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Xu Y, Wang J. The Vector Competence of Asian Longhorned Ticks in Langat Virus Transmission. Viruses 2024; 16:304. [PMID: 38400079 PMCID: PMC10893034 DOI: 10.3390/v16020304] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Haemaphysalis longicornis (the longhorned tick), the predominant tick species in China, serves as a vector for a variety of pathogens, and is capable of transmitting the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), the causative agent of tick-borne encephalitis. However, it is unclear how these ticks transmit TBEV. Langat virus (LGTV), which has a reduced pathogenicity in humans, has been used as a surrogate for TBEV. In this study, we aimed to investigate the vector competence of H. longicornis to transmit LGTV and demonstrate the efficient acquisition and transmission of LGTV between this tick species and mice. LGTV localization was detected in several tick tissues, such as the midgut, salivary glands, and synganglion, using quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical staining with a polyclonal antibody targeting the LGTV envelope protein. We demonstrated the horizontal transmission of LGTV to different developmental stages within the same generation but did not see evidence of vertical transmission. It was interesting to note that we observed mice acting as a bridge, facilitating the transmission of LGTV to neighboring naïve ticks during blood feeding. In conclusion, the virus-vector-host model employed in this study provides valuable insights into the replication and transmission of LGTV throughout its life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jingwen Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China;
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2
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Banerjee A, Dass D, Dhotre K, Wakchoure P, More A, Rana S, Khan AA, Mukherjee A. Combinatorial Effects of miRNAs in HSV-2 Infection of Macrophages: An In Silico and In Vitro Integration Approach. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1488. [PMID: 37766164 PMCID: PMC10537408 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11091488] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The rising issues of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2 drug ramifications have encouraged the researchers to look for new and alternative approaches that pose minimum adversities in the host while efficiently reducing the HSV-2 infection. Although microRNAs (miRNAs), as unorthodox approaches, are gaining popularity due to eliciting highly reduced immunogenic reactions, their implications in HSV-2 research have been rarely explored. In this study, a pool of cellular miRNAs with significance in HSV-2-induced inflammatory and immune responses have been identified. Computationally recognizing the host targets of these miRNAs through network biology and machine learning, in vitro validation has been addressed along with the identification of their regulation in the HSV-2 infection. To signify the role of these identified miRNAs, they have been individually ectopically expressed in macrophages. The ectopic expression of the individual miRNAs was able to suppress HSV-2 viral gene expression. Taking a step forward, this study also highlights the Box-Behnken design-based combinatorial effect of ectopically expressed miRNAs on maximum suppression of HSV-2 infectivity. Therefore, the concentrations of each of the miRNAs optimized in a combination, predicted through expert systems biology tools were validated in vitro to not only recover the target expressions but also inhibit the HSV-2 infection in the macrophages. Overall, the study offers miRNAs as intriguing alternatives to commercially available medications against HSV-2. Moreover, the study illuminates the prophylactic potentiality of the miRNAs, which is significant since there are currently no vaccines available for HSV-2. Moving forward, the miRNAs are employed in an innovative strategy that incorporates intricate biological system models and in vitro confirmation methods to deliver a prospective combinatorial miRNA therapeutic against HSV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwesha Banerjee
- Division of Virology, ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Pune 411026, MH, India; (A.B.); (D.D.); (K.D.); (A.M.)
| | - Debashree Dass
- Division of Virology, ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Pune 411026, MH, India; (A.B.); (D.D.); (K.D.); (A.M.)
| | - Kishore Dhotre
- Division of Virology, ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Pune 411026, MH, India; (A.B.); (D.D.); (K.D.); (A.M.)
| | - Pooja Wakchoure
- Division of Microbiology, ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Pune 411026, MH, India;
| | - Ashwini More
- Division of Virology, ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Pune 411026, MH, India; (A.B.); (D.D.); (K.D.); (A.M.)
| | - Santanu Rana
- Department of Zoology, RPMC-University of Calcutta, Uttarpara 712258, WB, India;
| | - Abdul A. Khan
- Division of Microbiology, ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Pune 411026, MH, India;
| | - Anupam Mukherjee
- Division of Virology, ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Pune 411026, MH, India; (A.B.); (D.D.); (K.D.); (A.M.)
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Goonawardane N, Upstone L, Harris M, Jones IM. Identification of Host Factors Differentially Induced by Clinically Diverse Strains of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus. J Virol 2022; 96:e0081822. [PMID: 36098513 PMCID: PMC9517736 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00818-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is an important human arthropod-borne virus that causes tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in humans. TBEV acutely infects the central nervous system (CNS), leading to neurological symptoms of various severity. No therapeutics are currently available for TBEV-associated disease. Virus strains of various pathogenicity have been described, although the basis of their diverse clinical outcome remains undefined. Work with infectious TBEV requires high-level biocontainment, meaning model systems that can recapitulate the virus life cycle are highly sought. Here, we report the generation of a self-replicating, noninfectious TBEV replicon used to study properties of high (Hypr) and low (Vs) pathogenic TBEV isolates. Using a Spinach2 RNA aptamer and luciferase reporter system, we perform the first direct comparison of Hypr and Vs in cell culture. Infectious wild-type (WT) viruses and chimeras of the nonstructural proteins 3 (NS3) and 5 (NS5) were investigated in parallel to validate the replicon data. We show that Hypr replicates to higher levels than Vs in mammalian cells, but not in arthropod cells, and that the basis of these differences map to the NS5 region, encoding the methyltransferase and RNA polymerase. For both Hypr and Vs strains, NS5 and the viral genome localized to intracellular structures typical of positive-strand RNA viruses. Hypr was associated with significant activation of IRF-3, caspase-3, and caspase-8, while Vs activated Akt, affording protection against caspase-mediated apoptosis. Higher activation of stress-granule proteins TIAR and G3BPI were an additional early feature of Vs but not for Hypr. These findings highlight novel host cell responses driven by NS5 that may dictate the differential clinical characteristics of TBEV strains. This highlights the utility of the TBEV replicons for further virological characterization and antiviral drug screening. IMPORTANCE Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is an emerging virus of the flavivirus family that is spread by ticks and causes neurological disease of various severity. No specific therapeutic treatments are available for TBE, and control in areas of endemicity is limited to vaccination. The pathology of TBEV ranges from mild to fatal, depending on the virus genotype. Characterization of TBEV isolates is challenging due to the requirement for high-containment facilities. Here, we described the construction of novel TBEV replicons that permit a molecular comparison of TBEV isolates of high and low pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niluka Goonawardane
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Upstone
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Harris
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Ian M. Jones
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
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Tavčar Verdev P, Potokar M, Korva M, Resman Rus K, Kolenc M, Avšič Županc T, Zorec R, Jorgačevski J. In human astrocytes neurotropic flaviviruses increase autophagy, yet their replication is autophagy-independent. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:566. [PMID: 36283999 PMCID: PMC9596533 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04578-7] [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: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes, an abundant type of glial cells, are the key cells providing homeostasis in the central nervous system. Due to their susceptibility to infection, combined with high resilience to virus-induced cell death, astrocytes are now considered one of the principal types of cells, responsible for virus retention and dissemination within the brain. Autophagy plays an important role in elimination of intracellular components and in maintaining cellular homeostasis and is also intertwined with the life cycle of viruses. The physiological significance of autophagy in astrocytes, in connection with the life cycle and transmission of viruses, remains poorly investigated. In the present study, we investigated flavivirus-induced modulation of autophagy in human astrocytes by monitoring a tandem fluorescent-tagged LC3 probe (mRFP-EGFP-LC3) with confocal and super-resolution fluorescence microscopy. Astrocytes were infected with tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) or West Nile virus (WNV), both pathogenic flaviviruses, and with mosquito-only flavivirus (MOF), which is considered non-pathogenic. The results revealed that human astrocytes are susceptible to infection with TBEV, WNV and to a much lower extent also to MOF. Infection and replication rates of TBEV and WNV are paralleled by increased rate of autophagy, whereas autophagosome maturation and the size of autophagic compartments are not affected. Modulation of autophagy by rapamycin and wortmannin does not influence TBEV and WNV replication rate, whereas bafilomycin A1 attenuates their replication and infectivity. In human astrocytes infected with MOF, the low infectivity and the lack of efficient replication of this flavivirus are mirrored by the absence of an autophagic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Tavčar Verdev
- grid.8954.00000 0001 0721 6013Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Potokar
- grid.8954.00000 0001 0721 6013Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia ,grid.433223.7Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miša Korva
- grid.8954.00000 0001 0721 6013Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katarina Resman Rus
- grid.8954.00000 0001 0721 6013Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Kolenc
- grid.8954.00000 0001 0721 6013Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tatjana Avšič Županc
- grid.8954.00000 0001 0721 6013Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Robert Zorec
- grid.8954.00000 0001 0721 6013Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia ,grid.433223.7Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jernej Jorgačevski
- grid.8954.00000 0001 0721 6013Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia ,grid.433223.7Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Blahove MR, Carter JR. Flavivirus Persistence in Wildlife Populations. Viruses 2021; 13:v13102099. [PMID: 34696529 PMCID: PMC8541186 DOI: 10.3390/v13102099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A substantial number of humans are at risk for infection by vector-borne flaviviruses, resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. These viruses also infect wildlife at a considerable rate, persistently cycling between ticks/mosquitoes and small mammals and reptiles and non-human primates and humans. Substantially increasing evidence of viral persistence in wildlife continues to be reported. In addition to in humans, viral persistence has been shown to establish in mammalian, reptile, arachnid, and mosquito systems, as well as insect cell lines. Although a considerable amount of research has centered on the potential roles of defective virus particles, autophagy and/or apoptosis-induced evasion of the immune response, and the precise mechanism of these features in flavivirus persistence have yet to be elucidated. In this review, we present findings that aid in understanding how vector-borne flavivirus persistence is established in wildlife. Research studies to be discussed include determining the critical roles universal flavivirus non-structural proteins played in flaviviral persistence, the advancement of animal models of viral persistence, and studying host factors that allow vector-borne flavivirus replication without destructive effects on infected cells. These findings underscore the viral–host relationships in wildlife animals and could be used to elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for the establishment of viral persistence in these animals.
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Lahon A, Arya RP, Banerjea AC. Dengue Virus Dysregulates Master Transcription Factors and PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Megakaryocytes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:715208. [PMID: 34513730 PMCID: PMC8427595 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.715208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) infection can cause either self-limited dengue fever or hemorrhagic complications. Low platelet count is one of the manifestations of dengue fever. Megakaryocytes are the sole producers of platelets. However, the role of both host and viral factors in megakaryocyte development, maturation, and platelet production is largely unknown in DENV infection. PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway plays a significant role in cell survival, maturation, and megakaryocyte development. We were interested to check whether pathogenic insult can impact this pathway. We observed decreased expression of most of the major key molecules associated with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in DENV infected MEG-01 cells. In this study, the involvement of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in megakaryocyte development and maturation was confirmed with the use of specific inhibitors in infected MEG-01 cells. Our results showed that direct pharmacologic inhibition of this pathway greatly impacted megakaryopoiesis associated molecule CD61 and some essential transcription factors (GATA-1, GATA-2, and NF-E2). Additionally, we observed apoptosis in megakaryocytes due to DENV infection. Our results may suggest that DENV impairs PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis and molecules involved in the development and maturation of megakaryocytes. It is imperative to investigate the role of these molecules in the context of megakaryopoiesis during DENV infection to better understand the pathways and mechanisms, which in turn might provide insights into the development of antiviral strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anismrita Lahon
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Ravi P Arya
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Akhil C Banerjea
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India.,Institute of Advanced Virology, Kerala, India
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