplant patients are routinely monitored for BKPyV viremia, which is an accepted hallmark of nascent nephropathy. If viremia is detected, a reduction in immunosuppressive therapy is standard care, but the intervention comes with increased risk of immune rejection of the engrafted organ. Recent reports have suggested that transplant recipients with high levels of polyomavirus-neutralizing antibodies are protected against PyVAN. Virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines, similar to approved human papillomavirus vaccines, have an excellent safety record and are known to induce high levels of neutralizing antibodies and long-lasting protection from infection. In this study, we demonstrate that VLPs representing BKPyV genotypes I, II, and IV, as well as JCPyV genotype 2 produced in insect cells elicit robust antibody titers. In rhesus macaques, all monkeys developed neutralizing antibody titers above a previously proposed protective threshold of 10,000. A second inoculation, administered 19 weeks after priming, boosted titers to a plateau of ≥ 25,000 that was maintained for almost two years. No vaccine-related adverse events were observed in any macaques. A multivalent BK/JC VLP immunogen did not show inferiority compared to the single-genotype VLP immunogens. Considering these encouraging results, we believe a clinical trial administering the multivalent VLP vaccine in patients waiting to receive a kidney transplant is warranted to evaluate its ability to reduce or eliminate PyVAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Peretti
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Diana G Scorpio
- Viral Pathogenesis Laboratory, Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Wing-Pui Kong
- Virology Core, Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Yuk-Ying S Pang
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Michael P McCarthy
- Department of Infectious Diseases-Vaccines, MedImmune, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, United States
| | - Kuishu Ren
- Department of Infectious Diseases-Vaccines, MedImmune, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, United States
| | - Moriah Jackson
- Viral Pathogenesis Laboratory, Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Barney S Graham
- Viral Pathogenesis Laboratory, Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Christopher B Buck
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States.
| | - Patrick M McTamney
- Department of Infectious Diseases-Vaccines, MedImmune, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, United States
| | - Diana V Pastrana
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
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8
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Sorin MN, Di Maio A, Silva LM, Ebert D, Delannoy CP, Nguyen NK, Guerardel Y, Chai W, Halary F, Renaudin-Autain K, Liu Y, Bressollette-Bodin C, Stehle T, McIlroy D. Structural and functional analysis of natural capsid variants suggests sialic acid-independent entry of BK polyomavirus. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112114. [PMID: 36790933 PMCID: PMC9989821 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112114] [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: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is an opportunistic pathogen that uses the b-series gangliosides GD1b and GT1b as entry receptors. Here, we characterize the impact of naturally occurring VP1 mutations on ganglioside binding, VP1 protein structure, and virus tropism. Infectious entry of single mutants E73Q and E73A and the triple mutant A72V-E73Q-E82Q (VQQ) remains sialic acid dependent, and all three variants acquire binding to a-series gangliosides, including GD1a. However, the E73A and VQQ variants lose the ability to infect ganglioside-complemented cells, and this correlates with a clear shift of the BC2 loop in the crystal structures of E73A and VQQ. On the other hand, the K69N mutation in the K69N-E82Q variant leads to a steric clash that precludes sialic acid binding. Nevertheless, this mutant retains significant infectivity in 293TT cells, which is not dependent on heparan sulfate proteoglycans, implying that an unknown sialic acid-independent entry receptor for BKPyV exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie N Sorin
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, 44000 Nantes, France; Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Antonio Di Maio
- Glycoscience Laboratory, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Lisete M Silva
- Glycoscience Laboratory, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Domenic Ebert
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Clément P Delannoy
- Université de Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576 - UGSF - Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Ngoc-Khanh Nguyen
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Yann Guerardel
- Université de Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576 - UGSF - Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, 59000 Lille, France; Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Wengang Chai
- Glycoscience Laboratory, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Franck Halary
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, 44000 Nantes, France
| | | | - Yan Liu
- Glycoscience Laboratory, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Céline Bressollette-Bodin
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, 44000 Nantes, France; CHU Nantes Laboratoire de Virologie, Nantes, France; Faculté de Médecine, Nantes Université, Nantes, France
| | - Thilo Stehle
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Dorian McIlroy
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, 44000 Nantes, France; Faculté des Sciences et des Techniques, Nantes Université, Nantes, France.
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9
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Hejtmánková A, Caisová H, Tomanová T, Španielová H. The role of the DE and EF loop of BKPyV VP1 in the serological cross-reactivity between subtypes. Virus Res 2023; 324:199031. [PMID: 36587871 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2022.199031] [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: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BK virus (BKPyV) is a causative agent of BKPyV-associated nephropathy and graft rejections in kidney transplant patients. It establishes persistent infection in the kidneys, which can lead to reactivation in an immunosuppressed state or transmission to kidney recipients. Complications in the case of donor-derived infections can be caused by differences between the four known BKPyV subtypes, as prior infection with one subtype does not guarantee protection against de novo infection with other subtypes. The recipient and donor pretransplant serotyping is not routinely performed since simple ELISA tests employing antigens derived from the major viral capsid protein 1 (VP1) are hindered by the high cross-reactivity of anti-VP1 antibodies against all subtypes. Identifying subtype-specific epitopes in VP1 could lead to the design of specific antigens and the improvement of serodiagnostics for kidney transplantation. We aimed to study the surface residues responsible for the interactions with the subtype-specific antibodies by focusing on the DE and EF loops of VP1, which have only a small number of distinct amino acid differences between the most common subtypes, BKPyV-I and BKPyV-IV. We designed two mutant virus-like particles (VLPs): we introduced BKPyV-I characteristic amino acid residues (either H139N in the DE loop or D175E and I178V changes in the EF loop) into the base sequence of a BKPyV-IV VP1. This way, we created BKPyV-IV mutant VLPs with the sequence of either the BKPyV-I DE loop or the BKPyV-I EF loop. These mutants were then used as competing antigens in an antigen competition assay with a panel of patient sera, and changes in antibody reactivity were assessed by ELISA. We found that the changes introduced into the BKPyV-IV VP1 EF loop restrict antibody recognition in most samples and that converting the BKPyV-IV DE loop into its BKPyV-I equivalent attracts anti-VP1 BKPyV-I antibodies. Although our results did not lead to the discovery of a subtype-specific epitope on the VP1, they suggested that the arrangement of the EF loop in VP1 might dictate the mode of interaction between virus and anti-VP1 antibodies in general and that the interactions between the antibodies and the viral capsid might be very complex. Consequently, an antigen competition assay as an assay to distinguish between BKPyV serotypes might prove difficult to interpret.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alžběta Hejtmánková
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 5, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Caisová
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 5, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Tomanová
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 5, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Španielová
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 5, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic; Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, Flemingovo náměstí 542/2, 166 10, Praha 5, Czech Republic.
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10
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McIlroy D, Peltier C, Nguyen ML, Manceau L, Mobuchon L, Le Baut N, Nguyen NK, Tran MC, Nguyen TC, Bressollette-Bodin C. Quantification of APOBEC3 Mutation Rates Affecting the VP1 Gene of BK Polyomavirus In Vivo. Viruses 2022; 14:v14092077. [PMID: 36146883 PMCID: PMC9504301 DOI: 10.3390/v14092077] [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: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) capsid accumulate in kidney transplant (KTx) recipients with persistent virus replication. They are associated with neutralization escape and appear to arise as a result of cytosine deamination by host cell APOBEC3A/B enzymes. To study the mutagenic processes occurring in patients, we amplified the typing region of the VP1 gene, sequenced the amplicons to a depth of 5000–10,000×, and identified rare mutations, which were fitted to COSMIC mutational signatures. Background mutations were identified in amplicons from plasmids carrying the BKPyV genome and compared to mutations observed in 148 samples from 23 KTx recipients in France and in Vietnam. Three mutational signatures were consistently observed in urine, serum, and kidney biopsy samples, two of which, SBS2 and SBS13, corresponded to APOBEC3A/B activity. In addition, a third signature with no known etiology, SBS89, was detected both in patient samples, and in cells infected in vitro with BKPyV. Quantitatively, APOBEC3A/B mutation rates in urine samples were strongly correlated with urine viral load, and also appeared to vary between individuals. These results confirm that APOBEC3A/B is a major, but not the only, source of BKPyV genome mutations in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorian McIlroy
- Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, F-44000 Nantes, France
- Faculté des Sciences et des Techniques, Nantes Université, 44093 Nantes, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-02-44-76-81-82
| | - Cécile Peltier
- Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - My-Linh Nguyen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 116001, Vietnam
| | - Louise Manceau
- Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, F-44000 Nantes, France
- CHU Nantes, Nantes Université, Service de Virologie, 44093 Nantes, France
| | - Lenha Mobuchon
- Molecular Biology and Sequencing Services, CHU Nantes, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Nicolas Le Baut
- Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Ngoc-Khanh Nguyen
- Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Minh-Chau Tran
- Department of Kidney Diseases and Dialysis, Vietduc University Hospital, Hanoi 110214, Vietnam
| | - The-Cuong Nguyen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 116001, Vietnam
| | - Céline Bressollette-Bodin
- Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, F-44000 Nantes, France
- CHU Nantes, Nantes Université, Service de Virologie, 44093 Nantes, France
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11
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BK Polyomavirus-Biology, Genomic Variation and Diagnosis. Viruses 2021; 13:v13081502. [PMID: 34452367 PMCID: PMC8402805 DOI: 10.3390/v13081502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The BK polyomavirus (BKPyV), a representative of the family Polyomaviridae, is widespread in the human population. While the virus does not cause significant clinical symptoms in immunocompetent individuals, it is activated in cases of immune deficiency, both pharmacological and pathological. Infection with the BKPyV is of particular importance in recipients of kidney transplants or HSC transplantation, in which it can lead to the loss of the transplanted kidney or to haemorrhagic cystitis, respectively. Four main genotypes of the virus are distinguished on the basis of molecular differentiation. The most common genotype worldwide is genotype I, with a frequency of about 80%, followed by genotype IV (about 15%), while genotypes II and III are isolated only sporadically. The distribution of the molecular variants of the virus is associated with the region of origin. BKPyV subtype Ia is most common in Africa, Ib-1 in Southeast Asia, and Ib-2 in Europe, while Ic is the most common variant in Northeast Asia. The development of molecular methods has enabled significant improvement not only in BKPyV diagnostics, but in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment as well. Amplification of viral DNA from urine by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and qPCR Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a non-invasive method that can be used to confirm the presence of the genetic material of the virus and to determine the viral load. Sequencing techniques together with bioinformatics tools and databases can be used to determine variants of the virus, analyse their circulation in populations, identify relationships between them, and investigate the directions of evolution of the virus.
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12
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Prezioso C, Pietropaolo V. BK Virus and Transplantation. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050733. [PMID: 33922350 PMCID: PMC8146602 DOI: 10.3390/v13050733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As guest editors, we are pleased to present this Special Issue on BK virus (BKV) and transplantation with the intention of exploring some aspects related to BKV-associated diseases in transplant recipients, since they are still unclear [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Prezioso
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Microbiology of Chronic Neuro-Degenerative Pathologies, IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Pietropaolo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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13
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Leuzinger K, Kaur A, Wilhelm M, Hirsch HH. Variations in BK Polyomavirus Immunodominant Large Tumor Antigen-Specific 9mer CD8 T-Cell Epitopes Predict Altered HLA-Presentation and Immune Failure. Viruses 2020; 12:v12121476. [PMID: 33371492 PMCID: PMC7767524 DOI: 10.3390/v12121476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Failing BK polyomavirus (BKPyV)-specific immune control is underlying onset and duration of BKPyV-replication and disease. We focused on BKPyV-specific CD8 T-cells as key effectors and characterized immunodominant 9mer epitopes in the viral large tumor-antigen (LTag). We investigated the variation of LTag-epitopes and their predicted effects on HLA-class 1 binding and T-cell activation. Available BKPyV sequences in the NCBI-nucleotide (N = 3263), and the NCBI protein database (N = 4189) were extracted (1368 sequences) and analyzed for non-synonymous aa-exchanges in LTag. Variant 9mer-epitopes were assessed for predicted changes in HLA-A and HLA-B-binding compared to immunodominant 9mer reference. We identified 159 non-synonymous aa-exchanges in immunodominant LTag-9mer T-cell epitopes reflecting different BKPyV-genotypes as well as genotype-independent variants altering HLA-A/HLA-B-binding scores. Decreased binding scores for HLA-A/HLA-B were found in 27/159 (17%). This included the immunodominant LPLMRKAYL affecting HLA-B*07:02-, HLA-B*08:01- and HLA-B*51:01-presentation. In two healthy BKPyV-seropositive HLA-B*07:02 blood donors, variant LSLMRKAYL showed reduced CD8 T-cell responses compared to LPLMRKAYL. Thus, despite LTag being highly conserved, aa-exchanges occur in immunodominant CD8 T-cell epitopes of BKPyV-genotypes as well as of genotypes -independent variants, which may contribute to genotype-dependent and genotype-independent failure of cellular immune control over BKPyV-replication. The data warrant epidemiological and immunological investigations in carefully designed clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoline Leuzinger
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department Biomedicine, University of Basel, Petersplatz 10, CH-4009 Basel, Switzerland; (K.L.); (A.K.); (M.W.)
- Clinical Virology, Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Amandeep Kaur
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department Biomedicine, University of Basel, Petersplatz 10, CH-4009 Basel, Switzerland; (K.L.); (A.K.); (M.W.)
| | - Maud Wilhelm
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department Biomedicine, University of Basel, Petersplatz 10, CH-4009 Basel, Switzerland; (K.L.); (A.K.); (M.W.)
| | - Hans H. Hirsch
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department Biomedicine, University of Basel, Petersplatz 10, CH-4009 Basel, Switzerland; (K.L.); (A.K.); (M.W.)
- Clinical Virology, Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Infectious Diseases & Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-61-207-3266 or +41-61-207-3225
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14
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Structural Analysis of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV) Viral Capsid Protein 1 (VP1) in HIV-1 Infected Individuals. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21217998. [PMID: 33121182 PMCID: PMC7663277 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21217998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) viral protein 1 (VP1) is the capsid protein that mediates virus attachment to host cell receptors and is the major immune target. Given the limited data on MCPyV VP1 mutations, the VP1 genetic variability was examined in 100 plasma and 100 urine samples from 100 HIV+ individuals. Sequencing of VP1 DNA in 17 urine and 17 plasma specimens, simultaneously MCPyV DNA positive, revealed that 27 samples displayed sequences identical to VP1 of MCC350 strain. VP1 from two urine specimens had either Thr47Ser or Ile115Phe substitution, whereas VP1 of one plasma contained Asp69Val and Ser251Phe substitutions plus deletion (∆) of Tyr79. VP1 DNA in the remaining samples had mutations encoding truncated protein. Three-dimensional prediction models revealed that Asp69Val, Ser251Phe, and Ile115Phe caused neutral effects while Thr47Ser and Tyr79∆ produced a deleterious effect reducing VP1 stability. A549 cells infected with urine or plasma samples containing full-length VP1 variants with substitutions, sustained viral DNA replication and VP1 expression. Moreover, medium harvested from these cells was able to infect new A549 cells. In cells infected by samples with truncated VP1, MCPyV replication was hampered. In conclusion, MCPyV strains with unique mutations in the VP1 gene are circulating in HIV+ patients. These strains display altered replication efficiency compared to the MCC350 prototype strain in A549 cells.
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Lauver MD, Lukacher AE. JCPyV VP1 Mutations in Progressive MultifocalLeukoencephalopathy: Altering Tropismor Mediating Immune Evasion? Viruses 2020; 12:v12101156. [PMID: 33053912 PMCID: PMC7600905 DOI: 10.3390/v12101156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyomaviruses are ubiquitous human pathogens that cause lifelong, asymptomatic infections in healthy individuals. Although these viruses are restrained by an intact immune system, immunocompromised individuals are at risk for developing severe diseases driven by resurgent viral replication. In particular, loss of immune control over JC polyomavirus can lead to the development of the demyelinating brain disease progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Viral isolates from PML patients frequently carry point mutations in the major capsid protein, VP1, which mediates virion binding to cellular glycan receptors. Because polyomaviruses are non-enveloped, VP1 is also the target of the host's neutralizing antibody response. Thus, VP1 mutations could affect tropism and/or recognition by polyomavirus-specific antibodies. How these mutations predispose susceptible individuals to PML and other JCPyV-associated CNS diseases remains to be fully elucidated. Here, we review the current understanding of polyomavirus capsid mutations and their effects on viral tropism, immune evasion, and virulence.
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