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Krismer L, Schöppe H, Rauch S, Bante D, Sprenger B, Naschberger A, Costacurta F, Fürst A, Sauerwein A, Rupp B, Kaserer T, von Laer D, Heilmann E. Study of key residues in MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 main proteases for resistance against clinically applied inhibitors nirmatrelvir and ensitrelvir. NPJ VIRUSES 2024; 2:23. [PMID: 38933182 PMCID: PMC11196219 DOI: 10.1038/s44298-024-00028-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is an epidemic, zoonotically emerging pathogen initially reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012. MERS-CoV has the potential to mutate or recombine with other coronaviruses, thus acquiring the ability to efficiently spread among humans and become pandemic. Its high mortality rate of up to 35% and the absence of effective targeted therapies call for the development of antiviral drugs for this pathogen. Since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, extensive research has focused on identifying protease inhibitors for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Our intention was therefore to assess whether these protease inhibitors are viable options for combating MERS-CoV. To that end, we used previously established protease assays to quantify inhibition of SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV and other main proteases. Nirmatrelvir inhibited several of these proteases, whereas ensitrelvir was less broadly active. To simulate nirmatrelvir's clinical use against MERS-CoV and subsequent resistance development, we applied a safe, surrogate virus-based system. Using the surrogate virus, we previously selected hallmark mutations of SARS-CoV-2-Mpro, such as T21I, M49L, S144A, E166A/K/V and L167F. In the current study, we selected a pool of MERS-CoV-Mpro mutants, characterized the resistance and modelled the steric effect of catalytic site mutants S142G, S142R, S147Y and A171S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Krismer
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020 Austria
| | - Helge Schöppe
- Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020 Austria
| | - Stefanie Rauch
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020 Austria
| | - David Bante
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020 Austria
| | - Bernhard Sprenger
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Innsbruck, CMBI – Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020 Austria
| | - Andreas Naschberger
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology KAUST, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Anna Fürst
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, 81675 Germany
| | - Anna Sauerwein
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020 Austria
| | - Bernhard Rupp
- Division of Genetic Epidemiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020 Austria
| | - Teresa Kaserer
- Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020 Austria
| | - Dorothee von Laer
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020 Austria
| | - Emmanuel Heilmann
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020 Austria
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Hussain H, Elumalai N, Sampath N, Shamaladevi N, Hajjar R, Druyan BZ, Rashed AB, Ramamoorthy R, Kenyon NS, Jayakumar AR, Paidas MJ. Acute and Long COVID Intestinal Changes in an Experimental Model of Coronavirus in Mice. Viruses 2024; 16:832. [PMID: 38932125 PMCID: PMC11209276 DOI: 10.3390/v16060832] [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: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged in early 2020, has had a profound and lasting impact on global health, resulting in over 7.0 million deaths and persistent challenges. In addition to acute concerns, there is growing attention being given to the long COVID health consequences for survivors of COVID-19 with documented cases of cardiovascular abnormalities, liver disturbances, lung complications, kidney issues, and noticeable cognitive deficits. Recent studies have investigated the physiological changes in various organs following prolonged exposure to murine hepatitis virus-1 (MHV-1), a coronavirus, in mouse models. One significant finding relates to the effects on the gastrointestinal tract, an area previously understudied regarding the long-lasting effects of COVID-19. This research sheds light on important observations in the intestines during both the acute and the prolonged phases following MHV-1 infection, which parallel specific changes seen in humans after exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Our study investigates the histopathological alterations in the small intestine following MHV-1 infection in murine models, revealing significant changes reminiscent of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease. Notable findings include mucosal inflammation, lymphoid hyperplasia, goblet cell hyperplasia, and immune cell infiltration, mirroring pathological features observed in IBD. Additionally, MHV-1 infection induces villous atrophy, altered epithelial integrity, and inflammatory responses akin to celiac disease and IBD. SPIKENET (SPK) treatment effectively mitigates intestinal damage caused by MHV-1 infection, restoring tissue architecture and ameliorating inflammatory responses. Furthermore, investigation into long COVID reveals intricate inflammatory profiles, highlighting the potential of SPK to modulate intestinal responses and restore tissue homeostasis. Understanding these histopathological alterations provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis of COVID-induced gastrointestinal complications and informs the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussain Hussain
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (H.H.); (N.E.); (R.H.); (B.Z.D.); (A.B.R.); (R.R.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, Miami, FL 33175, USA
| | - Nila Elumalai
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (H.H.); (N.E.); (R.H.); (B.Z.D.); (A.B.R.); (R.R.)
| | - Natarajan Sampath
- School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur 613401, India;
| | | | - Rima Hajjar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (H.H.); (N.E.); (R.H.); (B.Z.D.); (A.B.R.); (R.R.)
| | - Brian Zachary Druyan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (H.H.); (N.E.); (R.H.); (B.Z.D.); (A.B.R.); (R.R.)
| | - Amirah B. Rashed
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (H.H.); (N.E.); (R.H.); (B.Z.D.); (A.B.R.); (R.R.)
| | - Rajalakshmi Ramamoorthy
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (H.H.); (N.E.); (R.H.); (B.Z.D.); (A.B.R.); (R.R.)
| | - Norma S. Kenyon
- Microbiology & Immunology and Biomedical Engineering, Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Arumugam R. Jayakumar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (H.H.); (N.E.); (R.H.); (B.Z.D.); (A.B.R.); (R.R.)
| | - Michael J. Paidas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (H.H.); (N.E.); (R.H.); (B.Z.D.); (A.B.R.); (R.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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El-Mansoury B, Smimih K, El Khiat A, Draoui A, Aimrane A, Chatoui R, Ferssiwi A, Bitar A, Gamrani H, Jayakumar AR, El Hiba O. Short Working Memory Impairment Associated with Hippocampal Microglia Activation in Chronic Hepatic Encephalopathy. Metabolites 2024; 14:193. [PMID: 38668321 PMCID: PMC11052478 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14040193] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a major neuropsychological condition that occursas a result of impaired liver function. It is frequently observed in patients with advanced liver disease or cirrhosis. Memory impairment is among the symptoms of HE; the pathophysiologic mechanism for this enervating condition remains unclear. However, it is possible that neuroinflammation may be involved, as recent studies have emphasized such phenomena. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to assess short working memory (SWM) and examine the involvement of microglia in a chronic model of HE. The study was carried out with male Wistar rats that were induced by repeated thioacetamide (TAA) administration (100 mg/kg i.p injection for 10 days). SWM function was assessed through Y-maze, T-Maze, and novel object recognition (NOR) tests, together with an immunofluorescence study of microglia activation within the hippocampal areas. Our data showed impaired SWM in TAA-treated rats that was associated with microglial activation in the three hippocampal regions, and which contributed to cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal El-Mansoury
- Laboratory of Anthropogenic, Biotechnology and Health, Nutritional Physiopathologies, Neurosciences and Toxicology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, Av. Des Facultés, El Jadida 24000, Morocco; (B.E.-M.); (A.E.K.); (A.A.); (A.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Kamal Smimih
- Laboratory of Genie-Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal 23000, Morocco; (K.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Abdelaati El Khiat
- Laboratory of Anthropogenic, Biotechnology and Health, Nutritional Physiopathologies, Neurosciences and Toxicology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, Av. Des Facultés, El Jadida 24000, Morocco; (B.E.-M.); (A.E.K.); (A.A.); (A.F.); (A.B.)
- Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Ministry of Health, Ouarzazate 45000, Morocco
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurosciences and Environment, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
| | - Ahmed Draoui
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurosciences and Environment, Faculty of Science Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech 40000, Morocco; (A.D.); (H.G.)
| | - Abdelmohcine Aimrane
- Laboratory of Anthropogenic, Biotechnology and Health, Nutritional Physiopathologies, Neurosciences and Toxicology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, Av. Des Facultés, El Jadida 24000, Morocco; (B.E.-M.); (A.E.K.); (A.A.); (A.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Redouane Chatoui
- Laboratory of Genie-Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal 23000, Morocco; (K.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Abdesslam Ferssiwi
- Laboratory of Anthropogenic, Biotechnology and Health, Nutritional Physiopathologies, Neurosciences and Toxicology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, Av. Des Facultés, El Jadida 24000, Morocco; (B.E.-M.); (A.E.K.); (A.A.); (A.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Abdelali Bitar
- Laboratory of Anthropogenic, Biotechnology and Health, Nutritional Physiopathologies, Neurosciences and Toxicology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, Av. Des Facultés, El Jadida 24000, Morocco; (B.E.-M.); (A.E.K.); (A.A.); (A.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Halima Gamrani
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurosciences and Environment, Faculty of Science Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech 40000, Morocco; (A.D.); (H.G.)
| | | | - Omar El Hiba
- Laboratory of Anthropogenic, Biotechnology and Health, Nutritional Physiopathologies, Neurosciences and Toxicology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, Av. Des Facultés, El Jadida 24000, Morocco; (B.E.-M.); (A.E.K.); (A.A.); (A.F.); (A.B.)
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Lebedev M, Benjamin AB, Kumar S, Molchanova N, Lin JS, Koster KJ, Leibowitz JL, Barron AE, Cirillo JD. Antiviral Effect of Antimicrobial Peptoid TM9 and Murine Model of Respiratory Coronavirus Infection. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:464. [PMID: 38675125 PMCID: PMC11054490 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040464] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
New antiviral agents are essential to improving treatment and control of SARS-CoV-2 infections that can lead to the disease COVID-19. Antimicrobial peptoids are sequence-specific oligo-N-substituted glycine peptidomimetics that emulate the structure and function of natural antimicrobial peptides but are resistant to proteases. We demonstrate antiviral activity of a new peptoid (TM9) against the coronavirus, murine hepatitis virus (MHV), as a closely related model for the structure and antiviral susceptibility profile of SARS-CoV-2. This peptoid mimics the human cathelicidin LL-37, which has also been shown to have antimicrobial and antiviral activity. In this study, TM9 was effective against three murine coronavirus strains, demonstrating that the therapeutic window is large enough to allow the use of TM9 for treatment. All three isolates of MHV generated infection in mice after 15 min of exposure by aerosol using the Madison aerosol chamber, and all three viral strains could be isolated from the lungs throughout the 5-day observation period post-infection, with the peak titers on day 2. MHV-A59 and MHV-A59-GFP were also isolated from the liver, heart, spleen, olfactory bulbs, and brain. These data demonstrate that MHV serves as a valuable natural murine model of coronavirus pathogenesis in multiple organs, including the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Lebedev
- School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; (M.L.); (A.B.B.); (S.K.); (K.J.K.); (J.L.L.)
| | - Aaron B. Benjamin
- School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; (M.L.); (A.B.B.); (S.K.); (K.J.K.); (J.L.L.)
| | - Sathish Kumar
- School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; (M.L.); (A.B.B.); (S.K.); (K.J.K.); (J.L.L.)
| | - Natalia Molchanova
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (N.M.); (J.S.L.); (A.E.B.)
- Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jennifer S. Lin
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (N.M.); (J.S.L.); (A.E.B.)
| | - Kent J. Koster
- School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; (M.L.); (A.B.B.); (S.K.); (K.J.K.); (J.L.L.)
| | - Julian L. Leibowitz
- School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; (M.L.); (A.B.B.); (S.K.); (K.J.K.); (J.L.L.)
| | - Annelise E. Barron
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (N.M.); (J.S.L.); (A.E.B.)
| | - Jeffrey D. Cirillo
- School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; (M.L.); (A.B.B.); (S.K.); (K.J.K.); (J.L.L.)
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Huang W, Chen X, Yin M, Li J, Luo M, Ai Y, Xie L, Li W, Liu Y, Xie X, Chen Y, Zhang X, He J. Protection effects of mice liver and lung injury induced by coronavirus infection of Qingfei Paidu decoction involve inhibition of the NLRP3 signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 321:117512. [PMID: 38040130 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a grave and pervasive global infectious malady brought about by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), posing a significant menace to human well-being. Qingfei Paidu decoction (QFPD) represents a pioneering formulation derived from four classical Chinese medicine prescriptions. Substantiated evidence attests to its efficacy in alleviating clinical manifestations, mitigating the incidence of severe and critical conditions, and reducing mortality rates among COVID-19 patients. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to investigate the protection effects of QFPD in mice afflicted with a coronavirus infection, with a particular focus on determining whether its mechanism involves the NLRP3 signaling pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS The coronavirus mice model was established through intranasal infection of Kunming mice with Hepatic Mouse Virus A59 (MHV-A59). In the dose-effect experiment, normal saline, ribavirin (80 mg/kg), or QFPD (5, 10, 20 g/kg) were administered to the mice 2 h following MHV-A59 infection. In the time-effect experiment, normal saline or QFPD (20 g/kg) was administered to mice 2 h post MHV-A59 infection. Following the assessment of mouse body weights, food consumption, and water intake, intragastric administration was conducted once daily at consistent intervals over a span of 5 days. The impact of QFPD on pathological alterations in the livers and lungs of MHV-A59-infected mice was evaluated through H&E staining. The viral loads of MHV-A59 in both the liver and lung were determined using qPCR. The expression levels of genes and proteins related to the NLRP3 pathway in the liver and lung were assessed through qPCR, Western Blot analysis, and immunofluorescence. RESULTS The administration of QFPD was shown to ameliorate the reduced weight gain, decline in food consumption, and diminished water intake, all of which were repercussions of MHV-A59 infection in mice. QFPD treatment exhibited notable efficacy in safeguarding tissue integrity. The extent of hepatic and pulmonary injury, when coupled with QFPD treatment, demonstrated not only a reduction with higher treatment dosages but also a decline with prolonged treatment duration. In the dose-effect experiment, there was a notable, dose-dependent reduction in the viral loads, as well as the expression levels of IL-1β, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase 1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, and NF-κB within the liver of the QFPD-treated groups. Additionally, in the time-effects experiments, the viral loads and the expression levels of genes and proteins linked to the NLRP3 pathway were consistently lower in the QFPD-treated groups compared with the model control groups, particularly during the periods when their expressions reached their zenith in the model group. Notably, IL-18 showed only a modest elevation relative to the blank control group following QFPD treatment. CONCLUSIONS To sum up, our current study demonstrated that QFPD treatment has the capacity to alleviate infection-related symptoms, mitigate tissue damage in infected organs, and suppress viral replication in coronavirus-infected mice. The protective attributes of QFPD in coronavirus-infected mice are plausibly associated with its modulation of the NLRP3 signaling pathway. We further infer that QFPD holds substantial promise in the context of coronavirus infection therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenguan Huang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiuyun Chen
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingyu Yin
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Junlin Li
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Minyi Luo
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Ai
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Xie
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wanxi Li
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yatian Liu
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinyuan Xie
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Animal Experiment Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Rehabilitation. Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinyang He
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Hussain H, Paidas MJ, Rajalakshmi R, Fadel A, Ali M, Chen P, Jayakumar AR. Dermatologic Changes in Experimental Model of Long COVID. Microorganisms 2024; 12:272. [PMID: 38399677 PMCID: PMC10892887 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020272] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, declared in early 2020, has left an indelible mark on global health, with over 7.0 million deaths and persistent challenges. While the pharmaceutical industry raced to develop vaccines, the emergence of mutant severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) strains continues to pose a significant threat. Beyond the immediate concerns, the long-term health repercussions of COVID-19 survivors are garnering attention, particularly due to documented cases of cardiovascular issues, liver dysfunction, pulmonary complications, kidney impairments, and notable neurocognitive deficits. Recent studies have delved into the pathophysiological changes in various organs following post-acute infection with murine hepatitis virus-1 (MHV-1), a coronavirus, in mice. One aspect that stands out is the impact on the skin, a previously underexplored facet of long-term COVID-19 effects. The research reveals significant cutaneous findings during both the acute and long-term phases post-MHV-1 infection, mirroring certain alterations observed in humans post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. In the acute stages, mice exhibited destruction of the epidermal layer, increased hair follicles, extensive collagen deposition in the dermal layer, and hyperplasticity of sebaceous glands. Moreover, the thinning of the panniculus carnosus and adventitial layer was noted, consistent with human studies. A long-term investigation revealed the absence of hair follicles, destruction of adipose tissues, and further damage to the epidermal layer. Remarkably, treatment with a synthetic peptide, SPIKENET (SPK), designed to prevent Spike glycoprotein-1 binding with host receptors and elicit a potent anti-inflammatory response, showed protection against MHV-1 infection. Precisely, SPK treatment restored hair follicle loss in MHV-1 infection, re-architected the epidermal and dermal layers, and successfully overhauled fatty tissue destruction. These promising findings underscore the potential of SPK as a therapeutic intervention to prevent long-term skin alterations initiated by SARS-CoV-2, providing a glimmer of hope in the battle against the lingering effects of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussain Hussain
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (H.H.); (R.R.)
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Larkin Community Hospital, Miami, FL 33143, USA
| | - Michael J. Paidas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (H.H.); (R.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Ramamoorthy Rajalakshmi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (H.H.); (R.R.)
| | - Aya Fadel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ocean University Medical Center—Hackensack Meridian Health, Brick Township, NJ 08724, USA;
| | - Misha Ali
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Pingping Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Arumugam R. Jayakumar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (H.H.); (R.R.)
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Franco JH, Harris RA, Ryan WG, Taylor RT, McCullumsmith RE, Chattopadhyay S, Pan ZK. Retinoic Acid-Mediated Inhibition of Mouse Coronavirus Replication Is Dependent on IRF3 and CaMKK. Viruses 2024; 16:140. [PMID: 38257840 PMCID: PMC10819102 DOI: 10.3390/v16010140] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the shortfalls in our understanding of how to treat coronavirus infections. With almost 7 million case fatalities of COVID-19 globally, the catalog of FDA-approved antiviral therapeutics is limited compared to other medications, such as antibiotics. All-trans retinoic acid (RA), or activated vitamin A, has been studied as a potential therapeutic against coronavirus infection because of its antiviral properties. Due to its impact on different signaling pathways, RA's mechanism of action during coronavirus infection has not been thoroughly described. To determine RA's mechanism of action, we examined its effect against a mouse coronavirus, mouse hepatitis virus strain A59 (MHV). We demonstrated that RA significantly decreased viral titers in infected mouse L929 fibroblasts and RAW 264.7 macrophages. The reduced viral titers were associated with a corresponding decrease in MHV nucleocapsid protein expression. Using interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) knockout RAW 264.7 cells, we demonstrated that RA-induced suppression of MHV required IRF3 activity. RNA-seq analysis of wildtype and IRF3 knockout RAW cells showed that RA upregulated calcium/calmodulin (CaM) signaling proteins, such as CaM kinase kinase 1 (CaMKK1). When treated with a CaMKK inhibitor, RA was unable to upregulate IRF activation during MHV infection. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that RA-induced protection against coronavirus infection depends on IRF3 and CaMKK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin H. Franco
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA (S.C.)
| | - Ryan A. Harris
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA (S.C.)
| | - William G. Ryan
- Department of Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Roger Travis Taylor
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA (S.C.)
| | - Robert E. McCullumsmith
- Department of Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Saurabh Chattopadhyay
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA (S.C.)
- Department of Microbiology Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Zhixing K. Pan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA (S.C.)
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Masciarella AD, Di Gregorio DM, Ramamoorthy R, Hussain H, Jayakumar AR, Paidas MJ. A Mouse Model of MHV-1 Virus Infection for Study of Acute and Long COVID Infection. Curr Protoc 2023; 3:e896. [PMID: 37867460 PMCID: PMC10606938 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has had a significant global impact. While vaccines and treatments have reduced severe cases and deaths, the long-term effects are not yet well understood. Current models used for research, such as non-human primates and transgenic mice, are expensive and require scarce Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) laboratories, thereby limiting their practicality. However, the mouse hepatitis virus 1 (MHV-1) mouse model offers a promising alternative. This surrogate model can be investigated in more widely available Biosafety Level-2 (BSL-2) laboratories. Furthermore, mice are affordable and easy to handle, and utilizing MHV-1 as a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2 eliminates the need for costly transgenic mice. Importantly, the MHV-1 model successfully recapitulates COVID-19-related clinical symptoms, weight loss, multiorgan pathological changes and failure in acute stages, irreversible neurological complications, and other long-term organ dysfunction post-infection, which are similar to available human data post-COVID-19. To assist researchers in establishing and using the MHV-1 mouse model, this protocol offers comprehensive guidance encompassing procedures for animal preparation, induction of viral infection, clinical observation, pathological changes, and tissue analysis for mechanistic studies, thereby yielding valuable insights into disease mechanisms and progression. By adopting the MHV-1 model and the provided protocols, researchers can effectively circumvent financial constraints and the limited availability of BSL-3 laboratories, thus facilitating a more accessible and cost-effective approach to investigating the underlying mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 pathophysiology and exploring potential therapeutic interventions. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol: Induction of mouse hepatitis virus 1 (MHV-1) infection in A/J mice Support Protocol 1: Histological evaluation Support Protocol 2: Liver enzyme measurement Support Protocol 3: Western blot analysis of aquaporin expression Support Protocol 4: mRNA measurement Support Protocol 5: Immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence Support Protocol 6: Tissue water measurement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rajalakshmi Ramamoorthy
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Hussain Hussain
- Department of Internal Medicine, Larkin Community Hospital, Miami, FL
| | - Arumugam R. Jayakumar
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Michael J. Paidas
- University of Miami, College of Arts and Sciences. Coral Gables, FL 33146
- Departments of Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
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Ramamoorthy R, Hussain H, Ravelo N, Sriramajayam K, Di Gregorio DM, Paulrasu K, Chen P, Young K, Masciarella AD, Jayakumar AR, Paidas MJ. Kidney Damage in Long COVID: Studies in Experimental Mice. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1070. [PMID: 37626956 PMCID: PMC10452084 DOI: 10.3390/biology12081070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Signs and symptoms involving multiple organ systems which persist for weeks or months to years after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection (also known as PASC or long COVID) are common complications of individuals with COVID-19. We recently reported pathophysiological changes in various organs post-acute infection of mice with mouse hepatitis virus-1 (MHV-1, a coronavirus) (7 days) and after long-term post-infection (12 months). One of the organs severely affected in this animal model is the kidney, which correlated well with human studies showing kidney injury post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our long-term post-infection pathological observation in kidneys includes the development of edema and inflammation of the renal parenchyma, severe acute tubular necrosis, and infiltration of macrophages and lymphocytes, in addition to changes observed in both acute and long-term post-infection, which include tubular epithelial cell degenerative changes, peritubular vessel congestion, proximal and distal tubular necrosis, hemorrhage in the interstitial tissue, and vacuolation of renal tubules. These findings strongly suggest the possible development of renal fibrosis, in particular in the long-term post-infection. Accordingly, we investigated whether the signaling system that is known to initiate the above-mentioned changes in kidneys in other conditions is also activated in long-term post-MHV-1 infection. We found increased TGF-β1, FGF23, NGAL, IL-18, HIF1-α, TLR2, YKL-40, and B2M mRNA levels in long-term post-MHV-1 infection, but not EGFR, TNFR1, BCL3, and WFDC2. However, only neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) increased in acute infection (7 days). Immunoblot studies showed an elevation in protein levels of HIF1-α, TLR-2, and EGFR in long-term post-MHV-1 infection, while KIM-1 and MMP-7 protein levels are increased in acute infection. Treatment with a synthetic peptide, SPIKENET (SPK), which inhibits spike protein binding, reduced NGAL mRNA in acute infection, and decreased TGF-β1, BCL3 mRNA, EGFR, HIF1-α, and TLR-2 protein levels long-term post-MHV-1 infection. These findings suggest that fibrotic events may initiate early in SARS-CoV-2 infection, leading to pronounced kidney fibrosis in long COVID. Targeting these factors therapeutically may prevent acute or long-COVID-associated kidney complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajalakshmi Ramamoorthy
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (R.R.); (N.R.)
| | - Hussain Hussain
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Larkin Community Hospital, Miami, FL 33143, USA;
| | - Natalia Ravelo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (R.R.); (N.R.)
| | - Kannappan Sriramajayam
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Dibe M. Di Gregorio
- University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA;
| | - Kodisundaram Paulrasu
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Pingping Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (P.C.); (K.Y.)
| | - Karen Young
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (P.C.); (K.Y.)
| | | | - Arumugam R. Jayakumar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (R.R.); (N.R.)
| | - Michael J. Paidas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (R.R.); (N.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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10
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Gain C, Song S, Angtuaco T, Satta S, Kelesidis T. The role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of infections with coronaviruses. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1111930. [PMID: 36713204 PMCID: PMC9880066 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1111930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses can cause serious respiratory tract infections and may also impact other end organs such as the central nervous system, the lung and the heart. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a devastating impact on humanity. Understanding the mechanisms that contribute to the pathogenesis of coronavirus infections, will set the foundation for development of new treatments to attenuate the impact of infections with coronaviruses on host cells and tissues. During infection of host cells, coronaviruses trigger an imbalance between increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced antioxidant host responses that leads to increased redox stress. Subsequently, increased redox stress contributes to reduced antiviral host responses and increased virus-induced inflammation and apoptosis that ultimately drive cell and tissue damage and end organ disease. However, there is limited understanding how different coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2, manipulate cellular machinery that drives redox responses. This review aims to elucidate the redox mechanisms involved in the replication of coronaviruses and associated inflammation, apoptotic pathways, autoimmunity, vascular dysfunction and tissue damage that collectively contribute to multiorgan damage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Theodoros Kelesidis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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11
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Gong HH, Worley MJ, Carver KA, Goldstein DR, Deng JC. Neutrophils drive pulmonary vascular leakage in MHV-1 infection of susceptible A/J mice. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1089064. [PMID: 36685578 PMCID: PMC9853883 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1089064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Lung inflammation, neutrophil infiltration, and pulmonary vascular leakage are pathological hallmarks of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) which can lethally complicate respiratory viral infections. Despite similar comorbidities, however, infections in some patients may be asymptomatic while others develop ARDS as seen with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections for example. Methods In this study, we infected resistant C57BL/6 and susceptible A/J strains of mice with pulmonary administration of murine hepatitis virus strain 1 (MHV-1) to determine mechanisms underlying susceptibility to pulmonary vascular leakage in a respiratory coronavirus infection model. Results A/J animals displayed increased lung injury parameters, pulmonary neutrophil influx, and deficient recruitment of other leukocytes early in the infection. Moreover, under basal conditions, A/J neutrophils overexpressed primary granule protein genes for myeloperoxidase and multiple serine proteases. During infection, myeloperoxidase and elastase protein were released in the bronchoalveolar spaces at higher concentrations compared to C57BL/6 mice. In contrast, genes from other granule types were not differentially expressed between these 2 strains. We found that depletion of neutrophils led to mitigation of lung injury in infected A/J mice while having no effect in the C57BL/6 mice, demonstrating that an altered neutrophil phenotype and recruitment profile is a major driver of lung immunopathology in susceptible mice. Conclusions These results suggest that host susceptibility to pulmonary coronaviral infections may be governed in part by underlying differences in neutrophil phenotypes, which can vary between mice strains, through mechanisms involving primary granule proteins as mediators of neutrophil-driven lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry H. Gong
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs (VA) Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Department of Veterans Affairs Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Matthew J. Worley
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs (VA) Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Department of Veterans Affairs Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Kyle A. Carver
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs (VA) Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Department of Veterans Affairs Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Daniel R. Goldstein
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jane C. Deng
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Medicine Service, Veterans Affairs (VA) Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Department of Veterans Affairs Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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12
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Paidas MJ, Cosio DS, Ali S, Kenyon NS, Jayakumar AR. Long-Term Sequelae of COVID-19 in Experimental Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:5970-5986. [PMID: 35831558 PMCID: PMC9281331 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02932-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We recently reported acute COVID-19 symptoms, clinical status, weight loss, multi-organ pathological changes, and animal death in a murine hepatitis virus-1 (MHV-1) coronavirus mouse model of COVID-19, which were similar to that observed in humans with COVID-19. We further examined long-term (12 months post-infection) sequelae of COVID-19 in these mice. Congested blood vessels, perivascular cavitation, pericellular halos, vacuolation of neuropils, pyknotic nuclei, acute eosinophilic necrosis, necrotic neurons with fragmented nuclei, and vacuolation were observed in the brain cortex 12 months post-MHV-1 infection. These changes were associated with increased reactive astrocytes and microglia, hyperphosphorylated TDP-43 and tau, and a decrease in synaptic protein synaptophysin-1, suggesting the possible long-term impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on defective neuronal integrity. The lungs showed severe inflammation, bronchiolar airway wall thickening due to fibrotic remodeling, bronchioles with increased numbers of goblet cells in the epithelial lining, and bronchiole walls with increased numbers of inflammatory cells. Hearts showed severe interstitial edema, vascular congestion and dilation, nucleated red blood cells (RBCs), RBCs infiltrating between degenerative myocardial fibers, inflammatory cells and apoptotic bodies and acute myocyte necrosis, hypertrophy, and fibrosis. Long-term changes in the liver and kidney were less severe than those observed in the acute phase. Noteworthy, the treatment of infected mice with a small molecule synthetic peptide which prevents the binding of spike protein to its respective receptors significantly attenuated disease progression, as well as the pathological changes observed post-long-term infection. Collectively, these findings suggest that COVID-19 may result in long-term, irreversible changes predominantly in the brain, lung, and heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Paidas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th Street, Suite # 1154, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Daniela S. Cosio
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th Street, Suite # 1154, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Saad Ali
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Norma Sue Kenyon
- Microbiology & Immunology and Biomedical Engineering, Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL USA
| | - Arumugam R. Jayakumar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th Street, Suite # 1154, Miami, FL 33136 USA
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13
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Paidas MJ, Sampath N, Schindler EA, Cosio DS, Ndubizu CO, Shamaladevi N, Kwal J, Rodriguez S, Ahmad A, Kenyon NS, Jayakumar AR. Mechanism of Multi-Organ Injury in Experimental COVID-19 and Its Inhibition by a Small Molecule Peptide. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:864798. [PMID: 35712703 PMCID: PMC9196045 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.864798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe disease from SARS-CoV-2 infection often progresses to multi-organ failure and results in an increased mortality rate amongst these patients. However, underlying mechanisms of SARS- CoV-2-induced multi-organ failure and subsequent death are still largely unknown. Cytokine storm, increased levels of inflammatory mediators, endothelial dysfunction, coagulation abnormalities, and infiltration of inflammatory cells into the organs contribute to the pathogenesis of COVID-19. One potential consequence of immune/inflammatory events is the acute progression of generalized edema, which may lead to death. We, therefore, examined the involvement of water channels in the development of edema in multiple organs and their contribution to organ dysfunction in a Murine Hepatitis Virus-1 (MHV-1) mouse model of COVID-19. Using this model, we recently reported multi-organ pathological abnormalities and animal death similar to that reported in humans with SARS-CoV-2 infection. We now identified an alteration in protein levels of AQPs 1, 4, 5, and 8 and associated oxidative stress, along with various degrees of tissue edema in multiple organs, which correlate well with animal survival post-MHV-1 infection. Furthermore, our newly created drug (a 15 amino acid synthetic peptide, known as SPIKENET) that was designed to prevent the binding of spike glycoproteins with their receptor(s), angiotensin- converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) (SARS-CoV-2 and MHV-1, respectively), ameliorated animal death and reversed altered levels of AQPs and oxidative stress post-MHV-1 infection. Collectively, our findings suggest the possible involvement of altered aquaporins and the subsequent edema, likely mediated by the virus-induced inflammatory and oxidative stress response, in the pathogenesis of COVID- 19 and the potential of SPIKENET as a therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Paidas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Michael J. Paidas, ; Arumugam R. Jayakumar,
| | - Natarajan Sampath
- School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Emma A. Schindler
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Daniela S. Cosio
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Chima Obianuju Ndubizu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | | | - Jaclyn Kwal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Suset Rodriguez
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Anis Ahmad
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sylvester Cancer Center, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Norma Sue Kenyon
- Microbiology & Immunology and Biomedical Engineering, Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Arumugam R. Jayakumar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Michael J. Paidas, ; Arumugam R. Jayakumar,
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14
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Caldera-Crespo LA, Paidas MJ, Roy S, Schulman CI, Kenyon NS, Daunert S, Jayakumar AR. Experimental Models of COVID-19. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:792584. [PMID: 35096645 PMCID: PMC8791197 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.792584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is the most consequential pandemic of the 21st century. Since the earliest stage of the 2019-2020 epidemic, animal models have been useful in understanding the etiopathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and rapid development of vaccines/drugs to prevent, treat or eradicate SARS-CoV-2 infection. Early SARS-CoV-1 research using immortalized in-vitro cell lines have aided in understanding different cells and receptors needed for SARS-CoV-2 infection and, due to their ability to be easily manipulated, continue to broaden our understanding of COVID-19 disease in in-vivo models. The scientific community determined animal models as the most useful models which could demonstrate viral infection, replication, transmission, and spectrum of illness as seen in human populations. Until now, there have not been well-described animal models of SARS-CoV-2 infection although transgenic mouse models (i.e. mice with humanized ACE2 receptors with humanized receptors) have been proposed. Additionally, there are only limited facilities (Biosafety level 3 laboratories) available to contribute research to aid in eventually exterminating SARS-CoV-2 infection around the world. This review summarizes the most successful animal models of SARS-CoV-2 infection including studies in Non-Human Primates (NHPs) which were found to be susceptible to infection and transmitted the virus similarly to humans (e.g., Rhesus macaques, Cynomolgus, and African Green Monkeys), and animal models that do not require Biosafety level 3 laboratories (e.g., Mouse Hepatitis Virus models of COVID-19, Ferret model, Syrian Hamster model). Balancing safety, mimicking human COVID-19 and robustness of the animal model, the Murine Hepatitis Virus-1 Murine model currently represents the most optimal model for SARS-CoV-2/COVID19 research. Exploring future animal models will aid researchers/scientists in discovering the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection and in identifying therapies to prevent or treat COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A Caldera-Crespo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- St. George's University Graduate Medical Education Program, University Centre Grenada, West Indies, Grenada
| | - Michael J Paidas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Sabita Roy
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Carl I Schulman
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Norma Sue Kenyon
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Sylvia Daunert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Dr. JT Macdonald Foundation Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- University of Miami Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Arumugam R Jayakumar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
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Cox G, Gonzalez AJ, Ijezie EC, Rodriguez A, Miller CR, Van Leuven JT, Miura TA. Priming With Rhinovirus Protects Mice Against a Lethal Pulmonary Coronavirus Infection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:886611. [PMID: 35711419 PMCID: PMC9196734 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.886611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhinoviruses (RV) have been shown to inhibit subsequent infection by heterologous respiratory viruses, including influenza viruses and severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). To better understand the mechanisms whereby RV protects against pulmonary coronavirus infection, we used a native murine virus, mouse hepatitis virus strain 1 (MHV-1), that causes severe disease in the lungs of infected mice. We found that priming of the respiratory tract with RV completely prevented mortality and reduced morbidity of a lethal MHV-1 infection. Replication of MHV-1 was reduced in RV-primed mouse lungs although expression of antiviral type I interferon, IFN-β, was more robust in mice infected with MHV-1 alone. We further showed that signaling through the type I interferon receptor was required for survival of mice given a non-lethal dose of MHV-1. RV-primed mice had reduced pulmonary inflammation and hemorrhage and influx of leukocytes, especially neutrophils, in the airways upon MHV-1 infection. Although MHV-1 replication was reduced in RV-primed mice, RV did not inhibit MHV-1 replication in coinfected lung epithelial cells in vitro. In summary, RV-mediated priming in the respiratory tract reduces viral replication, inflammation, and tissue damage, and prevents mortality of a pulmonary coronavirus infection in mice. These results contribute to our understanding of how distinct respiratory viruses interact with the host to affect disease pathogenesis, which is a critical step in understanding how respiratory viral coinfections impact human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrison Cox
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Andres J. Gonzalez
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
- Institute for Modeling Collaboration and Innovation, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Emmanuel C. Ijezie
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Andres Rodriguez
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Craig R. Miller
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
- Institute for Modeling Collaboration and Innovation, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - James T. Van Leuven
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
- Institute for Modeling Collaboration and Innovation, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Tanya A. Miura
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
- Institute for Modeling Collaboration and Innovation, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
- *Correspondence: Tanya A. Miura,
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